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Barracudas History
Class:
It was late 1964 when The Barracudas
were formed. Students at Highland Springs
High School, the 'Cudas practiced at
Donnie Thurston's house. Donnie's Dad
became their manager and they took
part in various "Battle Of The
Bands" competitions during 1965.
Their first 45 recording was in 1966
was a Barracudas original song called “I
Can’t Believe”. The flip
side of the record was the band's break
song, an instrumental called “20-75”.
The record was published on their own
Cuda label.
In 1967 The Barracudas recorded an
album for Justice Records of Winston-Salem,North
Carolina. Besides two originals:- I
Can't Believe and I'll Never Fall Again,
the album comprised versions of Blue
Feeling, Feel A Whole Lot Better, Not
Fade Away, I Call Your Name, Shotgun
and I'm A Man. The album sold over
700 copies and the band became popular
on the college frat-rock circuit.
As college and work pulled the boys
in different directions, they decided
to disband in late 1969.
Flash-forward to 2002. "The Flashback
To The 60's" a giant reunion of
the Class of 1967-1969 was organized.
All the members (except Chris Layne)
still live in the Richmond area, so
it was a natural to get back together
and perform at "The Flashback
To The 60's". The crowd went crazy
when the band came out on stage, sounding
better than ever.
The reunion felt so good to everyone
that the band has been put back together.
Chris is the only missing original
member. Jeff Warburton and J.W. Beldon
are now playing with the Barracudas
and the band sounds great.
The Barracudas are:
Mike Parker - Vocals, Guitar
Butch Earnhardt - Vocals, Keyboards,
Horns
Sam Shaw - Vocals, Bass
Donnie Thurston - Drums
Jeff Warburton - Vocals, Guitar
J. W. Beldon - Vocals, Keyboards
For more information on The Barracudas, visit BarracudasBand.com
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