This day-by-day diary of the Sopwith Camel's live, studio, broadcasting and private activities is the result of three decades of research and interview work by Bruno Ceriotti, but without the significant contributions by other kindred spirits this diary would not have been possible. So, I would like to thank all the people who, in one form or another, contributed to this timeline: Peter Kraemer, Norman Mayell (RIP), Martin Beard (RIP), Terry MacNeil, William Sievers, Ross Hannan, Corry Arnold, Luis Futre, Michael Lazarus Scott, Mike Somavilla, Colin Hill, Scott Sabin, Brad Kelly, Joel Selvin, Gene Sculatti, Davin Seay, Patrice Lupoff, David Biasotti, Andrew Lau, Gray Newell, Andrew Darlington, Erik Jacobsen, Christopher Newton, Joe Jupille, Bob Carr, Michalis Limnios, John Karcich, Nancy Parker, Clifton Buck-Kauffman, Harold Adler, Jim Marshall, Annie Leibovitz, Henry Diltz, Simon N Wordsworth, Rob Branigin, Jeff Gold, Timothy J. O'Brien, Bill Tara, Colleen McCann, Getty Images, Henry Diltz, FauxtoFarm, Steve Keyser, Robert Pacelli, Victor Owens, Dave Lee, David Freiberg, John Guarnieri, Rock Tour Database, Great Speckled Bird, Jeff Salisbury, Robert Toren, Michael Goldberg, Steve Somerstein, Les Lizama, David Ensminger, Arlene Tellez, Michael Fennelly, Jack Eskridge, Bruce Tahsler, Bill Quarry, Frances Moffat, Dan Garvey, The Oak Leaf, Golden Gater, San Francisco Good Times, Berkeley Barb, Stony Point Gazette, The San Francisco Examiner, Oakland Tribune, San Mateo The Times, Daily Independent Journal, The Daily Californian, The Sacramento Bee, San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Bay Guardian, New York Daily News, Valley Times, The Press Democrat, The Los Angeles Times, Petaluma Argus-Courier, Van Nuys Valley News, Spartan Daily, Salinas Californian, Albuquerque Journal, and Berkeley Tribe.
August or September 1965
Notable as the second San Francisco psychedelic rock band (after Jefferson Airplane) to be signed by a major record label, and as the first to score a national Top 40 hit, the Sopwith Camel started out after a former S.F. State College student and aspiring songwriter named Peter Kraemer (b. Peter Andrus Kraemer, Saturday, November 20, 1943, Virginia City, Storey County, Nevada) and a S.F. Art Institute graphics student and guitar player (he had been working in groups since he was sixteen) named Terence 'Terry' MacNeil (b. Tuesday, June 13, 1944, Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas), met by chance one morning up at the Big Little Bookstore, a used bookstore on Polk Street, between Broadway and Pacific. "At that time I had a part-time job splicing 16mm film at a film library, but I realized that it was time to bite the bullet and do that which almost everyone with no prospects was doing in those days: take the civil service exam to get a job at the Post Office," recalls Peter Kraemer. "Perhaps because I was not enthusiastic about this idea I stayed up late listening to a folksinger at the Cedar Alley Coffee House. The singer, Michael Hunt, at one point improvised a song from the label of a wine bottle. I thought 'I bet I could do that' and I was still thinking it when I woke up the next morning way too late for the civil service exam. I was telling the clerk in the Big Little Bookstore across the street from where I lived on Polk Street, and where I’d gone to cadge my morning coffee, about this thought, and while perusing the World War I adventure novels (Biggles of the RAF) I said: 'If I knew someone who could play guitar I bet I could write some songs.' At which a voice from the other side of the bookcase said: 'Well I can play guitar.' It was Terry MacNeil and we decided at once to get a gallon of Foppiano [wine] and go up to Terry's room on Washington Street and get to work." "Within a week we’d written 'Frantic Desolation', 'You Always Tell Me Baby' and 'Hello Hello'," concludes Kraemer. "Writing songs turned out to be a lot of fun and fantasizing a career in rock 'n' roll was fun as well. Daily hours of writing were followed by nightly hours of scheming in a booth at Bob's All Nite Diner on Polk Street."
October 1965
"The clerk at the Big Little Bookstore who had witnessed the birth of the 'MacNeil & Kraemer song writing team' was named Yuri Toropov and as soon as an actual band seemed inevitable he decided to be its manager," recalls Peter Kraemer. [Footnote: Yuri Toropov (b. Friday, May 28, 1937 - d. Monday, March 12, 2007) was also an original member of the Diggers, the infamous group of community activists based out in Haight-Ashbury, the San Francisco neighborhood known as the birthplace of the hippie counterculture of the 1960s]. "When Yuri heard about the new Batman TV series he suggested we write a quick theme song 'Batman'… Suspended from tall buildings by a slender silken strand, the flying boy wonder and the great Batman! Champions of justice and fair play! ," continues Kraemer. "He arranged for the tune to be recorded at the home of Bob Carr who owned a TV station and had more sophisticated equipment [a two track recorder] than Terry's Webcor [reel to reel tape recorder]." The theme song, which "was really good" points out Kraemer, was recorded in Bob Carr's living room by Peter and Terry, who both played and sang it, plus a bass player named Bobby Collins, a guy who showed up from from New York recently and who said he was Dino Valenti's bass player, although eventually it turns out he wasn't (I don't think he ever did play bass with Dino but, whatever). This three-piece lineup, which lasted only for few days or weeks according to Kraemer, was a sort of first incarnation of the soon-to-be Sopwith Camel (named after a British World War I biplane fighter also prominent in the Peanuts comic strip as Snoopy-airplane fantasy). "I came up with the name," recalls Kraemer. "One afternoon, back in the summer, my housemate Chet Helms and I went up the hill to visit Chet's friend Malachi who had a swanky flat with the view over the city and the bay. There was a mound of good Afghani hash on an oriental coffee table and pretty soon the banter turned to names for rock bands. I assumed it was just the customary line of chatter that went with getting high and weighed in with Sopwith Camel. As it happened Chet was serious and was seeking a name for an actual band, and he said: 'No, I think I'll go with Big Brother and the Holding Company. I said 'That's kind of long, so I'll guess I'll save Sopwith Camel for my own use'. This got a laugh because [back then] there was no indication that I’d ever be doing such a thing, I didn't sing, didn't play and in general had no prospects." Anyway, right after the recording of the song (which tape is sadly long gone), "Yuri drove all night to Los Angeles to pitch the tune, but of course Henry Mancini already had it in the bag so no one would even listen," concludes Kraemer.
Notable as the second San Francisco psychedelic rock band (after Jefferson Airplane) to be signed by a major record label, and as the first to score a national Top 40 hit, the Sopwith Camel started out after a former S.F. State College student and aspiring songwriter named Peter Kraemer (b. Peter Andrus Kraemer, Saturday, November 20, 1943, Virginia City, Storey County, Nevada) and a S.F. Art Institute graphics student and guitar player (he had been working in groups since he was sixteen) named Terence 'Terry' MacNeil (b. Tuesday, June 13, 1944, Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas), met by chance one morning up at the Big Little Bookstore, a used bookstore on Polk Street, between Broadway and Pacific. "At that time I had a part-time job splicing 16mm film at a film library, but I realized that it was time to bite the bullet and do that which almost everyone with no prospects was doing in those days: take the civil service exam to get a job at the Post Office," recalls Peter Kraemer. "Perhaps because I was not enthusiastic about this idea I stayed up late listening to a folksinger at the Cedar Alley Coffee House. The singer, Michael Hunt, at one point improvised a song from the label of a wine bottle. I thought 'I bet I could do that' and I was still thinking it when I woke up the next morning way too late for the civil service exam. I was telling the clerk in the Big Little Bookstore across the street from where I lived on Polk Street, and where I’d gone to cadge my morning coffee, about this thought, and while perusing the World War I adventure novels (Biggles of the RAF) I said: 'If I knew someone who could play guitar I bet I could write some songs.' At which a voice from the other side of the bookcase said: 'Well I can play guitar.' It was Terry MacNeil and we decided at once to get a gallon of Foppiano [wine] and go up to Terry's room on Washington Street and get to work." "Within a week we’d written 'Frantic Desolation', 'You Always Tell Me Baby' and 'Hello Hello'," concludes Kraemer. "Writing songs turned out to be a lot of fun and fantasizing a career in rock 'n' roll was fun as well. Daily hours of writing were followed by nightly hours of scheming in a booth at Bob's All Nite Diner on Polk Street."
October 1965
"The clerk at the Big Little Bookstore who had witnessed the birth of the 'MacNeil & Kraemer song writing team' was named Yuri Toropov and as soon as an actual band seemed inevitable he decided to be its manager," recalls Peter Kraemer. [Footnote: Yuri Toropov (b. Friday, May 28, 1937 - d. Monday, March 12, 2007) was also an original member of the Diggers, the infamous group of community activists based out in Haight-Ashbury, the San Francisco neighborhood known as the birthplace of the hippie counterculture of the 1960s]. "When Yuri heard about the new Batman TV series he suggested we write a quick theme song 'Batman'… Suspended from tall buildings by a slender silken strand, the flying boy wonder and the great Batman! Champions of justice and fair play! ," continues Kraemer. "He arranged for the tune to be recorded at the home of Bob Carr who owned a TV station and had more sophisticated equipment [a two track recorder] than Terry's Webcor [reel to reel tape recorder]." The theme song, which "was really good" points out Kraemer, was recorded in Bob Carr's living room by Peter and Terry, who both played and sang it, plus a bass player named Bobby Collins, a guy who showed up from from New York recently and who said he was Dino Valenti's bass player, although eventually it turns out he wasn't (I don't think he ever did play bass with Dino but, whatever). This three-piece lineup, which lasted only for few days or weeks according to Kraemer, was a sort of first incarnation of the soon-to-be Sopwith Camel (named after a British World War I biplane fighter also prominent in the Peanuts comic strip as Snoopy-airplane fantasy). "I came up with the name," recalls Kraemer. "One afternoon, back in the summer, my housemate Chet Helms and I went up the hill to visit Chet's friend Malachi who had a swanky flat with the view over the city and the bay. There was a mound of good Afghani hash on an oriental coffee table and pretty soon the banter turned to names for rock bands. I assumed it was just the customary line of chatter that went with getting high and weighed in with Sopwith Camel. As it happened Chet was serious and was seeking a name for an actual band, and he said: 'No, I think I'll go with Big Brother and the Holding Company. I said 'That's kind of long, so I'll guess I'll save Sopwith Camel for my own use'. This got a laugh because [back then] there was no indication that I’d ever be doing such a thing, I didn't sing, didn't play and in general had no prospects." Anyway, right after the recording of the song (which tape is sadly long gone), "Yuri drove all night to Los Angeles to pitch the tune, but of course Henry Mancini already had it in the bag so no one would even listen," concludes Kraemer.
THE SOPWITH CAMEL #1 (OCTOBER 1965)
1) Peter Kraemer lead vocals, tambourine, harmonica, kazoo
2) Terry MacNeil 6-string lead guitar, piano, vocals
3) Bobby Collins bass
1) Peter Kraemer lead vocals, tambourine, harmonica, kazoo
2) Terry MacNeil 6-string lead guitar, piano, vocals
3) Bobby Collins bass
November 1965
"The next step was to find a rehearsal space and a couple more players," recalls Peter Kraemer. "[My housemate] Chet Helms may have helped out at this point; the band he was managing, Big Brother and the Holding Company, was practicing in the basement ballroom of a beautiful old mansion at 1090 Page St. where Chet had promoted the earliest of the 'SF ballroom' events which he advertised with mimeographed announcements tacked to telephone poles around the Haight. Big Brother Peter Albin's big brother Rodney was living in the double parlor on the first floor above the ballroom, he played guitar, mandolin and viola. Terry and I were having fantasies of electric viola! Fritz Kasten was the drummer. The first Sopwith Camel took shape in the ballroom when Dan Duncan replaced Bobby Collins on bass." [Footnote: Rodney Kent Albin (b. Thursday, July 4, 1940, San Francisco - d. Wednesday, May 30, 1984, San Francisco, from stomach cancer) managed the infamous rooming house at 1090 Page Street, in Haight-Ashbury, and both Fritz Kasten and Dan Duncan currently living in there. Albin was a former member of the Liberty Hill Aristocrats, the Second Story Men, and Big Brother and the Holding Company, while Kasten was a former member of the San Francisco State Symphony Band]. "After a few rehearsals discrepancies appeared," continues Kraemer. "For one thing Rodney had no fantasies of electric viola nor of rock 'n' roll nor of touring. He was a wonderful guy and great player, and had either fear or loathing (or both) of rock 'n' roll. He also said he had an ulcer and wouldn't consider going 'on the road' (we of course being younger and brash were raring to go). And Fritz was a jazz drummer and wasn't having rock 'n' roll fantasies at that time either. And Dan had other things to do. But it was good experience and it got the ball in motion." [Footnote: While Duncan disappeared from the music scene, both Albin and Kasten continued with their music career; Rod went to play with the Howdy Doody Show, Rocking Rodney and rhe Frisco Teens, the Liberty Hill Aristocrats, Roadhog, and Comfort (he also opened a music store on Haight Street in 1973), while Fritz went to play with Big Brother and the Holding Company, the Vince Guaraldi Trio, and Joy Of Cooking].
"The next step was to find a rehearsal space and a couple more players," recalls Peter Kraemer. "[My housemate] Chet Helms may have helped out at this point; the band he was managing, Big Brother and the Holding Company, was practicing in the basement ballroom of a beautiful old mansion at 1090 Page St. where Chet had promoted the earliest of the 'SF ballroom' events which he advertised with mimeographed announcements tacked to telephone poles around the Haight. Big Brother Peter Albin's big brother Rodney was living in the double parlor on the first floor above the ballroom, he played guitar, mandolin and viola. Terry and I were having fantasies of electric viola! Fritz Kasten was the drummer. The first Sopwith Camel took shape in the ballroom when Dan Duncan replaced Bobby Collins on bass." [Footnote: Rodney Kent Albin (b. Thursday, July 4, 1940, San Francisco - d. Wednesday, May 30, 1984, San Francisco, from stomach cancer) managed the infamous rooming house at 1090 Page Street, in Haight-Ashbury, and both Fritz Kasten and Dan Duncan currently living in there. Albin was a former member of the Liberty Hill Aristocrats, the Second Story Men, and Big Brother and the Holding Company, while Kasten was a former member of the San Francisco State Symphony Band]. "After a few rehearsals discrepancies appeared," continues Kraemer. "For one thing Rodney had no fantasies of electric viola nor of rock 'n' roll nor of touring. He was a wonderful guy and great player, and had either fear or loathing (or both) of rock 'n' roll. He also said he had an ulcer and wouldn't consider going 'on the road' (we of course being younger and brash were raring to go). And Fritz was a jazz drummer and wasn't having rock 'n' roll fantasies at that time either. And Dan had other things to do. But it was good experience and it got the ball in motion." [Footnote: While Duncan disappeared from the music scene, both Albin and Kasten continued with their music career; Rod went to play with the Howdy Doody Show, Rocking Rodney and rhe Frisco Teens, the Liberty Hill Aristocrats, Roadhog, and Comfort (he also opened a music store on Haight Street in 1973), while Fritz went to play with Big Brother and the Holding Company, the Vince Guaraldi Trio, and Joy Of Cooking].
THE SOPWITH CAMEL #2 (NOVEMBER 1965)
1) Peter Kraemer
2) Terry MacNeil
3) Rodney Albin electric viola
4) Fritz Kasten drums
5) Dan Duncan bass
1) Peter Kraemer
2) Terry MacNeil
3) Rodney Albin electric viola
4) Fritz Kasten drums
5) Dan Duncan bass
Saturday, December 18, 1965
Peter Kraemer and Terry MacNeil attended Chet Helms and his wife Lori Hayman's wedding bash held in a rented hall at 2787 Folsom Street (corner of 24th Street), in the San Francisco's Mission District. The Charlatans and J.C. Burris were hired to play (unpaid) at the evening party. "I ran into my pal Peter Kraemer and he introduced me to his new guitar-playing friend Terry MacNeil," recalls mutual friend Christopher Newton. "They were writing songs together and getting ready to start a band called the Sopwith Camel. Peter had never sang a note in his life as far as I remember – he was an aspiring filmmaker – but why should that stop him? He was clever, he wrote funny lyrics and, hey, George Hunter, leader of the Charlatans, couldn’t even play an instrument. He’d taken up autoharp so he could hold something onstage. This was 1965, man. Possibility was rife!"
