This day-by-day diary of The Sopwith Camel's live, studio, broadcasting and private activities is the result of two 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 A. Kraemer, Norman Mayell, Martin Beard (RIP), Terry MacNeil, William Sievers, Ross Hannan, Corry Arnold, Luis Futre, Michael Lazarus Scott, Erik Jacobsen, Mike Somavilla, Colin Hill, Harold Adler, Nancy Parker, Scott Sabin, Brad Kelly, Joel Selvin, Gene Sculatti, Davin Seay, Patrice Lupoff, David Biasotti, Andrew Lau, FauxtoFarm, Andrew Darlington, Jim Marshall, Annie Leibovitz, Michalis Limnios, Joe Jupille, John Karcich, Colleen McCann, Clifton Buck-Kauffman, Simon N Wordsworth, Timothy J. O'Brien, Christopher Newton, Jack Eskridge, David Ensminger, Frances Moffat, Michael Fennelly, Michael Goldberg, Getty Images, Henry Diltz, Bill Tara, Jeff Salisbury, Rock Tour Database, Steve Somerstein, Victor Owens, Robert Pacelli, Dan Garvey, Bruce Tahsler, Bill Quarry, John Guarnieri, Golden Gater, Great Speckled Bird, Berkeley Barb, San Francisco Good Times, The Daily Californian, The Oak Leaf, Stony Point Gazette, and Berkeley Tribe.
Friday, December 17, 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 were formed after a S.F. State College student and aspiring songwriter named Peter Kraemer (b. Peter Andrus Kraemer, Saturday, November 20, 1943, Virginia City, Nevada) casually ran into a S.F. Art Institute graphics student and guitar player (he had been working in groups since he was sixteen) named Terry MacNeil (b. Loraine Terence MacNeil, Tuesday, June 13, 1944, Wichita, Kansas) at the Big Little Bookstore, a used bookshop on Polk Street and Broadway, owned by Peter's friend Yuri Toropov (b. Friday, May 28, 1937 - d. Monday, March 12, 2007). Peter and Terry left the bookstore together that day and went to a party later that evening, held at a place around the corner from where MacNeil lived. They drank a lot of wine and smoked a lot of dope and Terry went out and got a twenty-five dollar six-string Danelectro guitar in a hock shop and painted it black and blue. The pair then spent many late nights until four in the morning sitting in Bob's All Nite Diner on Polk Street working on songs together. Within a week, and after putting together eight acceptable numbers, including a good-time novelty tune titled 'Hello Hello', they went looking for other musicians.
Saturday, December 18, 1965
Peter Kraemer and Terry MacNeil attended Peter's friend and ex-roommate Chet Helms and Lori Hayman's wedding party held in a rented hall at 2787 Folsom Street (corner of 24th Street), in the Mission District, San Francisco. The Charlatans and J.C. Burris were hired to play (unpaid) at the party. "I ran into my pal Peter Kraemer and he introduced me to his new guitar-playing friend Terry MacNeil." Christopher Newton recalls about that evening, "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!". It was presumably on this occasion that Peter informed Chet that he and Terry were in search of other musicians to form a rock band, and Chet sent them to see a musician friend of him named Rod Albin (b. Rodney Kent Albin, Thursday, July 4, 1940, San Francisco - d. Wednesday, May 30, 1984, San Francisco, from stomach cancer).
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 were formed after a S.F. State College student and aspiring songwriter named Peter Kraemer (b. Peter Andrus Kraemer, Saturday, November 20, 1943, Virginia City, Nevada) casually ran into a S.F. Art Institute graphics student and guitar player (he had been working in groups since he was sixteen) named Terry MacNeil (b. Loraine Terence MacNeil, Tuesday, June 13, 1944, Wichita, Kansas) at the Big Little Bookstore, a used bookshop on Polk Street and Broadway, owned by Peter's friend Yuri Toropov (b. Friday, May 28, 1937 - d. Monday, March 12, 2007). Peter and Terry left the bookstore together that day and went to a party later that evening, held at a place around the corner from where MacNeil lived. They drank a lot of wine and smoked a lot of dope and Terry went out and got a twenty-five dollar six-string Danelectro guitar in a hock shop and painted it black and blue. The pair then spent many late nights until four in the morning sitting in Bob's All Nite Diner on Polk Street working on songs together. Within a week, and after putting together eight acceptable numbers, including a good-time novelty tune titled 'Hello Hello', they went looking for other musicians.
