AS I REMEMBER .........

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• NAPOLEON MACHINE - (Contributed by Geoff Lupton) updated info coming soon.
• NAVASOTA - ML writes: I remember seeing these guys at many a Sunken Gardens show and other events around the state. A very powerful and tight outfit that I am guessing came out of the Houston area. A 5 piece (2guitars, bass & drums, standup singer) , fronted by this big hairy lead singer who would gyrate around the stage like a wild man. Kinda a cross of caveman meets Texas rock. These guys always did a great set but I never knew if I should be afraid or entertained. A very powerful act. Don't know much more about them or what became of them since the early 70's.
• NAZARETH - ML writes: My band RENEGADE was playing a small club on St.Mary's strip on a Friday night that Nazareth was playing the arena downtown. Around midnight, a couple of cars pull up and out pours the members of the band hungry for some action and entertainment. After finishing our current set they approached us about maybe sitting in and playing a few songs. They were all worked up from the concert and loved the idea of showing up unannounced at a small club and doing a show. Naturally, our band was thrilled to have them play and enjoyed the idea of such a famous band using our gear to do so. They went on stage and proceeded to amaze me at the difference in showman ship between a local band (us) and a national act. The fact that they did this using our puny gear without missing a beat was quite a sight. Afterwards, the guys all sat around shooting the bull with members of our band and customers alike and enjoyed being average guys out on the town away from the trappings of a national tour. A fun night for all.
• NAZZUR BLUE - (Contributed by Cliff Oliver) Cliff writes: "Phil Glosserman, Mike Godowns, Tommy Lovelace, bass was hmmm!, can't remember and me...this would be '67-'68. Just remembered the bass player in Nazzur Blue was Doug Becker. I ran across a picture we had taken. '66-'67 then I was going to TMI, very short hair..ha, ha. This was an all Alamo Heights band. I think we did a couple of gigs and an assembly at Alamo Heights. I remember we did some great renditions of some Yardbird songs. Tommy Lovelace was a great guitarist."
• NEWCOMB, JOHN - TENNIS STAR: ML writes: During the summer of 72 my band MEADOW played an early evening gig every Wed at Johns's tennis camp located in New Braunfel, Tx. We set up on the outdoor patio at the main club house and provided entertainment for the guests and members of his tennis resort. Many an evening we would hang around in John's trailer and chat with John as he would personally write out a check for the bands fee. Nice guy with lots of class. I really didn't know much about his fame at the time but would come to learn more of him as years went by.
• NIGHTWORK - (Contributed by Ric Swanson) RS writes: "I ended up starting 'Nightwork' with the the ex-guys from 'Winterkat' (without John Grell) in 1984 or so. It was me, Chris Watkins, Tim Saunders and Jamie Vallejo. We quickly added my old friend (and Spectres guitarist) Jeff Doyle to do lead guitar duties. We started out as a cover band and developed quite a following doing regular gigs at 'Rocky's' (on the old Austin Hiway), 'The New West', and other places around town. Earl 'Big E' McCoy was our excellent sound man for many years. I still remember his f*cked up, converted bakery truck that we drove all over the state...hauling everything in. After awhile, we decided to go 'all original' and record an album. We recorded 'Nightwork' in 1985-86, again working with Marius Peron @ UAR, and started doing opening slots in SA for many national touring acts. We created a pretty good stir and sold quite a few records. Some of the more memorable opening shows were with Eddie Money, The Pretenders, UFO, Cheap Trick, Tommy Tutone and Pat Travers. I could actually tell a pretty funny story about Tommy Tutone being smitten with and following our guitar player's sister home and staying for several days, in a constantly inebriated state. Jeff finally had to call Tommy's manager to come get him OUT OF THEIR HOUSE! hahaha. True story. Anyway, after awhile we began producing our own shows at dance halls around Texas, as well as headlining some of the major SA seasonal events. We headlined La Semana several times, Played at the first (and last ) 'Rock and Wrestling' fiasco at the Freeman Coliseum (that's where the picture of me on your website is from), played as support and headliners MANY, MANY times at 'Sneakers' (the original building), many other shows that escape my memory. In 1987 I got a divorce and left the band (and SA) for a year...moving to Houston and wood shedding with my Tascam 'portastudio'. Nightwork continued without me for awhile....with Katherine Dawn on lead vocals. When I returned we tried to regain the momentum, but it never really happened again. Years later (1994) ...we re-united for a brief time and played a few very cool shows. The BEST was opening for Kansas at Sneakers (the new one). Steve Walsh having been my vocal hero growing up, I was more than a little beside myself for THAT show. The 'Nightwork' album is also a collectors item now. As it turns out ...there is a bunch of people around the world that LOVE that 80's 'AOR' rock. Nightwork has apparently secured it's place (albeit small) with these people. I was again blown away to learn of this from a simple 'Google' search on the internet. I found the record being offered in AOR collectors circles for $25-$35!!."
• NITZINGER, JOHN - ( Contributed by Roger Johnson ) Roger writes: "Nitzinger was a great power trio and one of the loudest groups I can remember. I saw them at the old King Arthur's Court on New Year's Eve, 1974. I think my hearing problem originated there. Great band. Last I heard John Nitzinger was living in the Dallas area and working in community theater." (Contributed by Wayne Pianta) WP writes: "John Nitzinger is still making a living playing music full time. He can be found in the DFW area on a regular basis. In Ft Worth, he plays 6th St. Grill on a regular basis. I just saw him there in January. In fact, 6th St Grill held a benefit concert for Nitzinger on a Sunday in January 2005 because almost all of his performance gear, except his Les Paul, was recently stolen out of his van. This was a day long blues fest with many great local players and bands performing. The band is still great, but John really shines."
• THE NOWNS - See Photo HERE - (Contributed by CJ Wilson)'80-'81 MEMBERS: C.J. Wilson-guitar,voc,writer / Jayne Brady-bass,voc /Scott Allen-Keyboards / David Edde-drums. CJ writes: "Mostly original songs, backed several big names, won Big America Music Contest for best song "Until the Night" written by me (featured on Oklahoma Rocks LP put out by KXXY Radio), won battle of the bands sponsored by KXXY Radio in OKC which gave us the opening slot for Loverboy at the OKC Civic Center...biggest backup: Jethro Tull at Tulsa Assembly Center). The Nowns (doing more originals but not touring much) opened for many groups here in OKC and Tulsa in the early eighties..(Jethro Tull, Black Oak (who didn't!?) and his other group Pandemonium, Head East, Danny Johnson and the Bandits (formerly of the band Axis out of Shreveport and of course Rick Derringer's group), Shandi, Rare Earth, Guess Who (never did figure out who was actually an original member!), Loverboy, Gary Lewis and Playboys, Ultravox, David Alan Coe (!?), and a little later, The Pontiac Brothers, Glass Eye (austin band i think), True Believers (another Austin band), Doctor's Mob (and yet another Austin band), Jason and the Scorchers, Pat Travers, Randy Hansen (got to meet Mitch Mitchell who was playing drums with him at the time)
• NUFFS-ENUFF - (Contributed by Marty Garza) MG writes: "Nuffs-Enuff was a hard working all original brand of Texas roadhouse blues-rock. The SA music scene in 1977 really did not have much in the way of original music at that time. And when Nuffs-Enuff (not to be confused with the LA band Nuff Z Nuff which came later) came on the scene it created quite a stir with its on stage antics and Rick Luis - the self described Clown Prince of Rock n Roll. Propelled by the straight ahead blues inspired rock songs of Sammy Toifl, this group of Robert E. Lee High school misfits hit it hard for about a two and a half year run. Playing mostly clubs on San Pedro and Austin Highway, they were a mainstay at the Bijou and Player's retreat, they played some pretty rough spots in Blanco and Boerne Texas and there was always a loyal Bandido presence at their gigs. Mostly due to promoter/manager Jon White and his contacts at stone city attractions, we would often have members of bands from the Joe Anthony/Lou Roney Kiss era come to our gigs. Most notably I remember partying with members of Triumph and Blackfoot in their heyday. Ricky Medlocke who is now with Lynyrd Skynyrd also comes to mind as a real genuine fellow. John White did such a good job of promoting us on a tour to Harlingen's Six Shooter Junction, that we sold out 3 shows and to our surprise (and delight), we were accosted by bra tossing females. As it turned out, "the deep voice" of Stone City Attractions had plastered the valley with radio spots declaring "Mothers, keep your daughters locked inside, cause the bad boys of rock n roll are com'in to the valley.!" This band showed alot of promise, consisting of Sammy Toifl guitar/vocals, Billy Bond, drums/vocals, Marty Garza bass/vocals, Rick Luis, guitar/vocals. In those days Heyoka was king and a phenomenal cover band, we played a few large dancehall gigs with them as their warm up act. We also played at one of the Sunken Garden Battle of the Bands as a trio, after Wicked Step and before Heyoka. Fun Times..."
• N'SOMNIA - See Photo HERE ( Contributed by ML ) Mike writes: "Here is a new band around the San Antonio area made up of veterans of the rock scene going back quite a few years. These guys are bound to kick some serious booty with the chops contained in this outfit. Let's see, they have Val Mora, Dito Garcia, Gerardo Ramirez all from previous bands like Heyoka. Then there is Jeff and Jerry Doyle who have been in just about every rock outfit that ever existed in the area. Not to mention Rick Majni on keyboard. Whoa! Bound to have some big sounds with these guys. Check out the band website at: http://www.nsomniaonline.com/home.htm .
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• OH-SO-GOOD BAND - BAND MEMBERS: Chris Geppert - guitar,voc / Dubby Hankins - bass,voc / Rob Meurer - drums. ( Thanks to Rob Meurer for data ) ML writes: I was always on the lookout for performances featuring Geppert and Hankins. This band consisted of core members from FLASH and VIRGIL FOXX. The gigs I attended for this band showed a lighter attitude of performance geared to playing commercial standard dance tunes. They made the crowds happy resulting in full dance floors. The playing was top notch even though playing the hits note for note was not a strict priority. The guys had fun, the crowds stayed happy. What more was needed. ML adds: These days Dub Hankins is the band leader of a 8 piece South Texas dance band of the same name. These guys do Hotels and other classy events around the area and continue to keep the crowds happy and dancing. Dub is also known in the area for his work as a recording studio operator. Check out the Band website at: http://www.ohsogoodband.com (Contributed by Dub Hankins) Dub writes: "Oh So Good Band plays 50 dates a year. Mostly weddings and private parties. I think Chris Cross is planning to play at the Alamo Heights 40th class reunion. Oh So Good Band will open and close. Should be fun!"