Late December 1965
After a couple of failed attempts, Peter Kraemer and Terry MacNeil finally find the right musicians for their up-and-coming band at the end of the year. The first one was a drummer named Norman 'Norm' Mayell (b. Norman L. Mayell II, Monday, May 18, 1942, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois - d. Saturday, August 13, 2022, at his home in Emeryville, Alameda County, California, for cancer), formerly of the Vesteens, and the Group (with Michael Bloomfield and Charlie Musselwhite). "The dream of all the nascent bands around the city at the end of 1965 was to find the drummer with the big backbeat," recalls Peter Kraemer. "The term 'fatback drummer' was being bandied about; and we were certain that that's what we wanted. When we heard that there was one of those staying in the Orb Theater just a couple of blocks up Washington Street from Terry's we sought him out. The drummer was named Norman Mayell and he’d been being sought by a number of other bands at that point, his fatback cred was pretty good, as he'd played in a blues band with Mike Bloomfield on the south side of Chicago. Norman liked either the quality of the dynamic duo's songs or the quality of our fantasizing, or both, and agreed to give it a try." The second one was a friend of Norman, a rhythm guitar player named William 'Willy' Sievers (b. Monday, August 2, 1943, Dallas, Texas), a former bass player for the Young Men, a Dallas-based band who once backed up the famous rockabilly singer Scott McKay on his single, 'Little Lump Of Sugar / Midnight Cryin' Time' in January 1960. "Norman also had a friend he'd met at the University of Hawaii named William Sievers who played guitar and had some songs of his own," continues Kraemer. "Willy had a good guitar and a big amp," also recalls Terry MacNeil, "and Norman had the Big Beat." "Terry was insistent on finding a drummer who had the big beat," confirms Kraemer. "It didn't matter what else he could do, could he really play drums, so long as he had the beat." "When I came to San Francisco in 1965 [from Hawaii] I was barefoot and had a paper bag of belongings," recalls Norman Mayell. "I found the young Patricia I was told by the Gods Eye girl would put me up. She lived on Hyde Street just off of California Street in a three story Victorian with n stage in the basement called the Orb Theater. The only space in the house was a large closet on the first floor next to a pay phone and, well, I only had a paper bag. I managed a set of drums and set them up on the stage downstairs in the theatre and began playing again. Everynight after midnight a stripper named Holiday from North Beach that lived in a room behind the stage with a view of the Chinese laundry would come home with someone from the Beat generation. She would begin dancing up the aisles onto the stage, around the drums, say goodnight and exit through the back. I vaguely remember auditioning with the Quicksilver guitar players and a young girl (Denise Kaufman) who later played with the Ace of Cups. She introduced me to the Ken Kesey crowd in La Honda. I rode in the famous bus to a free speech demonstration at UC Berkeley. The campus was packed with students. Hells Angels were every where and the Merry Pranksters were giving away acid. It was extraordinary theatre. Exciting and spooky! One day Peter Kraemer and Terry MacNeil who lived two blocks away near Polk Street came to my stage looking for a drummer and I soon left my small theater behind to be in the Sopwith Camel." "Earlier when in college at the University of Hawaii I met and lived with William Sievers." continues Mayell. "He played folk guitar in the Travis picking style and was now living in San Francisco a few blocks from the Firehouse Theatre on Sacramento Street. He bought a 12 string Framus electric guitar and I brought him to meet Peter and Terry." "[After the Young Men] I was busy going to college taking drama. I ended up at the University of Hawaii and got cast in the movie Hawaii as a result of my involvement with the Honolulu Community Theater," recalls William Sievers. "After that I moved to San Francisco, played in a bar band for a while and then re-connected with Norm Mayell who I met in Hawaii who then connected with Peter and Terry and the rest is history." Last but not least, there was also a new bass player, another friend of Mayell named Martin Beard (b. Martin Christian Piers St. Bartholomew Beard, 1947, London, UK). Martin, a trained musician who added British charisma to the group, was playing music all through high school in a band called the Pseudos, and had a few doubts about wishing to make music a full-time occupation. He had met Mayell in the fall of '65 as the result of a classified advertisement. "I wanted to form a band, and decided to place an ad in the paper," confirms Martin Beard. "My father called it in for me. Well, you've got to know that in England, they say 'full stop' instead of 'period'. The guy at the paper took it down as he was told. So the ad came out, 'Bass player. Full stop. Needs work. Full stop.' Norman found that intriguing." "Martin put a classified ad in the SF Chronicle looking for a band to play with, and at the end of each sentence he said 'Full Stop' as the English customarily do," also confirms Mayell. "I just had to call him back and had him come to the Orb Theater to jam. He had the same Hofner bass as Paul McCartney and was in fact from England. No question, he was in the band". "You know," concludes Kraemer, "Martin was the only one of us who could read music. Terry hadn't had so much of that music major. Also, Martin was the pretty one. He was young, about seventeen, and he was English. He'd been playing in a middle-aged union band that did a lot of high school dances. They'd hired Martin to give them a modern look, stand up in front and sing Rolling Stones songs".
THE SOPWITH CAMEL #3 (LATE DECEMBER 1965 - JUNE 1968 (?))
1) Peter Kraemer
2) Terry MacNeil
3) Norman Mayell drums, harmonica, percussion, marimba, sitar, Egyptian nose flute
4) William Sievers 12-string rhythm guitar, bass, trumpet, tambourine
5) Martin Beard bass, vocals
The Sopwith Camel #3, Sausalito, July 1966 - from left: Terry MacNeil, William Sievers, Peter Kraemer, Norman Mayell, and Martin Beard
The Sopwith Camel #3, from left: Terry MacNeil, Peter Kraemer, William Sievers, Martin Beard, and Norman Mayell
The Sopwith Camel #3, Kama Sutra Records' elevator's office, New York City, Fall 1966 - from left: William Sievers, Peter Kraemer, Norman Mayell, Terry MacNeil, and Martin Beard
The Sopwith Camel #3, Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City, NY, Fall 1966 - from left: Peter Kraemer, William Sievers, Norman Mayell, Martin Beard, and Terry MacNeil
The Sopwith Camel #3, New York City, Fall 1966 - from left: Peter Kraemer, William Sievers, Martin Beard, Norman Mayell, and Terry MacNeil
The Sopwith Camel #3, in front of the Hotel Albert, Greenwich Village, New York City, Fall 1966 - from left: William Sievers, Terry MacNeil, Peter Kraemer, Norman Mayell, and Martin Beard
The Sopwith Camel #3, in front of the Hotel Albert, Greenwich Village, New York City, Fall 1966 - from left: William Sievers, Terry MacNeil, Peter Kraemer, Norman Mayell, and Martin Beard
The Sopwith Camel #3, Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, NY, Fall 1966 - from left: Peter Kraermer, Terry MacNeil, William Sievers, Martin Beard, and Norman Mayell
The Sopwith Camel #3, Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, NY, Fall 1966 - from left: Peter Kraermer, Terry MacNeil, William Sievers, Martin Beard, and Norman Mayell
The Sopwith Camel #3, Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, NY, Fall 1966 - from left: Peter Kraermer, Terry MacNeil, William Sievers, Martin Beard, and Norman Mayell
The Sopwith Camel #3, Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, NY, Fall 1966 - from left: Peter Kraermer, Terry MacNeil, William Sievers, Martin Beard, and Norman Mayell
The Sopwith Camel #3, Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, NY, Fall 1966 - from left: Peter Kraermer, Terry MacNeil, William Sievers, Martin Beard, and Norman Mayell
The Sopwith Camel #3, Sausalito, July 1966 - from top to bottom: Peter Kraemer, Martin Beard, Norman Mayell, Terry MacNeil, and William Sievers
Norman Mayell, San Francisco, July 1966
William Sievers and Martin Beard, unknown TV show, 1967
Martin Beard, San Francisco, July 1966
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The Sopwith Camel #3, Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, NY, Fall 1966 - from left: Norman Mayell, William Sievers, Terry MacNeil, Martin Beard, and Peter Kraemer
The Sopwith Camel #3, Sausalito, July 1966 - from top to bottom: Peter Kraemer, Martin Beard, Norman Mayell, Terry MacNeil, and William Sievers
Norman Mayell, San Francisco, July 1966
Martin Beard, San Francisco, 1966
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Saturday, January 1, 1966 (?)
The Sopwith Camel started rehearsing at the Firehouse, located at 3767 Sacramento Street, in the Presidio Heights, a quite residential San Francisco's neighborhood. "My friend from S.F. State, George Ebey, who was renting the place, had built a stage in the space where the fire engines had been and the band got to practice in the big upstairs room where the firemen had stayed," recalls Peter Kraemer. "Access with amplifiers and such was a little tricky as the stairway was an wrought iron spiral number. Getting down was a breeze however. I remember the thrill of sliding down the brass pole with a dual showman cabinet in one hand! For a couple of their early rehearsals the band was checked out and mentored a bit by two artists from the 'beat' scene: Bruce Connor and Richard Brautigan, who seemed to be staying somewhere nearby." "George is sure we rehearsed up there for more than a month, he thinks it was three or four months! I think we rehearsed there for at least a month, maybe a week or two longer, and Norm [Mayell] corroborates my story," concludes Kraemer.
Monday, February 7, 1966: 'Monday Night Open Auditions', The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
The Sopwith Camel's debut gig. "After a few weeks of rehearsal it seemed about time to try it all out on the public. So the band slid down the [Firehouse] pole and went off to audition at the Matrix; being acceptable, we were booked for the next month," confirms Peter Kraemer.
Saturday, February 12, 1966: 'Lincoln's Birthday Party', The Firehouse, 3767 Sacramento Street, Presidio Heights, San Francisco, California
The band was billed as The Sopwith "Camel" on the handbill printed for this show. Also on the bill: The Amazing Charlatans, Potpan the perverse dalmatian! Light Show by Ray Anderson of The Matrix. One show, from 9:00pm to 2:00am. Formerly the home of No. 10 fire truck and No. 26 fire engine from 1910 to 1956, and then known as the Theater for the World from 1956 to 1965, the Firehouse was operated as a concert venue for an all too short period of time in February, March and April 1966. The building was owned by the Firehouse Repertory Company, a theater company that ended up putting more energy into producing rock and roll dances than to mounting theater productions. They found they could make money and have fun more easily by producing rock dances. Actor Bill Tara, the company director, recalls: "I signed the lease on the Firehouse from a guy who built a small theatre on one side of the space for a Jewish youth theatre group. The plan was to open it as an experimental theatre venue. We had started to do readings in the upstairs and lived there along with [actor George Ebey and his late dog Potpan], [actress] Jean Allison a theatre major at SF State, [and] Paul Hawken who had returned from the South as a photographer of the civil rights movement. Paul and I decided to start producing events at the Firehouse. I was working at the Matrix and knew Ray Anderson who did light shows, we contacted local bands and got things going. I wrote the flyers and duplicated them, we all passed them out on the campus."
Friday, February 18, 1966: 'All Dance', Fillmore Auditorium, 1805 Geary Boulevard at Fillmore Street, Fillmore District, San Francisco, California
The band was billed as The Sopwith "Camel" on the poster printed for this show (and for which, apparently, their former bassist Bobby Collins did the art). Also on the bill: The Quicksilver Messenger Service, The Charlatans. Lights by King Kong Light Machines.
Saturday, February 19, 1966: 'A Tribute To The Ladies Auxiliary', The Firehouse, 3763 Sacramento Street, Presidio Heights, San Francisco, California
The band was billed as Sopwith "Camel" on the handbill printed for this show. Also on the bill: Wildflower. One show, from 9:00pm to 2:00am.
Friday, February 25, 1966: 'Blow Your Mind! Dance For Delano! - Benefits Go To Delano Farm Workers Council For Justice', Longshoremen's Hall, 400 North Point, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, California
The band was misteriously billed as 'A. Sopwith Camel' and 'A Sopwith Camel' on the two posters printed for this show. Also on the bill: The John Handy Quintet, Earth Mother & The Final Solution, Melveton Butler "Congo Drummer", The Trips, Family Tree, The Quicksilver Messenger Service. One show, started at 9:00pm.
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San Francisco Examiner (February 23, 1966)
Wednesday, March 2 - Sunday, March 6, 1966
At some point during these five days, Norman Mayell played with Big Brother and The Holding Company at The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco. The only thing I know for sure was that Big Brother's drummer Fritz Kasten was still in the band when they started their engagement there on Tuesday, March 1, but then he left the band and Norman replaced him and ended the week's residency playing drums with Big Brother on Sunday, March 6, but it remains unclear as to when they exactly switched over. Anyway, Norman was just a "filled in" drummer for BBHC and he was soon "replaced" by a permanent one named David Getz.
Saturday, March 12, 1966: 'Dance - The Alligator Clip (welcome all heads of state)', The Firehouse, 3767 Sacramento Street, Presidio Heights, San Francisco, California
The band was billed as 'a Sopwith Camel a synthetic flying machine' on the poster printed for this show. Also on the bill: The Charlatans, Duncans Blue Boy & His Cosmic Yo-Yo, Movies.
Friday, March 18, 1966 (?)
The Great Society's former bass player Bard Dupont apparently failed an audition with The Sopwith Camel around that time. Presumably he had heard that Dan Duncan had left the band some time before and that they were in search of a new bassist, but he didn't heard that they actually had already found Martin Beard in the meantime! Anyway, Dupont then turned his mind to management and became the manager of a local rock band called The Outfit.
Tuesday, March 22 - Sunday, March 27, 1966: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
The band was billed as The Sopwith "Camel" on the poster printed for these shows. The poster, which was printed in only a few hundred copies and then put up on telephone poles around the city, was designed by Terry MacNeil, and the concept was by Peter Kraemer. "In preparation for our opening at the Matrix, Terry and I collaborated on a black-and-white poster that was meant to resemble a woodblock print," confirms Peter Kraemer. "To further gild the event we entered the club as a small marching band with tambourines and kazoos and William and Martin on trumpet and tuba, playing a circus theme."
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San Francisco Chronicle (March 26, 1966)
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San Francisco Examiner (March 26, 1966)
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Wednesday, March 23, 1966: 'Contemporary Arts Festival', Speakers Platform, San Francisco State College campus, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, California
Golden Gater (March 24, 1966)
Tuesday, March 29 - Saturday, April 2, 1966: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Don Garrett (2), Robert Baker (2).
San Francisco Chronicle (April 2, 1966)
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San Francisco Examiner (April 2, 1966)
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San Francisco Examiner (April 2, 1966)
April 1966: Golden State Recorders, 665 Harrison Street, San Francisco, California
"In April '66 we were contacted by Bernie Krause who offered us studio time to record a demo in exchange for backing up some radio spots he was doing," recalls Peter Kraemer. "This was our first shot at a real recording studio, and as soon as we'd finished Bernie's project we ran down five of our tunes." The demo tape recorded that day, which was produced by Leo De Gar Kulka, aka The Baron, the owner and sound engineer of the Golden State, actually produced six tunes: 'When I Left You' penned by William Sievers, plus 'Hello Hello', 'There's Still Time', 'Counting', 'The Chant', and 'Treadin', all penned by Kraemer & MacNeil. Sometime later, their friend and former bass player, Bobby Collins, gave the aforementioned demo tape to music producer Erik Jacobsen, whom he knew vaguely through associations in the local folk scene. Jacobsen was a twenty-six-year old producer from New York City who had produced seven Top 10 hits for the Lovin' Spoonful in just one year. "I'd been out to California when the Spoonful played Mother's and the Longshoremen's Hall," recalls Erik Jacobsen. "And I'd already started working with the Charlatans. On one of my trips, somebody gave me a tape of these guys doing 'Hello Hello'. I flipped out and knew I had to have it. I just knew it was a hit song. So I make arrangements to go meet the group." By the way, of the six songs included in that demo tape, only two, 'Hello Hello' and 'Treadin', were later officialy recorded and released, while the other four songs remained unissued, although one of them, 'Counting', was in the band's repertoire from the beginning to present day!
Monday, April 4 and/or Tuesday, April 5, 1966: 'Band Bash - A fund-raising bash for the benefit of the San Francisco Symphony', Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City, San Mateo County, California
According to Peter Kraemer, and although unadvertised, the Sopwith Camel were among the bands that played this 2-day benefit event. Also on the bill: The Charlatans (4-5), Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs (4-5), The Turtles (4-5), Bob Kuban & The In Men (4-5), Capt. Zoom (4-5), Bold Rebels (4), Anti (4), Big Red and the Rebels (4), Boys (4), Bricklayer Arms (4), Friendly Stranger (4), Profound Sound (4), Joyce Dunn and the Bradstreets (4), Shades Blue Ltd. (4), Rollix (4), Strangers (4), Shillings (4), Village of Blues (4), Virtues (4), Malibus (4), The Trolls (5), Avengers (5), Hedds (5), Baytovens (5), Benedict Arnold & The Traitors (5), Bittersweet (5), Chessmen (5), Inn Crowd (5), Mystery Trend (5), Just VI (5), Rogues (5), New Workmen (5), Butch Engle and the Styx (5), The Toads (5), The Zoo (5), The Vandals (5), Wayward Sound (5).
Thursday, April 14 - Saturday, April 16, 1966 and Monday, April 18 - Wednesday, April 20, 1966: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California (cancelled)
One show each day, from 9:30pm to 2:00am. The Sopwith Camel were billed on the poster printed for these shows (and designed by Peter Kraemer), but they cancelled at last minute for unknown reasons.
Saturday, April 23, 1966: I.D.E.S. Hall, 1105 C Street at Foothill Boulevard, Hayward, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Second Phase. The show was promoted by Idescope.
Sunday, April 24, 1966: 'Benefit - Blues For Bogalusa', The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
One show, from 12:30pm to 6:00pm. Also on the bill: Lightnin' Hopkins, Vince Guaraldi, The Outfit, Robert Baker, Don Garrett. "We opened the show at the Matrix for Lightnin'," recalls Norman Mayell. "He was dressed in a fedora and a suit, and black sunglasses, very black, big ones, couldn't see his eyes or the expression on his face. . . . Somehow he must have understood that he was sort of revered by the audience, so he asked Martin [Beard], the bass player in the Camel, and myself to sit in at the end of his set for two songs followed by Spencer Dryden and Jack Casady from Jefferson Airplane for two songs. We were already set up on stage. And other band members from around San Francisco were there to see Lightning Hopkins play. It was filled with musicians as well as audience. I remember we played two songs. . . . I have a feeling he was playing acoustic, and we sat in and played. I was really happy about it because I played so much blues with Michael [Bloomfield] in Chicago and that was the thing I was into. Martin, the bass player, hadn't had that much experience, and we went up on stage, and we did OK. A lot of people said, 'You did fine.' We had some embarassing moments because he is inscrutable. In those days, he was just this dark unfathomable character, not necessarily friendly at all, but we were going to get the change to play with a blues God."
Tuesday, April 26 - Sunday, May 1 and Tuesday, May 3 - Sunday, May 8, 1966: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
The band was billed as The Sopwith "Camel" on the poster printed for these shows. Another poster printed in only a few hundred copies and designed by Terry MacNeil. Also on the bill: Don Garrett.
