THE VAMPIRES (IV) - LITTLE WOMAN reloaded

THE VAMPIRES' STORY.
IV: FROM ZARAGOZA TO 1967

Since the savings were nearly exhausted, Joe rationed meantime even the food and cigarettes to reduce spending to a minimum. They hope to have anagreement in Benidorm. But even that proved to be a flop, because they had committed their bands during the last winter. Joe showed them a calendar of events in which they discovered the photo of Indonesian band that they knew well from Germany: The Black Dynamite. 

Here in Spain they called themselves Los Indonesios. They played in Madrid: in Florida Park So, they gone to Madrid, since they believed that Los Indonesios could, and would help them.

Kurt Dohan Show in Madrid November 5, 1949

Completely unnerved Micky turn on the six-lane Gran Via St. from the right to the left lane. Eventually we stood still in front of the portal of the Florida Park, in the center of the city park Retiro. A man appeared and they tried to get into conversation with him. He asked, "Do you speak English, parlez vous Française, you speak German, Dutch praat U?" "We are German," they replied. "Well then, we speak German. My name is Doğan, I am a Turk and the owner of the Florida park, what can I do for you? " (Kurt Dogan was a Hungarian violinist how moved to Spain about 1949, getting great succes during few decades)

"We are a German beat band and seek opportunities to perform in Spain," Wolfgang said. "Let's see, maybe I have something for you: Tomorrow will take a celebrity wedding and I have no music. Would you be willing to play for the young guests? "

"Yes, yes, I like the Spaniards. You are exactly right. See you tomorrow! "

The guests sat quite Coliseum moderately in a semicircle around the stage, which ranks in ascending order. The countless youths were from totally excited and freaked out literally! During the break, a man in his fifties came to the podium and introduced himself in German with the words: "Excuse me, my name is Fernando García Morcillo, I have served under Adolf Hitler in The Blue Division. We have a recording studio in the street Vallehermoso Numero 14 - I am the owner. You could come next Thursday at 12 clock for test shots? ". 

Fernando García Morcillo

Belatedly they finally arrived. The recording room was a room with soundproof walls and ceiling. And lots of Neumann microphones were available (the best studio mics worldwide). Later, they all went to lunch at a restaurant across from where they spent the next three hours with starter, main course and dessert, with red wine. Then, they smoked cigars, drink Brandy, and then had enjoyed the coffee with anisette. Then, they went back into the studio. "Now you play something”. It was the first time they could listen to their music, and it does not even sound bad. "They have to play their own songs, so we can make on the plate," said Señor Tenorio, the enterprising producer.

"Let's write texts, Wolfgang. You speak the best English of all of us", encouraged the others to Wolfgang. In the meantime they were at the campsite Osuna, who was just outside of Madrid. Finally, Wolfgang wrote something like this:

       Well you got something, yeah

       That's something I need, baby

       Come on now, give it to me.

       That's something you know, yeah

       That thing that I need, baby

       Give me your love now, baby please ...

Later, he wrote three other texts: Hold On, Change Your Mind and New Love. Then Joe come up with the melody. They practised the rhythm, the song inserted at specific points to choir and finished was they first original song that they immortalized immediately. The result was an EP, a 45 plate with four titles. Then they had to audition for the representatives of the great clubs of Madrid, and signed the lucrative contracts they offered them.

Their first gig was at Club Caravelle Barceló St, 11), a Youth Dance Hall, very similar to the German Star-Club. From then on, things really took off with them. They rented a luxury apartment with a maid, just behind the Bernabeu football stadium: Paseo de la Habana No 82. From the opposite, the restaurant Casa Pepe, where they could deliver. Many beautiful senoritas visited them constantly, and mountains of fan mail rainning over them. In Casa Pepe they saw on television the final of the World Cup, in which Germany lost against England (Juny 30, 1966).

They picked up quite a few EPs were passed for the purpose of advertising by all radio stations in Madrid, and enjoy their lives to the fullest as stars, with fans on the streets ran after them. Once they were even with “Something You Got” before the song Yellow Submarine by the Beatles in eighth place in the charts. One afternoon seemed Señor Morcillo, the full-time director of a Madrid Crime Commissioner was, in their apartment and made them a proposal to include the scooter company Vespa a musical speech in chis recording studio: CIMA SA., in which we recorded our songs, was his second leg. Morcillo was also the composer of a love song, which was known in the Spanish-speaking world each. Maria Dolores was the title, and he had this song for his wife, Maria-Dolores,) written.It would be a good thing, because they would then be heard constantly on the radio. Unfortunately, they should adhere precisely to the specified text and the melody:

Vespa for the mountains, the beaches for Vespa,

Vespa for the country and for the city.

For the whole family Vespa ... For the whole family Vespa ...

Vespa - Vespa, Vespa - Vespa.

Vespa yet modern, Vespa still potent ...

María E. Alvarez & Los Pekes

On 1 October 1969, during a military parade, thye could see to Generalísimo Franco for the first time, in the Gran Vía way to Plaza de España. At the Club Monaco played a Spanish beat band named Los Pekes. Their beautiful singer María Esther Álvarez was seen exclusively in the company of her feisty mother who stayed scrupulously sure that none of the Señoritos her daughter came too close to her daughter. The mother was standing each time as a guard dog in front of her dressing room door when she was changing. This band Los Pekes asked one day desperate to Wolfgang if he could help them. Their bassist was ill and would turn out for a while. Wolfgang was delighted about their confidence, and so he stood there for the next two weeks.