Saturday, December 18, 1965
Peter Kraemer and Terry MacNeil attended Peter's friend and ex-roommate Chet Helms and Lori Hayman's wedding party held in a rented hall at 2787 Folsom Street (corner of 24th Street), in the Mission District, San Francisco. The Charlatans and J.C. Burris were hired to play (unpaid) at the party. "I ran into my pal Peter Kraemer and he introduced me to his new guitar-playing friend Terry MacNeil." Christopher Newton recalls about that evening, "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!". It was presumably on this occasion that Peter informed Chet that he and Terry were in search of other musicians to form a rock band, and Chet sent them to see a musician friend of him named Rod Albin (b. Rodney Kent Albin, Thursday, July 4, 1940, San Francisco - d. Wednesday, May 30, 1984, San Francisco, from stomach cancer).
Sunday, December 19, 1965 (?)
Peter Kraemer and Terry MacNeil visited Rod Albin at his infamous rooming house at 1090 Page Street, in the Haight-Ashbury's hippie district. Albin, a former member of The Liberty Hill Aristocrats, The Second Story Men, and Big Brother and The Holding Company, took out his viola and then introduced them to a jazz drummer named Fritz Kasten, formerly of The San Francisco State Symphony Band, and to a bass player named Dan Duncan, both currently living in the rooming house. With the band put together Peter picked the name of "Sopwith Camel" after a British World War I biplane fighter, also prominent in the Peanuts cartoon strip as Snoopy-airplane fantasy. "A while earlier, I had been living at Chet Helms' house." Peter Kraemer recalls, "He had a band that he was trying to launch, and we all came up with names for it. My idea was Sopwith Camel. Everybody laughed at me; they thought it was trite and dumb. Their band was finally named Big Brother and the Holding Company. Ours became the Sopwith Camel." Nedless to say, the Camel started rehearsing in the huge basement ballroom of Albin's rooming house. They also get a manager, none other than Yuri Toropov (who was also an original members of The Diggers, a group of community activists based out in Haight-Ashbury).
THE SOPWITH CAMEL #1 (DECEMBER 19, 1965 (?) - EARLY JANUARY 1966 (?))
1) Peter Kraemer lead vocals, bamboo flute, tambourine, tenor sax, soprano sax, harmonica, kazoo, arp synthesizer
2) Terry MacNeil 6-string lead guitar, piano, vocals
3) Rod Albin rhythm guitar, viola
4) Fritz Kasten drums
5) Dan Duncan bass
1) Peter Kraemer lead vocals, bamboo flute, tambourine, tenor sax, soprano sax, harmonica, kazoo, arp synthesizer
2) Terry MacNeil 6-string lead guitar, piano, vocals
3) Rod Albin rhythm guitar, viola
4) Fritz Kasten drums
5) Dan Duncan bass
Late December 1965 (?)
The Sopwith Camel recorded a two-track version of a campy Peter Kraemer's tribute to Batman in anticipation of the upcoming TV show. "I remember that the first thing we recorded," Peter confirms, "was a song about Batman. This was before the TV serial and theme song."
Early January 1966 (?)