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The Daily Californian (May 6, 1966)
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San Francisco Chronicle (April 23, 1966)
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San Francisco Examiner (April 23, 1966)
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San Francisco Chronicle (April 30, 1966)
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San Francisco Examiner (April 30, 1966)
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San Francisco Chronicle (May 7, 1966)
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San Francisco Examiner (May 7, 1966)
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Wednesday, May 18, 1966: 'The Committee for Independent Political Action rally at noon', U.C. Berkeley campus, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Saturday, May 21, 1966: 'The Katharine Branson School's Senior Prom', Martin Vernon Skewes-Cox's house, Ross, Marin County, California
The Sopwith Camel played at the Katharine Branson School's Senior Prom held at the late school's head master Martin Vernon Skewes-Cox's house in Ross. Mr. Skewes-Cox interviewed the group's manager Yuri Toropov a couple of weeks before the gig and told him the musicians will have to dress up for the occasion, and so they did, ambassadorial style, with tail coats. "We were won at the KQED auction by some girls from the Katharine Branson School who elected to use us at their senior prom," confirms Peter Kraemer. "This of course was a formal affair; so we set off to Selix to be fitted for top hats and tails and the optional black walking sticks." Anyway, it was that night, right after the gig, that the band finally met Erik Jacobsen. It was Bobby Collins who picked him up at the airport in a hearse and drove him to a parking lot outside Corte Madera, in the Marin County, to wait for the band. At that time Collins lived in an old duck-hunting house suspended on stilts above a muddy marsh and reached only over a precarious walkway, perhaps a hundred and fifty yards long, made of boards balanced on a frame hammered into the mud. The band pulled up and emerged from the car, all dressed in evening clothes, top hats and tails down to the ebony walking sticks. "After the prom around midnight the five band members plus Yuri Toropov who was decked out as well, crossed the mud flats in Larkspur single file on a meandering 200 foot walkway of two by twelves on stilts at the end of which was a little shack, also on stilts, where lived Bobby Collins erstwhile bassist," confirms Kraemer. "Bobby had sent the band's first ever demo tape to his friend, big time New York producer Erik Jacobsen, who was now standing in the doorway checking out the potential recording artists." "I said: 'Thank you for coming, come with us, please'," continues Kraemer, "leading Jacobsen across the bog to this otherworldly house, decorated in animal skins, dinosaur bones and other unusual clutter. Collins slept on a palette surrounded by prisms and windchimes." "They're living in a little house built on stilts over this swamp," also confirms Erik Jacobsen. "To get there, you had to walk a quarter of a mile on this rickety old one-board walkway that went out over the mud. I met them half way out there, high tide, and here are these five guys coming through the fog on this walkway, wearing tuxes and top hats and white gloves. They'd just come from playing some deb hall at a fancy girls' school. I mean, they looked pretty weird." "Erik talked about his week in a Scottish castle with the Beatles, then he played a Tim Hardin record, then he produced some opiated hash and as soon as the young band was in a paranoiac coma suggested that they sign with him and Kama Sutra Records," concludes Kraemer. "In the following week there was furious debate. I thought Erik was too tall (made me nervous) and thought the whole hash thing was a little sneaky. ["it was a pimp move", said Norman] Some of us agreed with the general attitude amongst the ballroom bands that we should all hold out against the evil record biz. William thought very emphatically otherwise and delivered the first of his, what he cheerfully acknowledges 50 years later, many threats to quit."
Thursday, May 26, 1966
The Sopwith Camel signed a management contract with Erik Jacobsen and his partner Bob Cavallo's Sweet Reliable Productions firm. "So it happened that less than a week after meeting the producer on the mud flat, Sopwith Camel entered a contractual relation with Erik Jacobsen, Kama Sutra Records and Erik's partner Bob Cavallo, (a "real manager" unlike Yuri Toropov,) who they would not even meet until they got to New York four months later," confirms Peter Kraemer.
Friday, May 27, 1966: 'Last Gas Before The Desert - Benefit For Project South-Help - A Dance', cafeteria, Millberry Student Union, UCSF Medical Center, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, California
The band was billed as The Sopwith "Camel" on the poster printed for this show (and designed by Terry MacNeil), but as The Sopwith Camel on the newspaper ad also printed for this show. Also on the bill: The S. F. Mime Troupe, Robert Baker, plus Continuos Films (aka High Camp Films) & Night Drawings. The benefit, wich started at 9:00pm, was sponsored by C.I.P.A. (Committee for Independent Political Action) Presents.
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The Synapse (May 27, 1966)
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The Synapse (May 27, 1966)
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The Synapse (May 27, 1966)
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The Synapse (May 27, 1966)
June 1966
"At the start of the summer the entire band had moved into a 14 room flat (the top floor and attic) at Pierce and McAllister in the Fillmore district," recalls Peter Kraemer. "The back two thirds of the attic behind the rooms with the turret was a cavernous unfinished space with a dormer on one side that opened onto a small balcony (actually the top of the fire escape) that looked out over the entire city and Bay. This was where the band played, often on acid, each night until the police came. The 'Camel House' was rather perfect as the band seemed to need to be in the Fillmore every weekend anyway. And Gilmore's on Fillmore was a great place to have breakfast after playing all night; fried oysters and the latest Joe Tex and James Brown on the jukebox."
Friday, June 10 - Saturday, June 11, 1966: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Solomon. A live tape of the Saturday show exist.
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San Francisco Chronicle (June 11, 1966)
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Saturday, June 18, 1966: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Dan Hicks.
San Francisco Chronicle (June 18, 1966)
Sunday, June 19, 1966: 'Teach-On LSD - A Benefit for the Timothy Leary Defense Fund', Colonial Room, St. Francis Hotel, 335 Powell Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Big Brother And The Holding Company, Timothy Leary, Richard Alpert, Allen Ginsberg, David Meltzer, Michael McClure. One show, from 7:00pm to 12 midnight.
Berkeley Barb (June 17, 1966)
Friday, July 1 - Saturday, July 2, 1966: 'Wonderland', Avalon Ballroom, 1268 Sutter Street at Van Ness Street, Polk Gulch, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Grass Roots, Daily Flash. Lights by Bill Ham. These shows, which started at 9:00pm each day, were promoted by Family Dog Presents.
Friday, July 1 - Saturday, July 2, 1966: 'Wonderland', Avalon Ballroom, 1268 Sutter Street at Van Ness Street, Polk Gulch, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Grass Roots, Daily Flash. Lights by Bill Ham. These shows, which started at 9:00pm each day, were promoted by Family Dog Presents.
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Saturday, July 2, 1966: 'Independence Ball', Fillmore Auditorium, 1805 Geary Boulevard at Fillmore Street, Fillmore District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Great Society, Charlatans. The show was promoted by Presented In San Fancisco by Bill Graham.
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Friday, July 8 - Saturday, July 9, 1966: 'Rock n' Roll Happening', Santa Venetia National Guard Armory, 153 Madison Avenue, Santa Venetia, Marin County, California (Sopwith Camel canceled)
The Sopwith "Camel" (as they were billed on the poster printed for these shows) canceled at last minute and were replaced by The Grateful Dead. Also on the bill: The Quicksilver Messenger Service. These shows, which lasted from 8:30pm to 12:30am each day, were promoted by Laumac Presents.
Sunday, July 17, 1966: 'Benefit A.R.T.S. (Artistic Reorganization Throughout San Francisco) Concert', Fillmore Auditorium, 1805 Geary Boulevard at Fillmore Street, Fillmore District, San Francisco, California
The band was billed as Sopwith "Camel" on the poster printed for this show. Also on the bill: Allen Ginsberg, Gary Goodrow of The "Committee" (MC), The Composers' Forum, Bob Clark & Group, Mosa Kaleen Quartet, The S.F. Dancers' Workshop, Thatcher Clark & S.F. Dancers, The S.F. Mime Troupe, Joan Leighs Masunga Dancers, The Outfit. Sound & Lights by Bill Spencer & Romero. One show, from 8:00pm to 2:00am, presented by Artists Liberation Front. "Allen Ginsberg came over to the Sopwith Camel house to practice ringing his bell, chanting and reading his poetry, while the Camel played whatever came into their heads," recalls Norman Mayell. "Later that night, we repeated what we rehearsed, as far as we know". "One night we frightened Allen Ginsberg there," also recalls Peter Kraemer. "He'd dropped by to see about us backing up his reading at the Fillmore and was sitting on the rough wood floor with his little Indian harmonium when Norman and I came through the door. We had taken some particularly great LSD about an hour before and I was ringing like a bell, had my arms out in front of me like Frankenstein's monster and was shooting rays out of my fingertips and muttering 'life force, life force.' Allen looked up very timidly and decided that perhaps he’d better back himself up at the Fillmore. But ever after that when I would run into him on the street he was very friendly."
Saturday, July 23, 1966: 'We're Having Another Party and Love To Save the Homes of Some Brothers', Muir Beach Resort, Muir Beach, Marin County, California
Also on the bill: The Wildfower, The Charlatans, and many others. One show, started at 2:00pm.
Saturday, July 23, 1966: Fillmore Auditorium, 1805 Geary Boulevard at Fillmore Street, Fillmore District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Quicksilver Messenger Service, The Association. The show, which started at 9:00pm, was promoted by Presented In San Fancisco by Bill Graham.
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Tuesday, July 26, 1966: Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City, San Mateo County, California
Also on the bill: The Rolling Stones, Jefferson Airplane, McCoys, The Trade Winds, The Standells. The show, which started at 8:00pm, was sponsored by KFRC, a San Francisco radio station.
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San Mateo Times (July 27, 1966)
Tuesday, August 2 - Thursday, August 4, 1966: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
The poster printed for this show advertised only the Rising Sun, but the Sopwith Camel also played unbilled and their August 3 performance was also recorded and that recording survives.
Sunday, August 7, 1966: '3rd Annual South of Market & North Beach Children's Adventure Day Camp Benefit', Fillmore Auditorium, 1805 Geary Boulevard at Fillmore Street, Fillmore District, San Francisco, California
The Sopwith Camel filled in at last minute for the Grateful Dead who were originally billed on the poster. One show, from 8:00pm to 1:00am. Also on the bill: Quicksilver Messenger Service, Big Brother and the Holding Company, the Grassroots, Sunshine, Gary Goodrow from the Committee (MC). Lights by Tony Martin. The performers have all donated their services, the money from the concession goes to the Day Camp fund and the hall has been donated by Bill Graham.
Tuesday, August 16 - Sunday, August 21, 1966
One or more unidentified members of the Sopwith Camel (I would guess not Norm Mayell because he "don't remember Little Walter's gig"), together with one or more unidentified members of Quicksilver Messenger Service, backed up the great late blues singer and harmonica player Little Walter at the Matrix in San Francisco. "I would guess that [our bass player] Martin [Beard] was the one; the old blues guys loved his playing," points out Peter Kraemer.
San Francisco Chronicle (August 17, 1966)
Friday, August 19 - Saturday, August 20, 1966: Avalon Ballroom, 1268 Sutter Street at Van Ness Street, Polk Gulch, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Grateful Dead. Lights by Bill Ham. These shows, which started at 9:00pm each day, were promoted by Family Dog Presents.
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Friday, August 26 - Monday, September 5, 1966: '2nd Annual Bay Area Teen-Age Fair - World's Fair for Youth', South Exhibit Hall, Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City, San Mateo County, California
The Sopwith Camel were one of the many bands (The Hedds, William Penn and His Pals, etc.) who performed for one or more days at the 11-day Teen-Fair.
San Mateo The Times (August 30, 1966)
Saturday, August 27, 1966: Fillmore Auditorium, 1805 Geary Boulevard at Fillmore Street, Fillmore District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Country Joe And The Fish (filled in for the 13th Floor Elevators who were originally billed on the poster but were contractually blocked from performing). The show, which started at 9:00pm, was promoted by Bill Graham Presents In San Francisco.
August or September 1966: Coast Recorders Inc., 960 Bush Street, Nob Hill, San Francisco, California
The Sopwith Camel headed into Coast studio and laid down the basic track of their signature song, 'Hello Hello', penned by Kraemer & MacNeil and produced by Erik Jacobsen. "Simon and Garfunkel dropped by the studio," recalls Peter Kraemer, "they had a pack of Marlboro's that were actually pot and they invited us to a topless bar down the street for a drink; but we didn't go in because Martin was only 18, so they went in without us."
Monday, September 19, 1966
The Sopwith Camel relocated to New York City to play at the Nigh Owl Cafe and to record their debut album for Kama Sutra Records. "It was the label's idea," recalls Peter Kraemer. "For them New York was the center of the music universe. And for Erik [Jacobsen] nothing would do but the studios he was used to, Bell and CBS. As for venues, what could possibly be better than the Night Owl Cafe in The Village? So leaving everything [in San Francisco] in the care of Norman's friend from Chicago, Rick (Norm forgot to mention that they’d had a disagreement over a girl named Wanda,) we set off for the Big Apple, expecting to be back in a few weeks. Cavallo said the accounting department would handle the rent, so of course the band lost everything. I lost one of my mother's best oil paintings and a great Henry Miller watercolor." "We flew first class on American Airlines," continues Kraemer. "I sat next to George Carlin, and were met at LaGuardia [Airport] by a goombah from central casting driving a black limousine, who took us directly to the Hotel Albert at [23th East] 10th [Street] in Manhattan. The first night there [apparently during the early hours of Tuesday, September 20] there was a fire across air shaft." "With our place on McAllister Street lost and our possessions stolen or seized for nonpayment of rent, home, for the time being, was the fifth floor of the Hotel Albert," concludes Kraemer. "In fact, since outside it was fall in Manhattan, pretty much our whole world was the fifth floor of the Albert. There were interminable monopoly games with a dual showman cabinet full of pot for a table. The Albert had some cool tenants too, and the band got to know other bands for the first time, mainly the ones on the same floor: Lothar and the Hand People, and the Mothers of Invention. The really great girls, Janet and Lucy, for whom Frank Zappa had coined the term groupies were around trying to make sure that everybody had something to eat. There were also the girls who came slumming from the Chelsea with little bags of downers and lots of eye shadow, very boring. On some higher floor were Baby Huey and the Babysitters; riding the Albert’s creaky elevator with 600lb Baby Huey in his yellow silk pajamas was unforgettable." By the way, it was while they stayed in the Big Apple that they eventually signed, through Erik Jacobsen, their recording contract with Kama Sutra Records (distributed by MGM Records).
Late September 1966: The Night Owl Cafe, 118 West 3rd Street b/w MacDougal Street and 6th Avenue, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Lothar And The Hand People, Headmasters. "We arrived in the [Greenwich] Village on the corner of MacDougal and Bleeker [Streets] in front of the Night Owl Cafe," recalls Norman Mayell. "Allen Ginsberg and one of the Fugs, greeted us with hugs and kisses. I bet that didn't happen to many bands. We were the first hippie band out of the Bay Area. We opened at the Night Owl Cafe with Lothar and the Hand People. It was to get weirder as we toured the coast playing second bill to the [Lovin'] Spoonful and promoting our hit record 'Hello-Hello'". "Joe Marra’s Night Owl Café was a dump that smelled of stale beer and folk music," also recalls Peter Kraemer. "Playing there was a little like being in a carnival sideshow. Sopwith Camel and Lothar and the Hand People would alternate sets starting in the early afternoon. The idea was apparently to capture tourists looking for the birthplace of the Lovin’ Spoonful and the Mamas and Papas. One afternoon Mama Cass Elliott came in with some of the Hollies to catch a set. She bought me a beer and said, 'What's a guy with a great speaking voice like yours doing in a place like this?' The Night Owl's efficient system for fleecing the rubes had some benefits for the bands as well. Since each band played a short set and then the house was turned and fresh door charge collected, by the end of the night the bands would have played the same set five or six times. Tightness, a quality that back in SF was widely praised but seldom achieved, was the result. It was perfect preparation for touring concert stages."
The Night Owl Cafe marquee
October - December 1966 (?): Bell Sound Studios, West 54th Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Throughout the fall of '66, "interspersed with gigs opening for the Lovin' Spoonful mainly at college concerts scattered around the country, we recorded most of our debut album at Bell Studios with the engineer 'Harry the Hit Maker'," recalls Peter Kraemer. The album, which actually credited Val Valentin as engineer, was produced by Erik Jacobsen of Sweet Reliable Productions for Kama Sutra Records. "Erik's legendary production style required very long hours (charged against the band's future royalties, of course) and as he desired a bright and boyish sound he provided some sort of white powder which he carried in a matchbox. He'd say: 'Okay you guys let's uncork a plum'," continues Kraemer. One of the songs recorded for the album, 'Postcard From Jamaica', was the only one Kraemer & MacNeil managed to write while they stayed at the infamous Hotel Albert that fall. "Bob Cavallo said there was a perfect place for us to write some new tunes, right there in the basement of the Albert," confirms Kraemer. "So we set up in a 10 x 12 wire cage between other cages full of abandoned luggage, with a bare 60 W bulb hanging below the sewer pipes for light. There were wooden pallets to stand on to avoid electrocution and to keep the amps and drums out of the water which was about 2 inches deep. The roaches were the size of mice and the rats were the size of cats. I came down with bronchial pneumonia (which had been my way of avoiding unpleasant circumstances starting with grammar school). Terry and I had managed to come up with 'Postcard From Jamaica', which we thought might be a compromise between actual rock 'n' roll in what Erik was looking for." "When it came time to record it at Bell, I stood in front of three microphone stands one for the ubiquitous U-47 and two to hold me up; he had a temperature of about 103°," concludes Kraemer. "Artie Ripp, president of Kama Sutra, had dropped by the studio to see how things were getting on; he thought I looked sick and he knew just what what was needed; so he commandeered somebody's limousine’ took me and Norman up to the Luxor Uptown Men's Club [actually Luxor Health Club, 121 West 46th Street], where we might relax in the Russian Dry Heat Room, at 140°. So at two in the morning, we left Bell Studios and Artie Ripp just leapt out in front of some limousine, flagged it down, and gave the guy 20 bucks to take us to this sauna bath. He and Norman had great fun spraying each other with firehoses while I sat on a bench watching fat old men in togas chew cigar butts. Later on a cot in an upstairs room at the Luxor PI experimented with fevered hallucination trying to visualize the Virgin of Guadalupe. After that the band was pretty much out of commission for a few weeks. The front man was convalescing in a second-floor corner room in the Albert with a window overlooking Allen Ginsberg and two or three rabbis conversing on the corner, while Erik and Phil Ochs entertained him with fantasies of violent revolution."
Saturday, October 8, 1966: Westchester County Center, 198 Central Avenue, White Plains, Westchester County, New York
The Sopwith Camel began a one month national tour of mainly big university concerts as opening act for their most famous labelmate, the Lovin' Spoonful. "Our first and only roadie, Chris England, who had come with us from SF played classical piano, and the Westchester County Center had a giant organ, the console of which could be raised out of the orchestra pit for the silent movie accompanist," recalls Peter Kraemer. "So Chris was added to 'The Chant' seeming to rise out of the floor in the opening measures. This anticipated, by 20 years or so, Stonehenge dropping from above to rather similar music in Spinal Tap." "There was a lot of airplane travel," continues Kraemer speaking about the life on that tour, "sometimes starting from the roof of the Pan Am building in a big Sikorsky helicopter that would get us to LaGuardia. The planes were generally 727's and some of the pilots were real hotshots who had flown in Korea or Vietnam. The band was in the habit of awarding the pilot 'both ears and the tail' for any particularly exciting take off or landing. One time coming back from the South a voice came on the speakers: 'This Is the Captain. Okay you guys back there, watch this' at which the plane banked 90° and pulled a U-turn over the George Washington Bridge." "We were getting homesick," continues Kraemer. "Opening a big show in Tallahassee or Ithaca or Lafayette, Louisiana, the announcer would say, reading from Cavallo's press release, 'And now di-rect from New York City, the Sopwith Camel!' Then someone in the band would have to say: 'No we’re actually from San Francisco' at which tremendous applause would burst from the audience." "Sopwith Camel opening for the Lovin' Spoonful may have been more contrast than complement," concludes Kraemer. "For one thing we had developed our oeuvre in the Fillmore Auditorium for crowds dancing in wild abandon and the Spoonful had come up in little folk joints with candles in Chianti bottles and guys stroking their beards."