Casa Pepe

One night, just coming out of a cinema, their manager was standing in front of. He made it clear to them that they had to immediately bring our instruments to the airport because they were playing from the next day for two months in Casablanca. Rora the club in the Rue d'Antibes, in which we should guesting October and November, was in Ain Diab, a suburb of Casablanca. They were housed we were at the hotel Notre Alsace, 59 Boulevard de la Corniche, the beach promenade of Ain Diab. I mention it because this name sounded so strange and exotic. On one of our walks on the beach we had the idea for the song: Walking in the sand shots, we were rehearsing on site and on our return to Madrid immediately. The album cover was decorated with a hand-colored photo of us, walking in the sand '.

Atocha Train Station

Theye reached again in early December the Iberian Peninsula. Because they owed their landlady Doña Manuela de Leccea, a member of the Spanish nobility, the last two months' rent, we drove immediately after arriving by taxi to her villa to pick up our keys. So that he also could be sure to get her money, they showed her the wad of money they had. Since they wanted to spend Christmas with their parents in Germany, they flew on 22.12. to Frankfurt. Micky and Wolfgangt sat on the train to Schweinfurt. Joe and Harold's parents lived in Hanau. It had much closer. As agreed, they met at 27.12., 24.00 for the celebration of Mickey's Birthday, at the main train station in order to beat a trip together to Spain. There they met again with Det Ferring, the Trier singer. They shook hands, told him of their existence as disk stars, gave him some of their records and asked him if he had no desire to join them. He said he would have to think twice about that and would call them. On 6 January 1967 they met Det at the Atocha train station. 

Little woman

THE VAMPIRES (III) - DÉJALA DORMIR reloaded

Juny 8 - 1967. La Vanguardia Journal 

THE VAMPIRES' STORY 
III: FROM LUXEMBOURG TO ZARAGOZA

They came from the deepest winter in the northern German to the Luxembourg spring. Since they were free, they went to Verdun to visit the I World War battlefields. The disco at the Hôtel Luxembourg, where The Vampires appeared twice for one hour each evening was chaired by Ferdy, the disc jockey. Ferdy took them to the Letzebuerger (as that is in the local language) day and night life, and brought them many other forms in culture. Another highlight during their stay was a visit to Luxembourg and a tour of Radio Luxembourg. This legendary station is located high above the rooftops of Luxembourg in the castle itself. They met then-known presenter Camillo Felgen personally and smell his live broadcast in Studio Four. 

After their stint in Luxembourg they gave concerts in northern France and in Trier, from where the members of a band with a great soul singer were. The Soul was up, but they never could find Det and his band: The Gents. I am talking of The Gents (aus Trier), and of the singer Det Ferring. They were then: Klaus Obermeyer, Det Ferring (facebook), Klaus Horman (†), Peter Binz (†), and Manfred Plenkers (facebook). Later, The Gents changed few members.

The Gents

In late April, Joe said to Wolfgang that their next job in May was broken, since The Star-Club in Kohl has gone bankrupt. Their tour was finished at these moments. Joe proposed a holiday in Spain. Joe had two years previously played with another group in Zaragoza on the American air base and was pleased with Spain. His saying: "links the mountains, the ocean right. Since they had more than a thousand dollars per man, they took the equipment, and their VW van. For sleeping: an olds army tent for Harold and Mickey, and the van for Joe and Wolfgang.  

Zaragoza AB Logo

The first day drove Micky (the only one with car drive license) via highway to Nimes, where they rested. The goal of their next stop was the Spanish border: Port Bou, near the coast. They cross the border the next morning driving along the Costa Brava to Barcelona. In Bercelona, they parked the van close to the beach to take a relaxing break. In the evening they reached Sitges, sat close to the water, drank wine and threw rocks into the sea, on the crests of waves reflected the light of the full moon. The next morning - it was Sunday – they finally reached Zaragoza. In the evening they finally reached their destination and neighborhood based on the campsite Helios. 

Camping Helios (Zaragoza)

That same evening, this explored this great city where thousands of people were out, visited several tascas (specialty pubs). After a week in Zaragoza, and without have played in the Air Base, they decided to practise with their instruments, in the open, side by side with the van. They began to play, and soon after hundreds of people were sitting on the wall that surrounded the facility to listen to our music. Enthusiastically, The Vampires received  thunderous applause. The people gave them wine, food, cigarettes, and some even gave them money for these shows. Then they asked a young man who spoke English very well, if they could give a concert in the Auditorium of the University the next Sunday. He would arrange everything. They were thrilled and were dressed in our fur pants, matching shirts and Beatle boots, which they had bought in Hamburg. The hall was packed to the rafters and the primarily female audience screamed during the entire. They threw handfuls of autograph cards in the set, which beat so fast. Thus, they had what the Beatles have felt at their concerts. Such an enthusiasm we had never experienced before! 

Benidorm 1966

Words failed them. 

In Spain was their future, here they had to settle down. This was aware of at that moment. These exploiters in German pubs where you had to work as a human jukebox could, in the future, remain stolen. After such success, unfortunately for them, Zaragoza offered no further opportunity to perform, they packed and went for Benidorm, because this place was a term tourist center.

