The Dinosaurs
Formed in 1982 in San Francisco, California, USA, the Dinosaurs consisted of former members of the popular San Francisco rock bands of the '60s. The initial line-up comprised, guitarist Barry Melton (ex- Country Joe and the Fish), guitarist John Cipollina (ex- Quicksilver Messenger Service), bassist Peter Albin (formerly of Big Brother And The Holding Company), drummer Spencer Dryden ( Jefferson Airplane) and songwriter/vocalist Robert Hunter ( Grateful Dead). The band came together with the intent of recreating the sound and ambience of the era from which the members sprang. Long, winding improvisations were the norm whether the group performed new, original material or songs associated with the '60s. They played locally in the San Francisco area. In 1985, Hunter left and was replaced by keyboardist Merl Saunders, who worked with the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia in a number of extra-curricular bands during the '70s. They recorded their only album in 1988. After Cipollina's death in 1989 the group went on a hiatus, but by the mid-90s had replaced him with violinist Papa John Creach, formerly of Jefferson Airplane/Starship and Hot Tuna.