• THE ONES - (Contributed by Neka Scarbrough) Neka writes: Don't forget the ONES, an Alamo Heights band that consisted of Ronnie Weid on lead and vocals (deceased- a fluky accident with a hunting gun), drummer Jack Walker (also deceased, in his 20s- a heart attack they say), Tommy Lovelace on bass and vocals and Mike Godowns on keyboards. Played a lot at Teen Canteen. (These days) I play bass guitar and sing in a praise worship band at AH United Methodist Church on Wednesdays- my steady gig for 4 years. I own a photography, art and salon in SA."
• OUR RELIGION - See Photo HERE (Contributed by Ric Swanson) RS writes: "I now have a band called 'Our Religion'. The core group is me, Chris Watkins, Jeff Doyle and Jerry Doyle. Yup, I'm still making music with some of the same guys I was 20 years ago! We can best be described as "Americana", though I detest pigeonholes. We're kind of an alt-country rock /bluegrass /folk blues outfit. Focusing a lot on organic sounds made with acoustic instruments and real voices. We produced a CD in 2001 with Marius Perron and have enjoyed many critical reviews and decent album sales from all over the world since then, thanks largely to our 'viral' popularity on the internet. It's a brave new world. In 2001, I was invited to play as finalist at the KERRVILLE FOLK FESTIVAL 'new folk' concert series. If you don't know about this ... it is a HUGE honor as a songwriter. Past finalists include Lyle Lovett, Steve Earle, Nanci Griffith, James McMurtry, many other notable songwriters. I was jazzed. I now have my own studio in Austin, where we record. We still mix with Marius and I continue to learn the subtle intricacies and nuances involved in the art and craft of music production from him. Marius has, without a doubt, single handedly taught me how to record WELL. It's my life's work. I don't much care about commercial success these days, prefering instead to create art that will hopefully be timeless. I also have a cushy day job as a Physics teacher, so I'm privileged to NOT have to play bars to make a living and I also have quite a bit of free time to work on music."
• THE OUTCASTS - See Photo HERE ( Contributed by Chris Holzhaus ) BAND MEMBERS: Jim Carsten - guitar,vocals / Buddy Carson - guitar,vocals / Denny Turner - lead guitar / Ricky Wright - drums / Jim Ryan - bass. Chris writes: "The band had one regional hit titled: "I'm in Pittsburgh and its raining". All were air force dependents...Buddy's dad (a major in the AF) was their manager. They always put on a great show and would always seem to win the Battle of the Bands competition at Teen Canteen. I remember that their show clothes were tiger stripped as well as the drums...cool in those days!". ( Contributed by Jim Ryan ) Jim writes:"I was a Bass player for the Outcasts, a group that played regionally from 1964 through 1968 out of San Antonio". Visit Jim's web site dedicated to the band at www.angelfire.com/tx/braindanceink/page2.html ( Contributed by Denny Turner ) Denny writes: "The Outcasts, which included our support personnel and close friends (ALL of whom were The Outcasts), ... and the countless Musicians and Audiences from that period ... along with the many concert halls, good venues and smokey
  Dives; ... will always occupy an exceptionally dear part of my being." Visit Denny's web site for a detailed Bio and other updates at http://www.dennysguitars.homestead.com/bio2.html . DT adds: "ps: You might want to also link to my slide guitar web ring page, which would provide a portal into the slide guitar web ring; Pretty cool stuff in that web ring:
  http://www.dennysguitars.homestead.com/slide1.html ."
• OVERLOAD - See Photo HERE - Mike Lowell - guitar,voc / Phil Moran - voc,harp / Gene Coleman - drums / Pat Hood - bass,voc / Rob Vaughn - guitar. ML writes: This band formed from the nucleus of PALE WHITE HORSE with members Coleman / Lowell deciding to give up on mild country rock and form a balls to the wall rock outfit. Rob was recruited from a friendship struck in the previous band. Pat was noticeable for his outstanding showmanship in his current band (which included Rick Carver on guitar & vocal - Orrin Thomson wrote) and decided to join on. Finally, Phil Moran joined to give the project it's hard vocal edge. A powerhouse force was in place. Within months of the debut, the band was a major draw at local clubs filling up the dance floor and breaking attendance records. After 3 months the band took their mix of original and cover tunes and starting playing the warm up slots at major shows with the likes of Tina Turner, Wet Willie, Too Smooth, and others. Frequent road work led to gigs in Austin and Dallas where booking agents snapped up the group and put them on extensive tour work. Their travels took the band to the west and north covering 5 states with occasional stops back home to large crowds. The band was rock solid and possessed a charismatic charm in live shows. Some local club names I can remember playing were the Zodiac, Oasis, Wild West, The Sting, Eat it Ball it (SA), Gators (Houston), I Gotcha (Ft Worth), Whiskers (Tulsa), Mother Earth (Austin), Mother Blues (Dallas). Many many others that don't come to mind just yet. This version of the band lasted about a year and a half and continuously reached new heights. Eventually, the long stretches of road work took its toll and the original members went their own ways. (Contributed by Matt Guild) Matt writes: "I use to come watch Overload at the Zodiac club. I also graduated with Pat Hood, from John Marshall. I always thought you guys, were one of the best cover bands I had ever seen. I can remember the grind, the Zodiac club was on Saturday night. It was a freaking hot club. Hot women, good drugs, good alcohol, and just awesome Rock and Roll. You guys were great! Hey what ever happened to Pat? I figured he was headed for rock and roll stardom. He was a great bass player, and a great showman. I'm a guitar player also! That's why I appreciated what you guys were doing back then. I use to hang with the Heyoka guys back then also. My weekends were about going to the rock clubs to see bands playing. That's why it was exciting to see your website. I really did identify with your band Overload, as your mix of music fit the music that I listened to. I lived in SA from 1972 till 1987. What a ride that was!" (Contributed by John Fonte) JWFonte writes: "I think we might know one another...reading the Overload stuff....I was hanging around with Robbie and knew Gene from way before then....You guys damn near blew the paint off the interior of the Zodiac....as well as other venues (good name, Overload...it fit). My girlfriend/second wife Joanie was a bartender/server at Zodiac when you were gathering juice with Overload. My weird friend Alan Voight from New Braunfels, did sound for you a few times. Also, one night at the Rock Garden (was that Main or McCullough?) during a sound check, Gene came out with Pat's bass on, and all the honkie boys immediately started yelling Hendrix requests at him. Robbie..,whatever happened to him? He was a good technical player, and had a real mellow heart. I gave Robbie this old Gibson I had glued back together and he put the electronics back in there and had it painted white and wailed on it. I remember Phil and Pat (who later defected to Heyoka...) I do recall helping one of you learn the lead part to Funky Dogs and Nasty Kings when Robbie and I lived in this big place on Queen Anne. We lived in the house Bill Ash owned..... All it needed were a set of Gargoyles up top to make it the Speed Wash that it was. History serves to teach heavy lessons, but it's still hilarious when I recall just how crazy the mid-late 70's really were in Texas....Thanx Mike,Keep it smooth."
• OVERLOAD MKII - See Photo HERE - Mike Lowell - bass,voc / Chuck Fletcher - voc,harp / Gene Coleman - drums / Vince Coy - guitar,voc / Rob Overall - guitar,voc. ML writes: In an attempt to keep the momentum going, Coleman / Lowell reformed the band adding the guitar team of Coy / Overall with Lowell switching to bass. After some courting, Chuck came on to fill the lead vocal slot. After re-establishing turf locally, the boy's headed for Denver where they joined the powerful Rocky Mountain Management Booking agency. This put the band on a 8 state tour based out of Denver. The agency arranged auditions for CBS records and under agreements would spend the next year playing gigs under CBS guidance which could lead to a record deal. Once again the weariness of the road took its toll on the haggard musicians and a parting of ways among the members took place. Everyone scattered in pursuit of personal goals. Gene would reform the band two more times with different musicians (such as Chuck Pack on bass and Johnny Sweetwood on vocals) and in the end would move to the Dallas area where he joined as drummer for POINT BLANK, who had a national hit with the song "Nicole" the year before. Gene currently plays in the Dallas area. All the musicians who once played with OVERLOAD would all go on to continue with other SA bands for many years to come.