Rod Albin, Fritz Kasten, and Dan Duncan leave The Sopwith Camel. "He [Rod Albin] was a wonderful guy and great player, and had either fear or loathing (or both) of rock and roll." Peter Kraemer recalls, "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.” While Dan Duncan disappeared from the music scene, both Rod Albin and Fritz Kasten continued with their music career; Rod went to play with The Howdy Doody Show, Rocking Rodney and The 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. At that point Peter Kraemer and Terry MacNeil reorganized The Sopwith Camel lineup with a new bass player named Bobby Collins, a new drummer named Norman Mayell (b. Norman L. Mayell II, 1942, Chicago, Illinois), formerly of The Vesteens, and The Group (with Michael Bloomfield and Charlie Musselwhite), and a new rhythm guitar player named William Sievers (b. August 2, 194?, Dallas, Texas), former bass player of The Young Men, a band in Dallas that once backed up the famous rockabilly singer Scotty McKay on his single 'Little Lump Of Sugar / Midnight Cryin' Time' in January 1960. "Willy had a good guitar and a big amp," Terry recalls about two of the new members, "and Norman had the Big Beat." "Terry was insistent on finding a drummer who had the big beat." Peter confirms, "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." Norman Mayell recalls, "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 a 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." Norman adds, "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 Scotty McKay and 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." William Sievers recalls, "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". The new lineup started rehearsing in their manager Yuri Toropov's old Victorian flat on the corner of Fell Street and Cole Street, in the Fillmore District.
The Sopwith Camel recorded a two-track version of a campy Peter Kraemer's tribute to Batman in anticipation of the upcoming TV show. "I remember that the first thing we recorded," Peter confirms, "was a song about Batman. This was before the TV serial and theme song."
Early January 1966 (?)
Rod Albin, Fritz Kasten, and Dan Duncan leave The Sopwith Camel. "He [Rod Albin] was a wonderful guy and great player, and had either fear or loathing (or both) of rock and roll." Peter Kraemer recalls, "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.” While Dan Duncan disappeared from the music scene, both Rod Albin and Fritz Kasten continued with their music career; Rod went to play with The Howdy Doody Show, Rocking Rodney and The 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. At that point Peter Kraemer and Terry MacNeil reorganized The Sopwith Camel lineup with a new bass player named Bobby Collins, a new drummer named Norman Mayell (b. Norman L. Mayell II, 1942, Chicago, Illinois), formerly of The Vesteens, and The Group (with Michael Bloomfield and Charlie Musselwhite), and a new rhythm guitar player named William Sievers (b. August 2, 194?, Dallas, Texas), former bass player of The Young Men, a band in Dallas that once backed up the famous rockabilly singer Scotty McKay on his single 'Little Lump Of Sugar / Midnight Cryin' Time' in January 1960. "Willy had a good guitar and a big amp," Terry recalls about two of the new members, "and Norman had the Big Beat." "Terry was insistent on finding a drummer who had the big beat." Peter confirms, "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." Norman Mayell recalls, "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 a 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." Norman adds, "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 Scotty McKay and 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." William Sievers recalls, "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". The new lineup started rehearsing in their manager Yuri Toropov's old Victorian flat on the corner of Fell Street and Cole Street, in the Fillmore District.
THE SOPWITH CAMEL #2 (EARLY JANUARY 1966 (?) - MID/LATE JANUARY 1966)
1) Peter Kraemer
2) Terry MacNeil
3) Norman Mayell drums, percussion, harmonica, marimba, sitar, Egyptian nose flute
4) William Sievers 12-string rhythm guitar, bass, trumpet, tambourine
5) Bobby Collins bass
Mid/Late January 1966
Bobby Collins left The Sopwith Camel and was replaced on bass by Norman Mayell's friend 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 Norman Mayell in the fall of 1965 - long before the Camel - as the result of a classified advertisement. "I wanted to form a band, and decided to place an ad in the paper." Martin Beard recalls, "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 Beard 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." Norman Mayell confirms, "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," Peter Kraemer also recalls, "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 (MID/LATE JANUARY 1966 - JUNE 1968 (?))
1) Peter Kraemer
2) Terry MacNeil
3) Norman Mayell
4) William Sievers
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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Monday, February 7, 1966: 'Monday Night Open Auditions', The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
The Sopwith Camel's debut gig.
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 1966, 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." According to Norman Mayell, the Sopwith Camel rehearsed for one month upstairs at the Firehouse before played the Lincoln's Birthday Party gig downstairs, but Bill Tara actually recalls that: "None of the bands used the space as rehearsals, Sopwith Camel did for a day in one of the downstairs rooms."