Déjala dormir

THE VAMPIRES (II) - NEW LOVE

THE VAMPIRES' STORY

II: FROM SCHWEINFURT TO LUXEMBOURG.

After several unsuccessful works elsewhere, Wolfgang renounces to the last one. It was mid-September 1963. On the same afternoon he submitted his resignation as TV repairer, he went to Tivoli, where this month played a Swedish group and saw with amazement the empty podium. "What's happened here?" he asked the manager, who came at the same moment from the kitchen. "The boys have turned on the boss on the worst one, and since we have just kicked! But tell me, do you play it with the Vampires. Would you play to end the month and you would have like to be professionals?, then we would help you. Our connections extend over the whole of Germany." (At that time, the German gastronomy, especially the nightlife, were firmly in Jewish hands). That was the opportunity for which they had been waiting for so long, and the rest of the band had not at all superior. 

Billy Sanders

So they stood on the same evening as a professional musician at the Tivoli and felt great. Then came one evening a smartly dressed man to the podium and asked if he could join us in singing a few twist tracks. The twist was inexorably losing its stage on the top. They a little sceptical, since they had never practised unrehearsed. He just said: "When I raise my hand, you're playing a semitone higher, and when I show down, you go back!" It was the known records star Billy Sanders, known for the hit Hello Mr. Twist (1961. Ariola 45.260). (See in youtube). Billy had wandered by chance to Schweinfurt. The interaction worked so perfectly, as if they had never done anything else.  In November 1963 they started as professional musicians at Bamberg. The long-awaited moment had come: The Vampires gone to an “wide world” unknown musical adventure.

Bamberg: 

The Vampires - Florida Bar

The Atlantic was a typical Amikneipe (Pub) at the first floor of an old apartment building, in the Franz Ludwig Street in Bamberg.  It was a long room, in the middle was on the left side of the podium places. Opposite we went into the kitchen and at the front there was the bar, behind the shrewd young women chanted the Americans busily their dollars out of the pockets. See VeteransBenefits Network > Social Chat> Anyone Stationed in Bamberg, Germanyin the 60's?. The Americam Army in Bamberg was at the Warner Barracks. The proprietor was Rudolf “Rudy” Ochs, who also was the owner of several apartments  in Bamberg (E.g.: 7 Poodledorfer Strasse). Under the Atlantic Ocean, on the ground floor, there was the Tivoli, a high-level local, or Nepplokal, where always were playing excellent musicians. They had many opportunities to listen these musicians in their breaks.

Fights between American soldiers were commonplace. Almost every night, after 22.00, when they go to the break, again entered the podium, it popped. Then, the U.S. military police came immediately alerted by Rudi, on the scene and made again for peace and order. On 22 November occurred the next disaster. They had just returned after 22 clock started playing when Rudi said: "Wolfgang light on, music off. President Kennedy has just been shot!". Rudi entered the stage, grabbed my microphone and held only in English and then in German a poignant speech to the guests. Some made embarrassed faces, some began to cry, and others shouted hurray again, and the next moment the wildest brawl was in progress. Since a chair flew across almost the whole restaurant. The probably had to have been thrown with tremendous force, as the room was not too high. When after a while the situation had relaxed. They were really so good that Rudy committed them for another month. So they we played in December in the Atlantic Bar.

An evening in late December, a song from the jukebox, made Wolfgang sit down: “From me to you”, from an unknown group called The Beatles! That sounded very different than what had come to their attention until then. The guitar did not sound shrill metallic, such as in the Shadows or, specifically, the Spotnicks, whose sound they ever tried in vain to imitate, but soft and full. Since harmonica was involved. The polyphonic singing in some passages highly creepy. The harmonic progression completely unconventional, not after the 12-bars blues scheme, as usual, most of their titles. It just sounded different, it was revolutionary. They tried to replay this song, but failed to have the polyphonic singing, because with the choir they were overwhelmed. The only singer in the band and Wolfgang were Charley, and Charley had often problems with the correct intonation. Shortly afterwards: “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” and “She loves you”. They were under pressure, because audience demanded the same from them.

Erding Air Station Handbook

Fortunately, Beatlemania was not yet reached in the Upper Palatinate. Fifteen days after they were playing at Café National since January 1, 1964, the January 15 shortly after 22 clock, suddenly came back a man in uniform - a postman - to the stage and asked: "Who among you is Wolfgang Junger?" "A write-in Express letter, please sign here! It was his call-up: April-2, 1964, near Nuremberg, 1st Air Force Training Regiment 2nd, Company ... 

Warner Barracks -1963

Since the accommodation in the hotel in Bamburg was very hard and poor, they decided totake way up North. They spent February and March in the far north, in Schleswig. It was also the first time that they have, since they were professionals, working for a German restaurateur. They got the boss, Mr. Callsen, we got on brilliantly from the start. We were obviously just as likeable as he them. The songs from the music boxes and their interpreters were almost totally unknown to them: The Searchers, Tony Sheridan and the Beat Brothers, The Swinging Blue Jeans, The Liver-Birds, The Rattles, The Phantom Brothers and of course, The Beatles.

