PHOTO GALLERY - BANDS AND ARTISTS

HOMER - Phil Bepko - voc / Frank Coy - voc / Galen Niles - guitar / Howard Gloor - guitar / Chet Himes - bass / Gene Coleman - drums. (Other members over time also included: Pat Cosgrove, Rob Randolph, Robin Overall, & Van Wilks-guitars, Gary Crapster-drums. Mike Lowell writes: This was one of the shining stars of all past and present bands to come out of SA. This group reigned as crown princes from 68' thou 73' in the area and statewide. This band commanded great respect due to the unique style of original music plus the virtuosity of the players. This band played countless major act warmup slots but could be seen locally in clubs on occasion or at major events. The great showmanship of the band was in part due to the uncommon lineup. The band featured 2 up front stand-up vocalists. Bepko/Coy were outstanding vocalist yet individual personalities. Stage setup was a wall of fender amps and drums. Backing guitarist's were the dazzling duo of Niles/Gloor who specialized in twin harmony lead solos giving the band a grand, elegant, regal sound. Just a touch on the edge of traditional European classical. Coleman was a dazzling showman with his use of drumming technique and mixed with grand over dramatic mannerisms cementing the appearance of a grand event. The music had a totally original approach to rock and culminated in an LP release called "SunKist". The LP went out of print for many years but has turned up on CD thou a U.K. site that specializes in oldies and hard to get music from the 60'-80's. Bepko went on to other popular groups in the area (see STARDUST) and now plays in an acoustical group locally called "Bepko,Fletcher, & Rose". These days, Galen Niles teaches, Howard Gloor became a dentist. Chet Himes became a studio engineer and producer. Gene Coleman continued on with a stellar career (see HEIRONYMOUS, & OVERLOAD) eventually moving to Dallas as member of 80's hit makers POINT BLANK and later with a string of Dallas groups. HOMER was a grand band in a grand era.

( Contributed by Rob Meurer ) Rob writes: "Chet became a great friend of Chris and us and engineered the first two Christopher Cross albums on Warner Brothers. He received a Grammy nomination for the first one".

Late 60's verison of this legendary San Antonio band

LtoR: Pat Cosgrove, Galen Niles, Chet Himes, Gary Crapster, Frank Coy

Mike Lowell writes: I asked Robin Overall about the time when Howard took a leave of absence and was replaced by another guitarist named Rob Randolph, later replaced by Robin. As I recall, other guitar player alumni included Howard Gloor then Van Wilks in later verisons.

(Contributed by Robin Overall ) Robin writes: "I remember his name was Rob but his last name escapes me. I got the call from Chet Himes and my first gig was the Jam Factory (formerly "The Pussycat"). So, I bought the mandatory Homer guitar rig which consisted of Ampeg V-4 head and 2 full size Fender bassman cabinets filled with 15" JBL speakers. About three weeks later, Howard decided he was going to stay in the band. So, Chet and Galen put Gene up to telling me and ultimately Gene and I became friends. Howard did leave the band afterall. Gene, Phil Bepko, and I then started Heironymous .......and so was the demise of Homer."

A early lineup in this legendary bands history .........

(Contributed by Frank Coy) FC writes: "Also auspiciously left out of the blurb on Homer was one of the greatest drummers who ever played the San Antonio band scene, Gary Crapster. Gary is a successful attorney and I am a self - employed management consultant. In fact, Galen Niles, Chet Himes, Pat Cosgrove, and I founded 'Homer' around 1967-88 time frame. We accomplished much, opening shows for "Blood, Sweat, and Tears", the "Vanilla Fudge" and others. I'll try to fill you in on 'my recollection' of events and how we "almost made it!" in the next few weeks."

Photo below: Homer reuniited for the Teen Canteen reunion 2009. L-R: Howard Gloor -gtr / Phil Bepko -voc / Galen Niles -gtr / Robin Overall -bass

(Contributed by David McDonald) DM writes: "I once took guitar lessons from Galen Niles (about 2 lessons) this was at Dellview music in north SA. He had just broken his leg in a car wreck. I saw HOMER a few times at the Teen Canteen and remember Galen could really play 'Mr Soul' by the Buffalo Springfield, which was hot then."

Photo below: That dynamic Homer sound was reuniited once again for the show. . L-R: Howard Gloor -gtr / Phil Bepko -voc / Galen Niles -gtr / Robin Overall -bass / Gene Coleman -drums (not shown).

(Contributed by Wayne Pianta) WP writes: "Galen Niles - what a blast from the past! He lived up the street from me on Birchwood in Dellview - San Antonio. His father was a manager at a Handy Andy. Galen had a limp, but I do not remember what it was from. His brother, Steve Niles was 6'9" tall and went on to be a great basketball player at UT Austin. Galen was renowned for his guitar virtuosity. Homer was a regular on the SA scene."

Photos contributed by Galen Niles / Sam Kinsey / Mike Lowell