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' on the poster printed for this show. Also on the bill: John Handy, Earth Mother & Final Solution, Melveton Butler "Congo drummer", and other big names (aka Family Tree, Quicksilver Messenger Service).
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 Bobby Collins 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.
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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)
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: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: The Charlatans. One show a day, from 9:30pm to 2:00am. The poster for these shows was designed by Peter Kraemer.
Monday, April 18, 1966: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
One show, from 9:30pm to 2:00am.
Tuesday, April 19 - Wednesday, April 20, 1966: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California (Sopwith Camel canceled)
The Sopwith Camel were billed on the poster printed for these shows but at last minute they canceled for reasons unknown and were replaced by Lightnin' Hopkins, and PH Factor Jug Band. One show a day, from 9:30pm to 2:00am.
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
Also on the bill: Lightnin' Hopkins, Vince Guaraldi, The Outfit, Robert Baker, Don Garrett. "We opened the show at the Matrix for Lightning." Norman Mayell recalls, "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 - Friday, May 6, 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.
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The Daily Californian (May 6, 1966)
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April or May 1966: Golden State Recorders, 665 Harrison Street, San Francisco, California
The Sopwith Camel recorded a six-song demo tape that included 'When I Left You' written by William Sievers, and 'Hello Hello', 'There's Still Time', 'Counting', 'The Chant', and 'Treadin', that were all written by Peter Kraemer and Terry MacNeil. The session was produced by Leo De Gar Kulka, aka 'The Baron', who was also the owner of the Golden State studio, and also acted as sound engineer. Sometime later, the band's friend and former bass player Bobby Collins gave the 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," Erik Jacobsen recalls. "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!
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 Dance', Martin Vernon Skewes-Cox's house, Ross, Marin County, California
The Sopwith Camel played at a Katharine Branson School dance party 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. Anyway, it was that night, right after this gig, that the Camel 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 Marin County, to wait for the band. 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. "Thank you for coming," said Peter Kraemer. "Come with us, please," leading Jacobsen, Collins, the band and their manager Yuri Toropov, 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." Erik Jacobsen recalls, "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." Anyway, the meeting went good and Erik decided that he was going to make Sopwith Camel his next big band. He wanted them to became another Spoonful, and in fact he got them a recording contract with the Spoonful's label, Kama Sutra Records, later that year. Erik also insisted that the band needed a real manager, and if the Camel signed with him, the band would also have to sign with his management associate.
Thursday, May 26, 1966
The Sopwith Camel signed a management contract with Erik Jacobsen and his partner Bob Cavallo's Sweet Reliable Productions firm.
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)
Friday, June 10 - Saturday, June 11, 1966: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
A live tape of the Saturday show exist.
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." Norman Mayell recalls, "Later that night, we repeated what we rehearsed, as far as we know".
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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Wednesday, August 3, 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 performance was recorded and that recording survives.
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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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.
September or October 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." Norman Mayell recalls, "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'". Anyway, it was while they stayed in the Big Apple that they signed, through Erik Jacobsen, their recording contract with Kama Sutra Records (distributed by MGM Records).
The Night Owl Cafe marquee
Saturday, October 15 or Sunday, October 16, 1966
The Sopwith Camel's manager Yuri Toropov was arrested, together with another member of the Diggers named Arthur Lisch, during the '3rd Artists Liberation Front Free Fair', a 2-day event (Oct. 15-16) the Diggers organized in the San Francisco's Panhandle Park.
Friday, October 21, 1966: Loyola Field House, Loyola University campus, 6363 St Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana
The Sopwith Camel did a one month national tour of big university concerts as opening act for their most famous labelmate, 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.
Saturday, October 15 or Sunday, October 16, 1966
The Sopwith Camel's manager Yuri Toropov was arrested, together with another member of the Diggers named Arthur Lisch, during the '3rd Artists Liberation Front Free Fair', a 2-day event (Oct. 15-16) the Diggers organized in the San Francisco's Panhandle Park.