Sunday, October 9, 1966: Bushnell Memorial Hall, 166 Capitol Street, Hartford, Connecticut
The Sopwith Camel opened for the Lovin' Spoonful.
Saturday, October 15 or Sunday, October 16, 1966
Meanwhile, back in San Francisco, their former manager Yuri Toropov was arrested, together with another member of the Diggers named Arhur Lisch, during the '3rd Artists Liberation Front Free Fair', a two-day event (Oct 15-16) held by the Diggers in the Panhandle Park.
Friday, October 21, 1966: Loyola Field House, Loyola University campus, 6363 St Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana
The Sopwith Camel opened for the Lovin' Spoonful.
Saturday, October 22, 1966: Bobby Tully Gymnasium, Florida State University, 600 West College Avenue, Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida
The Sopwith Camel opened for the Lovin' Spoonful. The show, which started at 4:00pm before the FSU-Mississippi State football college game, was sponsored by The Student Entertainment Series (SES) Committee.
Florida Flambeau (October 19, 1966)
Florida Flambeau (October 21, 1966)
Tuesday, October 25, 1966: Bell Sound Studios, West 54th Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York
The Sopwith Camel recorded a new song penned by Kraemer & MacNeil titled 'Treadin', and also did vocal overdubs to their signature song, 'Hello Hello'.
October or November 1966: University of Louisiana at Lafayette (?), 104 East University Avenue (?), Lafayette, Louisiana
The Sopwith Camel opened for the Lovin' Spoonful.
October or November 1966: unknown venue, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachussets
The Sopwith Camel opened for the Lovin' Spoonful.
October or November 1966: unknown school of modern dance, unknown city, Connecticut
The Sopwith Camel opened for the Lovin' Spoonful.
October or November 1966: unknown venue, unknown city, Virginia
The Sopwith Camel opened for the Lovin' Spoonful.
October or November 1966: unknown venue, unknown city, Texas
The Sopwith Camel opened for the Lovin' Spoonful.
Saturday, November 5, 1966: Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue, Lenox Hill, Upper East Side, Manhattan, New York City, New York
The Sopwith Camel opened for the Lovin' Spoonful.
Thursday, November 10, 1966: Mountain Park, Mount Tom, Holyoke, Hampden County, Massachusetts (questionable)
The Lovin' Spoonful played here today, and the Sopwith Camel, who were on tour with them at that time, maybe played too as opening act, although Peter Kraemer didn't remember it so their presence is questionable.
Friday, November 11, 1966: 'Annual Sophomore Weekend', Villanova Field House, Villanova University campus, 800 East Lancaster Avenue, Radnor Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania
The Sopwith Camel opened for the Lovin' Spoonful. The show, which started at 8:00pm, was promoted by the Sophomore Class president Dave Mullen and his committee.
Saturday, November 12, 1966: Barton Hall, Cornell University campus, 117 Statler Drive, Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York
The Sopwith Camel opened for the Lovin' Spoonful.
The Cornell Daily Sun (November 14, 1966)
Sunday, November 13, 1966: Alumni Memorial Gymnasium, Clarkson University campus, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, St. Lawrence County, New York
The Sopwith Camel opened for the Lovin' Spoonful.
Mid November 1966
The Sopwith Camel's debut single, 'Hello Hello / Treadin'' (KA 217), was released in the US. Curiously, the band was labeled as The Sopwith "Camel". 'Hello Hello' entered Billboard bubbling under chart on December 10, 1966, and then entered Billboard Hot 100 chart on December 24, 1966, eventually peaking as high as No.26 in January 1967.
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December 1966
The Sopwith Camel's debut single, 'Hello Hello / Treadin'' (KA 217X), was released in Canada.
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Tuesday, December 27, 1966: Seattle Center Coliseum, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, King County, Washington
Also on the bill: The Beach Boys, Don and The Goodtimers, The Emergency Exit, The Wailers, The Royal Guardsmen, The Standells. The show, which started at 8:00pm, was presented by Pat O'Day and Dick Curtis.
Wednesday, December 28, 1966: San Francisco Civic Auditorium, 99 Grove Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Beach Boys, Jefferson Airplane, The Seeds, Music Machine, Royal Guardsmen. The show, which started at 8:15pm, was presented by American Productions and produced by Irving Granz.
Oakland Tribune (December 25, 1966)
Oakland Tribune (December 28, 1966)
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Oakland Tribune (December 11, 1966)
Oakland Tribune (December 21, 1966)
Peter Kraemer, far left, with two members of Music Machine backstage at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium, December 28, 1966 (from Flip magazine, June 1967)
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1966 or 1967: American Legion Hall, 939 West Main Street, Merced, California
Also on the bill: The Sea of Grass.
January 1967
The Sopwith Camel's debut single 'Hello Hello' reached No. 26 on Billboard Hot 100 chart. As said above, they became the first of the 60's San Francisco bands to score a national Top 40 hit, but sadly this was their first and only one. Anyway, the song authors Peter Kraemer and Terry MacNeil also won a BMI Pop Music Award in 1968 (the BMI Awards are annual award cerimonies for songwriters in various genres organized by Broadcast Music, Inc., the organization that keeps track of airplay, both radio and television, for music). "In a way it was having that hit song so early in our career that destroyed us," recalls Peter Kraemer. "We were all still busy trying to find ourselves. Sudden fame was our undoing. We were the first San Francisco hippie band to have a hit record and we didn't know how to react to it. Well, the Beau Brummels had had a hit but they were really a kind of young slick pop band. They dressed slick. We dressed like hippies. But our popularity did not make us very popular with the other San Francisco bands. They felt that we were newcomers, which I don't understand, as we were actually one of the first bands here. But somehow they felt that we hadn't paid our dues."
Billboard (February 4, 1967)
Wednesday, January 4 and Friday, January 6, 1967: unknown recording studio, Los Angeles, California
"We may have gone into a studio in LA once, don't think we recorded anything there however. If it was one of William Sievers' tunes I might not have known about it," recalls Peter Kraemer. Anyway, the Sopwith Camel did a photo session in a convent with the great late rock photographer Jim Marshall while they were in LA in the first week of January, and two of the photos taken were later that year used as front cover of their third single, 'Saga Of The Low Down Let Down', and as back cover of their first album, 'Sopwith Camel', respectively.
Billboard (January 28, 1967)
Friday, January 6 - Sunday, January 8, 1967: Fillmore Auditorium, 1805 Geary Boulevard at Fillmore Street, Fillmore District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: The Doors (6-8), The Young Rascals (6-7). Lights by Head Lights (Jerry Abrams and Glenn McKay). These shows were promoted by Presented In San Francisco by Bill Graham. Friday and Saturday were evening shows from 9:00pm to 2:00am, while Sunday was the venue regular kiddies free afternoon show from 2:00pm to 7:00pm.
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Monday, January 9, 1967: 'Happening - Noontime open house', Northridge Hall, San Fernando Valley State College campus, just across Zelzah Avenue by the tennis courts, Northridge, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Couny, California
The band was advertised as The Sopwith "Camel". KFWB disc jokey Bill Taylor was the emcee.
Valley State Daily Sundial (January 6, 1967)
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Valley State Daily Sundial (January 10, 1967)
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Friday, January 27, 1967: 'Where The Action Is', ABC-TV Show, unknown venue, unknown city, Los Angeles County, California (broadcast date)
The Sopwith Camel performed 'Hello Hello'. Also appeared: Neil Diamond, Don and The Goodtimes.
Friday, January 27, 1967
A brief article in the today News section of the San Francisco Chronicle (see below) reports that a showing of painting and photography by members of the Jefferson Airplane, Big Brother and The Holding Company, the Sopwith Camel, the Quicksilver Messenger Service, and The Loading Zone, is open to the public at 6:30pm at the Glide Memorial Church, 330 Ellis Street, San Francisco. Many of the members of SF rock bands saw themselves generally as Artists, with music being just one part of their self-expression. Glide Memorial Church, with its forward looking minister, the Rev. Cecil Williams, was always sympathetic to the hippies, so its not surprising that the church temporarily became an art gallery. Anyway, although I'm not an art expert, I'm confident that the likely artistes from those groups, or at least from the Sopwith Camel, would include Peter Kraemer and/or Terry MacNeil.
San Francisco Chronicle (January 27, 1967)
Friday, February 3, 1967
The Sopwith Camel's debut single, 'Hello Hello / Treadin'' (KAS 205), was released in the UK. Initially it was planned to be released on Thursday, January 26.
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Friday, February 3 - Sunday, February 5, 1967: Crystal Ballroom, 1332 West Burnside at North West 14th Avenue, Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon
Also on the bill: Tweedy Bros (3-5), Gozero and The Psychedelics (3-4), Wild Wild Weeds (5), The Others (5).
Monday, February 6 - Thursday, February 9, 1967: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Larry Vargo. One show each day, from 9:30pm to 2:00am.
Thursday, February 9, 1967: 'Where The Action Is', ABC-TV Show, unknown venue, unknown city, Los Angeles County, California (broadcast date)
The Sopwith Camel performed 'Hello Hello'. Also appeared: Rudy Vallee.
Friday, February 10, 1967: 'Dance Concert', Santa Venetia National Guard Armory, 153 Madison Avenue, Santa Venetia, Marin County, California (Sopwith Camel canceled)
Also on the bill: Blue House Basement, Baltimore Steam Packet. Lights by Funny Company. The show, which lasted from 8:00pm to 1:00am, was promoted by A&R Productions Presents. The Sopwith Camel were forced to canceled their appearance here (The Grateful Dead filled in for them) because they were already booked to play at another place that same evening (see below).
Friday, February 10, 1967: Concord Armory, 51 Walden Street, Concord, Contra Costa County, California
The show, which lasted from 8:00pm to 12 midnight, was promoted by Johnny Van & Golden Star Promotions.
Saturday, February 11 - Sunday, February 12, 1967: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Larry Vargo. One show each day, from 9:30pm to 2:00am.
Friday, February 17 - Saturday, February 18, 1967: The Hullabaloo, 6230 Sunset Boulevard, Downtown Hollywood, Los Angeles County, California
Also on the bill: The East Side Kids.
Saturday, February 25, 1967: 'Robin Seymour's 'Swingin' Time', CKLW-TV Channel 9, Riverside Drive Studios, Windsor, Ontario, Canada (broadcast date)
Saturday, February 25, 1967: 'The Bill Anderson Show', CKLW-TV Channel 9, Riverside Drive Studios, Windsor, Ontario, Canada (broadcast date)
Early March 1967
The Sopwith Camel's second single, 'Postcard From Jamaica / Little Orphan Annie' (KA 224), was released in the US. Curiously again, the band was labeled as The Sopwith "Camel" both on the label and on the picture sleeve. Also curiously, the picture sleeve was the same for both sides. "With the album still unfinished and with 'Hello Hello' coming back down the charts Erik decided to release 'Postcard From Jamaica' as the follow-up single," recalls Peter Kraemer. "Sopwith Camel was being interviewed by the DJ at a radio studio in Dallas when a guy name Richie from Cavallo's office brought the 45 in from New York. When the engineer in the sound booth dropped the tone arm it bounced and skated right off the record. He tried again; it did the same thing. He looked at the band through the double glass and sadly shook his head; the bass was cut too hot and the record wouldn't track. It would play on the more primitive equipment in jukeboxes and became what was called a 'jukebox hit' in some parts of the country and in Canada."
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Monday, March 6, 1967: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Wildflower.
Saturday, March 11, 1967: 'Dance Concert', Earl Warren Show Grounds, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, California
Also on the bill: The Grassroots, The Knack. The show, which started at 8:00pm, was promoted by Jim Salzer.
Wednesday, March 15, 1967: 'Where The Action Is', ABC-TV Show, unknown venue, unknown city, Los Angeles County, California (broadcast date)
The Sopwith Camel performed 'Hello Hello'. Also appeared: Tommy Roe, Tina Mason, Paul Revere and The Raiders, Don and The Goodtimes.
Friday, March 24 - Saturday, April 1, 1967: 'Big Easter Blast (aka Easter Coast Spring Ball Circus - Blessing The Human Be-In)', Balloon Farm, 19-25 St. Mark's Place b/w 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue, East Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Jeremy and The Satyrs, The Free Spirits. One show a day from 9:00pm to 3:00am each day. According to Peter Kraemer, and although unadvertised, The Velvet Underground also played once.
Village Voice (March 23, 1967)
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Village Voice (March 30, 1967)
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Saturday, March 25, 1967: 'Clay Cole's Diskotek', TV Show, WPIX Channel 11, Daily News Building (aka 11 WPIX Plaza), 2nd Avenue and East 42nd Street, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York (broadcast date)
Also appeared: Patti LaBelle, The Vagrants, Len Barry, Jim & Jean, Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich.
Saturday, March 25, 1967: 'Upbeat', TV Show, WEWS Channel 5, WEWS Television Studios, 3001 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio (broadcast date)
Also appeared: Cheerful Earful of Columbus, King Coleman, Jan and Dean, Al Martino, Roger Miller, The Sensations, The Boys Next Door, The Buckinghams, Jim and Jean, The Marcells, Johnny Nash.
Sunday, March 26, 1967: ‘An Offering to the City of Los Angeles - Easter Sunday Love-In’, Elysian Park, 835 Academy Road, Central Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California (Sopwith Camel canceled)
Also on the bill: Clear Light, Other Half, The Daily Flash, Peanut Butter Conspiracy, The Rainy Daze, The Factory, West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, Flamin’ Groovies, Steve Miller Blues Band, Iron Butterfly, The Turtles, The Nazz, Grateful Dead, The Seventh Son, Firesign Theatre, New Generation, West Coast Branch, Kim Fowley, Smokestack Lightning, The Yellow Brick Road, The Yerba Buena Blues Band. One free show, from 6:00am to 9:00pm, with approximately 30,000 people in attendance. The Sopwith Camel canceled because they were on the East Coast at the time.
March 1967
The Sopwith Camel's debut single, 'Hello Hello / Treadin'' (618 014), was released in Germany. The band was labeled as The Sopwith "Camel" on both the label and the picture sleeve.
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Saturday, April 1, 1967
The Sopwith Camel's second single 'Postcard From Jamaica' entered Billboard Hot 100 chart, and reached No. 88.
Saturday, April 1, 1967: Teen Scene, 3440 Foothill Boulevard, Oakland, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: The Wanderin' Kind. The show, which started at 8:00pm, was presented by Bill Quarry's Teens 'n Twenties.
Friday, April 7, 1967: Rollarena, 15721 East 14th Street, San Leandro, Alameda County, California (afternoon show)
Also on the bill: Third Half (or The Misanthropes), The Barons. The show was presented by Bill Quarry's Teens 'n Twenties.
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Hayward Daily Review (April 6, 1967)
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Friday, April 7, 1967: Carpenter's Hall, 1050 Mattox Road, Hayward, Alameda County, California (evening show)
Also on the bill: Chocolate Watchband, The Complex Network. The show was presented by Bill Quarry's Teleological Suspension.
Sunday, April 9, 1967: 'Week of The Angry Arts - West Spring Mobilization to End the War in Vietnam - Benefit Dance (aka Folk Rock Festival, aka Peace Dance)', Longshoremen‘s Hall, 400 North Point, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Grateful Dead, Country Joe And The Fish, Big Brother And The Holding Company, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Ellen Faust (MC), Eric Hodsin (MC). Lights by Dan Brunns. One show, from 9:00pm to 2:00am. For the fault of the Grateful Dead, which prolonged their performances too long, Sopwith Camel, who came immediately after them and was the last scheduled band to perform, could play only for few minutes because while they were still running their first song, the organizers of the event cut off the electricity because was two in the morning and this is the closing time. "The band finally managed to stay in San Francisco for a few weeks in the spring of ’67. Chris England had rented a large apartment down toward Fisherman's Wharf that had thick carpeting so those who didn't have a couch slept on the floor," recalls Peter Kraemer. "We were booked to play at the Longshoremen's Hall; it was to be our first show back in San Francisco as headliners. The Grateful Dead somehow got added at the last minute and played twice their allotted time. They did one of their long, long sets, and by them time we were on, halfway into our opening song and our only cover, Fred Neil's 'Another Side of This Life', the plug was pulled because the hall had a very strict shut off time. We took it to be a sign of some sort." "[Our friends in San Francisco groups] accused us of being sellouts," concludes Kraemer. "That's absurd; back in those days, we were all looking for hits. It's just that ours was the first."
Berkeley Barb (April 7, 1967)
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Berkeley Barb (April 7, 1967)
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Tuesday, April 18 - Thursday, April 20, 1967: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
Although not billed on the poster printed for these shows, The Sopwith Camel actually played and recordings exist of their performances. Also on the bill: Howlin' Wolf.
Thursday, April 27, 1967: 'Tri-School Spring Concert', Pavilion, Ellwood P. Cubberley High School, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, Santa Clara County, California
Also on the bill: Buffalo Springfield, The Standells.
Cubberley Catamount (April 21, 1967)
Friday, April 28, 1967: American Legion Hall, 939 West Main Street, Merced, California
The show, which lasted from 9:00pm to 1:00am, was presented by VJ Productions. Also on the bill: The Flowering, The Sea of Grass.
Saturday, April 29, 1967: Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom, 1825 Southwest Broadway, Portland State College campus, Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon
Also on the bill: Redcoats, Warloks, Epix, U.S. Cadenza, Rising Sons. The show, which started at 8:00pm, was promoted by P.I. Group Presents.
April 1967
The Sopwith Camel's second single, 'Postcard From Jamaica / Little Orphan Annie' (KA 224X), was released in Canada.
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April 1967
The Sopwith Camel's second single, 'Postcard From Jamaica / Little Orphan Annie' (618 017), was released in Germany.