• OZZY OSBOURNE - ML writes: Everyone remembers the time Ozzy was in San Antonio and was arrested for taking a whizz on the Alamo. Many people were outraged, some were simply amused but everyone took notice of the national buzz it created. Just another colorful story to add to the San Antonio list of noteworthy events. *** The following was sent to me by a fellow who is a big fan of the local music scene but who in this case is also a member of the SAPD and was at the scene for this memorable event. He offered his first hand tale of what took place. (Contributed by Sam Vilo) SV writes: "Ozzy was arrested for urinating on the Alamo in 1982. I was new on the San Antonio Police force back then and was driving the paddy wagon. (Van outfitted for prisoner transport) A now retired Sgt was a foot patrolman back then and he actually arrested Ozzy when he showed up appearing intoxicated and with eyes dilated tremendously, suggesting the possibility of narcotic intoxication. Remember though that he was never charged for anything related to narcotics on that day so he must be presumed innocent. Ozzy apparently found himself in the position of badly needing to relieve himself without a close by convenient place to do so. He stepped off to the side of the Alamo a bit away from the facade and took care of business. The foot patrolman then arrested him (around 6 or 7 PM) and called for wagon transport resulting in my dispatch to the scene. Ozzy was charged with public intoxication, a class c misdemeanor and after searching him for weapons/contraband (routine but nothing was found). I loaded him into the wagon and took him to the Bexar county jail which is currently the Wackenhut Federal Parole Violator facility. Ozzy was like a cat raised high off the ground in the wagon in that he crouched over and spread out his stance and arms very wide. He never spoke and only made a loud grunting scream when the booking Sgt at the jail asked him to sing something after learning who he was. Ozzy reportedly was dressed as a woman but this is not true. He was wearing tennis shoes without socks, sweat pants and a T-shirt with a pack of smokes rolled in the sleeve. No underwear or jewelry of any kind. He could have been charged with desecration of a venerated object but he was not because no non police complainant was forthcoming. The whole incident was over in 30-40 minutes and by the time I got him to the Jail and was leaving a long black stretch limo arrived to pick him up. That's pretty much it. I think he was a guy in need of relief in a bad way in the wrong place at the wrong time. I know that there is a bad guy mystique about Ozzy but I never saw or heard anything indicating he tried to offend people or be disrespectful. He was simply wasted and not clearly thinking in my opinion. I wish him well." (Contributed by Lone Beader) LB writes: "Even tho I was never part of the band culture in San Antonio, I do have my own footnote in the history of Rock and Roll. In the early 1980s, I worked as a tour guide at the Alamo. I was sitting behind the desk in the Chapel (as we called the main building, the one everyone thinks of as THE Alamo) just after lunch one day in February 1982. A couple comes in and tells me that some guy is out front climbing on the front of the building and that he had urinated by the front door. I grabbed the walkie talkie and informed security while the other tour guide, went outside. A few minutes later, one of our security officers comes in and uses the phone to call SAPD. The call just stated that a John Osbourne was drunk and disorderly and they needed an officer. He (The other security officer) comes dashing back in and excitedly asks me if I know who they have out front. I said "John Osbourne?" He says "..no..Ozzy!!!" So, being about 8 years older than he at the time and more into country and folk music, I just go "Who?" When I realize who John Osbourne is, I tipped off my husband who worked in the sports department at the now defunct San Antonio Light. The Light "scooped" the story and ran just a small item. I believe the charges were drunk and disorderly and possibly indecent exposure (a common charge for public urination). Bail was made pretty quickly and Ozzy made his show. The resulting ban from playing in San Antonio for ten years was more a result of near trampling at the concert, not the Alamo Incident. It was NOT my fault! LOL. When I read the account on your website of Ozzy At The Alamo, I just wanted to clarify the facts as I know them to be. It could not have been in the evening as the Alamo closed at 5:30 P.M. It was February and getting dark early evening. I know it was around lunch as I had just returned and He (security officer) and the Alamo Hostess (a DRT member) were both at lunch. After reading the account on your website, I again went to Google and did a search for Ozzy and the Alamo. There are tons of hits. Some of the sites say he urinated on a broken down wall. Those were mostly foreign sites. Even tho I was not an eyewitness to the event ( whew!!) there were dozens of tourists who were, so I do have knowledge of several details. The actual spot Ozzy chose was the cigarette urn to the left of the front door of the Chapel. All that spring, we were besieged by 7th graders on their Texas history field trips wanting to know WHERE. The security officer was Mr. Oakes and I believe the responding SAPD officer was the beat cop we all knew only as Billy. The green evening gown part of the story I never heard until I saw Ozzy on a VH1 interview. If I had known he had dressed up for the occasion, I would have gone outside."
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• PABLO DE LA CRUZ - (Contributed by Phil Arroyo) PA writes: "It consisted of Jay Hoyer, Jerry Frank (formerly of The Laughing Kind) on keys, Jeff Mays (formerly with Mammouth) on drums and myself. The band was named after Jay's great-grandfather. Prior to that, I was a member of the final alumni version of "The Laughing Kind" along with Jerry Frank, Jay Hoyer, Rob Meueur and Mike Long (of Zilches fame) on bass." (Contributed by Geoffrey Mayes) GM writes: "Awesome site! I can't believe Phil Arroyo misspelled my name in the Pablo De La Cruz section. We did record some original stuff that Phil wrote in Pablo De La Cruz and the demo tapes got some local play. Phil was an awesome musician and writer. Glad to hear that he's still playing and I hope he is still writing."
• PABLO'S GROVE - BAND MEMBERS: Phil Arroyo - guitar,voc / Tommy Davis - guitar,voc / Mike Novak - bass,voc / Bob O'Neill - keys / Tommy Stephens - drums,voc / David McDavid - sax,horns. ( Thanks to David McDavid for data ) ML writes: This was one of SA's primer feel good bands in the area from 77' thru 80'. The musicianship was first rate, the song selection had some meat and grit to it and never once did a sign of ego enter the picture. You always felt right at home at one of the gigs, like a guest invited over for dinner. The core of the group came from the band GIANT SMILING DOG with a few new members added for this lineup. All the members were long established veteran players in the area coming from a long list of previous bands. With the mix of available instruments at hand, such as keys by O'Neill and horns by McDavid, the range of songs could span the spectrum yet narrowed to provide a special blend of R&B Texas grit. The boys had some good original tunes one of which called "Going down to Brownsville" achieved some regional radio air play. Nice guys, good music. (Contributed by Kevin Conway) Kevin writes: "Pablo's Grove was started in 1973 by Phil Arroyo, Mike Novak, Tommy Davis, and me (Kevin Conway). We soon added Ricky Hernandez on C-3 who was then replaced by Chris Stanish on Fender Rhodes. The first version of Pablo's had a house gig at The Player's Club on San Pedro. (Across from The Electric Machine music store.) I left the band in 1974 to join Quartett and was replaced by Tommy Stevens. David McDavid and Bobby O'Neil joined sometime around 1977." (Contributed by Phil Arroyo) PA writes: "After "Pablo's Grove", I dabbled in a band that only lasted a few months then I went into seclusion for a while musically."
• PAINT THE TOWN - (Contributed by Gary Botello) GB writes: "The last two bands I played with, before moving to Flagstaff, were "Paint The Town" and "Red Rein", which included singers Ambrose Fernandez & Ruben Aguilar, and guitarist Rey Garza. We played mostly weddings & private parties, but did a few club gigs as well."
• PAINTED PONY - See Photo HERE (Contributed by Debra Fiedler) DF writes: "This band has been around for years, don't really know alot about them , but they were always playing somewhere."
• PALE WHITE HORSE - BAND MEMBERS: David Hill - voc,guitar / Mike Lowell - guitar,voc / Sam Davis - bass,voc / Gene Coleman - drums. ML writes: This was a short lived band (75') that formed to play music in the Dan Fogelberg, Eagles semi acoustic rock vein. The band was vocally rich thanks to the sweet and powerful voice of David Hill. Unfortunately, all the other members were raised on rock and making sweet music in the genre of Poco did not come naturally. Conflicts between Hill and Coleman would eventually doom the band. After the split, Coleman / Lowell would form OVERLOAD, Sam Davis would join HEYOKA, and David Hill would return to acoustic or solo work.
• PANTOMIME - See Photo HERE: - Phil Moran - voc,harp / Mike Lowell - guitar,voc / Gary Friedrich - guitar,keys,voc / Ed Tooke - bass ( later replaced by Mike Taylor ) / Jody Moore - drums ( later replaced by Greg Abbott ). ML writes: This band was formed by Moran / Lowell with the idea of filling a musical notch left vacated by other local bands at the time (77'). The band's repertoire consisted of tunes running the spectrum from Steely Dan, Bowie, to Todd Rundgren. With the talented addition of Gary on guitar & keys, this vision soon took shape. The band stayed local, playing the area clubs and alternated between empty clubs to packed houses. The choice of music was always separate from the pack and the band played tight and with conviction. The band lasted for about 1-1/2 yrs and had a small but loyal fan base. Some of the core members would later reform as SPIDER ZERO.
• PATCHWORK - (Contributed by Sonnie Bodine) SB writes: "I just stumbled onto your website during one of my endless searches for an album put out in the early 1970's by a short lived group named Patchwork. Since I have had no luck for years finding this album, I thought perhaps your faithful followers might have a clue for me. I remember that some of the songs were "Kelly", which was written (I think...and this memory is going back 35 years, so who knows) by someone with the last name of Williams and was popular on the radio at the time, "High Mountain Lady" by (again, I THINK) someone named Jay Wise...spelling could be any number of ways, and "Down in the Easy Chair" (by Dylan?). I was friends with Allen Damron at the time and the group played sometimes at the Chequered Flag. I know "Kelly" was on the radio a lot in...say 1971-72? The likeliest group to remember would be the Allen Damron/Jerry Jeff Walker/Kerrville Festival group. My album got destroyed and when I tried to borrow Allen's during one of my infrequent visits back to Austin, he had only the jacket and not the album. Bummer."
• THE PARAGONS - Circa 1966-67 (Contributed by Roger Barnes) Roger writes: "I read the stories by and about Bill Ash with great interest as Bill and I were good friends from the 7th thru 10th grade and reunited at our last two McArthur Class reunions. When I first met Bill, who had just moved to SA from Germany, all of us were blown away by his virtuoso guitar skills and his Rickenbacker guitar. We all had Silvertones and the like and had never seen a Rickenbacker much less heard a guy our age play like he could. What we loved about Bill is that he never let any of it go to his head. Later on when I was playing with a SA garage band called "The Paragons" (members included Tony and Rusty Degges, Court Thielman, and myself..Roger Barnes, rhythm guitar) Bill was playing with the Stoics at big gigs around town to include the infamous Teen Canteen."
• PARIS BY NIGHT - (Contributed by Anna-Marie) AM writes: "I really like your page. Considering that I have been involved in the local music scene since high school, a lo-o-o-ng time I didn't see anything on my band 'Paris by Night' they have been around since at least 1992. We were shut down a couple of times, Hueys & the Club by UTSA, because they found our music much too dark and depressing. Go figure! The editor of The Current, Mike Hood, said that Jeanine lived behind "foil-covered windows". Some said that "BLACK DARKER" was a suicide anthem. Please go to our site and see what we have been up to. I would love to have someone like yourself say a few words at our record release party...if you remember who we are. Thanks."
• PERRONS, MARIUS (BUBBA) AND LAURENT - ML writes: Now here is a couple of guys who can truly be listed as veterans of the SA music scene. Time after time, band after band these brothers would reappear in a new band every 2yrs or so and lead the pack as a local club draw. The philosophy of "keep it commercial, keep it simple" seemed to rule the day. How did they pull it off? Damned if I know, but they did, time after time. Laurent was there on drums keeping the band grounded and provided the soul and the loins share of vocal duties. Marius (then known as Bubba) could always be counted on to reinvent his musical abilities by appearing on a new instrument in each new band. Bass, then guitar, then keys & vocals. Not to mention providing the technical wizard stuff. I watched the progress from Lemon Rhindstone to Eastwood Review to Jiva Jive to Bee's Make Honey to Stardust to The Max. What a legacy! For the last 20 yrs or so Marius has made quite a mark as a recording engineer, author, inventor, & teacher. A typical web search shows tons of credits and accomplishments and these days has his own studio. (Contributed by Marius Perron) Marius writes: "Back in the seventies I started doing the recording studio thing. Started at a studio called ZAZ on the west side of town. Then UAR on the north side. Then Emerald. Then Mike Morales's "Studio M". Last year I went ahead and bought my own gear and started my own studio. I had a lot of clients built up from the previous years of work." ML writes: Marius filled me in on some current news about activities at his studio and the musicians involved. Click HERE to read his Studio News page. (Contributed by Jody Moore) JM writes: "A note or two about Marius (then known as "Bubba") Perron and Stardust, who taught me multi-track recording at UAR and later at Emerald Studios."