Friday, October 21, 1966: Loyola Field House, Loyola University campus, 6363 St Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana
The Sopwith Camel did a one month national tour of big university concerts as opening act for their most famous labelmate, 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 "Hello Hello" and "Treadin'". Both songs were co-written by Peter Kraemer and Terry MacNeil, and produced by Erik Jacobsen of Sweet Reliable Productions for Kama Sutra Records.
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.
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.
Late 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".
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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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Saturday, December 10, 1966
The Sopwith Camel's debut single 'Hello Hello' entered Billboard bubbling under chart.
Saturday, December 24, 1966
The Sopwith Camel's debut single 'Hello Hello' entered Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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.
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 promoted by American Productions Presents.
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)
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," Peter Kraemer recalls, "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
The Sopwith Camel recorded 'Postcard From Jamaica'. This was the only song Peter Kraemer and Terry MacNeil managed to write while they stayed at the infamous Hotel Albert in New York City last fall. The song was produced by Erik Jacobsen of Sweet Reliable Productions for Kama Sutra Records. By the way, the band did a photo session in a convent with the great late rock photographer Jim Marshall while they were in L.A. 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)
Wednesday, February 1, 1967: Bell Sound Studios, West 54th Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York
The Sopwith Camel recorded 'Little Orphan Annie'. The song was co-written by Peter Kraemer and Terry MacNeil, and produced by Erik Jacobsen of Sweet Reliable Productions for Kama Sutra Records. "Artie Ripp, from Kama Sutra, who were putting out our records, came into the studio the day that I had a temperature of 102." Peter Kraemer recalls, "We were finishing up Postcard from Jamaica [actually Little Orphan Annie], and I was having to use three microphone stands: two to support me as I sang in the general direction of the third. I had bronchitis, actually. Anyway, Artie, who came in to see how his boys were doing, thought I should go to the Luxor Uptown Mens Club [actually Luxor Health Club, 121 West 46th Street] sauna baths to get myself in shape. 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".
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.
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.
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)
February 1967
The Sopwith Camel's debut single 'Hello Hello' reached No. 9 on the Canadian RPM Magazine charts.
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.
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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.
Friday, April 7, 1967: Rollarena, 15721 East 14th Street, San Leandro, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Third Half, Barons. The show was presented by Bill Quarry's Teens 'n Twenties.
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. "[Our friends in San Francisco groups] accused us of being sellouts." Peter Kraemer recalls, "That's absurd; back in those days, we were all looking for hits. It's just that ours was the first. [One time at the Longshoremen's Hall] we were headlining over the Dead. They did one of their long, long sets, and by the time we were on, we were only able to do three tunes before the cops pulled the plugs before curfew. We took it to be a sign of some sort."
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)
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, 1340 Mission Street, 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. So, the band recorded 'Levi Strauss Waltz', 'Worksong' (with Terry Clements as guest on flute), 'Good Morning, Old Jeans', and 'Stretch', that were used as radio spots advertising Levi's blue jeans, and that later appeared 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). "I remember the ad agency name was Young and Rubicam." Martin Beard recalls, "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." "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." Martin adds, "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." "The Levi's ads were done for an SF adman name Ron Young, I think he contacted me directly as Erik [Jacobsen] and Bob Cavallo were both in New York at the time." Peter Kraemer also recalls, "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, Walt [Payne], at Coast Recorders in SF. Walt had been doing recording since the dark ages and had immense experience, but had never had a chance to use a lot of tricks such as backwards tape, speed changes, etc. We came up with ideas and Walt figured out how to realize them. It was a lot of fun to have a studio to ourselves without the big time producer." "These ads were recorded and produced by the Camel... it was our first chance to be our own producers." Terry MacNeil also recalls, "Ron Young (of Ron Young and Friends), head of an ad agency who had Levi Strauss as one of their clients, contacted us directly to make the ads. We had just come back to San Francisco from touring with the Loving Spoonful on the east coast and we were working on finishing our first album. When we were asked to do these ads, we set up our instruments in the studio and after finishing them and getting our sound, we recorded The Great Morpheum. I remember spending more than one day recording the ads, but I can't remember exactly how many. We used Terence Clements on flute for these ads, and later on saxophone on The Morpheum. Terence went on to head the band that backed Janis Joplin after she split from Big Brother and the Holding Company. There were four ads recorded by the Camel: Stretch, The Levi Strauss Waltz, Worksong and Good Morning Old Jeans. They were written by all of us, except Worksong, which Martin [Beard] says he wrote. We mostly composed them on the spot, in the studio. Perhaps the lyrics were conceived before hand, but the arrangements were impromptu."