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April 1967: Coast Recorders Inc., 960 Bush Street, Nob Hill, San Francisco, California
The Honig-Cooper & Harrison Advertising Agency of San Francisco put Sopwith "Camel" in the studio one day and said they had to make four 45-second commercials and to get in White Levi's. "We were hired by a SF young ad exec, Ron Young, to write and record some radio spots for Levi's jeans," confirms Peter Kraemer. "I think he contacted me directly as Erik [Jacobsen] and Bob Cavallo were both in New York at the time. This gave us a chance to go, without Erik, into the studio we liked, Coast Recorders, with the engineer they liked: Walt Payne. Walt was one of the early pioneers of tape-recording; he'd engineered the Bing Crosby radio show back when the only tape available was that which had been captured from the Nazis at the end of the war. The creation of the ads was pretty much a group effort though I played producer, at the time I didn't have any instruments to play, so I sat in the booth with the engineer. After hundreds of hours of recording by the Jacobsen method the band was excited to strike out on their own, and Walt could realize pretty much whatever they might imagine. It was a lot of fun to have a studio to ourselves without the big time producer. In a few days we finished the four radio spots then kept on going." "I remember the ad agency name was Young and Rubicam," also recalls Martin Beard. "They gave each of us sweatshirts (ie, athletic pullovers?) with the agency name emblazoned on them. I was surprised at how young and hip they seemed, not my preconception of Madison Avenue types at all. Levi's world headquarters were in SF, and I think the company wanted very much to get identified with the new 'youth market' that the bands appearing in its own backyard represented." The four radio spots recorded: 'Levi Strauss Waltz', 'Worksong' (with Terry Clements as guest on flute), 'Good Morning, Old Jeans', and 'Stretch', "were written by all of us, except 'Worksong', which Martin [Beard] says he wrote," recalls Terry MacNeil. "We mostly composed them on the spot, in the studio. Perhaps the lyrics were conceived before hand, but the arrangements were impromptu." Those ads were eventually used as radio spots advertising Levi's blue jeans, and were also released in a very rare 10-inch LP with thin cover titled 'Levi Strauss Salesman's Record Fall 1967' (#R-6720), together with another four ads recorded by Jefferson Airplane ('East Indian', 'Duck', 'Twig City', 'Ballons Stretch'), and one ad recorded by West Coast Natural Gas Co. ('Speed-Up Stretch'). 'Levi Strauss Waltz', 'Worksong', and 'Good Morning, Old Jeans' also appeared, together with Jefferson Airplane's 'East Indian' and 'Duck', in another very rare 12-inch one-sided mono LP titled 'Levi Strauss & Company - Levi's Jeans' (#R-6717). These two LPs would have been distributed only to persons involved in the Levi's ad campaign (including each member of the three above mentioned rock bands) as well as radio stations around the country which were airing the actual advertisements. I’m not sure how many copies would have been pressed of this sort of items but apparently few seem to have survived today. The ads themselves are really quite psychedelic and kind of nutty - sounds as if they were trying to sell jeans to stoned hippie kids (who I suspect were wearing Levi's already). "There's an old joke about Levi's that derives from the idea that if you wash them too often, it's unhip, that you're a neat freak," adds Martin Beard. "People who have only a little money will postpone going to the laundrette. Maybe wash their pants once a month, and only then if they get so stiff and cruddy that they start to stand up and walk around on their own! Someone who let things get that far might wake up in the morning, see their jeans standing in the corner waiting to be pulled on again, and say 'Good morning, old jeans'. The Levi's folks were very careful about the way their product was to be characterized. One of the phrases Peter [Kraemer] came up with in 'Good morning..' was 'Motorcycle-greasy jeans', which evoked a colorful image but was found objectionable due to an association with motorcycle gangs that the company wanted to stay away from. In 'Worksong', my original line in the middle of the spot was 'I couldn't work this hard if I wasn't wearing my - aaaugh - White Levi's!' White Levi's were being promoted at the time, as the company tried to get consumers to see Levi's as a fashion statement, and buy them in colors other than blue. On music shows like Shindig and Where the Action Is, go-go dancers wiggled and jumped in tight white Levi's. But the powers at Levi's were specific - I had to sing not 'White Levi's', but 'Levi's Jeans'. Plug the brand name."
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April 1967: Coast Recorders Inc., 960 Bush Street, Nob Hill, San Francisco, California
After the recording of the aforementioned White Levi's commercials, the Sopwith Camel, plus Terry Clements as guest on saxophone, recorded a new song titled 'The Great Morpheum'. "Terry [MacNeil] and I went into the smaller studio at Coast where there was a Steinway and wrote it," recalls Peter Kraemer. "Norman, Terry [Clements] and Martin cut the basic track on the second take."
May 1967
The Sopwith Camel's debut single, 'Hello Hello / Treadin'' (DK-1010), was released in Japan.
Saturday, May 6, 1967: KRNT Theater, 10th Street, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa (Sopwith Camel canceled)
Also on the bill: Buffalo Springfield, The Turtles, The Robbs, Sandy Shore (MC). One show, started at 8:30pm.
Sunday, May 7, 1967: Masonic Temple, 7th Street and Brady Street, Davenport, Scott County, Iowa (Sopwith Camel canceled)
Also on the bill: Buffalo Springfield, The Turtles, The Robbs. Two shows, 6:00pm and 8:30pm.
Sunday, May 7, 1967: 'Ribbet is Playing', John McLaren Park, 100 John F Shelley Drive, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Pearl, South Van Ness. A free outdoor concert from 12 noon to 4:00pm, promoted by In Cooperation with Intersection.
Friday, May 12 - Sunday, May 14, 1967: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
The band was billed as Sopwith "Camel" on the poster printed for these shows. One show each night, from 9:00pm to 2:00am.
May 1967
The Sopwith Camel's eponymous debut album, 'Sopwith Camel' (KLP 8060 [Mono] / KLPS 8060 [Stereo]; Side A: "1. Hello Hello (MacNeil, Kraemer) / 2. Frantic Desolation (MacNeil, Kraemer) / 3. Saga Of The Low Down Let Down (Sievers) / 4. Little Orphan Annie (MacNeil, Kraemer) / 5. You Always Tell Me Baby (MacNeil, Kraemer) / 6. Maybe In A Dream (MacNeil, Kraemer) / Side B: 1. Cellophane Woman (Sievers) / 2. The Things That I Could Do With You (MacNeil, Kraemer) / 3. Walk In The Park (Sievers) / 4. The Great Morpheum (MacNeil, Kraemer) / 5. Postcard From Jamaica (MacNeil, Kramer)'), was released in the US and Canada. The band appears on label as The Sopwith "Camel". The album, which was originally scheduled to be released in March 1967, featured the first great pop-art cover by poster artist Victor Moscoso (that was already used for a Matrix poster back in February), plus the first infra-red band photo on the back by Jim Marshall. By the way, by January 1968 the album was also available on both 4- & 8-track stereo tape cartridges format.
(mono front cover)
(mono label)
(stereo front cover)
(stereo label)
(inner sleeve side 1)
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(mono back cover)
(mono label)
(stereo back cover)
(stereo label)
(inner sleeve side 2)
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UCLA Daily Bruin (October 4, 1967)
Thursday, June 15, 1967: Fairgrounds Coliseum, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee (Sopwith Camel canceled)
Also on the bill: The Lovin' Spoonful, The Turtles, B.J. Thomas and The Triumphs, Lou Christie, The Cyrkle, Nashville Shadows. Two shows a day, 6:00pm and 9:00pm, promoted by WKDA Presents. Although The Sopwith Camel were originally advertised, they finally canceled their appearance for reasons unknown and on the subsequents poster and ad printed for this show were replaced by The Cyrkle, and Nashville Shadows.
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Sunday, June 18, 1967: 'Banana At Noon - Music For The Mind', Fremont Central Park, 40000 Paseo Padre Parkway at Stevenson Boulevard, Fremont, Alameda County, California (Sopwith Camel canceled)
Also on the bill: New Delhi River Band, The Wakefield Loop, Collective Works, Of An Ugly Nature, London Colony, The Brain Police. Mysteriously billed only as "A Surprise San Francisco Band" on the poster printed for this 12 noon free public rock benefit conceived by Gruw Productions as a fund raiser for a local school of mentally retarted children called the Dawn School, The Sopwith Camel canceled their appearance at last minute apparently because, as lead guitarist Dan Garvey of The Wakefield Loop recalls, "The Camel had very recently changed management and negated Yuri's influence to have them play... I think I remember Bill Sievers telling me that they wanted to relocate east to NY. The Camel was soon defunct, however." By the way, the Dawn School finally rejected the offers of help from the promoter of this so-called "happening" (the school's head master did not wanted to be involved with hippie music), so the Children's Hospital in Oakland was chosen as the event's beneficiary instead.
Saturday, June 24 - Sunday, June 25, 1967: 'To The Woods - Dancing Amongst Trees Grass and Colored Lights and Moons', Adobe Creek Lodge (formerly Los Altos Hills Country Club), 26220 Moody Road, near Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, Santa Clara County, California (canceled?)
The band was billed as The Sopwith "Camel" on the poster printed for these shows. Also on the bill: The WIldflower. One show a day, from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, promoted by Sopwith Camel Productions (a business identity of Camel manager Yuri Toropov). According to some members of The Wakefield Loop, another band managed by Yuri Toropov, the Camel were on the verge of splitting with Toropov around this time, so I think these shows never actually occured. Since The Wildflower don't recall it either, I think its simply a case of what might have been. Whether these shows were canceled due to weak ticket sales or because of a dispute between Sopwith Camel and their manager isn't clear, but in either case the result seems the same. No one recalls the event because it probably didn't occur. The Adobe Creek Lodge show appears to have been lost in the shuffle, and a fascinating potential rock venue was never used again. The city of Los Altos Hills ended up taking over the property in the late 1970s, and eventually the mansion and many of the grounds were incorporated into a private residence.
Friday, July 7 - Saturday, July 8, 1967: 'Spirit of '67', California Hall, 625 Polk Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Blue Cheer. Lights by Bob Holt. These shows were promoted by Space Age.
Friday, July 21, 1967: Bold Knight, 769 North Matilda Avenue, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara County, California
Also on the bill: The Chocolate Watchband. One show, from 9:00pm to 1:00am.
Saturday, August 19, 1967: Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Boulevard, Downtown Hollywood, Los Angeles County, California
Also on the bill: Peanut Butter Conspiracy, The Standells, Maryvonne's Raga Group.
Tuesday, August 22, 1967: De Anza College, 21250 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Cupertino, Santa Clara County, California
Also on the bill: IAM, Julius Frost, Al & Marsha Graham.
Monday, August 28 - Friday, September 1, 1967: 'A Study In Electricity And Nature', Muir Beach Tavern, Shoreline Road, Muir Beach, Marin County, California
A 4-day benefit held by John Muir at his beach on the Marin coast. Also on the bill: Electric Flag, Mt. Rushmore, Mad River, Blue Cheer, Black Swan, Flying Circus, Universal Joint, Phoenix, Morning Glory, Melvin Q., Haight Society, South Side Sound System, Loading Zone, Pyewacket, Transatlantic Railroad, Martha's Laundry, The Sons of Champlin, Dino Valenti, The Wakefield Loop, Buddah (MC), and many surprises and mystery guests. "We played almost through to the end of the event, sandwiched in between Sopwith Camel and the Electric Flag," recalls lead guitarist Dan Garvey of The Wakefield Loop's. "And, as a side note, when in the City, I sometimes borrowed Bill Sievers' old blonde Fender Telecaster guitar. In fact, I was using it when we played the Muir Beach gig (thanks as always, Bill!). I remember Don [DeAugustine, Wakefield Loop's drummer] and myself having to hitch a ride coming down Oak Street, going to the East Bay, and we got picked up in a heartbeat simply because of the band-name stenciling on the tweed guitar case (LOL)." By the way, it was just shortly before this gig that The Sopwith Camel and The Wakefield Loop shared rehearsal space in a warehouse in Sausalito, Marin County.
Saturday, September 9, 1967: 'Haight Ashbury Medical Clinic - Benefit Dance For Hard Livers and Bad Livers', Longshoremen‘s Hall, 400 North Point, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Steve Miller Blues Band, Kaleidoscope (canceled), South Side Sound System, Hair, Mt. Rushmore. One show, from 9:00pm to 2:00pm, although the owner of the venue forced the Haight Ashbury Medical Clinic to end the benefit at 1:15pm, much earlier than originally planned (and as result Kaleidoscope, who actually showed up, didn't play).
Friday, September 15, 1967: Straight Theater, 1702 Haight Street at Cole Street, Haight-Ashsbury, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Billy Roberts, Steve Miller Band. Lights by Reginald & Straight Lightning. The show, which started at 9:00pm, was promoted by The Straight Theater Presents.
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Saturday, September 16, 1967: Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento Convention Center, 1515 J Street, downtown Sacramento, California
Also on the bill: Moby Grape, The Turtles, Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band. The show, which started at 8:30pm, was sponsored by Tower Productions Inc.
The Sacramento Bee (September 3, 1967)
The Sacramento Bee (September 10, 1967)
Tuesday, September 19 - Saturday, September 23, 1967: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Robert Baker.
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Early October 1967
The Sopwith Camel's third single, 'Saga Of The Low Down Let Down / The Great Morpheum' (KA 236), was released in the US. The band was labeled again as Sopwith "Camel", but this time at least not on the picture sleeve. Terry Clements played tenor sax as guest on 'The Great Morpheum.'
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Billboard (October 7, 1967)
Wednesday, October 4 - Thursday, October 5, 1967: 'Benefit for the Hip Medical Clinic', Straight Theater, 1702 Haight Street at Cole Street, Haight-Ashsbury, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Fred Neil, Hugh Masekela, Mad River, Dr. Davis Smith, Shel Silverstein, Jane Lapiner and Co perform "Waiting and Bodies", and others.
Monday, October 9, 1967: Pismo Beach Boogie Hall, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo County, California
Also on the bill: San Andreas Fault.
Friday, October 13 or Saturday, October 14 or Sunday, October 15, 1967: 'The Groovy Show', KHJ-TV Channel 9, Ruth Hardy Park, 700 East Tamarisk Road, Palm Springs, Riverside County, California (filmed date)
Also appeared: Strawberry Alarm Clock, Michael Blodgett. This episode was broadcasted on Monday, October 23, and then again on Monday, November 13, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm.
Saturday, October 14, 1967: 'Boss City', KHJ-TV Channel 9, KHJ Studios, 5515 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles County, California (broadcast date)
Also appeared: DJ Sam Riddle (host), Grass Roots, Johnny Nash, Barbara Randolph.
Sunday, October 22 - Monday, October 23, 1967: De Anza College, 21250 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Cupertino, Santa Clara County, California
Also on the bill: IAM, The Charles Ford Band.
Wednesday, October 25, 1967: Auditorium, California Lutheran College campus, 60 West Olsen Street, Thousand Oaks, Ventura County, California
The show, which started at 8:00pm, was sponsored by the university's social activities commission and was the first of a series of "mid-week mixers" planned by the commission and was open to the public.
Van Nuys Valley News (October 6, 1967)
Saturday, October 28 - Sunday, October 29, 1967: 'Rock Jazz Art in Marin - The Synanon and Marin Youth Clubs Benefit', Peacock Gap Golf and Country Club, 333 Biscayne Drive, McNear's Beach, San Rafael, Marin County, California
Also on the bill: Ed Hepp (KMPX disc jockey) (MC) (28-29), The Youngbloods (28; from 12 noon to 1:00pm - 29; from 5:00pm to 6:00pm), Tom & Lee (28; from 1:00pm to 2:00pm - 29; from 4:00pm to 5:00pm), Vince Guaraldi's Trio (28; from 2:00pm to 3:00pm), Turk Murphy's Jazz Band (28: from 3:00pm to 4:00pm), Big Brother and the Holding Company (28; from 4:00pm to 5:00pm), Psycle (28; from 6:00pm to 7:00pm), Chris Ibanez Jazz Trio (29; from 1:00pm to 2:00pm), George Duke Trio (29; from 3:00pm to 4:00pm). This benefit, which lasted from 12 noon until sundown each day, was presented by The New Establishment, an organization in Tiburon. The profits from the food concessions went to the Marin Boys' Club. Large crowds filled the club grounds on both days - nearly 2,000 on Saturday and many more on Sunday. The audiences on both days were equally responsive to all entertainers. The Sopwith Camel were scheduled to play from 5:00pm to 6:00pm on Saturday, and from 12 noon to 1:00pm and again from 2:00pm to 3:00pm on Sunday. Also on Sunday, the enthusiasm was so great that the crowd stayed til after dark, even though they were unable to see the group that was playing (for the third time!), i.e. the Sopwith Camel. The Camel solved the darkness problem, however, by turning the lights of their ambulance on and directing them at the stage.
The San Francisco Examiner (October 22, 1967)
Daily Independent Journal (October 26, 1967)
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The Oak Lead (October 26, 1967)
Daily Independent Journal (October 26, 1967)
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Monday, October 30, 1967: 'Costume Ball Benefit For KPFA (aka Halloween Costume Ball, aka Costume Benefit Dance, aka KPFA Benefit)', Fillmore Auditorium, 1805 Geary Boulevard at Fillmore Street, Fillmore District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: The Incredible Fish, Collectors, The Committee, Mother Earth, Steve Miller Band (filled in for Pink Floyd that were originally advertised but canceled due to visa problems). The show, which lasted from 8:30pm to 2:00am, was produced for KPFA by Michael Chechik.
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November 1967
The Sopwith Camel's third single, 'Saga Of The Low Down Let Down / The Great Morpheum' (618 021), was released in Germany.
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Saturday, November 18, 1967: 'Free! Festival of Music', Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daily City, San Mateo County, California
Also on the bill: The Association, Eric Burdon and The Animals, The Everly Brothers, The Who, The Sunshine Company, Sam Riddle (MC). The show was promoted by White Front with MGM and Warner Bros. Presents, and was produced by A Sam Riddle Production.
Oakland Tribune (November 8, 1967)
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The San Francisco Examiner (November 17, 1967)
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Billboard (November 18, 1967)
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Sunday, November 19, 1967: 'Free! Festival of Music', Hollywood Bowl, 2301 North Highland Avenue, Downtown Hollywood, Los Angeles County, California
Also on the bill: The Association, Eric Burdon and The Animals, The Everly Brothers, The Who, The Sunshine Company, Sam Riddle (MC). The show, which started at 1:30pm, was promoted by White Front with MGM and Warner Bros. Presents, and was produced by A Sam Riddle Production. "Backstage before the show Pete Townshend, very courteously, dropped by to say 'Hi' and then William announced his intention to quit the band," recalls Peter Kraemer. "Norman and I both remember that. [Anyway] Willy stayed on for a while, he just told us he would be quitting to begin his solo career."
