The Thrashers - Sledge Hammer

[chuckd]

It's no secret that I love instrumentals and that I'm obsessed with 60's garage bands from western New York where I went to college (specifically Ithaca). I stumbled across this 45 recently and instantly loved it. The only history I can find is that they played Fraternity partys on The Cornell campus in Ithaca.

I also remember a FB group dedicated to upstate NY 60's garage bands but can't find it.

Can anyone fill me in on the history, members, discography etc.

Thanks a million

 

[haigo]

steve knapp must be guitarist i wonder what guitar he was using

 

[mikael]

From the obituary of member John Kelly

"In the summer of 1961, he and his best friend Steve Knapp formed a band called The Thrashers, and
played many shows in upstate New York, including Grossingers Resort, parts of New England, Fort
Lauderdale, FL, and the famous Peppermint Lounge in New York City, where they shot a video at the
Empire State Building which was later shown on the Dick Clark show. In 1962, he returned to school
at Ithaca College, and graduated in 1962."

Since the members seem to be born in the late 30's the hope of finding anyone alive is slim.

Additional members: Mike Matthews, Paul Sylvan, Ed Fisher, Dave Murray.

Here is a live take from the Peppermint Lounge.

Promo pic:

 

[chuckd]

steve knapp must be guitarist i wonder what guitar he was using

As a guitarist myself I would love to know what he's playing through.

 

[Rich Strauss]

I have this 45. The aside is entitled "Fort Lauderdale, U.S.A.". I always assumed that it was recorded there. But, I see that it was pressed at Bell Sound, so probably not. Someone had written Nov. 63 on the sleeve. The aside is a rip of Sweet little 16 a la Surfing USA.

 

[chuckd]

From the obituary of member John Kelly

"In the summer of 1961, he and his best friend Steve Knapp formed a band called The Thrashers, and
played many shows in upstate New York, including Grossingers Resort, parts of New England, Fort
Lauderdale, FL, and the famous Peppermint Lounge in New York City, where they shot a video at the
Empire State Building which was later shown on the Dick Clark show. In 1962, he returned to school
at Ithaca College, and graduated in 1962."

Since the members seem to be born in the late 30's the hope of finding anyone alive is slim.

Additional members: Mike Matthews, Paul Sylvan, Ed Fisher, Dave Murray.

Here is a live take from the Peppermint Lounge.

From the obituary of member John Kelly

"In the summer of 1961, he and his best friend Steve Knapp formed a band called The Thrashers, and
played many shows in upstate New York, including Grossingers Resort, parts of New England, Fort
Lauderdale, FL, and the famous Peppermint Lounge in New York City, where they shot a video at the
Empire State Building which was later shown on the Dick Clark show. In 1962, he returned to school
at Ithaca College, and graduated in 1962."

Since the members seem to be born in the late 30's the hope of finding anyone alive is slim.

Additional members: Mike Matthews, Paul Sylvan, Ed Fisher, Dave Murray.

Here is a live take from the Peppermint Lounge.

Promo pic:
View attachment 6229

Amazing! Thanks for sharing!!

Promo pic:
View attachment 6229

Great pics. Thanks!