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."
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:
"Flash and Crash" Album Reissues:
Side one, track #4 on Flash And Crash (Beat Rocket Records, BR-128) compilation LP. 2000
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.
A-SIDE MATRIX: PAN - 1052
A-SIDE STAMPER CODE: PAN - 1052 (etched)
A-SIDE COMPOSER: Park - Denton - Beals - LaBreche - Ulsky
A-SIDE PUBLISHER: Burdette Music Co. (BMI)
B-SIDE MATRIX: PAN - 1053
B-SIDE STAMPER CODE: PAN - 1053 (etched)
B-SIDE COMPOSER: Park - Denton - Beals - LaBreche - Ulsky
B-SIDE PUBLISHER:Burdette Music Co. (BMI)