• PEYOTE - (Contributed by Frank Longobardi) Frank writes: "One of the best Acoustic/Rock bands I ever heard! (Up there with Dansir, Blackrose, Hickory, & others) They used to play the Chelsea Street Pub circuit in the 70's. They did alot of Eagles, Badorff & Rodney, CSNY, & much much more! Don't know any players names, but they were made up of 2 acoustic guitars, 1 electric guitar, & a bass player. Precision acoustic music at it's best!!"
• THE PIPELINES - (Contributed by Andy Salmon) Andy writes: "I played lead guitar in The Laughing Kind and bass with Flash (with Chris Geppert, later Christopher Cross) and Christopher Cross on the first two albums. (But) Before that I played lead in a Beach Boys type band called The Pipelines during high school. I met Chris Holzhaus, Doug Sahm, Augie Meyers and Roy Cox (Bubble Puppy)around that time. The Pipelines were Johnny Gross, Lead Singer and Rhythm Guitar; Bob Geisler, Bass & Vocals; Craig Moody, Vocals, percussion, some guitar & organ; Sol Casseb, Drums; and me on Lead Guitar & Vocals. We used to play a regular Surf Night at the Teen Canteen when it was downstairs in the Wonderland mall. Vocals were our thing. We played mosty Beach Boys then gravitated to a lot of Hollies, Monkees, Mamas & Papas, Blues Magoos,Beau Brummels, Kinks & whatever else was on the radio that had a lot of vocals. We all went to Robert E. Lee High. I graduated in 1967. The band broke up about that time. Sol went on to play with the Laughing Kind & that's how I ended up with them. He's now a judge in San Antonio, like his dad was. John is a choir director for a church, Bob is a lawyer somewhere & no one's heard anything about Craig as far as I know. Originally Galen Niles was the lead player. How I got in the band was that Galen lived across the street from me. I used to hear him practicing w/his amp on ten. He used to hear me too & one day he came over and introduced himself, so we went back to his house & picked a bit. He was a couple of years older & waaaay better than me. He had an Echoplex and could do this Chet Atkin's thing. Really impressive. I used to go over when they were practicing, nobody called it rehearsing back then. Galen got a Ford Mustang. I think it was a graduation present. One day not long after he got it he drove it over an embankment and broke his back - really bad. He was laid up for months. So, they said why don't you play with us. Also, vocally I could hit really high notes in those days, so it worked out great - except for Galen. After he got better he got into the Minuets, then Homer."
• THE PONTIACS - (Contributed by Ric Swanson) RS writes: "I also played in a cover band on St. Mary's street in 1988-89 called 'The Pontiacs'. The band was me, Mike Orbelo and Tim Saunders...later joined by Katherine Dawn as a second vocalist. That was fun, fun, fun. In many ways it was the most fun I've ever had playing live. We had NO expectations. Simple arrangements of everything from Elvis to Johnny Cash to REM. The band split when Mike went off to Law School. I STILL miss that band!."
• THE PREZ - (Contributed by Jody Moore) JM writes: "The original version of the Prez (Steve & Keith Owens, Kris Clemke and myself), who changed names to the Mo-Dels after Kris' and my departure."
• PREZENCE - See Photo HERE - San Antonio rock at its finest for several years in the mid eighties. They didn't play much but when they did, it was an event. Featured Shawn Sahm on guitar among other fine players.
• PROJECT X - (Contributed by Al Arteaga) AA writes: "I grew up playing in garage bands & gigging in some of the Clubs noted in your website. During the early 80s, one of the last bands that I gigged with was called "PROJECT X" (to which only the native San Antonionians could understand the play of names between the band & the 60s late Friday nite show). The local Club memories made @ the L.P. , The Friendly Spot (a.k.a. 'the spot") St Mary B&G, ALEXANDER, & THE B'WAY 5050 has inspired me to whip out my trusty '61 fender P bass & crank up the old metronome. Project X taught me to play music from Albert King, Thelonious Monk, The Who & King Sunny Ade in just one set."
• PROTEGE /ANNIE O MOSS - See Photo HERE - (Contributed by Debbie Fiedler) DF writes: "Protégé went thru numerous members until the last part of the 80's staying together about 6 years or so. Protégé was: Debra Ann Fiedler on Vocals, Mike (Hale) Salinas on Lead/Rhythm Guitar, John Meyers Lead/Rhythm Guitar, Dave Castillo: Bass Guitar and Glenn Wall on Drums. Protégé played numerous venues in and around San Antonio, Cooter Browns, The 2nd Knave, Mico in at Medina Lake, Sonova Beach on 410, Bookers, Sneakers and Many other joints. Our Most exciting gigs were getting to warm up for Tim Saunders NITEWORKS band, during their album release and for Timbuck3 at Cooter Browns. We did quite a few original tunes and had our music played on 99.5 Kiss, a few times. We had the opportunity to work with some great sound man, Eugene Ng, Jeff Lupton and Earl McCoy. Debra Ann Fiedler currently plays thru out SA and is aka Annie O Moss. http://www.annieomoss.com."
• PUBLIO AND THE VALIANTS - (Contributed by Publio Casillas) PC writes: "Your web site was brought to my attention by some friends I hadn't seen in many years. I browsed through your collection of bands and brought back some very fond memories. How ever I noticed that there was no mention of my group, Publio and the Valiants, which has been in the mix of bands in San Antonio, continuously since 1962. We were the first band to play at the Purple Onion, Purple Eye, Frisky A Go Go which were the same club, owned by Guy Linton who also owned the Green Gate and the Orleans Room. In fact it was from there that Augie Meyers hired me in March 1966 to take Doug Sahm's place in the Sir Douglas Quintet,along with Harvey Kagan, Danny Segovia, and David Brown, while Doug Sahm fulfilled some court mandates after his encounter with law enforcement authorities in Corpus Christi, Texas. We toured through out the Midwest, East Coast and Canada, for the next couple of years. We then became Lord August and the Visions of Light and played The Blue Note for a while until we began playing at The Pussy Cat Club, downtown, during Hemisfair. We were co-house band along with Spot Barnett's band and then after a few
  months, were the house band. We were very fortunate, that in that venue we had the opportunity to open up for or work with bands such as The Yardbirds, when Jimmy Page was with them, The five Americans, The Electric Prunes, The Grass Roots, Roy Head, Spencer Davis Group, Spirit and many others. However, I guess I'm getting ahead of myself. I started Publio and the Valiants in March 1962 and released OUT OF TOWN and IMAGE OF LOVE, which became local hits during that spring and summer. As result I wound up travelling on a road show with Ray Peterson,
  from which I learned a great deal. I played local clubs, while I was in San Antonio, and then in
  December 1962 I went to work for Guy Linton at the Purple Eye.The place was an instant hit. It was packed every night. That summer, I bought the club from Guy and operated it for several months during which time I brought in Ray Peterson for a show and hired Doug Sahm to play the late shift, from midnight to four in the morning. I decided that club ownership was not for me and sold it back. However, after a few trips to California and the East Coast, I settled down at the
  Frisky A Go Go, until March 1966 when Augie Called me. Later on I'll send in more of the story and up date some things. Publio and the Valiants is still operating in San Antonio; still gong strong.
• PULSATIONS - (Contributed by Mike Cunningham) MC writes: "I play bass for the Pulsations. We formed in 1966 and have played pretty much continuously to the present in and around Midland. I would like to add our band to your listing. We started as jr. high students, played high school dances and clubs, some of us played in college and then all returned to Midland by the mid 70's and began playing again. we now all have families, etc and enjoy the music more now than ever. many tales, many stories...is this something worthy of your site?"
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• QUARTETT - ( Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) BAND MEMBERS: Kurt Otto - keys,guitar/ Mike Taylor - bass / Kevin "kid" Conway - drums / Barry Littleton - sax,keys. Phil writes: The darlings of the high-brow, artistically inclined, elitist of SA's best. Ram rodded by the inimitable Kurt Otto, Quartett was a powerful, eclectic musical force that has yet to be superseded in the SA area. If Keith Emerson and Frank Zappa simultaneously raped J.S Bach, the result might resemble or produce music somewhat akin to this band. ** In Memorium: Those of us fortunate enough to be called friend by Barry K. Littleton, have, and always will, miss his wit, humor, and benevolent generosity. We are all diminished by his passing. See the link HERE .
• THE QUITTERS - (Contributed by Skip Mascorro) SM writes: "After a 15 year dry spell, mostly living in El Paso, I've returned to the Hill Country and to my music now living in Bulverde. My current gig is with some extremely talented players that have their own stories to tell. The band is the Quitters made up of Arlie Blankenship on vocals/guitar, a truly magical song writer that paid a ton of dues for years with the Wimberley Volunteer Fire Ants. Mike Byrnes on drums who is also very accomplished on keyboards and has a hell of an ear for turning the knobs in the studio. Kent Johnson on keyboards, vocalist and song writer. Val Roesling (Union Jack), an extremely tasty guitar player. Most of us have some Sunday church gigs which I'm discovering many from the 60's -70's era now have Our latest CD, Live at Gruene Hall ( Warts & All) is likely to go aluminum any day now!"
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• RACHELS CHILDREN - (Contributed by Kurt Linhof) Kurt writes: "Rachel's Children, founded in '66, might have been the best psychedelic band in the country. Sounded like a cross between Crosby, Stills and Nash (but 3 years before them) and Moby Grape, but with a more cosmic drive. I came along to play bass later, in '68, did a lot of gigs at Hemisfair, then we moved to L.A. to take a shot at Elektra records. Lenz disappeared for some reason. Bellamy went from bass to guitar, to replace Don, who was in the Air Force and couldn't make it to L.A., but it eventually all fell apart, no contract. As I remember the original band, it was: Don Harding - lead guitar and vocals, Will Bellamy - bass and vocals, (Ten years later these guys would become Will and Earl, of Joker Moon), Rex Foster - acoustic guitar and vocals, Jim Newhouse - drums & tympani, Bob Lenz - lead guitar, Clay Stewart - bongos and God knows what, Phil Krumm - management & psychic counsel." (Contributed by George Maillot) George writes: "I was sitting innocently in my dorm room at U of H, looking to get........... " ML writes: To read this along with many more stories , see the TRUE LIFE STORIES section by Will Bellamy and George Maillot - OR click HERE.