Wolfgang, Harald, Micky & Joe

It had even got round to Schweinfurt that in the city of Hamburg should be a famous temple of music. They awaited to their first day off, the Monday, to satisfy their first cause: to inspect the famous Star Club (Grosse Freiheit 39), opened two years earlier with its the famous slogan: "The need has an end”. Above the name on the large illuminated panel above they could read some guest appearances: Bill Haley, Tommy Roe, Joey Dee, Fats Domino, Chubby Checker, Jerry Lee Lewis, Vince Taylor, Ray Charles, The Beatles, Brenda Lee, The Everly Brothers, Johnny and the Hurricanes... the list was endless. Soon later, Wolfgang Junger did go to a military centre and airport in Ergind Air Station (Bavaria). Just after back to Schweinfurt at late 1964, Wolfgang tried to contact with the rest of the Vampires’ members, so he visited Mickey's mother in Bergrheinfeld who then told him that they played this month in Nuremberg in the Scotch-casino. She showed him some pictures and he saw with amazement that none other than Mickey from the old master-band was more here. On an autograph of them shone right above the Star-Club Records logo! They looked nice and had hairstyles, like the Rolling Stones on their first LP. 

Wolfgang went to Nuremberg and I entered the Scotch Casino Bar. Micky recognised him immediately and rushed over to me and introduced me to the rest of the band. Harald, the second guitarist was immediately appealing to Wolfgang. Joe, the lead guitarist, was an ace on his instrument. Ede, the bass player said he would get out in December anyway, the others did know nothing about it and if they would be right, Wolfgang could take his place. Wolfgang just hoped that Joe and Harry would be in agreement. In Micky, he was sure about that.

Cafe Schmidt 

Wolfgang spent the nexttwomotnhs as a car radio mechanic in the Bosch Service on Marienbach in Schweinfurt, because he needed money for a completely new system that the boys were looking forward continue to make music with me. In late November, Wolfgang drove to Crailsheim, where The Vampires stayed in the meantime. Together with Joe, he immediately went on to Stuttgart from Barth music store where they bought a Selmer bass amp system, a Höfner Beatles Bass' and a Shure microphone.

From 1 December 1965 they stood together in Bonner Taboo, which belonged to Blatzheim Hotels During this time, was a Berlin band called The Lords storming the German charts with “Poor Boy”. But The Lords obviously had no idea what they were singing there. Their English was horrible.  - and on vinyl! I am also disturbed their visages arrogant that they set up photos on display. On Thursdays there was a talent competition with a view of a recording contract. A kind of DSDS (Deutschland sucht den Superstar), or American Idol (in USA) in miniature. The audience evaluated the candidates and a jury (consisted of a disc jockey, and an employee of the record company), who made it to the next round. Someone had brought all their relatives and friends to vote. For The Vampires this was an horrible experience. The January 1 1965, the next day, they had to play in the Scoth Casino for all the month long, a place full of smoke. They played there from 20.00 to 04.00. Sundays and public holidays - and there were many in January - 15 to 19, with 15-minutes breaks after 45 minutes playing: four human jukeboxes. Then an hour break and again 20 to 4 clock. Always 45 minutes at a time then we took a break of 15 minutes. From 20.00 came the girls working during the day at Grundig in production, who stayed until about 22 clock, since most of them were not yet eighteen. After 23.00 appeared the girls working at night on the Frauentormauer to enjoy their well-earned breaks or after work. Ending January was coming the day of the final bill. One of the two Jewish owners took before the payout. The man was a walking safe. For all his jackets and pants he pulled out thick wads of money with hundreds of which he flipped through it several before them on the table. Of the bags had been lined with tens of thousands of D Marcs. In the showcase near the entrance they could see for themselves that would occur with a Spanish band called Los Bravos. The Vampires sincerely said to their coleagues: sorry!

Rolling Stones 1st LP

Ansbach, the capital of the district of Middle Franconia - again a typical garrison town - with about 29,000 inhabitants and 10,000 U.S. soldiers, was the next stage of their musical odyssey. Ms. Schernack, a lovable old lady, our landlady, was very concerned for the welfare, their boys', "Be me just be careful at night. Ansbach is a dangerous place! "How right they are so, we should very soon lesson the hard way. They played atThe Florida Bar - again a typical Amikneipe - whose owner, Mr. Perekalski also had the Star of David on its national flag. There were four live music clubs in Ansbach then: Schwarze Bär; Cafe Schmidt (renamed today as Old Ansbach), Florida Bar, and Regina Club (today at Rezatparkplatz). The main trouble was the relations with Americans in the free time. On the very first free Monday they went to Hamburg, that was only a stone's throw away, and it could hardly be expected to enter again the Star Club. What on earth is happening here in the meantime? The stage seemed much smaller and behind was a shirred curtain the whole gave the charm of a rural beat shed. Bands played only on weekends. This seemed to them the beginning of the end, and actually the star of the Star Club was unstoppable on the wane. On 12/31/69 finally closed its doors with a concert by Hardin & York. This fact made them think what they should do differently. Joe started from then to put their own ideas and improvise at will. And Harald sang his songs in the way he always did: in Blues. The end of March, it was snowing like crazy and they thought with horror of the journey ahead, as from 1 April they should guesting for 2 weeks in Luxembourg.

THE VAMPIRES - NEW LOVE

THE VAMPIRES (I) - WALKING ON THE SAND

Joe Schilken (Lead Guitar), Harald Münnich (Rhythm. Guitar), Wolfgang Jünger

(Bass) und Micky Kluge (Drums).

