The Groupies (band)
The Groupies | |
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| Background information | |
| Origin | New York, New York, United States |
| Genres | |
| Labels | Atco |
| Past members |
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The Groupies were an American garage rock-psychedelic rock band from New York City who were active in the 1960s and are known for an innovative approach to primal blues-based rock exemplified in such songs as "Primitive". They were a popular fixture in the New York club scene and recorded for Atco Records, later venturing to Los Angeles. Due to their uncompromising stance the Groupies failed to attract a wider audience outside of their local enclaves. In recent years[when?] they have come to the attention of garage rock and psychedelic enthusiasts and their work has been included on various compilations such as the 1998 Nuggets four-CD box set, which was released on Rhino Records. In recent years[when?] their material has been re-issued on various garage rock and psychedelic compilations such as the Pebbles, Volume 10 LP and the 1998 Nuggets four-CD box set.[1]
The band was formed in the Lower East Side of New York City by bassist Gordon McLaren.[1][2][3] Their lineup consisted of McLaren along with Ronnie Peters on lead vocals and tambourine, Peter Hindlemen on lead guitar, Norman "Cooker" DesRosiers on rhythm guitar, and Bobby Cortez on drums.[2][3] They played regularly at the Scene, a New York nightclub and became one of the most popular live acts around town, for a while second only to the Young Rascals, and were signed by Ahmet Ertegun to Atco Records in 1965.[1][2][3] For Atco the Groupies cut a single "Primitive" b/w Leiber & Stoller's "I'm a Hog for You," which was released in January 1966.[1][2][3][4] However, Ertegun's high expectations for the band did not materialize, as the band failed to score a hit or gain recognition outside of New York City.[3] None of this was helped by the band's uncompromisingly noncommercial musical approach, which they sometimes used the term "abstract music" to describe.[2][3] Nor was the band willing to cooperate with the label's attempts to promote them, even going so far as on one occasion to miss a concert planned for them in Philadelphia, and instead boarding a plane to Los Angeles.[3] The label dropped them, but the band became involved in the Los Angeles scene for a while, and were captured on field recordings made by Neil Hopper of songs such as "Down In the Bottom" and "You Changed Again".[5] However, the group met with limited success in L.A. and eventually broke up.[3]
In the 1970s, Norman DesRosiers enjoyed minor solo success recording under the name Cooker. In 1974, the single "Try (Try to Fall in Love)" b/w "The Ah-Ah Song", penned by DesRosiers, peaked at No. 88 on the Billboard Hot 100.[6] As a solo artist, he gained a brief popularity in Los Angeles.[3]
Membership
- Ronnie Peters (lead vocals and tambourine)
- Peter Hindlemen (lead guitar)
- Norman "Cooker" DesRosiers (rhythm guitar)
- Gordon McLaren (bass)
- Bobby Cortez (drums)
Discography
- "Primitive" b/w "I'm a Hog for You" (Atco 6393, January 1966)[4]
References
- ^ a b c d Unterberger, Richie. "Groupies: Artist Biography". AllMusic. AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
- ^ a b c d e Stax, Mike (1998). Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era 1965-1968 (4-Cd Box Set). Rhino Entertainment. p. 69.- "Optical Sound: The Technicolor Tales Behind the Various Nuggets" (track-by-track liner notes). Rhino Records R2 75466
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "The Groupies". Hollywood Hangover. Hollywood Hangover. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
- ^ a b Markesich, Mike (2012). Teen Beat Mayhem (First ed.). Branford, Connecticut: Priceless Info Press. p. 123. ISBN 978-0-9856482-5-1.
- ^ "The Groupies Down In the Bottom / You Changed Again 7" Single, 7" Vinyl". Sundazed. Sundazed Music, Inc. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (2013). Top Pop Singles 1955-2012 (14th ed.). Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin: Record Research Inc. p. 191. ISBN 0-89820-205-1.