Valley Times (November 9, 1967)
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The Los Angeles Times (November 16, 1967)
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Monday, November 20, 1967: Whisky a' Go Go, 9081 Sunset Boulevard at Clark Street, West Hollywood, Los Angeles County, California
"The next night [after the Bowl show] we played a guest set with the Doors for a private event at the Whisky," recalls Peter Kraemer. "I remember that Eric Burdon was in the audience with his girlfriend."
Sunday, November 26 or Monday, November 27 or Tuesday, November 28 or Wednesday, November 29, 1967: 'Vox-In sound workshop', Avalon Ballroom, 1268 Sutter Street at Van Ness Street, Polk Gulch, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Blue Cheer, All Men Joy, Just Six, Gut, The Breed, and others.
Billboard (December 2, 1967)
Thursday, December 21, 1967: Sequoia Theatre, 25 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley, Marin County, California
The Sopwith Camel and other acts played at a special Christmas concert for teen-agers from 7:00pm to 11:00pm, co-sponsored by the merchants of Mill Valley and Runway Five. The merchants will use their share of net proceeds to hold a similar program of children's and teen-agers’ shows during Easter vacation, and to finance, landscaping in downtown Mill Valley.
Daily Independent Journal (December 22, 1967)
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Daily Independent Journal (December 20, 1967)
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Sunday, December 31, 1967: 'Giant New Years Eve Party & Dance (aka The Big Party & Dance New Years Eve)', Concord Coliseum, 1825 Salvio Street, Concord, Contra Costa County, California
Also on the bill: The Savonics.
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1967
The Sopwith Camel's second single, 'Postcard From Jamaica / Little Orphan Annie' (7N-25373), was released in New Zealand.
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1967
The Sopwith Camel's first and only EP (extend play), 'Postcard From Jamaica / Little Orphan Annie / Hello Hello / Treadin'' (617 109), was released only in France. This French release couples the band's first two US singles.
1967
The Sopwith Camel's single, 'Postcard From Jamaica / Hello Hello' (718 108), was released only in France. This French release couples the band's first two US A-sides. The "picture sleeve" is just one sheet of paper printed on one side only.
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1967
The Sopwith Camel's debut single, 'Hello Hello / Pisando [Treadin']' (KA 217), was released in Argentina.
Firday, January 19, 1968: 'Dance - Concert', Pioneer Gymnasium, California State College at Hayward, 25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard, Hayward, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Country Joe And The Fish, The Trend. One show, started at 8:30pm.
Berkeley Barb (January 19, 1968)
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Oakland Tribune (January 18, 1968)
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Sunday, February 4 - Monday, February 5, 1968: Brothers Natural Food Restaurant, 116 Highway, Guerneville, Sonoma County, California
Saturday, April 6, 1968: The Terrace Ballroom, 464 South Main Street, Salt Lake City, Utah
Also on the bill: The Byrds. Lights by Five Fingers On My Hand. Two shows, 7:00pm and 10:00pm, presented by Lyme Inc. "I remembered not so much for the gig itself but rather for the trip to and fro," recalls Peter Kraemer. "The whole band plus Terry's wife and Martin’s girlfriend and all the equipment drove from San Francisco in a new rented Mercury station wagon. 'Entering Utah! Set your watches ahead one hour and back 500 years!' As we approached Salt Lake a single ray of sunlight broke through low dark clouds and lit up the golden Archangel Moroni on top of the tabernacle. He was clearly visible from 20 miles out. Heading back, with me driving and all but William on acid, the car developed a shimmy between 80 and 115 mph. So it was West-ward Ho! at hundred and twenty toward Baghdad by the Bay."
Wednesday, April 10, 1968: 'Easter Happening for Hemophilia', Concord Coliseum, 1825 Salvio Street, Concord, Contra Costa County, California
Also on the bill: The Outrage, disc jockey Mike Phillips (chairman). The show, which lasted from 8:00pm to 12 midnight, was a benefit to help finance blood procurement and scholarship program of the Hemophilia Foundation of Northern California.
Oakland Tribune (April 3, 1968)
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Oakland Tribune (April 8, 1968)
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Friday, May 10, 1968: 'Freshman Class Farewell Dance', Mart Fern Court, University of San Francisco campus, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Clubduck, Liberty Street Boys. One show, from 8:00pm to 12 midnight.
San Francisco Foghorn (May 10, 1968)
Thursday, May 16, 1968: 'Beilenson Be-In', California Hall, 625 Polk Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks, Rejoice, Gale Garnett and The Gentle Reign, Peter Bowen, and many surprise guests. One show, from 9:00pm to 1:00am.
Friday, May 24, 1968: The Ark, Gate 6, Sausalito, Marin County, California
Also on the bill: The Womb. One show, from 9:00pm to 2:00am.
June 1968 (?)
The success didn't stop the band members from bickering offstage, so The Sopwith Camel disbanded. William Sievers, who quit first to pursue a brief, ill-fated solo career as William Truckaway, chalks it up to immaturity. "We were not the kind of seasoned musicians and performers that it would have taken to maintain on that level," William says. "We fell prey to the various temptations of the Sixties. We did hit it big fast but didn't get a lot of money out of it." "As far as I'm concerned, everything is perfect the way it happens. It always happens for a reason." Terry MacNeil adds suitably philosophic about the wheel of fortune. Peter Kraemer has instead a different perspective: "If I had only hit the big time, I could have a condo on the hill and a Porsche and cocaine and a limitless stream of blondes." he says with a laugh. Anyway, after the band split up, Peter Kraemer didn't do much of anything except try to get involved in avante garde filmmaking. "I wanted to become a film director." Peter recalls, "Instead I became broke, busted and miserable." While Terry MacNeil, Norman Mayell and Martin Beard formed The Dream Band, an "ad-hoc" studio band that Erik Jacobsen had put together just for the release of the single, 'The Train Song (Southern Pacific) / Mill Valley' (Reprise 0794), in November 1968. "Reprise actually released the first record that I ever wrote [The Train Song (Southern Pacific)]." Norman Mayell recalls, "I was living on top of Mt. Tamalpais in Mill Valley. I sang and played all the parts on a hacked reel to reel for the demo. Erik showed to Reprise and they went for it. The B side [Mill Valley] was an instrumental that Terry and I wrote. I also played drums and sitar on Miss Rita Abrams record which Erik produced, even Dan Hicks played drums on it. The fact the Rita's album featured a tune called Mill Valley and the Dream Band had one named the same is coincidence." After The Dream Band split up, Terry wrote the score for a play called 'The World We Live In' for the theater department at College of Martin, Martin played in a number of local bands (ncluding be a token male in a lesbian band), while Norman first did studio work for producer Erik Jacobsen (most notably appearing on Norman Greenbaum's album 'Spirit In The Sky' in 1969 (with his former bandmate William Sievers), on William Truckaway's album 'Breakaway' in 1971, and on Miss Abrams' album 'Miss Abrams And The Strawberry Point 4th Grade Class includes Mill Valley' in 1972), and then went to play with the legendary and loudest Blue Cheer for a couple of years (1969-71).
Billboard (October 26, 1968)
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February 1971 (?)
Peter Kraemer and Terry MacNeil started writing songs together again, and eventually deciding to re-form The Sopwith Camel with original members Norman Mayell and Martin Beard, plus a new one named Bob Feldman, aka 'Bix', on sax and flute. Although he keeping in close and constant touch with the rest of his former bandmates, William Sievers did not rejoined the band because he was busy operating his own recording studio/rehearsal hall in Sausalito (he now markets condominiums for San Francisco's Pacific Union Company, but also still performed as solo singer from time to time). The idea of putting together the Camel again began in 1970 when Peter went to see Erik Jacobsen. "I was trying to get in touch with you." Erik told him. "A dog food company called and wants to buy rights to the music of 'Hello Hello' as background for a TV commercial." Peter said to take it fast. He and Terry each got $3,200 for those rights. With some money in the bank, Peter had to decide what to do. "I was thinking about serious poetry again, going off to Majorca to write and bask in the sun." Instead he went to Hawaii to find Terry, who was involved in an ashram. "I joined Terry in Hawaii with the money." Peter confirms, "We spent it, all, in a matter of weeks." Peter wanted to write some new songs with Terry and form a new band. "I wanted us to become a smash hit overnight. It had happened overnight the first time so I saw no reason why it couldn't happen again." They rented a piano studio, started writing, and sent tapes back to Erik Jacobsen. The plan was to return to California, find new musicians to play in their new band, and get going again. The new band was to be called Scorpio Rabbit. "We came back to San Francisco, determined to get the best musicians we could hire, rather than the shiftless slobs we had before." Peter confirms, "We were all set to start auditioning musicians, and we auditioned everybody we could find, but things didn't work out that way. Instead, as it turned out, Martin and Norman had been working continuously since the band breakup, and they'd gotten really good. The best in fact, that we found. They said they'd like to be in the 'new' band, so Scorpio Rabbit never happened - instead, Sopwith Camel was back on the scene, as if it had returned from a long sojourn on the moon. So, here we are, together again. We figured that as Sopwith Camel we'd get back all our old fans." For a while the going was rough for the revived band. Audiences had changed since their first round. They had to start at little clubs which were seldom filled. But they stuck with it and started getting a little interest from record companies. "When he heard that we'd gotten together again, the manager of It's A Beautiful Day came up to me," Peter recalls, "He said, 'I hope you're not going to drag out that old name; it's beating a dead horse.' We took that as a challenge."
THE SOPWITH CAMEL #4 (FEBRUARY 1971 (?) - JUNE 1972 (?))
1) Peter Kraemer now also on bamboo flute , tenor sax, soprano sax, arp synthesizer
2) Terry MacNeil
3) Norman Mayell
4) Martin Beard
5) Bob 'Bix' Feldman sax, flute
1) Peter Kraemer now also on bamboo flute , tenor sax, soprano sax, arp synthesizer
2) Terry MacNeil
3) Norman Mayell
4) Martin Beard
5) Bob 'Bix' Feldman sax, flute
Friday, March 5 - Saturday, March 6, 1971: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Mike Finnigan & Friends.
Friday, March 5 - Saturday, March 6, 1971: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Mike Finnigan & Friends.
San Francisco Good Times (February 26, 1971)
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San Francisco Good Times (March 5, 1971)
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Tuesday, April 20, 1971: Lion's Share, 60 Red Hill Avenue, San Anselmo, Marin County, California
Also on the bill: Carol, Johnny Starr and the Moonmen, Locust, and others. One show, started at 9:00pm.
Friday, April 30 - Saturday, May 1, 1971: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Cleveland Wrecking Company.
Berkeley Tribe ad (May 2, 1971)
Thursday, May 13 - Saturday, May 15, 1971: Lion's Share, 60 Red Hill Avenue, San Anselmo, Marin County, California
Also on the bill: The Loading Zone. One show each day, started at 9:00pm.
Monday, May 17, 1971: Friends and Relations Hall, Playland Amusement Park, 660 Great Highway, Ocean Beach, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Flamin' Groovies, Foxglove. One show, started at 9:00pm.
Thursday, May 20, 1971: Student Center, College Of Marin, 835 College Avenue, Kentfield, Marin County, California
The show, which lasted from 9:00pm to 1:00am, was a benefit for the Marin Peace Coalition. Also on the bill: Bryan Gaddy (chairman), Stoneground, Uncle Vinty, Pamela Polland, Ofoedian Den.
Friday, May 21 - Saturday, May 22, 1971: Friends and Relations Hall, Playland Amusement Park, 660 Great Highway, Ocean Beach, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Flamin' Groovies (21-22), Foxglove (21), Flying Circus (22). One show each day, started at 9:00pm.
Wednesday, May 26, 1971: Mandrake's, 1048 University Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Grayson Street. One show, started at 9:30pm.
Saturday, May 29, 1971: 'Rock Concert', Herzog Hall, Petaluma Fairgrounds, 100 Gnoss Concourse Drive, Petaluma, Sonoma County, California
Also on the bill: Clover, Brown Rice. One show, started at 9:00pm.
The Press Democrat (May 23, 1971)
Thursday, June 10, 1971: The Inn of the Beginning, 8201 Old Redwood Highway, downtown Cotati, Sonoma County, California
Also on the bill: Tim Dawes. One show, started at 9:00pm.
Saturday, June 12, 1971: Friends and Relations Hall, Playland Amusement Park, 660 Great Highway, Ocean Beach, San Francisco, California
The Sopwith Camel played at a benefit for Reverend Willie Minzy's defense fund. Also on the bill: Stoneground, Congress of Wonders, Beefy Red, Ducks, Wisdom Marionettes Theater. Lights by Northern Lights. One show, from 8 or 9:00pm to 2:00am.
Berkeley Tribe (June 11, 1971)
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Berkeley Barb (June 11, 1971)
San Francisco Good Times (June 11, 1971)
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Friday, June 18 - Saturday, June 19, 1971: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Sonoma County, California
Also on the bill: Alice Stuart. One show each day, started at 9:30pm.
Berkeley Barb (June 18, 1971)
Tuesday, June 22 - Wednesday, June 23, 1971: Keystone Korner, 750 Vallejo Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Lamb.
Berkeley Barb (June 18, 1971)
Saturday, July 3, 1971: Montclair Recreation Center, 6300 Moraga Way, Oakland, Alameda County, California
Saturday, July 10, 1971: The New Monk, 2119 University Avenue at Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Stoneground. One show, started at 9:00pm.
Monday, July 12, 1971: Keystone Korner, 750 Vallejo Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California
One show, started at 9:30pm.
Sunday, July 18, 1971: Laurence Frost Amphitheater, Leland Stanford Junior University, Lasuen Street, Stanford, Santa Clara County, California
Also on the bill: Elvin Bishop Group, Lamb, Cold Blood, Santana. The show, which lasted from 1:00pm to 5:30pm, was promoted by ASSU Special Events Presents. "The crowd was huge, about 30K, there were people hanging in the trees and fights were swirling up and down the amphitheater." Peter Kraemer recalls, "The organizers asked if they could try to block off the backstage by parking all the band trucks bumper to bumper. My beautiful 1956 Cadillac ambulance was ruined by people jumping up and down on its roof, damn. The only time there were no fights in the audience was while we were playing!"
The Stanford Daily (July 20, 1971)
Monday, July 19, 1971: Keystone Korner, 750 Vallejo Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California
One show, started at 9:30pm.
Thursday, July 22, 1971: 'Rock Tea', Encore Theatre, 430 Mason Street, San Francisco, California
One show, started at 3:30pm.
Monday, July 26, 1971: Keystone Korner, 750 Vallejo Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California
One show, started at 9:30pm.
Thursday, July 29, 1971: Longbranch, 2504 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Jabo Stokes. One show, from 9:30pm to 2:00am.
Friday, July 30 - Saturday, July 31, 1971: Keystone Korner, 750 Vallejo Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Happy and Artie Traum.
Thursday, August 5 - Friday, August 6, 1971: The Inn of the Beginning, 8201 Old Redwood Highway, downtown Cotati, Sonoma County, California
Also on the bill: Happy & Artie Traum.
Wednesday, August 11 - Thursday, August 12, 1971: Encore Theatre, 430 Mason Street, San Francisco, California
One show each day, from 8:30pm to 10:30pm.
Berkeley Barb (August 6, 1971)
Thursday, August 12, 1971: Native Sons Hall, 11th Street at J Street, Sacramento, California
Also on the bill: The Loading Zone, Clover. The show was promoted by Community Theater Presents.
Friday, August 13, 1971: Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, 2357 Fair Street, Chico, Butte County, California
Also on the bill: The Loading Zone, Clover. The show was promoted by Community Theater Presents.
Saturday, August 14, 1971: Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds, 442 Franklin Avenue, Yuba City, Sutter County, California
Also on the bill: The Loading Zone, Clover. The show was promoted by Community Theater Presents.
Sunday, August 15, 1971: El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive, Placerville, El Dorado County, California
Also on the bill: The Loading Zone, Clover. The show was promoted by Community Theater Presents.
Wednesday, August 18, 1971: Encore Theatre, 430 Mason Street, San Francisco, California
One show, started at 8:30pm.
Wednesday, August 25, 1971: Encore Theatre, 430 Mason Street, San Francisco, California
One show, started at 8:30pm.
Friday, August 27 - Saturday, August 28, 1971: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Jeffrey Cain. One show each day, started at 9:30pm.
Berkeley Tribe (August 27, 1971)
Saturday, August 28, 1971: Cathedral Square, along the K Street Mall at 11th Street, downtown Sacramento, California
A free show sponsored by the Sacramento Downtown Association. The Sopwith Camel performed from 11:45am to 1:30pm in Cathedral Square, while the other band on the bill, Cold Blood, performed from 2:00pm to 3:30pm at the corner of 5th and K Streets.
The Sacramento Bee (August 22, 1971)
Saturday, August 28, 1971: 'Summer in the City', Y.W.C.A., 620 Sutter Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: East Bay Sharks, Family Grace. One show, from 12 noon to 12 midnight.
Friday, September 3 - Saturday, September 4, 1971: The Inn of the Beginning, 8201 Old Redwood Highway, downtown Cotati, Sonoma County, California
Also on the bill: Norman Greenbaum. One show each night, started at 9:00pm.
Monday, September 6, 1971: 'Watsonville Rock Festival', private land, near Pinto Lake Park off Poultry Lane, north of Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, California
Also on the bill: Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen. Lights by Festival of Light. The festival was promoted by Family Productions.
The Cornell Daily Sun (September 8, 1971)
Saturday, September 11, 1971: Lion's Share, 60 Red Hill Avenue, San Anselmo, Marin County, California
Also on the bill: Shawn Phillips. A soundboard tape recording of the show exist.
Sunday, September 12, 1971: Longbranch Saloon, 2504 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: In Your Own Back Yard.
Friday, October 15 - Saturday, October 16, 1971: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Lamb. One show each day, started at 9:30pm.
Berkeley Tribe (October 15, 1971)
Friday, October 29, 1971: Robert F. Benson Memorial Center, University of Santa Clara campus, 820 Alviso Street, Santa Clara, California
Also on the bill: Yogi Phlegm (formerly) Sons Of Champlin, Truckin'. The show, which started at 8:30pm, was presented by Associated Students Santa Clara University.
