The ’60s (as in nineteen-sixty-three)

As seen on Facebook: Rod Eaton (RHS ’63) shared the photo shown below from the early days of The Underbeats. (For those who don’t know, it was one of the most successful and enduring ’60s bands to come out of Robbinsdale.) Rod says It’s one of his favorite band pictures.

Four tenage boys around a car
The Underbeats, 1963—one of the best bands to come out of Robbinsdale. Rod Eaton at left. Photo credit: Rod Eaton

As Rod tells it,”This was spring 1963. We’re in front of my family’s Robbinsdale house posing with Ray’s customized car, Thumper. We’re about to leave for our first out-of-town gig. I don’t remember where we went. It might have been just a two-hour drive but it was the start of an amazing adventure.

“Things were very simple in those early days. We had no PA system – no band boys [known today as ‘roadies’].

This was before we bought a van, se we needed at least a couple cars to carry the amps and drums. Some close friends of the group drove along with us. Must have been quite a caravan. Here come the Stompin’ Underbeats!”

And here is their very first single! Side B to this was Route 66. 1964 – Garrett Records # 4004

 

 

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