• RADSOLES - (Contributed by Marcom) Marcom writes: "....One of my favorites. S.A. band called The Radsoles. Were around sometime in the mid 80's. Mitch Webb, Tom Rehkopf, John Dufalo, some dude they called "Gruber". They weren't a huge sensation, but took some local awards."
• RAIN - BAND MEMBERS: Chuck Fletcher - voc,harp / Bill Geddes - guitar / ? - bass / Jimmy Rose - drums,voc. (other members also included Link Summers -guitar) ML writes: I remember this band as a tight outfit who always seemed to be having a blast performing. A 3 piece with stand up lead vocalist. Chuck Fletcher's vocals were a standout feature and was my first exposure to this great singer. The guitarist blew some serious chops and carried the band even though the bass and drummer were fine players in there own right. One song of note was a speeded up, rocked up version of Traffic's "Mr Fantasy". I was saddened to hear of the guitarist O.D. death causing the band to split. Chuck Fletcher went on to join Phil Bepko & Gene Coleman and others to form the power group Heironymous. I later had the privilege to work with Chuck in the 2nd version of Overload. (Contributed by Jimmy Rose) JR writes: "I was reading the info you had for Rain and you didn't have the guitar players names listed. We had two guitarist One was Bill Geddes who past away and Link Summers played 2nd guitar. The bass player was Mark Gilliam an army brat who lived at Fort Sam (Great bass player)."
• RAMPANT - (Contributed by Ernest Cruz) EC writes: "This band was a little bit heavier doing Riot, Thin Lizzy, U.F.O., etc.. This was about in 1979. This band was so precise in covering songs and they were getting some recognition however I believe there were some personality problems which led to their breakup. The only guys I've seen from these bands lately have been Alonso, Mike and Daniel. Alonso went on to play with some well known Tejano artists, Mike went on to play with Winterkat, Michael Morales and various other bands and Daniel put a band together with his little sister Nancy and were called Sweet Desire which isn't together anymore. This is about all I have on these two fine bands that I followed around in the seventies. If anyone has any more information on these two great bands I'd sure like to hear about it."
• RAT MADNESS - (Contributed by Jody Moore) JM writes: "Rat Madness (Jack Bennett, Ed Tooke and the Hine's Brothers) Wayman McBide's and Johnny Rodriguez' stint with The Cofield Brothers Band (my next-door neighbors growin' up)."
• RAVEN R - (Contributed by Andy Gamez) AG writes: "Hey Mike! I read all your pages about local bands here in San Antonio and would like to contribute info about my band, Raven R. that played from '76 through '79. The musicians that played are still actively performing here in SA; their backgrounds and playing info are very interesting resumes to read about."
• RAZZ - ML writes: This was a band that was around the scene for 2 years or so(77-79'). At first they were nothing special but eventually became a hot outfit. Most tunes were well done rock based covers, there might have been several original tunes as well. They were at their peak as a four piece during the KNAVE days on Austin Hwy around 78'. (Contributed by Jody Moore) JM writes: " David Montgomery was later the vocalist with RAZZ (previously with Barrier), a ZZ-Top like power-trip that included Robert Salinas and his classic vintage Orange stacks with HiWatt amps. One of my all-time favorite rigs to hear, as well as look at." (Contributed by Henry Botello) HB writes: "RAZZ - Original members were... Manuel Castillo-L-Singer /Robert Salinas L-guitar (& his Orange Stacks) / Bill Guyer-Drums / Marc Botello-Bass (my brother) / Ruben Castaneda-R-guitar. GREAT ROCK BAND. Robert did a great Led Zeplin / HeartBreaker that would make Jimmy Page sweat. I hear Robert is still in the S.A. Live Music Scene these days." (Contributed by Ernest Cruz) EC writes: "Robert Salinas of Razz is still performing here in San Antonio in a band called Madhouse; not the original Madhouse though." (Contributed by Steve Wisnoski) SW adds: "When I played with Excaliber and Razz we used to do some shows with different groups, Heyoka, Nitzinger, Navasota."
• THE REACH - (Contributed by Mike Workman) MW writes: "Sep85-Aug86: The Reach was kind of a spin-off from Blackrose that Scott Byers formed with Mike Workman. Featuring the dazzling electric guitar playing of Monte Montgomery, the wonderful grooves of Austin's Phil Bass. The bass player was Bill. Funny, I can't remember his last name. We had four lead singers in Scott, Monte, Bill, & me. We tried to take up where Blackrose left off, but really concentrated more on rock dance music. We weren't a top 40 band, but we did a lot more commercial stuff than Blackrose did. We had a real good run, then Phil left in June. Mark Kusey replaced him on drums. We really didn't have enough time to get the chemistry working again before the band broke up."
• THE REL-YEA'S - See Photo HERE - (Contributed by Jim Frizzell) JF writes: "I'm not sure if you remember a band called The Rel-Yea's. I was with that band before the Chayns."
• RENEGADE - See Photo HERE -: Mike Lowell - guitar,voc,keys / John Hogan - guitar,voc ( later as sound tech ) / Frank Longobardi - voc,harp,keys /Mark Yamaguchi - bass,voc ( later replaced by Steve Gott ) / Cid Vargas - keys, synth bass,voc / Other members also included Mike O'Brien - guitar,voc. /Geoff Lupton - lights. /Bill Caisse -guitar,keys,lights,sound. Over time, Drummers included: Pete Rangel, Greg Abbott, Ace, Leroy Adams, Urban Urbano, Greg Hall, & Scott Gerard. ML writes: In early 81' this band was co-founded from scratch by guitarist Mike Lowell and guitarist John Hogan who had been working together in the band Sandcastle. After that bands demise a decision was made to create the kind of band they had always wanted and soon got to work recruiting players toward that end. The name Renegade was chosen even though a previous band by that name had once existed but had split up a few years earlier. No relation to the previous outfit. Ironically, several members from that previous outfit would find their way into the band over the course of time. Over the next several years this band evolved into a musically powerful and in-demand band of the local SA scene from 81'-85'. The winner of several battle of the bands contests, it made full use of the benefits of midi technology resulting in lush note for note renditions of all the songs in its large repertoire. Adding the fact that all members sang made it very popular in the local area. Music genre was top 40 and MTV based rock and techno assuring a crowded dance floor at every performance. This band played numerous warm up slots for big name acts travelling through SA as well a being a regular in local clubs. The band found its way into warmup slots for the the likes of "The Guess Who", "BadFinger", "Trapeze","Ruby Starr", "Van Wilks", and many more. Sometime around 85' while in the process of replacing drummers yet again, the band became involved in a legal fight over the use of its name from a California based group. In exchange for a large cash settlement from the LA group, the band changed its name to HOT CHEXX and added drummer Dan Dreeban to the lineup along with an overhaul of it's song list. See the listing for HOT CHEXX. (Contributed by Larry Hall) Larry writes: "I don't know if you remember me or not, but I was in the previous Renegade. It was myself, Frank Longobardi, Mark Yamaguchi, Mike Kelly, and Stanley Singleton. We never really got it going. We played a few gigs here and there until Mike Kelly, the lead guitar player, got married and moved out of town and I split for Houston." (Contributed by Geoffrey R. Lupton)- Click HERE to read an in depth description of the previous Renegade band from 79'. (Contributed by Scott Gerard) SG writes: "I remember playing a gig at "Scratch" nightclub on Fredericksburg Rd with Renegade and some big shots from L.A stated to us that we couldn't use the name anymore due to there was a band called Renegade out of LA that just got signed. Well that's when "Hot Chexx" came to be and the rest is history."
• JOHNNY RENO AND THE SAX MANIACS - (Contributed by Gerard Daily) GD writes: "I was one year behind Rob Meurer at Antonian and got to see The Children, Virgil Foxx, Shivas Head Band etc play at the Antonian dances. I started playing guitar in 1966 and took lessons from Galen Niles at Dellview Music. The first concert I ever went to see was The Yardbirds at the Pusi-Kat.I made it to all the concerts and local dances I could back then and saw most of the 60's bands mentioned in your site. I moved to Ft. Worth in 1971 to go to TCU and then to Austin in 1977 and got to see early Thunderbirds gigs, and Stevie Ray Vaughan with the Cobras and witness his rise to fame. I took up the piano in 1977 and my first gig playing out was sitting in with Stevie at the Rome Inn when Lou Ann Barton and Johnny Reno were in his band. I knew them both from Ft. Worth days when I played with Robert Ealey at the Bluebird. I later ended up with Johnny Reno and the Sax Maniacs back in Ft. Worth in the early 80's. We recorded for Rounder Records, toured the country lots of times and I even got to see myself on MTV (granted it was on very early in the AM time slots.)"
• REVIVAL BROTHERS BAND - BAND MEMBERS: Stevens , Quinn. Others? ML writes: I remember these guys as a serious south side R&B group. They played in a no nonsense hard core blues vein with the members showing true blues roots. A non standard song list with an original air of execution. Good band but only appealed to a hard core blues crowd at R&B based clubs.
• RHYTHM KINGS - ( Contributed by Chris Holzhaus ) BAND MEMBERS: Andy Reil - vocals / Henry Alfaro - guitar,voc / Little Roger Gonzales - guitar,voc / Carl Alfaro - bass / Oscar Centeno - drums. Chris writes: "This was another band from the Jefferson area. The "Rhythm Kings" played basically the same gigs the ARGYLES played. They played from about 67 to 70...did a great "Hang on Sloopy!". Their mgrs were Jack Orbin and the late Carl Swartz. Jack is the owner of Stone City productions in San Antonio." (Contributed by Richard Contreras) RC writes: "And the Rhythm Kings mgr. was more Carl Schwartz then it was Jackie Orbin."
• THE RIPTIDES - ( Contributed by David McDavid and Bob Galindo ) Cool neato late sixties surf band.
• RIVER CITY PLEASURE BAND - (Contributed by Lee Adams) BAND MEMBERS: Carol Gumm (later Adams) guitar,voc / Robert Adams-Bass,voc / Steve ?- lead guitar / Lee Roy Adams-guitar,voc,drums / ?- keyboard,voc / Clay Meyers - drums. 77'-78' Lee writes: "Later the band reformed with Carol, Robert, LeeRoy, Steve and new members Tommy Niles (screaming steel guitar) and Pete Rangel-drums. Pete and Tommy never got along so after a while Pete left the group. Lee Roy took over on drums and the group played the club scene for 2 years or so. Southern rock and classic rock were the repertoire with a lot of original tunes."