THE VAMPIRES' STORY.

I: FROM THE TORNADOS TO THE VAMPIRES

The Vampires opened their first appearance with the instrumental “Walk, don’t run”, by The Ventures, at the Astoria Hall, located between Schweinfurt and Sennfeld besides a materials company building. This song become later their theme song from these day: Satuday, September 1, 1962. The Astoria hall - one of those dance halls, as they were, could not be marked by the presence of thousands of American soldiers, which the dollars were very loose in his pockets, in almost every district of Schweinfurt. Drummer Micky, the only one of the group with stage experience (he was drumming in a known Schweinfurt dance band) had given them this job because the owners of the Astoria hall, Adolf and Lissy, knew him quite well. Lissy conjured after work most exotic dishes that they were allowed to enjoy. Always surrounded by loyal followers, friends, and friends who have enjoyed the privilege - to be allowed to stay with them still there - even after curfew.

Wolfgang Jünger (March 30, 1944) discovered his love for music years before, when suddenly out of nowhere, a devastating hurricane in the form of rock 'n' roll swept across Germany. Much to the dismay of the older generation, with this, awful black music 'could absolutely do anything. Nor with the associated side effects, such as Levi's jeans, white or striped shirts, black leather jackets, bubble gum and landscaped with lots of pomade hairstyles for male followers who emulated the screen idol James Dean - and petticoats or skin-tight jeans, tight blouses, ponytail and high-heeled pumps with the girls, who wanted to be like Liz Taylor. The rock 'n' roll was in the 50's as a social conservative scandal! The new form of music was felt even as an attack on morality, decency and order. Instead performers like Caterina Valente, Freddy Quinn, Bully Buhlan, or Gerhard Wendland and songs like “Oh Mister Swoboda”, or “The Blaedel Polka”, had to fight against  songs from the radio receivers: Bill Haley’s Rock Around the Clock - ABC Boogie - See You Later Alligator - Shake Rattle and Roll, or hammer title of a young truck driver from the southern United States: with Elvis Presley Hound Dog, or Don’t be Cruel. That spurred Wolfgang on to excel in English class because he wanted to finally understand what the lyrics of these songs were acting. So they were fascinated, preferably the American soldiers Radio AFN (American Forces Network), who played these songs to their delight day and night. Wofgang, finally, was caught by Cliff Richard's backing group, The Drifters, who later called themselves for copyright reasons, The Shadows, and by Apache, FBI, or Guitar Tango. 

This was something completely different than the boring song and Studies, with which he had to toil as a child. From his eleventh birthday, Wolfgang had piano lessons, and by the related exercises the joy very quickly lost. In the spring of 1962, in front of the window of a music store, Wolfgang saw a guitar, as futuristic as if it came from another world, stood there all alone at the top in the window display. The body, painted red consisted of a solid board, which was cut at the point where the neck of the guitar was screwed onto the body, to allow for the game in the highest positions: a Hofner (360DM). Nevertheless, he began to save money, and along with a small reserve, after a few weeks he was able to finally realize his dream. Shortly before he met Hans, a friend who lived in the neighborhood and wanted to know what he was wearing under my arm. So I showed him my newest pride. Hans said: "Come up to me, I have to show you something too. Since when do you play real guitar? " They entered the small living room and there in the corner stood a white board Framus guitar and a small, self-built amplifier with speaker. "Does not matter, sit down, I'll show you something simple!", Hans said. From this day on Wolfgang worked tirelessly in every free minute with his guitar. He met with Hans to practice and after several weeks, they both had a considerable repertoire, both instrumental and vocal tracks on. "How about if we stopped once for a drummer for?" On a Saturday night Wolfgang attended a dance performance in Wallbräu-basement and could not believe what his eyes are seeing: a colleague from his apprenticeship: Mickey Kluge behind drums climbed out. "Oh Mickey, since when do you play drums? By the way, we have formed a guitar band. Would not you feel like time to come to a rehearsal because we are looking for a suitable drummer! "

Mickey did have concerns, but agreed. From then on, they were rehearsing twice a week ever Tuesday and Thursday evenings in the City Hall Park. Then they visited the newly-opened Vienna Woods. At the end of August, and at the end of the trial, Micky said casually to Wolfgang: "What do you think of it as if we were going to play next Saturday in Astoria hall? I've already cleared everything, it works in any case. We must make up only a band name! " When Wolfgang had caught something of his dismay, he noticed spontaneously "tornadoes" field. As their music originated in America and England, they settled on The Tornados and crafted them a great logo, which they paint with green luminous color to it to hang over the stage, so that the situation also looked really professional.

After their first and successful presence in the Astoria hall they played there regularly. First Saturdays only, then Friday and Saturday and Friday after a few weeks, Saturday and Sunday. They always played from 20:00 to closing time at 1:00 clock in the morning, 6 DM per man hour. Through the routine they got through their regular performances, they got better and better, which is rumsprach quickly with the many other pubs owners, increasing their value and demand.

