The Britons

The Britons
November 1965 - January 1967

Sheldon Skinkle, guitar & vocals * Mark Wirtz, drums * Steve Walker, Vocals * Ron Brewer, guitar & vocals * John Hesterman, Organ, Key Bass & Vocals
Eventually, The Epics/Gaitors, greatly influenced by the British Invasion, decided it was time for a English sounding name. We were becoming real musicians and wanted an image to go with that, so we renamed ourselves The Britons. During the early Britons period, I played bass and Ron played guitar and organ, as "The Black Bee" at parties. Our high school social group, a bizarre bunch who called themselves PPInc.(Passionate Parties Incorporated), adopted us as their band and we often played at parties hosted by various members of the club. We also started playing bars, including a dive called The Bungalow and an even bigger dive called The Rocket Lounge. The Britons recorded, not only in my Uncle's home studio, but also live. I was working evenings at a car stereo installation company called AutoTronics which had a small back room studio we used to record in as well. Our shining moment, was coming in second place at a battle of the bands held at Bourgade High School (single photo above). Steve Walker had joined the band as a vocalist (his involvement was very brief) and I switched from bass guitar to Vox organ and key bass. Mark bought a set of Ludwig drums (just like Ringo's), Ron purchased a reasonable American-made guitar and amp and we upgraded our P.A. system. A couple of months after the battle of the bands, Ron and Steve left, and we became a trio. For me, The Britons were the beginning of a serious commitment to music.

@ Sid's PPInc. Pool Party

John & Sheldon, Rehearsal Christmas 1966