Earthquake
Formed in 1966 as Purple Earthquake, this San Franciscan group comprised of Gary Boykin, Ronnie Boykin, John Sargent, Mike Jones and Stan Miller (bass). The last-named subsequently retained the Earth Quake name for an act which, by 1971, was completed by John Doukas (vocals), Robbie Dunbar (lead guitar) and Steve Nelson (drums). The quartet recorded their first two albums while domiciled in Los Angeles, before returning to the Bay Area where they signed with the fledgling Berserkley label. Several singles, including Mr. Security, Friday On My Mind ( Easybeats) and Kicks ensued, as well as a live album, all of which engendered considerable cult interest. Having accompanied Tommy James on his 1976 ‘comeback’ album, Earth Quake was buoyed by the addition of guitarist/vocalist Gary Phillips (aka Philippet), formerly of Copperhead. Three energetic albums followed, but the group was unable to attain a widespread appeal and its momentum faltered when Phillips opted to join Greg Kihn. TWO YEARS IN A PADDED CELL featured the 1971 line-up, but Dunbar's subsequent defection signalled the end of this act. By 1983 Doukas had moved permanently to the UK, while Miller and Stevenson had formed new groups.