Logo

They deal that reached after Gerolzhofen and Kitzingen, where there were the three most famous dance clubs in the area with professional bands. In Schweinfurt, there were two shops where bands played every evening. The Tivoli, on the ground floor of a red brick building in the Luitpoldstraße, and secondly, the Lilli Marlen Bar, opposite the main entrance of the American barracks. They were there during the week for a regular guest. What they will also occasionally made, was the choice of the musicians, they even replace for 'an hour to even play properly on expensive instruments on top of the amplifier. The bar owner had no objection to the musicians were happy about the unexpected pauses and our reputation grew so steadily. In such an action addressed to Wolfgang one evening  a former classmate and asked him why they were playing without a bass player? He was bass player and would like to join us. After a brief consultation they agreed and invited Karl Heinz “Charly” Dees to a rehearsal. It turned out that he had never played bass. As he promised them new professional speakers and an echo unit, they finally consented. Wolfgang then teaches Charlie to play bass. They met every day and he made progress very soon. Soon later Charlie finally was at their first show in Zehnthof Gerolzhofen starred and also earned some vocal tracks. If a piece was that he has not mastered, he simply turned off his bass guitar, and Wolfgang mean a little darker, what has struck anyone.

The Vampires in Tivoli, with Billy Sanders

Wolgang had time for a few weeks to work night shift and then every time after work in the Lilli, because there during that time played an extraordinary group: The Strangers from Innsbruck, the perfect Cliff Richard with his Shadows.

In autumn 1962, the disaster came two months later with full force from the speakers of the jukebox, which stood to the left of the podium in the Astoria hall. Instrumental started chirping, humming, and other strange noises. Then took over a whimpering the organ melody. Telstar was the mature work, in line with the first American satellite television. All this would be for them but still have been a problem if not for the name of the artist of this tune would have been: THE TORNADOS was written on the tag attached to the box, and the title of this American band was on the way, not a huge hit to be only in Germany. They were thunderstruck. Just at the moment, as their reputation grew steadily under this name, something like that! Everyone we spoke to them: "Are you that? That you're really not ...! " What should they do? Look around for a different name, was the only alternative. But which? It was heartbreaking. For Charley, who had a passion for the mystical, came up one evening with a proposal, which they liked right away and convinced: "How would it be if we would call The Vampires?” Immediately they had the idea of ​​how we should design the band logo. Under this name they were then - but with a rotating cast - up to 1969 and also produced several records. Changing our band name came under the circumstances to general understanding and had no adverse effects in terms of exposure or amount of the fees. As Vampires they were immediately accepted, since the new name was more interesting.

THE VAMPIRES - WALKING ON THE SAND

LA RULETA CHINA - LLEGANDO HASTA EL FINAL

Clara, Fernando, and Charlie

Fernando Márquez ("El Zurdo"), Clara Collantes, and Charlie Mysterio bands "La Ruleta China", a sweet pop Spanish trio that resumes 3 decades of the history of Spanish Pop.  Fernando (Kaka de Luxe, Paraíso, La Mode, Pop Decó…) is scorted by two lovers, and server of the music (sorry: Music): Charlie  Mysterio (Los Caramelos) is the pruducer, but also a sageman, since he wants to keep learning day by day (I know that); and Clara Collantes, who perfectly plays the acoustic guitar, keeps launching sensibility, and highlighting everything she touchs. Innovember 2, 2010, La Ruleta China presented few songs in Sala Galileo Galilei, a famous music bar, or a Culture Center, as you want. they have their own blog, that you can visit here. Few days ago, Charlie Mysterio touched me by email give memany thanks for my blog.But, really,we all have to be strongly grateful to them for his music, for all  the good moments they give to the people. He sent me a couple of unedited songs of "La Ruleta China". And, today, I uploadone for you all. It is a cover of "Llegando hasta el final", by Alaska. Pure pop tonight! ENJOY! And many thanks to Charlie for this jewel/present he gave to me.

LA RULETA CHINA - LLEGANDO HASTA EL FINAL

OSCAR VILLARREAL Y LOS MANDRILES - CITA CON MARILÚ

Los Mandriles

Juan Guerrero & Oscar Villarreal

Oscar Villarreal was a young Chicano native from Mission (Texas) who along with his childhood friend  Juan Guerrero decided to venture into the Tejano mid-60s music. His first recordings were for the label Falcon (mark where Freddie Fender also recorded in the beginning). Of that first album is highlighted at least three songs that were released in the Valley of Texas and the Mexican border, the more popular and why is still reminded:"Amor imposible" ("An impossible love"), along with "Juntitos mi amor" and "Cita con Marilu".  In this LP played: Oscar Villarreal (singer and guitarist), Juan Guerrero (bass), Romulo Montalvo (guitar) and Bill Martinez (drums).Oscar Villarreal's style was geared  towards the romantic ballad and pop style rather than Tex Mex. Unfortunately his life ended tragically after being hit by a drunk driver on October 7, 1967 in Indiana to be changing a tire on his car, so truncating promising musical career was just beginning to emerge. His compositions have been recorded by other groups and singers such as The Baby's, Rigo Tovar (who recorded their versions of "Un amor imposible), and The Invaders ("Juntitos mi amor").
Many thnaks to Miguel Wirtis for let me upload thier comments, and also for his amazing blog Garagelatino!!
Thanks bro!!

