ROCKY and THE RIDDLERS
Homebase: Seattle, WA
Stats:
SEE ALSO:
1) IMPERIALS, THE
2.) ROCKY & HIS FRIENDS
3.) BAG, THE
3.) CITY LIMITS, THE
MISC. NOTES:
This band formed in 1962 as THE IMPERIALS. It released one 45 rpm record in 1964 ("The Bootie Green" / "Crossfilring" Audio Recording, Inc. #104).
By mid '65 the group name had been changed to ROCKY & HIS FRIENDS, a moniker 'borrowed" from the popular Hanna - Barbera television of the times (a.k.a The Bullwinkle Show). On the heels of the issuance of one 45 rpm record ( Tower # ) legal "cease and desist" rumblings from the Hanna - Barbera company prompted the adoption of the less controversial ROCKY and THE RIDDLERS, a title which was only utilized for recording purposes.
Neither The Riddlers name or the "Batman" song had any connection with the soon - to - be popular television Batman series which debuted on ABC TV in 1966. Further, although there was a band member whose nickname was Rocky, the Rocky connotation had nothing to do with him.
One final incarnation of the group would be THE CITY LIMITS.
Photo:
MISC NOTES:
"Batman" was recorded in April, 1965 when the band was still known as THE IMPERIALS. The track remained unreleased until, coincidentally, the soon - to - be popular Batman series debuted on ABC TV. At that time the group went back into the studio for a remake. It was this second "Batman" that, along with "Flash and Crash" was issued in early 1966 as Panorama #28.
According to guitarist Mac Park: ("Batman") actually got written up in (the entertainment trade publication) Variety........They referred to it as containing tasteless and inept vocal work (and) loud and obnoxious guitars."
As for "Flash and Crash" Park says: the song "has nothing to do with flashing and crashing! Jeff Beals, Dan Denton and I would just sit around and play with lyrics until we got something that worked."
2PA & 2RA.) Monarch Records pressing #s: ^60172 / ^60172 - X (Jan. - Feb., 1966)
LOCATION: Seattle, WA
RECORDING PERSONNEL:Kevin Mason [vocal], Mac Park [guitar], Ric Ulsky [organ]; Dan Denton [sax]; Jeff Beals [bass]; Jeff LaBranche [drums]
RECORDING STUDIO: Audio Recording
RECORDING ENGINEER: Kearney Barton
FORMAT: disc
SIZE:7"
SPEED:45 rpm
DISC NOTES:
[HEAR IT HERE] "Batman"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj195rMhs40
"Flash and Crash" Album Reissues:
2000. Side one, track #4 on compilation album Flash And Crash (Beat Rocket Records, BR-128)
Known Label Designs:
2PA.) A - B promo label.White background. Black numerals and letters including PROMOTIONAL COPY NOT FOR SALE
2RA.) A - B retail label. Green background. Black numerals and lettering.
NOTE: At least some retail discs were utilized as promos as one copy of "Flash and Crash" has PLug hand written on it.
A-SIDE MATRIX:
2PA.) PAN - 1052
2RA.) PAN - 1052
A-SIDE STAMPER CODE:
2PA.) PAN - 1052 (etched)
2RA.) PAN - 1052 (etched)
A-SIDE COMPOSER:Park - Denton - Beals - LaBreche - Ulsky
A-SIDE PUBLISHER: Burdette Music Co. (BMI)
B-SIDE MATRIX:
2PA.) PAN - 1053
2RA.) PAN - 1053
B-SIDE STAMPER CODE:
2PA.) PAN - 1053 (etched)
2RA.) PAN - 1053 (etched)
B-SIDE COMPOSER: Park - Denton - Beals - LaBreche - Ulsky
B-SIDE PUBLISHER:Burdette Music Co. (BMI)