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The Family Scandal

    The Family Scandal worked many local Los Angeles basin club gigs during the 1967-68 season, including Hollywoods "Haunted House" later called, "The Cave" on Hollywood Blvd. The bandstand was a monster's mouth, with rubber fangs sticking up. I stood on the tongue and sang, as I recall.

   We also played a club right next to "The Whiskey" called "The Galaxy." An apparently spaced out hippie, sunset strip character of renown, named Wildman Fisher use to come in there and sing his original song called, "Mary Go Round, poo, poo, poo." The Wildman's image was one of "way to many acid trips" and I have no doubt he earned it. On one occasion he ended up throwing glasses full of beer around the club. Si. He was ejected. Not peace and love. More like Jose Cuervo and ludes. Just a guess. (Consider this my official disclaimer of any real knowledge or even insinutating this to be absolute fact, should there be impending litigation due to my remarks. I have no doubt that Mr. Fisher is a wonderful human being, with credits a mile long attesting to his moral fiber and contributions made to society. I refer to him in this period only in "jest," to somewhat enshrine him in the annals of rock history, and, as an attempt to be somewhat entertaining in my early music history stories. No bad intent. Hope that covers it.)

    We alternated with another band called The KNACK. They had a little guitar player that just smoked. I found out later that he was Bobby Cochran, nephew of the late and famous early rocker, Eddie Cochran ("Summertime Blues"), who was killed in an auto accident in London on April 17th, 1960. Bobby and I have gone on to become friends. He played with Steppenwolf at one time. A hell of a guitarist, now living in the Nashville area.

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Bobby Cochran

Eddie Cochran

 

 

    We also took a gig in Pocatello, Idaho at a club that the Gail McConkey agency had booked us in. Ah, the adventure of it all. We drove all the way there from Los Angeles with a U-Haul trailer in tow. The club was called "The Crystal Ship Ballroom," named after the song from the Doors album.

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The Crystal Ship Ballroom bandstand in Pocatello, ID. circa 1967

   While playing there, Joe Torres, our drummer, called back to Hollywood and Gail was surprised saying "where are you guys? I've been looking for you." She had forgotten that she booked us in Idaho, much less, that we had taken off with U-haul trailer in tow for our 3 week gig. I suppose that goes with the territory of working small club venues "anywhere and everywhere." We did have a great time there and after all, WE WERE ON THE ROAD! Not to be scoffed at in ANY musician's handbook. Speaking of Joe Torres, now seems like a good time to do a schpiel on him, too.

   Joe and I go WAYYYYY back. The first really good "rhythm and blues" drummer I ever played with. His club music savvy was integral to my musical maturity, although most of our 'experience' came by playing together. We have spent many years as friends and brothers. Musically, Joseph has been a source to a sort of free form jamming that came with the 60s. In recent times, his drumming has taken on a noticeably "crisper" approach, having shifted from the "laid back" to the more aggressive "Let's Rock" mode. We have even played as a trio, which is a real trick for just two guys. One of Joe's strengths is his ability to listen while playing and make musical "road turns" at the slightest nuance from a more "bogarting" player, such as I can be when indulging myself. We have many memories that we share. Joe, being a webmaster as well, helped me get my web site started, even though I was being a pain in the ass due to my "oh so important agenda." Still, he forgave me. I knew he would. That's the kind of friend he is. You can see his credits on my website. T.A.G.'s Web Design. Joe intermittantly plays gigs with Izzy Alvarado. In fact, for years they have been the heart and soul of Modesto, CA. Joe's influence and contribution to the California central valley rhythm & blues scene is immeasurable.

   Below is a picture of Joe at my home in Santa Monica Canyon, when I first moved in and hadn't remodeled anything yet, back about 1971. Please note the traditional "Torres hum drumming" pose that still permeates his every gig. I ain't lying. Check him out. When I told him I was doing a page on him for this site, his comment was "and you'll probably use a long haired shot, too. Won't cha?" I guess he knows me pretty well.

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