• ROAD APPLE - (Contributed by Dave Lara) DL writes: "I heard them play while at a club somewhere on Loop 410. They were awesome."
• ROCKY ATHAS - (Contributed by Hunter Harrison) HH writes: See Rocky Athas write-up here: http://www.bluearmadillo.com/pages/artists/rocky_athas.shtml
• ROCKSAN - (Contributed by Geoff Lupton) Rocksan Original members: Adeana, Lead vocals/ Bill Caisse, Vocals lead guitar/ Ernie Kreth, Vocals, bass/ Geoff Lupton, Vocals, Keys, Guitar/ "Ace" Slayer, Vocals, Drums, later members included Cathy Murguia, Mark Yamaguchi, Kenny Bullock, Brent Fields, Keith Kryszak and Kenny Gobar. Geoff has contributed an in-depth history of how it all began. Click HERE to read.
• THE ROYAL FIVE - ( Contributed by Sondra & Tony ) S & T writes: "And then the Royal Five - Leonard Perez (brother of Johnny Perez who was drummer for The Sir Douglas Quintet), Rick Favela on drums (later to go on to greater fame with Giant Smiling Dog), Fernando ? was lead singer, and a guy named Roland ? who played trumpet with them for a while, and later went on to the Royal Jesters. Does this ring any bells? Remember when the Sir Douglas Quintet played at the Teen Club in Wonderland basement? "
• THE ROYAL JESTERS - ( Contributed by Sondra & Tony ) BAND MEMBERS: Roland ? - trumpet / other members ? - ML writes: Sondra and Tony reminded me just how big a band this was in the SA area for many years. Hailing from the west side, they were a mainstay in the area and around Texas. I seem to remember a radio song or two as well. Unfortunately I don't know a great deal about them. Maybe others can help expand on them. (Contributed by Sherry A) Sherry writes: "Henry Hernandez,Lawson,Leaders of the band since 1958 till 70s. Bones was the drummer. Though hundreds of various musicians played with the band thru out their era, the best band was when Henry, Jack (from the Commands) and Eddie (from the Casino Royale) were the front men lead singers. Eddie, who at 16 at the time, from Burbank High School was the youngest of the band , who could belt out any Top 40 song at the time,so all the girls in town kept him busy and a huge following of the band ensued. Naturally when you have the caliber of talent the Royal Jesters attracted, it is to no surprise the band would continue to have a high turnover rate." (Contributed by Tony Pena) TP writes: "I also played with the Royal Jesters during the last year in high school at JFK. Some of the members there while I played were Pache (guitar), Chale (bass), Manuel "Bones" Aragon (drums) Jerry Aguirre (trumpet & vocals), Luvine Elias (organ), Victor (trumpet), Alex Hernandez (sax) and of course Henry Hernandez, Oscar Lawson and Louis Escalante on vocals. I mainly remember playing at the Patio Andaluz on the corner of Commerce and Brazos seemed like every Saturday. They were the main band in the west side during that time."
• RUBY FALLS BLUES BAND - ( Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) BAND MEMBERS: Jay Urbano - voc,percussion / Greg Hall - drums,voc / Joe Estes - guitar,voc / Cecil Yancey - bass. ML writes: Another group based around a hard core R & Blues foundation. Watching these guys work was a pleasure as they knew and demonstrated true roots. Good band that appealed to the R&B crowd.
• RUBY STARR - ML writes: My band RENEGADE had the chance to do the warm up slot for this act at a large club off West Ave in SA around 1983. Ruby Starr was a female wailer who had just made her move as a solo artist after having been a main vocalist for the national act BLACK OAK ARKANSAS. On that bands song "Jim Dandy to the rescue" she sang the part "go Jim Dandy, go Jim Dandy". She was part Janis Joplin, part Olympic champ with the gymnastics she pulled off on stage. Imagine this: Janis singing a line, stepping back, doing a double back flip, singing a line, doing a 4 rotation cartwheel across the stage, singing a line. It was amazing to watch. Her band played a tight brand of southern rock meets R&B. The room was only half filled due to the fact that few people had heard of her. We did our set and had a good night musically, then we sat back and enjoyed her show and antics. Good Luck to you Ruby, keep on chugging. (Contributed by CJ Wilson) CJ writes: I've seen Ruby Starr a couple times. she was pretty tremendous. I heard that she died. (Contributed by Jeff Sime) JS writes: "As I was looking at the bands list, I saw the name Ruby Starr. Another parallel between you and me. My band, The Wild Bunch, opened for her band at The Ranch in Port Byron, Illinois, around 1980. As you said, “Imagine this: Janis singing a line, stepping back, doing a double back flip, singing a line, doing a 4 rotation cartwheel across the stage, singing a line. It was amazing to watch.” This is exactly what I saw. We played a 45 min. set, then her band took the stage and we enjoyed the show stage right sitting next to the side fills. Man, she was a cute little shit."
• RUDY AND THE RENO BOPS - (contributed by Dave Lara) DL writes: "I noticed on your website that a few Texas bands were mentioned but not listed."
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• SHAWN SAHM - See Photo HERE - ML writes: Here is a guy who has been around the SA area all his life. In fact, most area vets have watched him grow up before our eyes to be a deserving force in the area. Although he is the son of the legendary Doug Sahm, he has become a developed 'Honest' musician making a name for himself on his own. Keep On Keepin On Shawn.(Contributed by Shawn Sahm) SS writes: "...I came across your page and wanted to tell ya its really cool!! Good job. If your interested, my new CD comes out this month oversea's and me and Augie and the guys are preparing to go do some more shows over there. Should be a blast. Check out my web site when ya get a chance. http://www.shawnsahm.com/ Take care and keep up the great work."
• SANDCASTLE - See Photo HERE - ML writes: " Mike O'Brien - voc,guitar / Mike Lowell - guitar,bass,voc / Amy Bowden - voc,keys / Kenny Walker - guitar,voc / JR Hawkins - drums / Larry Heller (later Jim Orr)- bass,voc / John Hogan - sound. This was a band that started off as a night club band playing variety music but would later evolve into a full fledged rock club act. The blend of music generally ranged from Fleetwood Mac to Kansas. With an extremely large song list, the band could play a rock show then turn around and play country at weddings on the same night. Which ever style the band played, the musical chops were in place to pull it off. The band featured two extremely powerful vocalists in O'Brien and Bowden. Add this with the fact that all members sang, and the potential pool of music was unlimited. The band was a favorite with booking agents and from the period between 78'-81' the band worked heavily, enabling all members to not work day jobs. Over this period of time there were many personnel changes with bass players and drummers, but the core of O'Brien / Bowden / Lowell remained intact. The band finally called it quits in early 81' due to the fact that key members O'Brien & Bowden parted ways. Amy moved to Virginia, JR moved to Atlanta, and Heller would form a popular acoustic act around town. I would form renegade along with John Hogan and which O'Brien also joined a year later." ML adds: "Sadly, Jim Orr passed away in July of 2003. His final act in life was as part of the band in the SALT production play 'Jesus Christ Superstar'. Miss ya Jim...." (Contributed by Michael McDaris) MM writes: " Hi Mike, my name is Mike McDaris and I have been playing in and around San Antonio for many years and I found your website and really enjoyed it. From about 1975 to 1977 I played in an acoustical group around San Antonio called Flatbush Junction and we were all in the Air Force, we played the Chelsie St Pub’s and local clubs and a lot of private parties but being in the military the members started leaving so in about 1977 or 1978 I was asked to join a group called Sandcastle with Mike O’Brien and at that time we had a female singer named Sherri. She left shortly after I joined. I knew a good female singer named Trish Tynan so I asked her if she would like to join and she did. Then I am guessing it was sometime in 1979 Amy Bowden joined the group and we played all over the state of Texas mostly at military installations and local clubs in SA. I stayed with the group until 1979 when I received orders to go overseas, it was a sad time in my life. I returned in the fall of 1984 and found Trish Tynan and we did an acoustic duet for about 8 years. I then laid low for a while and in approximately 1998 helped form a group called the Blanco Valley Regulators ( Steve Honeck, Jim Venverloh, Dobie Benson and myself), we later changed the name to The Separators and we played all around San Antonio for about 6 or 7 years. We were then approached by two young ladies (Cathie Gilbert & KR Nicholson) who are mentioned in your website (not by name) being in a group in the 80’s called The Worx and they asked us if they could join the band. We all agreed except the drummer so he went his way and we re-named the band The Worx and for the past couple of years have been playing in San Antonio with Scott Gerard as our drummer. This Friday Apr 18th we open for Eddie Money at the Oyster Bake with Scott. Scott left the band in November of last year and started playing with Jokester and as of this week is no longer a member of that band. We are looking forward to playing the OB with Scott."
• SATIONS - BAND MEMBERS: Butch Denny - guitar / ? / ? / ? / ? / . Early SA area band.
• SATIVA - BAND MEMBERS: Jim Graham - guitar / Kevin Cruett - drums / Bill Jolly - bass / Weymon McBride - guitar / unknown vocalist . ( Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) Phil writes: SATIVA (72') played hot and heavy, mostly original tunes. Prime examples of notable tunes were "Look Around" and " Lucy". The Cruett / Jolly rhythm section was especially strong and charismatic. Most of the guys were from military families in Universal City at Randolph AFB. Although the band was tight and entertaining to watch, their name must have been a bit crippling for getting gigs with the local booking agents such as Sam Kinsey. ML writes: Bill Jolly would eventually go on to play in other bands in the SA area gaining a reputation as a bass player to be reckoned with. A fine group even if the life of the band was only a year or so. ( Contributed by Keith Hinshaw ) Keith writes: "I replaced Weymon Mcbride in "Sativa". It was the same lineup as your listing except with myself and the singer you couldn't remember.Which was Randy Reese. You were right that Bill Jolly and Kevin Cruett were a killer rhythm section, and Jim Graham was a tasty lead player and an imaginative songwriter."