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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.
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.
Friday, August 11, 1967: Bell Sound Studios, West 54th Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York
The Sopwith Camel recorded 'Frantic Desolation' (written by Peter Kraemer and Terry MacNeil), 'Saga Of The Low Down Let Down' (William Sievers), 'You Always Tell Me Baby' (Kraemer and MacNeil), 'Maybe In A Dream' (Kraemer and MacNeil), 'Cellophane Woman' (Sievers), 'The Things That I Could Do With You' (Kraemer and MacNeil), 'Walk In The Park' (Sievers), and 'The Great Morpheum' (Kraemer and MacNeil), the latter with Terry Clements as guest on tenor sax. All the tracks were produced by Erik Jacobsen of Sweet Reliable Productions for Kama Sutra Records.
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.
September ?, 1967: Muir Beach Tavern, Shoreline Road, Muir Beach, Marin County, California
Also on the bill: Dino Valenti, The Wakefield Loop, The Electric Flag, Buddah (MC). There was a sort of "party scene" on weekend at this distant outpost of Western Marin. "We played almost through to the end of the event, sandwiched in between Sopwith Camel and the Electric Flag," The Wakefield Loop's lead guitarist Dan Garvey recalls. "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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Tuesday, September 19 - Saturday, September 23, 1967: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
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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.
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Billboard (October 7, 1967)
Early October 1967
The Sopwith Camel's eponymous debut album, 'Sopwith Camel' (KLP 8060 [Mono] / KLPS 8060 [Stereo]), was released in the US and Canada. Tracklist: "Hello Hello / Frantic Desolation / Saga Of The Low Down Let Down / Little Orphan Annie / You Always Tell Me Baby / Maybe In A Dream / Cellophane Woman / The Things That I Could Do With You / Walk In The Park / The Great Morpheum / Postcard From Jamaica". The band appears on label as The Sopwith "Camel". The album was produced by Erik Jacobsen of Sweet Reliable Productions for Kama Sutra Records. Director of Engineering: Val Valentin. The album 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)
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.
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 University, 60 West Olsen Street, Thousand Oaks, Ventura County, California
The show, which started at 8pm, was sponsored by the university's social activties commission and was the first of a series of "mid-week mixers" planned by the commission and was open to the public.
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: The Youngbloods (28-29), Tom & Lee (28-29), Ed Hepp (MC) (28-29), Big Brother and The Holding Company (28), Vince Guaraldi Trio (28), Turk Murphy (28), Psycle (28), Chris Ibanez Trio (29), George Duke Trio (29). 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 enthusiasm was so great on Sunday that the crowd stayed til after dark, even though they were unable to see the group that was playing - The Sopwith Camel. The Camel solved the darkness problem, however, by turning the lights of their ambulance on and directing them at the stage.
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The Oak Lead (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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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. "William [Sievers] announced his intention to quit [the band] backstage in the Bowl," Peter Kraemer recalls, "Norman [Mayell] and I both remember that. [Anyway] Willy stayed on for awhile, he just told us he would be quitting".
