Snowmen - Snowmen (1982)
Snowmen were another mystery band, whose roots and history are veiled in obscurity. Hailing from California, the band were known for their bizarre image, with each member dressed fully in white clothing, white facepaint and white hair. The band's sole release was a private pressing on Ice Records, which hit regional music stores in 1982. The band were met with indifference and drifted apart by the middle of 1983. Nothing is known of the members current activities.
"Snowmen" is a pretty solid AOR affair with a dash of early 80's hard rock thrown in for good measure. There's nothing outstanding found here, but the album does contain a Kim Fowley co-write, "Trouble". Overall, this is a respectable effort full of mostly midtempo hard rock. The band's fantastic harmonies, production and musicianship do elevate this above most standard homegrown productions. I'll let you, the jury, decide. Thanks to 'Daz', you can all download and indulge in a truly obscure and theatrical Cali hard rock act.
320kbps @ http://sharebee.com/85eca238
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62 comments:
been looking for this one for ages!
Once again, thanks!
very good lp. nice playing and singing. i like it.give it a chance and listen to it. it will grow on you. thanx mick.
Thank..desde argentina,Gracias Ronnie!! bye!!
podrias postear discos de mayo?? gracias!!
Thanks for the post didn't think I'd ever find this. These guys were actually from Erie PA... I use to watch them practice at the drummers house Steve McConnell.I think they only played in Erie live about 1/2 a dozen times before they packed it up and moved to California. My best friend lived next door to Steve's parents. Smoked alot of weed with him ...great guy...Again thanks for posting... Joel
The funny thing about the SNOWMEN was the band rehearsed next door to my parents house in Alta Loma (Topaz St/Lemon) although i was like 12 at the time...they ruled!! I think it was the Drummers house...although not sure...I had some of their gear for the longest time...
Stringer are you out there?
Tony
I'm flattered to learn that people still remember us, and are still talking about us. I am proud to have been a part of one hard working,and determined bunch of guys!! Thanks for remembering, makes an old rocker feel good! Still rockin in Erie, Pa. Bill
Bill. A review of your excellent Snowmen album is also featured on this 'Underrated Albums' website: http://www.foob.be/underrated/index.html
Have been looking for this for along time .used to listen to them in Orange Co.Cant figure out how to download .Help
Have been looking for this record for a long time.Used to hear them play in Orange Co. Great band! Cant seem to download .Need help
Gave up trying to download., but I was able to find one of their records online.Shoul be her in a week or so.Glad to her some people still remember them .They put on one of the Best shows around at the time.Was sad they stopped playing.
Hey Bill,if you remember coming to Cumberland,MD then you will know who I am...Had you guys over for spaghetti many nights when you played there...I hope you post back here and getm in touch with me that way..Had a lot of fun
DEBBIE(Ryan)Carpenter
I saw them at the Naval Amphibious Base at the enlisted club "Gator Gardens" in the early 80's. Awesome band, I always looked for them to go naional but they never did.
This is an amazing find. A friend recently sent me a live copy of Snowmen doing Cities On Flame by Blue Oyster Cult. Awesome copy... I knew the bass player, Steve Tarr, who unfortunately died in a car accident. Thanks for sharing this album!!
I have a friend who has one of the Snowmen's posters. He loaned it to me to copy, so if anyone wants a copy you can download it at:
http://www.barnwoodgallery.net/snowmen/DSC_3743.jpg
so my dad was the bass player for the snowmen no joke hes in a band called blondefaith now
These guy's were great musicians and even better people. I knew them well. Hope they're all doing well.
Was in the studio with them when they recorded this album, went on the road with them.
Damn goodtimes.
This was a great band of players, and really good people. I recorded and co-produced the album at Studio Orange in '81-'82. I still have several shrink wrapped copies which I've held on. Regrettably, we didn't get to complete the cover of "Summer in the City". Where is Phil Thomas these days? What an excellent sound man he was. And please say hello to Art if you see him. - Ted/Tim
I was a DJ in Orange County California in the early 80's. These guys were a regular at the club. Thier drummers name was Animal, and he was. Brings back memories. Thanks
Used to enjoy these guys at the Marine Corps Bases at El Toro and Tustin in the early 1980s. Still have a poster of them. What good times. Always looked forward to seeing them. The Enlisted Clubs would be packed when they played. Getting misty-eyed thinking about what fun it was! Thanks for the memories.
I'm right here Ted! Thanks for the complement! Wow, what a trip reading the comments, and seeing MY NAME mentioned as well as those of my good friends! Sometimes it does not seem all that long ago, but it was. I suppose we knew at the time what fun we were having, but we could never have imagined the sort of indelible memories created for so many people along the way. Just reading about some of the venues we were at - "Gator Gardens", "El Toro" and the Tustin "LTA" base or even rehearsing up in Alta Loma, recording at Studio Orange, and YES I remember having spaghetti in Cumberland Maryland Debbie! Great times and great memories for sure! Even some Steve Tarr props - what an awesome bass player and singer - I wish I had a copy of him singing "Cities on Flame" :) Yes, as Bill said, we were a bunch of determined guys all doing what we loved with our best friends, what more could you ask for? And I still have a couple of shrink wrapped white vinyl LP's. Thanks all! Phil Thomas
I was lucky enough to see this band twice live at a venue called ACT II night club in Riverside, CA. I was 17 or 18 at the time and don't know why I didn't buy a copy of the album when I had the chance. Great Show, Great Music. I especially liked the cover of "Radar Love".