• SATIVA MKII - ( Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) BAND MEMBERS: Jim Graham - guitar / Jack Bennett - drums / Ed Tooke - bass / Phil Moran -voc,harp. Phil writes: After the breakup of the original lineup, Jim Graham decided to recruit new members and reform the band. He joined up with the Tooke / Bennett rhythm section which proved to have the right stuff. Next he took advantage of the talents of roommate Phil Moran for the vocal work and a new version of SATIVA was born. We played a bunch of parties,"woodsies", and VFW dances and made good money. Yet we never played in clubs or did bookings with Sam Kinsey. Altogether the band lasted only 7 or 8 months, but it was a BLAST! ML writes: Phil would later join up with the band CRYSTAL WINTER after the demise of the band.
• SEABREEZE / EEZE /AUTOMATIC - See Photo HERE . BAND MEMBERS: Micky Garza - guitar,voc / Glen Sotoodeh - guitars / Frank ? (replaced by Kenny Sotoodeh)-bass / Larry Sotoodeh - drums,voc. ML writes: This band was HOT. They were one of the tightest and musically powerful groups on the local scene. I don't think they were extremely popular in the SA area so they spent a lot of time on the road around Texas and in Houston. What a power house! I first saw them in a battle of the bands and they totally blew away the other bands. The band featured power guitarist Glen Sotoodeh and his brother Larry (see MOURNING DOVE) on drums. On bass was a guy named Frank who was later replaced by Kenny Sotoodeh (see MOURNING DOVE). The main vocalist and 2nd guitarist was a little dynamo called Micky Garza. Briefly renaming themselves AUTOMATIC while still in SA, the band later moved to the Houston area and renamed themselves EAZE. After the move, Glen was replaced by a Billy Gibbons guitar lesson pupil named Rob. They remained a popular regional road band for the next 3 yrs or so. I made an attempt to form a new band with Glen around 79' but it never got off the ground after several months of practice. Glen was pressured by his dad to attend med school and give up music. I was really disappointed. (Contributed by Scott Christian Berg) SCB writes: "Well, I don't know if you knew Larry, but he actually got into manufacturing drumsticks and practice pads for a time. I heard he did pretty well at it for a while. Not sure what he is up to now. I never did know what happened to Kenny. But Glen...I could have sworn (and I could have him mixed up with one of the others) that he ended up going to Med School in Mexico or the Caribbean or something (kinda) crazy like that." (Contributed by Ed Dorman) ED writes: "I also would like to make an entry for Seabreeze (later EEZE... they took off the "Seabr" when personnel changed) and correct some things in that story. I was production engineer for EEZE and when I quit, the band then became Automatic. I'll try to get that info to you over the next week or so." (Added by Ed Dorman) ED writes: "Seabreeze bass player's name was Frank Bianchi. EEZE guitarist who studied under Gibbons was Robbie Ausmus." (Contributed by Bubba Henze) BH writes: "Saw them at Bookers in Universal City and they were the tightest band around. Their covers of songs by Trapeze and Wishbone Ash were better than the originals in my opinion. My first introduction to Marshall 50 watt half-stack. Perfect for a small club."
• SECOND WIND - (Contributed by Dito Garcia) DG writes: "SECOND WIND!.... 1982-1987." Paula Thompson - Voc,guitar / Dito Garcia - guitar, gtr synth,voc / Val Mora - bass,voc / Dan Dreeban - drums. ML writes: Here was a great little band. On my nights off I would always try to catch this act. They promoted themselves as a variety band, but that is too deceiving. They kicked ass and packed a punch. The band was made up of Paula Thompson out front on vocals and guitar. She has got to be one of the best female vocalist in the state. Don't let her cute appearance fool you, she packs a wallop. Also in the band was Dito and Val who were previously in the band HEYOKA. Nuff said here. Rounding it out was Dan Dreeban on drums. He is an old vet in the area, known as one of the best. They might wind you down with a Willie Nelson song then slam you in the head with a note for note rendition of Toto's "Africa", then whip into some classic Jefferson Airplane. Great Stuff. Paula still does recording work at Marius Perron's Studio as a vocalist. I would see them over at some club by Churchill HS. (Contributed by Lee Adams) Lee wrote: "The nightclub they played was called The Shadows. I played in that same nightclub."
• SECOND WIND - (Contributed by Gary Botello) GB writes: "Later I played with a band called "Second Wind" (not the same one mentioned on your website). We played mostly private functions, not too many clubs. This band included saxophonist Larry Fillipone, who is still playing Jazz around town. Other bands included my good friend guitarist Ferny Mata (now living and still playing around L.A.)."
• THE SECRET - See Photo HERE - (Contributed by Dennis Shows) DS writes: "When i played in a band called The Craze, around the mid 80's, our drummer was actually a lead guitar player, who had another band in Universal City as well. They were called SECRETS. His name was Carl Morgan. Rico Sardelli played drums, Brad Bird played guitar. I can't remember who the bass player was. They recorded an album in our guitar/keyboard players home studio 'Walk on water studios', in New Braunfels."
• SECRET CIRCUS - (Contributed by Bill Lieber) Bill writes: "Phil Arroyo, (lead guitar)
  Bobby O'Neil (keys), ( Roland (?) (on bass), Tommy Stephens on Drums -- that's Secret Circus! I still sit in with Phil Arroyo in his band Secret Circus from time to time as well as Bepko, Santos & Rose. I also jam a lot with various blues bands in town and play at various open mike jams
  here in S.A. just for kicks and to network with other musicians."
• THE SERFS - ( Contributed by Bob Galindo ) BAND MEMBERS: Bob Galindo - guitar / Al Glasscock - guitar / Dan Galindo - bass / Phil Savoy - vocals / Gary Crabster - drums.
• SHE & I - (Contributed by Gloria Jauregui) GJ writes: "I played with my brother-in-law Jim VonSchounmacher in these days under the name She & I. My sister Carmel went on to be the She & I most people remember. They played in San Marcos at Peppers by the Falls which is now a Joe's Crabshack. They also played at Aquarina Springs. She & I had a band when they played the Sheraton Hotels on Austin Hwy, McAllen, TX and Biloxi, Mississippi. They consisted of Mark Finney (drums), Thad Bonduris (guitar/vocals), Pat Carey (bass/vocals) now the leader of the band called Planet Soul (R & B) in San Antonio, Don Forrest (guitar/vocals) current owner of the Huisache Grill which has the best food in New Braunfels and former (keyboards) Rick Cavender Band. She & I also did a tour for the Army, the Airforce Training Command in Texas, Oklahoma and Mississippi. They also played the Steak and Ale restaurants in San Antonio and Dallas. Carmel Jauregui went on to play (guitar/vocals) with a guy named Jimmy Vinton Hartwell (guitar/vocals) formerly with a band called the Blind Salamanders that played at Aquarina Springs in San Marcos in the 70's. She also played with an all girl group called the Indigo Girls with Melody Ackerman (guitar/vocals) and Catherine Reed (keyboards/vocals)."
• SHIVA'S HEAD BAND - (Contributed by Spencer Perskin) Spencer writes: "Yo dude, been perusin your site. Please check out and/or link to http://www.outlawforpeace.com/spencer/. (Shiva's Headband) We have a new cd 'The Temple of Rock and Roll'. Am working on a solo project and one by my duo partner, Jerry Rigged. Free cuts, true outrageous austintaciousness, all former vinyl available on cd, photo album, bios, and discog. Adding another story every month."
• SINISTER FOX - ML writes: I remember these guys from the Canteen in the early 70's. A young but very enthusiastic group of guys. I think they were a five piece and believe they were around in one form or another for a number of years. (Contributed by Jody Moore) JM writes: "Sinister Fox, I subbed on drums for awhile." (Contributed by Hunter Harrison) HH writes: "Sinister Fox: Guitar: Jeff Crisler, Bass: Greg Van den Dries
• SIR DOUGLAS QUINTET - (Contributed by Dave Lara) DL writes: "I noticed on your website that a few Texas bands were mentioned but not listed."
• SIXSHOOTER - ML writes: "Danny Swinney formerly of Too Smooth plays in this current band. Other members include Six Sanchez Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals Daniel DeLoach- Keyboards, Vocals Danny Swinney- Bass, Vocals Clellan Hyatt-Drums. This country outfit is high octane with members of high calibur and several big hits under their belt. Visit the band website at: http://www.myspace.com/sixshootertheband
• SIZZORTAIL - See Photo HERE - (Contributed by CJ Wilson) circa '73-'77 (many different members,mostly drummers...big surprise, eh?) MEMBERS: C.J Wilson-guitar,voc /Joe Lascowski-Guitar / Blu Abernathy-Voc /Randy Fowlkes-Drums /Stretch Head &Randy Sloan-Bass. Another incarnation of Sizzortail:C.J. Wilson /Robert Williams-Guitar /Blu Abernathy-voc /Jayne Brady-bass /David Edde-drums.
• SKETCHES - (Contributed by Lee Adams) BAND MEMBERS: Kenny Burson-lead voc,guitar / Mike Lundquest-lead guitar / Mark Yamaguiche-bass,voc/ Mike ?-keyboard,sax,flute,guitar,voc / Lee Roy Adams - drums,voc. 82'-85' Lee writes: "I entered this band around 1983. A very talented bunch of guys. We had lots of fun playing in nightclubs all over S.A.. Classic, southern, and light rock was the repertoire. Kenny Burson had a very strong vocal sound. The band had a good solid sound and good strong vocals."