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Monday, November 20, 1967 (?): Whisky a' Go Go (?), 9081 Sunset Boulevard at Clark Street (?), West Hollywood, Los Angeles County, California
According to Peter Kraemer, and although they were unadvertised, The Sopwith Camel and The Doors shared the bill once maybe at the Whisky a' Go Go, apparently the night after the Camel gig at the Hollywood Bowl. Peter also remembered that singer Eric Burdon was in the audience with his girlfriend. "Terry [MacNeil] remembers the set with the Doors quite well just not when or where it was," Peter Kraemer recalls, "Norm [Mayell] also remembers the guest set with the Doors but doesn't know where it was." "The set with the Doors was definitely in a mafioso looking night club, I was sure it was the Whisky." Peter adds, "Could have been a private party? Terry says there's a book about the girl with Eric Burdon. William [Sievers] also remembers almost nothing about the whole era, but he does remember the guest set with the Doors but not when or where it was; he agrees that it was a large dark night club with a kind of gangster vibe".
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.
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: Gym, California State College at Hayward, 25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard, Hayward, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Country Joe And The Fish, The Trend.
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, promoted by Lyme Inc. presents.
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.
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).
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
2) Terry MacNeil
3) Norman Mayell
4) Martin Beard
5) Bob 'Bix' Feldman sax, flute
1) Peter Kraemer
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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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)
Friday, May 14 - 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.
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, Flying Circus.
Wednesday, May 26, 1971: Mandrake's, 1048 University Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Easy Street. One show, started at 9:30pm.
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.
Berkeley Barb (June 18, 1971)
Tuesday, June 22 - Wednesday, June 23, 1971: Keystone Korner, 750 Vallejo Street, 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: New Monk, 2119 University 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, 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. 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, San Francisco, California
One show, started at 9:30pm.
Thursday, July 22, 1971: Encore Theatre, 430 Mason Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Rock Tea. One show, started at 3:30pm.
Thursday, July 29, 1971: Longbranch, 2504 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Jabo Stokes.
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
Also on the bill: Rock Tea featuring Elixir (4:30pm to 7:00pm each day). The Sopwith Camel's set started at 8:30pm each day.
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.
Berkeley Tribe (September 27, 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)
Friday, September 10, 1971: Lion's Share, 60 Red Hill Avenue, San Anselmo, Marin County, California
A soundboard tape recording of this 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.
Friday, September 10, 1971: Lion's Share, 60 Red Hill Avenue, San Anselmo, Marin County, California
A soundboard tape recording of this 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.
Berkeley Tribe (October 15, 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.
Monday, November 22 - Sunday, November 28, 1971: Boarding House, 960 Bush Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Lambert Nuttycomb.
Saturday, December 11, 1971: Longbranch Saloon, 2504 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Grootna.
December ??, 1971: '3rd Annual Christmas Celebrations', Pacific High Recorders, 60 Brady Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks, The Charlatans, plus extra added attractions. 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.
Saturday, January 15 - Sunday, January 16, 1972: Lion's Share, 60 Red Hill Avenue, San Anselmo, Marin County, California
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, 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.
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 (Sopwith Camel canceled)
Although advertised on the venue monthly calendar, Sopwith Camel canceled at last minute for unknown reasons and were replaced by Akasha. Also on the bill: Appaloosa.
Wednesday, March 21, 1973: The Inn of the Beginning, 8201 Old Redwood Highway, downtown Cotati, Sonoma County, California (Sopwith Camel canceled)
Although advertised on the venue monthly calendar, Sopwith Camel canceled at last minute for unknown reasons and were replaced by Akasha. Also on the bill: Appaloosa.
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Friday, May 11 - Saturday, May 12, 1973: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
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.
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: Bitter Sweet.
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)
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 - MARCH 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
March 1974 (?)
The Sopwith Camel disbanded again after their comeback album stiffed, and their national tour literally went up in smoke when the truck loaded with their equipment caught fire. 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
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.
Sunday, June 5, 1977: Shady Grove, 1538 Haight Street, Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Arrusala.
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, 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 11:00pm. 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, November 13, 1977: Keystone, 2119 University Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Thumbs.
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.
Thursday, December 15, 1977: The Inn Of The Beginning, 8201 Old Redwood Highway, downtown Cotati, Sonoma 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 unknown bass player.
THE SOPWITH CAMEL #10 (NOVEMBER 11, 2015 - PRESENT)
1) Peter Kraemer
2) Mike McKevitt
3) Bruce Slesinger
4) ? 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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