OSCAR VILLARREAL Y LOS MANDRILES - CITA CON MARILÚ

THE ZARA'S - NIGHT TRAIN

"Night Train" is a twelve bar blues instrumental standard first recorded by Jimmy Forrest in 1951."Night Train" has a long and complicated history. The piece's opening riff was first recorded in 1940 by a small group led by Duke Ellington sideman Johnny Hodges under the title "That's the Blues, Old Man". Ellington used the same riff as the opening and closing theme of a longer-form composition, "Happy-Go-Lucky Local", that was itself one of four parts of his Deep South Suite. Forrest was part of Ellington's band when it performed this composition, which has a long tenor saxophone break in the middle. After leaving Ellington, Forrest recorded "Night Train" on United Records and had a major rhythm & blues hit. While "Night Train" employs the same riff as the earlier recordings, it is used in a much earthier R&B setting. Forrest inserted his own solo over a stop-time rhythm not used in the Ellington composition. He put his own stamp on the tune, but its relation to the earlier composition is obvious. Like Illinois Jacquet's solo on "Flying Home", Forrest's original saxophone solo on "Night Train" became a veritable part of the composition, and is usually recreated in cover versions by other performers. Buddy Morrow's trombone transcription of Forrest's solo from his big-band recording of the tune is similarly incorporated into many performances. 
"Night Train" has been recorded by numerous performers over the years. Jimmy Forrest's original version of "Night Train" was a #1 R&B hit in 1952. Forrest later recorded a Spanish Tinge version entitled "Night Train Mambo". 
James Brown released a version of "Night Train" in 1962 that reached #5 on the R&B charts and #35 on the pop charts. His performance replaced the original lyrics of the song with a shouted rough list of the stations on the Seaboard Air Line Railroad's Silver Meteor service and many repetitions of the song's name. A live version of the tune was the closing number on his breakthrough 1963 album Live at the Apollo. The Zara's performed this instrumental in 1965, showing their ability  once again. Enjoy! By the way, I upload the incredible show James Brown did in the TAMI show, along with The Famous Flames in 1964. I also upload a cover The Toasters did in the LP "New York Fever", in 1992.

 THE ZARA'S - NIGHT TRAIN

The Toasters - Night Train

THE ZARA'S - GRAVY (very rare)

L-R: Anita, Jesús, Marina, Kim, Toto and Kitty

This is one of these times that oneself have made a big effort in offering you an obscure, and unknown story of a band. That took me few weeks, and I have not yet finished. Nevertheless, today is a rainny day in Madrid, and I have enough time to write. Well. The Zara's is the name taken from the same surname of the members. They are are surnamed Zaratiegui, because they are brothers, origin of the apostrophe in "Zara's". Anita (bass, accordion, keyboards, guitar); Jesus (drums, guitar, keyboards); Kim (lead vocals); Kitty (keyboards); Marino (guitar, keyboards, sax); and Toto (Vicente, b. 1946) (lead vocals). They were from Tafalla (Navarra-Spain). 

Gregorio Zaratiegui and María Aguirre. Taken from Tafalla a pie

La casa de Gregorico.Main door.

Scott Blackerby, in his website. give some data about them, but he requests more information. Their father was Vicente Zaratiegui, and the mum María Luísa Oficialdegui. For any reason, Vicente Zaratiegui had to go to Germany in early 60s. But this family has a long history that I have to tell you for a better understanding of the band. Their grandpa was named Gregorio Zaratiegui ("Gregorico" is the currently way to call someone in Navarra, and used foll all things. Then, "Chistorra", becomes "Chistorrica", and more), and the grandma María Aguirre (married in 1879). Gregorio gave name of the rest of the family till today: "Los Gregoricos". They have a blog, a book, even they had yearly meetings!: Gregoric@s en red. For any reason I do not know, Vicente had to go in 1952 to Germany with his childs, and, soon to the USA (today, Toto and Marino are both in Las Vegas). The name of "The Zara's" could came from several ways. 1) In Spanish, Los Zaras could be the short name of the family surname Zaratiegui.2) As a band that wants to hightlight that they are sons of a Zaratiegui.  I prefer the 1st option, since "El camino de los Zaras" (The Zaras' way) is a real name for a rural way, a beautiful walk to go to "La casa de Gregorico", as is currently named. This is the house from where Vicente, María Luísa, and sons go to Germany. By the way, Vicente became a famous singer of "jotas", the regional chant and dance in Navara.

Escolapios de Tafalla

He is named as a soldier and jota singer during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), along with others famous singers, such as Raimundo Lanas, Vicente Zaratiegui, Florencio Aoiz («El templau»), Víctor Iradiel, Perico («El Paje»), Zabalza, and Luziano Izura.. He recorded at late 70, before he leaved, a tape with 14 "auroras", a viariety of jota. Today, you can listen one of his "jota navarrica". Anyway, the Zara's bross studied in "Los Escolapios", aka "Escuelas Pías Emáus". "The Zara's" were acting in Germany, covering popnd soul hits. Success touring American military bases throughout Europe seems to have attracted the attention of the German Kerston label which signed them to a recording contract, the band debuting with a 1965 single: "'Ride Your Pony" (A-side), and  "'Maria" (Kerston catalog number 60 003).