Spartan Daily (October 29, 1971)
Friday, November 19 - Saturday, November 20, 1971: The Inn of the Beginning, 8201 Old Redwood Highway, downtown Cotati, Sonoma County, California
Also on the bill: Magee and Terry Roach.
Tuesday, November 23 - Sunday, November 28, 1971: Boarding House, 960 Bush Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Lambert and Nuttycombe. One show each day, started at 9:30pm.
Saturday, December 11, 1971: Longbranch Saloon, 2504 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Grootna.
Wednesday, December 22, 1971: 'You're Invited - Third Annual P.H.R. Christmas Celebration', Pacific High Recording Co., 60 Brady Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks, The Charlatans, plus extra added attractions (included the Sopwith Camel). One show, started at 8:30pm. Moe Ostin, the president of Warner Bros. Records, was in the audience that day, and he liked the Sopwith Camel, and eventually he signed them for his label eight months later.
Thursday, December 23, 1971: Lion's Share, 60 Red Hill Avenue, San Anselmo, Marin County, California
A soundboard tape recording of this show exist.
Friday, December 31, 1971: 'Quicksilver Presents Second Annual New Years Eve Costume Ball', Friends and Relations Hall, Playland Amusement Park, 660 Great Highway, Ocean Beach, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Quicksilver Messenger Service, Big Brother and The Holding Company, Stoneground. One show, started at 7:30pm.
Friday, January 7 - Saturday, January 8, 1972: Frenchy's, 29097 Mission Boulevard, Hayward, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Big Brother and The Holding Company. Lights by Little Princess 109. One show a day, from 9:00pm to 2:00am.
Friday, January 14 - Saturday, January 15, 1972: Lion's Share, 60 Red Hill Avenue, San Anselmo, Marin County, California
Also on the bill: Clover. One show each day, started at 9:30pm. A soundboard tape recording for each of these shows exist.
Friday, January 21 - Saturday, January 22, 1972: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Natural Act. One show each day, started at 9:30pm.
Berkeley Tribe (January 21, 1972)
Friday, February 18 - Saturday, February 19, 1972: The Inn of the Beginning, 8201 Old Redwood Highway, downtown Cotati, Sonoma County, California
Also on the bill: Saving Grace.
Friday, March 17 and Sunday, March 19, 1972: 'Benefit for Bangla Desh kids (aka Benefit for Children of Bangla Desh)', Spartan Stadium, San Jose State College campus, 1257 South 10th Street, San Jose, Santa Clara County, California
Also on the bill: Malo, Shanti, Dr. Hook, plus surprise headliners. The Friday show started at 7:30pm, while the Sunday show started at 2:30pm.
Friday, March 24 - Saturday, March 25, 1972: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Eli. One show each day, started at 9:30pm.
Friday, March 31 - Saturday, April 1, 1972: Keystone Korner, 750 Vallejo Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Frank Biner Band. One show each day, started at 9:30pm.
Friday, April 14 - Saturday, April 15, 1972: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Touchstone. One show each day, started at 9:30pm.
Wednesday, May 10 - Thursday, May 11, 1972: The Inn of the Beginning, 8201 Old Redwood Highway, downtown Cotati, Sonoma County, California
Also on the bill: Stephen Fiske.
Saturday, May 13, 1972: 'Benefit Concert For 7th Step Foundation Half Way House', Freeborn Hall, UC Davis (University of California, Davis) campus, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, Yolo County, California
Also on the bill: Big Brother and The Holding Company with Kathi McDonald, Clover. The show, which started at 8:00pm, was sponsored by U.C.D. Law Students Assoc.
The Sacramento Bee (May 12, 1972)
Friday, May 19, 1972 - Saturday, May 20, 1972: Lion's Share, 60 Red Hill Avenue, San Anselmo, Marin County, California
Also on the bill: Shanti. One show each day, started at 9:00pm.
Friday, May 26, 1972: Brown's Hall, 390 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley, Marin County, California
The Sopwith Camel played at a fund-raising party for Rev. Samuel L. Banks Jr., candidate for Marin County supervisor in the Third District. Also on the bill: Village Baptist Choir. One show, started at 8:00pm.
June 1972 (?)
Bob Feldman left The Sopwith Camel.
THE SOPWITH CAMEL #5 (JUNE 1972 (?) - JUNE 1973 (?))
1) Peter Kramer
2) Terry MacNeil
3) Norman Mayell
4) Martin Beard
The Sopwith Camel #5 on producer Erik Jacobsen's houseboat in Sausalito, Marin County, CA, December 2, 1972 - from left: Norman Mayell, Peter Kraemer, Martin Beard, and Terry MacNeil
The Sopwith Camel #5 on producer Erik Jacobsen's houseboat in Sausalito, Marin County, CA, December 2, 1972 - from left: Martin Beard, Terry MacNeil, Norman Mayell, Peter Kraemer, and a kid who wanted to be in the photo
The Sopwith Camel #5 on the producer Erik Jacobsen's houseboat in Sausalito, Marin County, CA, December 2, 1972 - from left: Terry MacNeil, Norman Mayell, Peter Kraemer, and Martin Beard
The Sopwith Camel #5 on producer Erik Jacobsen's houseboat in Sausalito, Marin County, CA, December 2, 1972 - from left: Terry MacNeil, Norman Mayell, Peter Kraemer, and Martin Beard
The Sopwith Camel #5 on producer Erik Jacobsen's houseboat in Sausalito, Marin County, CA, December 2, 1972 - from left: Terry MacNeil, Norman Mayell, Peter Kraemer, and Martin Beard
The Sopwith Camel #5, 1972/73
Tuesday, June 20 - Sunday, June 25, 1972: The Ice House, 24 North Mentor Avenue, Pasadena, San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles County, California
July 1972
The Sopwith Camel signed a recording contract with Reprise Records (owned by Warner Music Group, and operates through Warner Bros. Records), and also a management contract with Bob Cavallo & Joe Ruffalo.
Cashbox (July 15, 1972)
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Billboard (July 22, 1972)
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1972: Wilfried Sätty's studio, 2141-43 Powell Street, North Beach, San Francisco, California
A French National Television, under the direction of Claude Otzenberger, filmed a documentary color film on California that year, and a segment showed The Sopwith Camel performed in a 2,300 square foot area under the great late artist Wilfried Sätty's studio. An enviroment was created as a setting for live performances by The Living Theatre and other artists. The audience dressed colorfully and live music was provided by The Sopwith Camel, and Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen, plus a final set performed by Michael Bloomfield (guitar), Nick Gravenites (vocals), and Mark Naftalin (keyboards) with members of the Camel. The film also included numerous illustrations from The Cosmic Bicycle and an interview with the artist. It is not known if the film was actually shown on French TV.
1972-1973: Wally Heider Studios, 245 Hyde Street, San Francisco, California
The Sopwith Camel recorded their second and last album, 'The Miraculous Hump Returns From The Moon'. The songs were: 'Fazon' by Kraemer, MacNeil, Beard, and Mayell, 'Coke, Suede And Waterbeds' by Kraemer & MacNeil, 'Dancin' Wizard' by Kraemer & MacNeil, 'Sleazy Street' by Kraemer & MacNeil, 'Orange Peel' by Kraemer & MacNeil, 'Oriental Fantasy' by Kraemer & MacNeil, 'Sneaky Smith' by Kraemer & MacNeil, 'Monkeys On The Moon' by Kraemer & MacNeil, 'Astronaut Food' by Kraemer & MacNeil, and 'Brief Synthophonia' by Kraemer, MacNeil, Beard, and Mayell. The album was produced by Erik Jacobsen and The Sopwith Camel of Sweet Reliable Productions for Reprise Records.
1972 or 1973: Channel 20 KEMO-TV Studios, 2500 Marin Street, Bernal Heights, San Francisco, California
The Sopwith Camel made a music video of their song 'Fazon' (you can see an excerpt below).
Saturday, March 3, 1973: 'Heliotrope Festival Benefit', California Hall, 625 Polk Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: One Man Band Crafts, and lots more. The benefit lasted from 12 noon to 12 midnight, but the bands started to play at 9:00pm.
Tuesday, March 20, 1973: 'The Vernal Equinox Rock Concert', Berkeley Community Theatre, 1930 Allston Way, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Finnigan & Wood, The Congress Of Wonders, Cat Mother, and an unidentified group that did a lightshow behind Cat Mother. One show, started at 8:00pm and hosted by Scott Beach, founding member of The Committee. Proceedes from the show go to Hedge and Wari, local alternative schools.
Berkeley Barb (March 16, 1973)
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Berkeley Barb (March 16, 1973)
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Wednesday, March 21, 1973: The Inn of the Beginning, 8201 Old Redwood Highway, downtown Cotati, Sonoma County, California
Also on the bill: Appaloosa.
Wednesday, March 21, 1973: The Inn of the Beginning, 8201 Old Redwood Highway, downtown Cotati, Sonoma County, California
Also on the bill: Appaloosa.
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Sunday, April 29, 1973: McLaren Park Amphitheatre, John McLaren Park, 100 John F Shelley Drive, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Family Grace, Daniel Orsborn, Cisco Slick and the Violations. One show, from 11:00am to 4:00pm.
Wednesday, May 9 - Saturday, May 12, 1973: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Hoo Doo (9-10), Stuart Little Band (11-12).
Friday, May 18, 1973: Lower Sproul Hall Plaza, U.C. Berkeley campus, Bancroft Way at Sather Road, Berkeley, Alameda County, California (outdoor noon gig)
Saturday, May 19, 1973: Ebbets Field, 1020 15th Street, Denver, Colorado
Also on the bill: Flo & Eddie. The Sopwith Camel's entire set was recorded on a reel-to-reel tape by someone in the audience.
June 1973 (?)
The Sopwith Camel added a new member named James 'Jimmy' Stringfellow, who doubling on horns, keyboards and guitar. Jimmy started playing piano at the age of six, and later studied composition and arranging at the Berklee jazz conservatory and Buffalo University. Jimmy was playing in a band on the same bill with the Camel when discovered by the group. "We weren't really looking for anyone," Peter Kraemer recalls, "just waiting. What we were waiting for manifested itself sooner than we had expected when we found Jimmy. We were always hoping to get a really good, trained musician in the band."
THE SOPWITH CAMEL #6 (JUNE 1973 (?) - OCTOBER ??, 1973)
1) Peter Kraemer
2) Terry MacNeil
3) Norman Mayell
4) Martin Beard
5) Jimmy Stringfellow guitar, sax, piano, organ Hammond B-3
1) Peter Kraemer
2) Terry MacNeil
3) Norman Mayell
4) Martin Beard
5) Jimmy Stringfellow guitar, sax, piano, organ Hammond B-3
The Sopwith Camel #6, July 25, 1973 - from left: Martin Beard, Norman Mayell, Terry MacNeil, Peter Kraemer, and Jimmy Stringfellow
The Sopwith Camel #6, July 25, 1973 - from left: Norman Mayell, Jimmy Stringfellow, Terry MacNeil, Peter Kraemer, and Martin Beard
The Sopwith Camel #6, July 25, 1973 - from left: Terry MacNeil, Martin Beard, Norman Mayell, Peter Kraemer, and Jimmy Stringfellow
The Sopwith Camel #6, July 25, 1973 - from left: Martin Beard, Norman Mayell, Terry MacNeil, Peter Kraemer, and Jimmy Stringfellow
Friday, June 22 - Saturday, June 23, 1973: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Stuart Little Band. One show each day, started at 9:30pm.
Friday, July 13 - Saturday, July 14, 1973: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Stuart Little Band. The Sopwith Camel's entire set from the Saturday night show was recorded on a reel-to-reel tape by someone in the audience.
Thursday, July 26 - Friday, July 27, 1973: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Mystery Tour (26), Stuart Little Band (27).
Friday, August 24 - Saturday, August 25, 1973: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Bittersweet. One show each day, started at 9:30pm.
Early September 1973
Kama Sutra reissued The Sopwith Camel's eponymous debut album only in the US with a different title, 'The Sopwith Camel in Hello Hello' (KSBS 2063), and also with different front cover, back cover, and label. This version of the album was reissued in the 1990s/2000s.
Cashbox (September 8, 1973)
The Daily Princetonian (October 2, 1973)
The Daily Nebraskan (October 31, 1973)
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September 1973
The Sopwith Camel's second album, 'The Miraculous Hump Returns From The Moon' (MS 2108), was released only in the US. The album, which was also released in the cassette format, featured a beautiful front cover painting by the great late visual artist Wilfred Sätty, although originally Warner Bros. suggested the use of the Elvis Presley set from the 1958's movie King Creole in Hollywood, and the costumes from the 1955's movie The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell to create Armistice Day, 1918 (anyway, that cover was rejected). The album also featured the earliest known video-feedback band photo in the inner sleeve.
Billboard (September 29, 1973)
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Berkeley Barb (January 18, 1974)
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Albuquerque Journal (January 20, 1974)
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Monday, September 10 - Saturday, September 15, 1973: Richards, 931 Monroe Drive Northeast, near 8th and Virginia Avenue, Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia
Also on the bill: Rory Gallagher. These shows were recorded and then radio broadcasted (see below). By the way, during one of their sets the audience would not let them off without doing their old hit, 'Hello Hello', three times! "The people were a group of 'Southern Aristocrats', one of the girls had a leopard on a leash." Peter Kraemer recalls about that episode, "They sent a hundred dollar bill to the stage and asked us to play 'Hello Hello' again. So we did, then as I recall they sent a fifty and asked us to play it again and we did not, because I realized their malicious intent. We might have done it twice for $100 I'm not sure."
Great Speckled Bird (August 27, 1973)
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Great Speckled Bird (September 10, 1973)
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Great Speckled Bird (September 17, 1973)
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Billboard (October 13, 1973)
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Cashbox (October 13, 1973)
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Great Speckled Bird (September 27, 1973)
Sunday, September 16, 1973: 'Free Concert', Landis Field, Georgia Institute of Technology campus, across the street from the Coliseum, Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia
Also on the bill: Lynyrd Skynyrd (cancelled), Mose Jones, Al Kooper, Little Feat. The show, which lasted from 4pm to 8pm, was promoted by the local Richards club.
Monday, September 24 - Monday, October 1, 1973: The Bitter End, 147 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
The Sopwith Camel were originally advertised to play here from October 3 to 8, then from September 26 to October 1, and finally from September 24 to October 1 exactly. Also on the bill: Franklin Ajaye.
Village Voice (September 13, 1973)
Village Voice (September 27, 1973)
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Village Voice (September 20, 1967)
Village Voice (September 27, 1973)
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Tuesday, October 2, 1973: Smiling Dog Saloon, 3447 West 25th Street, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Also on the bill: Mike Quatro Jam Band. "Terry [MacNeil] left the band after breaking his arm while falling on his roller skates in Cleveland," recalls Norman Mayell. "I had broken my left wrist while roller skating backwards in the parking lot of our hotel on our promo tour for our second album," confirms Terry MacNeil.
Wednesday, October 10 - Saturday, October 13, 1973: Bijou Cafe, 1409 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Also on the bill: Jesse Colin Young. Supposedly Terry MacNeil's last gigs with The Sopwith Camel. "[After I broke my left wrist] the managers sent us home after a couple attempted performances." Terry MacNeil recalls, "Nedless to say, spirits weren't too high when we got back to rehearsing and when Peter [Kraemer] said, 'You can be replaced', I took him up on it." Anyway, after he was fired from the band, Terry became a follower of the late Shaivism's religion guru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, aka Gurudeva, and changed his name to Nandi Devam. "Every band had to have one of those," says Norman Mayell laughing.
October ??, 1973
The Sopwith Camel replaced Terry MacNeil with a new lead guitar player named James 'Jimmy' Ward.
THE SOPWITH CAMEL #7 (OCTOBER ??, 1973 - LATE FEBRUARY 1974)
1) Peter Kraemer
2) Norman Mayell
3) Martin Beard
4) Jimmy Stringfellow
5) Jimmy Ward lead guitar, timbales
1) Peter Kraemer
2) Norman Mayell
3) Martin Beard
4) Jimmy Stringfellow
5) Jimmy Ward lead guitar, timbales
Monday, October 15 - Sunday, October 21, 1973: unknown venue, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachussets (Sopwith Camel canceled)
Monday, October 22 - Saturday, October 27, 1973: The Cellar Door, 34th Street and M Street Northwest, Washington D.C. (Sopwith Camel canceled)
October 1973
The Sopwith Camel's fourth single, 'Fazon / Sleazy Street' (REP 1179), was released only in the US. At the same time, and with the same catalogue number, Reprise Records also released only in the US the not for sale promo single, 'Fazon [mono] / Fazon [stereo]' (REP 1179).
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Sunday, January 6, 1974: Muther's Music Emporium, 314 Hermitage Avenue, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee
Also on the bill: Red Snapper.
Tuesday, January 8 - Sunday, January 13, 1974: The Great SouthEast Music Hall, 2581 Piedmont Road N.E., Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia
Also on the bill: Franklin Ajaye.
Sunday, January 6, 1974: Muther's Music Emporium, 314 Hermitage Avenue, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee
Also on the bill: Red Snapper.
Tuesday, January 8 - Sunday, January 13, 1974: The Great SouthEast Music Hall, 2581 Piedmont Road N.E., Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia
Also on the bill: Franklin Ajaye.
Great Speckled Bird (Jnauary 7, 1974)
Monday, January 21 - Saturday, January 26, 1974: JB's lounge, 59th Street and Broadway, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida
Two shows a day, 10pm and 12 midnight.
Monday, February 11 - Saturday, February 16, 1974: The Gallery, Aspen, Pitkin County, Colorado
Tuesday, February 19 - Saturday, February 23, 1974: Ebbets Field, 1020 15th Street, Denver, Colorado
Late February 1974
The Sopwith Camel disbanded again after their comeback album stiffed, and after their national tour literally went up in smoke when their truck loaded with their equipment exploded and burned on the road somewhere in Florida, and the group lost $20,000 in equipment. At that point, Kraemer, Beard and Mayell all retired from the music scene at this point. Peter's post-Camel jobs have included ditch digging, carpentry, house painting, landscaping and nightclub management. He also paints on canvas, and some of his art was shown at a San Francisco cafè in the 80s. Martin became an electronics technician for a Silicon Valley company, while Norman owns a successful typesetting company with his wife Judy.
