These photos document the evolution from playing $25 gigs (for the whole band - not each) at local high schools to recording for Atlantic Records in New York City... from playing covers to performing our own music... in just three years.
My first band was The Convicts in 1965. Later modified to Prudence Plenty & The Convicts to sound cooler for the times. Many weird band names back then. Some poor spelling too.
Probably 1966. We were now The Marksmen clad in awesomely shiny and matching burgundy jackets. This photo is flipped. We were all right-handed. From the left: Paul Ferguson (rhythm guitar), Jack Bragan (drums), me (lead guitar), Mike Cunningham (singer) and Buddy Caswell (bass).
Pic taken in 1967 for newspaper article in Salem Evening News about the rock scene north of Boston. Left to right: Dave Saltman, Mike Clough and me. Righteous dudes with oh-so-cool hats and cape.
Sept., 1967 -- Our final line-up. L to R: Jack Bragan (drums), Mike Cunningham (lead singer and songwriter), Dave Whittredge (rhythm guitar), Dave Saltman (bass and vocals) and me (lead guitar, keys and vocals).
Early 1968 -- Performing in some hall...somewhere. Dig the VOX guitar that Dave W. is playing. Very cool.
Dave Saltman, me and Jack Bragan at recording studio in New York City. Looks like too much Schlitz was putting Dave to sleep.
Early 1969 - Now named Presence. This is our official publicity pic for Atlantic Records/ATCO. Taken at 2AM after a gig in Boston. Visible wear and tear compared to just 18 months earlier. Rock and roll!
My life as a singer/songwriter (and my long, winding musical road from New York to Los Angeles to Tahoe City) began here.
Here are a few photos of my long-ago journey from wholesome high school kid to semi-degenerate rocker. (Just hover or click on any photo for details.) We never got rich or famous... but we had one heck of a good time along the way. If you're a musician and believe in your talent, don't be afraid to take the leap. Beats the hell out of working in an office.
NEW PHOTOS: The fifth and sixth pics (center and right in the second row). Many thanks to my Presence band-mate, guitar wiz and harmonica player extraordinaire Dave Whittredge for e-mailing these to me from his home in Ireland.