That was followed by an EP on the Spanish Fonogram label - "Night Train" (Fonogram catalog number T 20 006 Z. A1 Night Train; A2: Gravy (uploaded song); B1: Telestar, and B2: Johnny B. Goode. Marino was then the oldest (24 years old), Eddy, 24; Jesús, 19; Chris, 18; Anita, 16; and Toto, 18, as you can read in the back of the EP. In the same year, they recorded their 1st LP for Kerston Recordsa (Small German label, owned by Fred Kersten. Mainly releasing Beat, Garage Rock and Schlager in the 60ies. In the 70ies the focus was Kraut- & experimental Prog-Rock). The name of the LP was "The Zara's Way" (! - Do you remeber?). Scott Blackerby, in his website says: I'm guessing the target audience were American servicemen and the twelve tracks were probably a good indication of what their live repertoire sounded like - a heavy mix of early and mid-1960s pop, rock, and soul covers. Musically they weren't band, turning in decent, if rather rote covers of the source material. Lead singers Toto and Kim were a different story. Neither had much of a voice and the fact they were singing in a non-native language occasionally gave the performances an unintentionally funny edge. A couple of their musical choices were also puzzling - hard to image G.I.'s going wild when they heard the organ-propelled 'Maria'. Well, maybe they really liked 'West Side Story.

"The Zara's Way" track listing: Side 1: 1.) Ride Your Pony (Noami Neville) - 2.) Happy Organ (instrumental) (Cortez) - 3.) What Now My Love (Becaud - Delano - Sigman) - 4.) Twine Time (instrumental) (Alvin Cash) - 5.) Maria (Bernstein - Sondheim) - 6.) Land of 1000 Dances (Chris Kenner); Side 2: 1.) Crying Time (Buck Owens); 2.) La Bamba (Ritchie Valens - Lopez - Reynolds - Shane - Stewart) - 3.) I Heard About Him (Chris Andrews) - 4.) Wipe Out (instrumental) (The Surfaris) - 5.) Donna (Ritchie Valens) - 6.) Down In the Boondocks (Joe South).

In 1966, Kerston launched "The Zara's Hits", already presented as an International Show-Band. Trackslist: A1 I Still Want Your Love 3:12; A2 Happy Organ 2:40, A3 Your Kind Of Loving 2:38, A4 Night Train 3:22, A5 Walk Alone 3:37, A6 My Heart Is Just For You 2:32, B1 Everyday I Have To Cry Some 2:30, B2 Telstar 3:09, B3 La Bamba 3:00, B4 Wipe Out 2:08, B5 Danny Boy 4:50, B6 Anything For Baby 2:28. After this LP they moved to Las Vegas, in an unknown year between 1966 and 1970. In 1971 they launched "The Sahara Presents Zaras S.R.O. In Las Vegas" (ATA catalog number PM1080) (S.R:O.: Standing Room Only). I suppose that before that, they acted in Bridgeport (Conneticut), as Lori T. says in this post: Anonymous April 5, 2012 9:37 AM: Wow! I rememnber going to see the Zaras, both in Germany and here in the States, especially Bridgeport, CT many years ago! In this picture, they are, left to right, Toto, Anita, Jesus,Julie front and center, Kitty and Marino. Boy, does this bring back a lot of memories. We had all their albums, and really enjoyed their performances.--Lori T. 

In these years, "Los Zaras" did not were alone, since Vicente, the father, was with them in the USA, according with Javier Torralba, in his blog.: I was very lucky for met Vicente Zaratiegui. When their children were established in North America, he back to Tafalla and his remaining years of "active" in the "Brotherhood of the Twelve". I was just in and share many celebrations, funerals and Ujué travel. At that time we did that Pentecost was also the day of families. In the shelter of the Carravieja had Mass and then a "costillada" (a BBQ). Vicente played his guitar and the desktop, with Maria Luisa Oficialdegui, his wife, enjoyed some unforgettable moments.And Arantxa Maxco Hernando, in the book "Los gregoricos" writes: Vincent came occasionally from Germany and stayed a week or two to chop wood and cement. Said that helped him materially and morally his cousin Pedro M ª (Zaratiegui.) In the spring of 1969...They last record was done in 1972: "The Fabulous Zaras" (Parnaso catalog number P-LPS-1108), when they were definitgely in Las Vegas. As I say above. Marina and Toto are living in Las Vegas today. Toto uses to perform in that city, playing in "The Mirage", or "Red Rock Casino" (search in Google: "Red rock Casino" "toto zara"), displaying an extensive musical activity. You can take a look to his website www.totozara.com, or several videos inYoutube (1, 2, 3). Jesús Zaratiegui, 58, of Las Vegas, died Monday February 24, 2003, in a local hospice. He was born Dec. 25, 1944. A resident for 33 years, he was a Sunrise Hospital manager for 28 years. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl; one son, Greg Zaratiegui, one daughter, Dawn Zaratiegui, two sisters, Francisca Zaratiegui and Anita Zaratiegui, and two brothers, Marino Zaratiegui and Toto Zaratiegui, all of Las Vegas. Visitation was scheduled 3-7 p.m. Thursday in Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave. Services will be 2 p.m. Friday in St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church, 1111 Michael Way. Burial will follow in Palm Valley View Memorial Park. The family suggested donations to the American Cancer Society, 1325 E. Harmon Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89119. Anita Zaratiegui (b. July 2, 1948) leaves Dec. 2, 2007 by a car crash. She rested at Pal Mamorial Park (Green Valley, Las Vegas).

Well, I upload "Gravy", from the spanish EP, a cover of Dee Dee Sharp's hit (1962), that I upload too. ENJOY!!

THE ZARA'S - GRAVY

Dee Dee Sharp - Gravy