Remember one time at LTA one of the guys jumped up on the tables and was singing. Oh, hell. I'm going to have my husband frame the poster. It was just the best time...I think they played "Head First" by the Babys? Believe so...anyway...I just downloaded that song from iTunes and it seemed to bring back memories of the Snowmen.
I was born &raised in erie...., gave the guitar player aride to the peninsula inn 1 sat. nite, he was hitch-hikin' saw them many times there....
Wow. What an amazing band. I remember seeing them many times in Southern California. I was in a band at the time called "Spacecoach" and remember doing a battle of the bands type event with them. Still have a copy of the album on a casette. Many years later I Saw a photo of them on the wall at a music store in Erie, PA. Cool to find this thread.
Peace
Gary Grabowski
I have some history to share. I hung with these guys and did a few live recordings and some studio stuff in the basement at Altadonnas. The first recordings of The season and a few others are lost.
I still have 3 sets recorded live at the Beachcomber. with Steve Tarr on bass. Sadly I do not have Bill Miller live apart from a live tape someone gave me from a gig they did in So Cal.
Steve and Ron McConnell, Dale, and Kevin were all a blast to hang around with and they owned the Erie rock scene in their day.
I remember those gus. even did some recording for them. Once at The Beachcomber and some psuedo-studio recordings in the basement of Altadonnas. Still have the live tapes. Know all those guys, Kevin, Dale, Steve and Ron, Steve Tarr and Bill Miller. Lost track of them shortly after that. Aways wondered what happened to them after the Snowmen. I think Steve McC was a doctor but don't know about the rest other that Steve RIP Tarr. Still pull the old stuff out and listen Rocky Mountain way or a 15 min drum solo.
GARY GRABOWSKI. I have your album still from Spacecoach! You were with Pat, Mike, and Dave right? I have a couple of photos when you guys used to jam in the studio! Dont remember much about Snowmen
I saw them many times at Altadonna's! You brought back some fond memories mentioning that club!
There was another club they played regularly in Erie (I think it was on McClelland Ave)...can't remember the name?
I would love to have a copy of those tapes!
Every cover song they did was better than the original!
Rocky Mountain Way!
It was Earthworks
Hi all - not trying to hijack the thread. Just wanted to say hey to the person who knew the band Spacecoach! Would love to see the pics!
Gary
The page is awesome. I was clicking around trying to find out some information on my dad (RIP ♥ ) He was in a few of the bands mentioned.. Like, Red White and Blueberries, Pulse, Faze, Freezer Queen, and Snowmen. His name is Frank Gratto, originally from Erie, PA. I have a few photos I would love to share, and if anyone else has anything I would absolutly love to see~ :) ♥
I used to hang with Dale (La Rock) Chadwick, and Kevin Dever, a lot.
Both worked for me as Plumbers when the band split. I used to go to gigs and photograph. Wish I had some old photos still around.
Mike Bierman
Hey Bill. Remembering how great the band was and many good times! Hope you are all fine! Rock on! Max
i really miss seeing these guys. they were fantastic. they put on arena style shows in small nightclubs. i really wish they'd at least put out a video of one of their shows. Somebody must have videoed at least one of their shows. i used to have a live concert on audio cassette, but it wore out and broke. wish i made copies. stupid stupid stupid!SNOWMEN PLEASE COME BACK! We MISS YOU!
So cool to finally find some info on the Snowmen. We played a show at a club called the Woodstock back in he 80's. I still remeber the drummer running around the place. One other thing I remember,they had a video of them doing the song that the drummer sang.
wow!!! this is Dale, from the snowmen. i was just going thru a pile of ole papers and found a snowmen article my wife found online about the band.I havent paid much mind to it since our split. this page blew my mind as I scrolled down it!!! thank you all for caring and never forgetting! As far as music goes Kevin and I have recorded many new songs!Our hearts will always be filled with song!!! Anyone who would like,can contact me @ dollysanwich@yahoo.com thanx again! Love Ya Dale Chadwick 07/22/12
this is dale,from the snowmen you can contact me at, dollysanwich@yahoo.com thanx so much for caring so long! luv u all!!!
Too funny! "The Snowmen" were the biggest thing and in Orange County California in the early 1980's. I was only 19 when I first met the band and everyone was talking about them. I married Dale Chadwick in 1985 after the Snowmen broke up and he and Kevin were in a band called "Roadwork" at that time. He is doing well for all the fans out there asking. We have 2 beautiful daughters ages 30 and 27 and a wonderful grandson who is 6 years old. Nice to know people remember them after all this time. Giving out a "SHOUT" to Billy and Phil, good to know you are both doing well. Last time I saw Phil was about 8 years ago at a Halloween party in a female fat suit. "LOOKING GOOD"!...Teresa Chadwick
Great to know you guys are still out there and well. I have the best memories of you playing at MCAS Tustin and El Toro.