• THE SKUNKS - ML writes: "Austin Band. Here was one the primer punk bands out of Texas at the start of the movement while rest of the Texas Scene was caught up in the Cosmic Cowboy era. Austin Chronicle writer Margaret Moser has written extensively about these guys. These guys were the act to see for years and were a welcome sight when everyone else was trying to be renegade cowboys. Thank goodness for these guys." (Contributed by Billy Blackmon) BB writes: "My name is Billy Blackmon. I am/was the drummer for the Skunks. I started playing in Beeville Texas in a band called the Afternoon Tea (a Kinks song, not a drug reference until later :). We got our start playing at a county fair in Refugio Texas in the summer of 1968. I remember we were playing on the back of a flat-bed trailer that was tilted backwards in the mud. My drums kept sliding further and further towards the edge. I remember a fire truck getting stuck in the mud. We kept getting interrupted by the cake walk in front of us. The older crowd didn't like us too much but I think the kids did; I remember a hot older girl buying us beer afterwards and going to a party and being threatened by football players. It was always rough in Refugio for us...... The lineup was myself on drums, Danny Swinney (later of Too Smooth and 14K, now with Pete Benz and Suede) on bass, Brian Wooten (later of Too Smooth now with Trace Adkins) on lead guitar, Eddie 'Wolfman' Walls, Manuel Segovia on rhythm guitar and Jimmy Dougherty on organ. We prided ourselves on playing unknown (and occasionally very unpopular) songs like 'Trouble Coming Everyday' (Mothers of Invention), 'My Friend Jack' (the Smoke), 'Tin Soldier'  and 'E to D' (Small Faces), 'Fire' (Arthur Brown - pre-Hendrix) and the interminable 'Interstellar Overdrive' (Pink Floyd) as well as Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Stones, Kinks, Yardbirds, Elevators etc. that everyone else played. We had a lot of fun but the band was short-lived. Variations of me and Danny and Brian with others continued for a few years afterwards. As I mentioned earlier, I was a founding member of the Skunks. The original members were me on drums, Jesse Sublett on bass/vocals and Eddie Munoz on guitar. Eddie left and joined the Plimsouls in L.A. and was replaced by Jon Dee Graham, one of Austin's great guitarists and songwriters. Jesse wrote a number of classic songs that still go over well 25+ years later. He later played with Rolling Stone Mick Taylor among others while he lived in LA. He's also a writer, has published several books, the last of which 'Never the Same Again', contains an in-depth story of the Skunks. Jon Dee later played with the True Believers, Alejandro Escovedo, John Cale and many other people. I put him the same league with Brian Wooten - two totally different styles but equally dramatic and effective. He can handle any situation and is never at a loss in his improvisations. I left the business and move to NYC for 17 years. I came back to Austin after nearly getting killed in 9/11. I live a very, very, very quiet neighborhood where nothing bad every happens. I expect to die of boredom any day now... We were inducted into the Texas Rock and Roll Hall of fame this year - kinda like getting your diploma 30 years late. We were one of the first so-called 'punk' bands in Austin (and Texas). We had a lot of success in Austin and played all over the US - made our own records and CDs and sold them at shows and in local record stores - had a big FM hit in Austin called 'Push Me Around' from the 'Live at Rauls' album in 1979. It was a lot of hard work because Austin was all Willie Nelson at the time and a lot of people in the business hated the very idea of us blowing the lid off of Austins phony cosmic-cowboy image but we did it anyway. Too Smooth were in the same situation...... We opened for the Clash, the Ramones, SRV, Blondie, Squeeze, Savoy Brown, the Dictators and, yes, Krokus (in San Antonio, of course) etc. and had the pleasure of Patti Smith, Elvis Costello, NIck Lowe and Dave Edmunds, Mick Jones, Eric Johnson, Joe Ely and others I can't remember sit in with us. We were the first Texas band to play at CBGBs and Maxs Kansas City among other even less glamorous places. We were the first band to play at the Continental Club, bringing the 'new wave' scene to South Austin. We played a reunion gig at the Continental Club last Saturday. It went over very well. I guess I played my ass off because I have a new blister in place I've never had one before. Still at it at 54.........who would have ever thought it? The Skunks had our moments - it was either all or nothing. Sometimes we were great, sometimes not so. It's difficult playing 90 mph these days but I'm doing my best to keep up though I mainly play bop at home - saves money on sticks..."
• SLAYER - See Photo HERE - (Contributed by Joni Van Stavern) JS writes: "My brother was one of the founding members of SA Slayer. The band members were as follows: Singer: Steve Cooper / Bass: Don Van Stavern (my Bro) / Drums: David McClain (my Blood Bro) / Lead guitar: Art Villiareal - (later replaced by:) Ronnie Jarzombek (Brother of Bobbie Jarzombek) / Rhythm Guitar : Bob Catlin. They released 2 album's: ' Prepare to Die' and 'Go for the Throat'. They disbanded shortly after the Slayer from LA came out. What people don't know is that there was a battle over the name because both of them were in the middle of a record deal at the time." JS adds: "I just wanted you to know they just released "Prepare to Die" on CD.
• SMALL WORLD - (Contributed by Hank Harrison) HH writes: "My wife, Polly Harrison, is the 7-string guitarist with Small World and they have played all over San Antonio for more than 30 years at a staggering number of jazz clubs. Many with great anecdotes (She was at the Commander's Room for the final night and knew all the musicians...)"
• SMITH BROTHERS - See Photo HERE - Jay Urbano, Cecil Yancey, Rene Lopez, Robbie G, Joe Estes (also Greg Hall). ML writes: The Smith Brothers are pretty much a SA blues institution. This band name has been around the scene about 15 years or so (I'm guessing). The core members and even the same lineup in some cases have been together much longer than that. This is in many ways the same band in the MOTHER GOOSE, RUBY FALLS, etc... listings.
• SMITH AND WESSON - (Contributed by Steve Wisnoski) SW writes: "At one point, Glenn Smith had approached the band (Southern Touch) with an idea he had for sometime, a band featuring a Jerry Lee Lewis clone from the D/FW area named Bobby Wesson. Bobby played an 8 ft. Kawai baby grand, and the piano had to have the legs taken off to move it, and tuned for every gig. We played with the band "Smith and Wesson" for maybe a year, Bobby was ill from kidney problems, and was very volatile. Glenn had a bunch of pre recorded tunes done by session players in Nashville, and it was an original project. Glenn shopped the group to a major label but never scored. We played better venues in the south."
• SMOKE - (Contributed by Michael Clark) MC writes: "Are you familiar with a band called, Smoke, that opened a lot of Elevator shows in Houston and Galveston?"
• SNAKE DOCTOR - (Contributed by Scott Gerard) SG writes: "I currently play with an outfit out of New Braunfels called "Snake Doctor" ,Tommy Thompson (lead guitar), Dennis Peek (bass guitar), Rene Perez (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and myself on drums. We recently played a special gig with Van Wilks. He joined us and we played 8 songs from his collection. What a night that was at Tavern In The Gruene in New Braunfels. I still live in San Antonio and I plan on continuing my musical endeavors until I can't anymore. It's great to see some of the old Peddler fans when I play gigs around town."
• SNAPSHOT - See photo HERE (Contributed by Mike Workman) MW writes: "Aug80-Feb82: Snapshot had a real loyal following, thanks to Paula Thompson. The band was together before I joined with Paula, Dan Dreeben on drums, Bear Middleton on guitar, Robert Miller on bass. I came out of Messenger right into Snapshot as the 5th member. I think they had David Hill before me, but I don't know if he was a 5th member or not. I was with Snapshot until it broke up 1 1/2 years later. In that time, Paula, Dan & I were the only consistent members. On guitar, the late Brett Lowey took over for Bear, and then later Mark Stover took over for Brett. Eventually, Jim Orr took over bass from Robert. Snapshot dissolved when Paula and Dan joined a road band out of Houston." (Contributed by Scoop) S writes: But in reading about one of my favorite bands, Snapshot, I noticed that the entire narrative pertains to the later version of the band. In the interest of accuracy and completeness: Original members included David Hill (Joker Moon) on guitar and Sam Davis on bass along with Paula Thompson. Around 1978, they brought on as drummer Patrick Wetmore (now known as Patrick Joseph). He previously played with The Krayolas. Snapshot was the house band for a couple years at The Shadows, located at the end of the strip center at Blanco and West Avenue. They played there every night and typically to a capacity crowd on the weekends. I drank a lot of money there listening to Snapshot...."
• SOUND CELLAR - (Contributed by Rick Toothman) RT writes: "I was in a band called Sound Cellar in the early 70's with three of the three Brandesky brothers. It was probably the most pleasurable time in music I ever spent. I cannot express enough of my sorrow at James' passing. I knew he battled the cancer for some time and I was actually in Haifa, Israel when I found out about it. Needless to say, he is missed by all who knew him."
• THE SOUTH TEXAS BLUES BAND - ( Contributed by Bob Galindo ) Bob writes: "I did a very short stint with a group called the South Texas Blues Band - myself, Steve Baxter on bass, and some established SA lounge cats that used to play in famous early 60's lounge bands. I believe the vocalist's name was Danny Segovia, but I cannot remember the other dude. We used to call him "Mr. Professional". We were not on the scene very long. After the South Texas Blues Band, I left town to attend UT Austin".
• SOUTHERN TOUCH - See Photo HERE (Contributed by Steve Wisnoski) SW writes: "Glenn Smith went on to become a major American promoter. After the American peddlers, Glenn was honing his booking chops working for Dean Bell. He had a few different bands @ this time, and in 84', formed a band called "Southern Touch". Someone had referred me to Glenn, and he stopped by my Monte Vista home sometime that spring to audition me. Southern touch, fulfilled lucrative government contracts (as the peddlers did), and road houses in the 4 state area (TX., LA., OK, NM.) I worked with Glenn for 3-4 yrs. in Southern touch. The band was Glenn, myself, Tom Dunton ;bass, and Mike Jones, Mike Hawkins :drums. Sometimes when we had to leave early to reach a venue, I'd make 25 breakfast tacos for us. When we would head east on I-10, somewhere around exit 666 there was a restaurant called "Franks place", the bassist had a bad experience there once. So, every time we passed on 10, Tom in the front would roll down the back window while I mooned the joint from the rear passenger seat. Glenn would orchestrate this shenanigan as his monicker "Coronal Cloyd" and lean on the horn of the red and white Suburban. In the gel box lived "Ralph and Ronnie", anyone who had worked with the Peddlers knows who Ralph and Ronnie were."
• SPECIAL BLEND - See Photo HERE - (Contributed by CJ Wilson) MEMBERS: C.J. Wilson-guitar,voc /Jayne Brady-Bass,voc /David Prouty-Keyboard,guitar,voc / Mike Macy-Guitar,voc / David Edde-drums. Circa '77-80 (toured Texas using Texas Artists Productions (Charlie Hatchett).
• SPECIAL EDITION - Dallas Band - See Photo HERE ML writes: Whoa! Wow! I need a bit more time to talk about this current outfit out of DFW. A full review coming soon ... Stay tuned. Until then, bottom line, a group of session players fronted by this female dynamo singer named Linda Bishop. Linda plays concurrently in muliple bands around the area. For you San Antonio readers out there this is DFW's answer to Beth Hooker. Maybe even a bit more. As I said, a full review coming soon. Stay tuned. See the website at: http://www.thespecialeditionband.com/
• SPECTRES - (Contributed by Ric Swanson) RS writes: "While attending Alamo Heights High School in the mid-late 70's, I met twin brothers Jeff And Jerry Doyle (guitar and drums). The twins had been playing around town with various people and when they discovered that I could sing, we started a band with Mike Orbelo ('The Kids' future bassist) ca