Died On This Date (January 29, 2012) Tony Tecumseh / Founder of ’60s Psych Band, Afterglow
themusicsover Tony Tecumseh
DOB Unknown – January 29, 2012
Tony Tecumseh was the founder, guitarist a lead singer of influential ’60s psychedelic pop band, Afterglow. Tecumseh, who was a Modoc Indian, was a direct descendent of Winema. Formed during the mid ’60s, Afterglow recorded their self-titled debut album,in San Francisco during 1967. They were, at the time, a popular draw at parties, school dances and such throughout Northern California, and they opened for such acts as the Turtles and the Beau Brummels. Unfortunately, Afterglow broke up shortly after the release of Afterglow, which went on to become highly coveted by collectors of psych rock. The album was re-issued by Sundazed Records in 1995. The band reunited in 2007 but Tecumseh was unable to participate due to health issues, while a PBS documentary about the band is expected to air in 2012. Tony Tecumseh was 71 when he passed away on January 29, 2012.
Thanks to Paul Moshay for the assist.
An avid surfer, drummer Don Murray spent much of his youth surfing along the south bay area of Southern California. During high school he joined a Westchester band called the Nightriders, which included Al Nichols (guitar), Howard Kaplan (tenor sax), Chuck Portz (bass), and Glen Wilson (drums). According to Mark Volman, “The name would change again to The Crossfires with the addition of Dale Walton on Rhythm guitar and Mark Volman on sax. Dale would eventually be replaced by Tom Stanton. Jim Tucker would replace Stanton and that line-up of Nichol, Kaylan, Portz, Murray, Kaplan (Kaylan) & Volman would become the Turtles.” On January 1, 1996, Murray entered the surf for what would be his last time. Just two days later he was admitted into the hospital for a routine ulcer surgery. He died from post- operative complications two months later.