I think a reunion is order. Gonna pull out my white cotton candy wig and sequin guitar strap! Ok, I ready. Let's Rock!!!
Heh....I saw them at el toro and I remembe roadwork too (who were also great). Never knew there was any relation between the bands. Anyway I recall the drummer being all over the place on one song he sang. He jumped up on our table and me buddy handed him his beer and said "this buds for you!" (Yeah ok kinda corny, but funny to a buncha drunk jarheads)
Hope someone can hook me up with this album or a copy and any live stuff....my email is jsokoloski7@hotmail.com
Hi !!
This is Lauren Dever(Kevin Dever's daughter, former guitarist of the Snowmen). Just enjoying reading all of your lovely comments about my dad and God Father's (Dale Chadwick) past lives! Thanks for all the love, I'll make sure my dad checks this page out! <3!
Hey Lauren! Your Dad was one of the finest guitarists I've ever heard. Hope he is doing well. Some of the other guys have posted here, it would be great to hear from your Dad.
LoneWolf8
This is quite a find...gotta love the internet. So hard to believe 30 years has passed since these great band days...and The Snowmen were the pinnacle of musicianship, showmanship, sound and lighting production...and some of the nicest guys you'd ever meet in your life. Kevin, Dale, Bill, Steve and Phil were very generous in their willingness to talk about what they were doing and how they did it, with many of us local musicians. I was about 21 at the time we met. We were all simply blown away with their playing and show. I had some contact with Keven Dever on the phone a few years ago when he needed some speaker parts. I hope you all are well and still playing. My brother and I were in a band called Max Badger and played many of the same clubs. I was honored when you guys came to see us at Deja Vu in Costa Mesa. Maybe we can connect one day soon. We've been reminiscing about The Snowmen on Facebook. Many people remember you guys fondly and with great respect...and...I have your album!
Kenny Haerr...edgewound@aol.com
Does anyone here have a copy of one of their live shows on cassette or cd transfer. I'm willing to pay 100 dollars. Even more if it's one of their Port Huememe shows.
the person who claims to be dale chadwick at dollysanwich is either a fraud, a liar, the rudest son of a b2@#$h, or he's dead. 4 times 4 effin times I tried to contact him and not one response. Much as I liked the snowmen and think they were beyond awesome I don't think he gets inundated with a barrage of emails. This person may be named dale chadwick, but I don't believe he's the dale chadwick of the snowmen. So he and kevin dever have recorded many new songs together. WELL? Where the hell are these new songs? How does one find them. Under what name do we look. BTW I saw some blonde faith videos on you tube. I can't figure out which one is billy miller, but if he's any of the three guys there, WOW talk about an on stage vasectomy.
had their poster .. all white faced and big with afros! still underage when they played but we knew who they were . Erie Pa lot of great musicians have come from there and are still there... NW Pa in general . he probly not remember but met steve mcconnel he played with jakes blues, and rodger montgomery blues band shared the stage at a wine festival gig in conneaut pa .. steves a dam good drummer!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBV2SkyNl5I follow this link
https://soundcloud.com/kdever/dont-ever-be-mp3 heres a song that would have been on the Snowmen's 2nd album.Enjoy!
Thanks Kevin. Nice to hear some of the old stuff. I DJ'd at a club your guys played at few times. Great show. Hope the rest of the guys are doing well. Tim Guth
Not sure how I found this page, but "WOW".. I remember this band from the summer of 81. They played at the EM Club at the Seabee Base in Port Hueneme Ca on the weekends. Kick ass Bar Band, Good stage show,they brought down the house!!! Great Memories, I just wish they would have went farther, very talented musicians.
I used to see these guys play in several different Central Ohio clubs in the late 70's & early 80's. Macs in Newark was a common club. After joining the Navy, they played the Focsle Club (EM Club) on Camp Pend let on. By then they had lost the White and we're most dressed in black. Talked with one of the guys on a break. Brought a lot of memories.
Wow! I saw these guys in 1979 or 1980 in Ocean City, MD at the old theater on Worcester St. They played some of the tightest cover tunes I've ever heard... to this day.
Best live shows at MCAS El Toro E-club in the early '80s...hands down!
Hey Gary, it's Pay Kirk's son Jim. How are you doing man? I don't know why but I was driving back from Albuquerque tonight and started thinking about Spacecoach, even found touch the sky on youtube, then found this. Hope all is well. Later.
Hey Gary how are you? I'm Pats son Jim. Just wanted to say hey. Was thinking about Spacecoach driving home tonight. Found this. Hope all is well.
I've got one or two pics lying around somewhere also
Yes!!! El Toro Marine base. I have a live cassette of them playing! I was 12 and totally blown away by them. They did Godzilla perfectly.... ha haaa so awesome.
Hey Anonymous, anyway you can post that for download? ( With Keven's Permission, of coarse.
Hey Kevin, you links are no longer active, can you activate them? Thanks guys, for being there in my past.
I believe it was the Hullabaloo on McClelland Ave.
I believe it was the Hullabaloo on McClelland Ave. in Erie.
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