April 1977
Peter Kraemer and Jimmy Ward reformed The Sopwith Camel with new members: Michael 'Mike' Lafferty on keyboards, synthesizer, trombone, and back-up vocals, formerly of Liberty Street, Second Coming, and The Playboys, Bill Buckingham on drums, percussion, and back-up vocals, plus Clarence Stephens on bass, formerly of Freeway, as guest from time to time.
THE SOPWITH CAMEL #8 (APRIL 1977 - DECEMBER ??, 1977)
1) Peter Kraemer
2) Jimmy Ward
3) Mike Lafferty keyboards, synthesizer, trombone, back-up vocals
4) Bill Buckingham drums, back-up vocals, percussion
+
5) Clarence Stephens bass (as guest from time to time)
Berkeley Barb (October 7, 1977)
Sunday, May 1, 1977: 'New May Day Parade and Celebration', People's Park and Provo Park, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
The Sopwith Camel #8's debut gig. Also on the bill: Country Porn, and others.
Berkeley Barb (April 29, 1977)
Friday, May 13, 1977: Rio Theater and Dance Company, 140 Parker Avenue, Rodeo, Contra Costa County, California
Also on the bill: Heroes.
Friday, June 3 - Saturday, June 4, 1977: Palms, 1406 Polk Street, San Francisco, California
Sunday, June 5, 1977: Shady Grove, 1538 Haight Street, Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Arrusala (they played the afternoon show from 3 to 6pm). One show, started at 9:00pm.
Wednesday, June 15, 1977: Shady Grove, 1538 Haight Street, Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, California
Friday, June 24 - Saturday, June 25, 1977: Shady Grove, 1538 Haight Street, Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, California
Friday, July 15, 1977: West Dakota, 1505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Friday, July 22, 1977: West Dakota, 1505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Wednesday, August 3, 1977: Shady Grove, 1538 Haight Street, Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: PBF with Peter Kerkow.
Friday, August 19 - Saturday, 20, 1977: The Dream Theater, 301 Prescott Avenue (at Lighthouse), Monterey, California
Two shows a day, 7:30pm and 10:00pm, promoted by The Dream Theater Presents Live In Concert.
Monday, September 26 - Tuesday, September 27, 1977: Old Waldorf, 444 Battery Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Moby Grape. Two shows a day, 8:30pm and 11:30pm. The Sopwith Camel's entire set from one of the two Tuesday night shows was recorded on a reel-to-reel tape by someone in the audience.
Sunday, October 9, 1977: Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, California
Also on the bill: Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes.
The San Francisco Examiner (October 9, 1977)
Monday, October 31, 1977: 'A Giant Halloween Party', Boiler Room, 625 Cannery Row, Monterey, California
Salinas Californian (October 28, 1977)
Sunday, November 13, 1977: Keystone, 2119 University Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: D' Thumbs.
Friday, November 25, 1977: The Rathskeller, 600 Turk Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Mistress Featuring Dave Walker (formerly of Savoy Brown).
Thursday, December 1, 1977: Keystone, 2119 University Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Pucci Band.
Friday, December 2 - Saturday, December 3, 1977: Old Waldorf, 444 Battery Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Talking Heads. Two shows each day, 8:30pm and 11:30pm.
Thursday, December 15, 1977: The Inn Of The Beginning, 8201 Old Redwood Highway, downtown Cotati, Sonoma County, California
One show, started at 9:30pm.
Friday, December 16, 1977: Old Mill Tavern, 106 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley, Marin County, California
December ??, 1977
The Sopwith Camel disbanded again.
1986
Edsel Records reissued The Sopwith Camel's eponymous debut album only in the UK with a different title, 'Frantic Desolation' (ED 185), and with one additional track, 'Treadin'', that back in 1966 was released only as a single.
1986
Edsel Records reissued The Sopwith Camel's second album, 'The Miraculous Hump Returns From The Moon' (XED 205), only in the UK.
1990
Sequel Records reissued The Sopwith Camel's eponymous debut album only in the UK with a different title, 'Hello Hello Again' (NEM CD 601), and one additional track, 'Treadin''. This is the first time the album was released in the new CD (compact disc) format.
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1994
One Way Records reissued The Sopwith Camel's eponymous debut album, 'Sopwith Camel' (OW 29311), only in the US and with an additional track, 'Treadin''. The album was reissued again in the CD format.
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2001
Norman Mayell reissued The Sopwith Camel's second album, 'The Miraculous Hump Returns From The Moon', on Generic Type Records only in the US. This is the first time the album was released in the new CD format. This version of the album was sold out and out of print now.
2006
Acadia Records reissued The Sopwith Camel's eponymous debut album, 'Sopwith Camel' (ACAD 8099), only in the UK and with both the mono and stereo versions for each of the tracks together, plus the additional track 'Treadin'' [only mono version]. The album was reissued again in the CD format.
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2006
Warner Bros. Records reissued The Sopwith Camel's second album, 'The Miraculous Hump Returns From The Moon' (CD 8600), only in the US. The album was reissued again in the CD format, and it was also remastered for the first time after producer Erik Jacobsen discovered the original master in his basement.
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October 2009
Peter Kraemer and Martin Beard reformed The Sopwith Camel with a couple of new musicians named Mike McKevitt (vocals, sitar, lead guitar) and Bruce Slesinger (drums), aka 'Ted', formerly of The Dead Kennedys.
THE SOPWITH CAMEL #9 (OCTOBER 2009 - NOVEMBER 10, 2015)
1) Peter Kraemer
2) Martin Beard
3) Mike McKevitt vocals, sitar, lead guitar
4) Bruce 'Ted' Slesinger drums
1) Peter Kraemer
2) Martin Beard
3) Mike McKevitt vocals, sitar, lead guitar
4) Bruce 'Ted' Slesinger drums
Saturday, October 31, 2009: '35th Annual Halloween Party', Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, California
The show, from 8:00pm to 1:00am, was promoted by Pier 5 Law Presents.
December ??, 2009: 'Xmas party of Local 510 Sign and Display Union (last refuge of the crew from the Avalon)', San Francisco County Fair Building (aka the Hall of Flowers), Golden Gate Park, 1199 9th Avenue, San Francisco, California
The show was recorded (listen below).
Saturday, February 27, 2010: An Undisclosed Location, 523 Campbell Avenue, San Francisco, California
The show was filmed (see below).
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Tuesday, April 27, 2010: 'Full Moon Party', Velma's, 2246 Jerrold Avenue, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Mindy Canter. One show, started at 8:00pm. The Sopwith Camel's soundcheck and performance were both filmed (see below).
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Wednesday, May 26, 2010: 'Full Moon Party', Velma's, 2246 Jerrold Avenue, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: The Beanweevils, M. Dingle & TTTB, The Jenny Kerr Band. One show, started at 7:30pm.
from left: Mike McKevitt, Martin Beard, Bruce 'Ted' Slesinger, and Peter Kraemer
from left: Martin Beard, Mike McKevitt, Bruce 'Ted' Slesinger, and Peter Kraemer
Wednesday, October 20, 2010: unknown venue (near Cow Palace), Daly City, San Mateo County, California (private gig)
Saturday, October 30, 2010: '36th Annual Halloween Bash!', Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Del Mars, Deep Six, Danny Brant Band. One show, from 8:00pm to 1:00am, promoted by Pier 5 Law Presents.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010: unknown venue (near Cow Palace), Daly City, San Mateo County, California (private gig)
Saturday, October 30, 2010: '36th Annual Halloween Bash!', Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Del Mars, Deep Six, Danny Brant Band. One show, from 8:00pm to 1:00am, promoted by Pier 5 Law Presents.
Saturday, June 18, 2011: Don Quixote's International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, downtown Felton, Santa Cruz County, California
Also on the bill: Highway Buddah. The show, which started at 8:00pm, was filmed (see below).
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Saturday, July 16, 2011: 'July Fly-By II', Undisclosed Location, 523 Campbell Avenue, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Julie Symington, Michael Dingle. One show, started at 9:00pm
Saturday, August 6, 2011: 'Silvertown - An Evening of Music and Memories', The Washoe Club, 112 North C Street, Virginia City Historic District, Storey County, Nevada
Also on the bill: The Woodys, Red Rose, The Klaptones, Guitar Woody, Darius and The Various Cocktails, plus surprise guest speakers. The show, which lasted from 3:00pm to 11:00pm, was promoted by Comstock Residents Association (KLAP FM, The Hayseed Hoot, The Reno Blues Society, Tahoe House).
Thursday, August 11, 2011: Blue Macaw, 2565 Mission Street at 22nd Street, Mission District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: The Machiavelvets, Jamie Clark Band. The Sopwith Camel opened the show at 9:00pm. The show was promoted by Spirit Vibrations Presents.
Saturday, August 13, 2011: OmniCircus, 550 Natoma Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Toiling Midgets, Filter Bubble. The show was promoted by OmniHub Presents and lasted from 7:30pm to 11:00pm.
Thursday, August 25, 2011: Red Devil Lounge, 1695 Polk Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Jamie Clark Band, Whiskey Thieves. The Sopwith Camel opened the show at 9:00pm.
from left: Mike McKevitt, Peter Kraemer, Bruce 'Ted' Slesinger, and Martin Beard
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Peter Kraemer
from left: Mike McKevitt and Peter Kraemer
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Sunday, August 28, 2011: Art House Gallery and Cultural Center, 2905 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
The Sopwith Camel's former member Nandi Devam (formerly known as Terry MacNeil) sat-in with the band tonight. The show was filmed (see below).
Friday, September 30, 2011: George's Nightclub, 842 4th Street, downtown San Rafael, Marin County, California
Also on the bill: It's A Beautiful Day featuring Linda & David LaFlamme. The Sopwith Camel started the show at 8:00pm.
from left: Mike McKevitt, Peter Kraemer, Bruce 'Ted' Slesinger, and Martin Beard
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Peter Kraemer
Peter Kraemer
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Saturday, October 29, 2011: '37th Annual Halloween Party', Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: The Del Mars, Folkloric Dance Troupe, Danny Brant Band, Deep Six. One show, from 8:00pm to 1:00am, promoted by Pier 5 Law Presents.
Saturday, December 10, 2011: 'Full Moon Diminuganza!', Undisclosed Location, 523 Campbell Avenue, San Francisco, California
One show, started at 8:00pm.
2012
Talking Elephant Records reissued The Sopwith Camel's eponymous debut album, 'Sopwith Camel' (TECD203), only in the UK and with an additional track, 'Treadin''. The album was reissued again in the CD format.
Friday, June 22, 2012: 'Caroline Bañuelos for City Council - Kickoff Party for Santa Rosa City Council 2012 - A Campaign for the People', Howarth Park, 630 Summerfield Road at the Gazebo, Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California
Also on the bill: Clara Bellino, Michael Allen (MC), Norman Solomon (MC). One show, from 4:30pm to 7:00pm.
Saturday, August 25, 2012: Art House Gallery and Cultural Center, 2905 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
The Sopwith Camel's former member Nandi Devam (formerly known as Terry MacNeil) sat-in with the band tonight. One show, started at 8:00pm.
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Saturday, September 1, 2012: 'Roots Of West Coast Psychedelic Rock', Old Stone House, 107 Sacramento Street, Nevada City, Nevada County, California
Also on the bill: Sal Valentino, Mike Wilhelm. One show, started at 8:00pm.
Saturday, September 29, 2012: 'Monterey Summer Of Love Festival 45 Years Later (aka 1967-2012 Celebrate The Psychedelic Sixties 45 Years Later, aka The Monterey Summer Of Love Festival 2012)', Pattee Arena (aka John Phillips Memorial Stage, aka John Phillips Main Stage), Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey, California
Also on the bill: Big Brother & The Holding Company, The Standells, San Valentino of The Beau Brummels, Quicksilver Gold, Summer Of Love Tribute Bands, It's A Beautiful Day, Barry McGuire & John York, Talk That Talk, Linda Imperial Band with David Freiberg, Normal Bean Band, Djin Aquarian, Galaxy Chamber, Arjun Verma, Groovy Judy, Flannelhed & Jolly Roger, San Francisco's Summer of Love Revue.
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Saturday, October 27, 2012: 'The 38th Annual Halloween Party', Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Danny Brant Band, The Del Mars, Deep Six, and more. The show, from 8:00pm to 1:00am, was promoted by Pier 5 Law Presents.
Sunday, November 18, 2012: 'Norman "Spirit" Greenbaum's 70th Birthday Bash', Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Avenue, Mill Valley, Marin County, California
The Sopwith Camel's former members Nandi Devam and Norman Mayell sat-in with the band tonight. Also on the bill: Norman Greenbaum, Dan Hicks, S.O.P., Dr. Elmo, Lorin Rowan, The San Francisco Music Club, Lester Chambers, Dylan Chambers, The Stovall Sisters, Rita Abrams, William Truckaway, Emily Anne Reed, David LaFlamme, Terry Haggerty, Jimmy Dillon. One show, started at 7:30pm.
from left: Mike McKevitt, Peter Kraemer, Bruce 'Ted' Slesinger, and Martin Beard
from left: Peter Kraemer, Mike McKevitt, Martin Beard, and Bruce 'Ted' Slesinger
Peter Kraemer
Peter Kraemer
from left: Nandi Devam, Peter Kraemer, Mike McKevitt, and Martin Beard
Peter Kraemer
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from left: Mike McKevitt, Peter Kraemer, and Bruce 'Ted' Slesinger
from left: Mike McKevitt, Peter Kraemer, and Bruce 'Ted' Slesinger
from left: Mike McKevitt, Peter Kraemer, and Bruce 'Ted' Slesinger
from left: Peter Kraemer and Mike McKevitt
from left: Mike McKevitt, Peter Kraemer, and Bruce 'Ted' Slesinger
Norman Mayell
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Saturday, December 8, 2012: 'Celebration for the Children's Book Project', The Blue Macaw Club, 2565 Mission Street at 22nd Street, Mission District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Cortez the Clown, Jenny Kerr Band, Andy Pollack and the Twisting Twisters, Mr. Dingle's Neighborhood with the Third Thursday Band, and many special guest. The Sopwith Camel performed at 10:00pm.
Saturday, January 19, 2013: Art House Gallery and Cultural Center, 2905 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
The show, which started at 8:00pm and was also filmed (see below), was promoted by Mike Somavilla's Crest Of The Wave Productions. The Sopwith Camel's former member Nandi Devam (formerly known as Terry MacNeil) sat-in with the band tonight.
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Sunday, April 28, 2013: 'People's Park 44th Anniversary', Muwekma Park, 2556 Hastle Street, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: All Nations Singers, Funky Nixons, Yukon Hannibal, Junior Toots and The Fyah Squad Band, Hali Hammer, Fresh Juice Party, Bicicletas Por Paz. One show, from 12 noon to 6:00pm.
Saturday, August 10, 2013: ' In Tribute & In Memory of Bassist Lonnie Turner of The Steve Miller Band, Dave Mason, Terry & The Pirates, and Eddie Money', Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: The Space Cowboys: Greg Douglass, David Denny, Gary Mallaber & Byron Allred, Tommy Tutone, Mike Wilhem & Hired Guns, Tracy Klas, The Great American Robber Barons with Keith Dion & Diana Mangano, Rich Smith, Chris Solberg, Les Lizama, Bill Cutler, John Turner. The show was promoted by Mike Somavilla's Crest Of The Wave Productions.
Saturday, September 28, 2013: 'Kelley Stoltz (Record Release Show)', The Chapel, 777 Valencia Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Kelley Stolz, The Mantles. One show, started at 9:00pm.
Saturday, October 26, 2013: 'The 39th Annual Halloween Party', Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Danny Brant Band, The Del Mars, and more! The show, which lasted from 8:00pm to 1:00am, was promoted by Pier 5 Law Presents.
Saturday, August 2, 2014: Art House Gallery and Cultural Center, 2905 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
The show, which started at 8:00pm, was promoted by Mike Somavilla's Crest Of The Wave Productions. The Sopwith Camel's former member Nandi Devam (formerly known as Terry MacNeil) sat-in with the band tonight.
Sunday, September 28, 2014: 'Whistlestock - Whistlestop Benefit And Barbeque', Rancho Nicaso Bar and Restaurant, 1 Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio, Marin County, California
Also on the bill: Big Brother and The Holding Company, Peter Kaukonen of Jefferson Starship, Ace of Cups & Friends, Country Joe McDonald, David & Linda LaFlamme formerly of It's A Beautiful Day. The Sopwith Camel performed from 5:00pm to 5:30pm.
Friday, October 31, 2014: 'The 40th Annual Halloween Party', Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Danny Brant Band, The Del Mars. One show, from 8:00pm to 1:00am, promoted by Pier 5 Law Presents.
Saturday, May 23, 2015: Art House Gallery and Cultural Center, 2905 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
The show, which started at 7:30pm, was promoted by Mike Somavilla's Crest Of The Wave Productions. The Sopwith Camel's former members Nandi Devam, William Sievers, and Norman Mayell sat-in with the band tonight.
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from left: Bruce 'Ted' Slesinger, Peter Kraemer, and Mike McKevitt
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from left: Martin Beard, Bruce 'Ted' Slesinger, William Sievers, and Peter Kraemer
from left: Martin Beard, Bruce 'Ted' Slesinger, and Peter Kraemer
from left: Nandi Devam, Martin Beard, Bruce 'Ted' Slesinger, Peter Kraemer, and Mike McKevitt
from left: Nandi Devam, Martin Beard, Bruce 'Ted' Slesinger, Peter Kraemer, and Mike McKevitt
Wednesday, July 29, 2015: 'Full Moon Reoonion of Cats and Kitties from 'Undisclosed Location'', Doc's Lab, 124 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, California
One show, started at 9:00pm.
Saturday, October 31, 2015: 'The 41st Annual Halloween Party', Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Danny Brandt [sic] Band, The Del Mars. The show, from 8:00pm to 1:00am, was promoted by Pier 5 Law Presents.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Martin Beard passed away from cancer. The Sopwith Camel replaced him with a new bass player named Andy Henning.
THE SOPWITH CAMEL #10 (NOVEMBER 11, 2015 - PRESENT)
1) Peter Kraemer
2) Mike McKevitt
3) Bruce Slesinger
4) Andy Henning bass
Monday, October 31, 2016: 'The 42nd Annual Halloween Party and Tribute in Memory of Laurence Lichter', Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Danny Brant Band, The Del Mars, Zona Blu. The show, from 8:00pm to 1:00am, was promoted by Pier 5 Law Presents.
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