Peter Wheat and the Breadmen
| Company type | Musical ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 in Fremont, California, United States |
| Defunct | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Fremont , United States |
| Products | Garage rock music, single "Baby, What's New?" / "All the Time" |
Peter Wheat and the Breadmen was a garage rock ensemble from the United States, established in Fremont, California, in 1964. The band achieved local acclaim as a live performance group and issued a single that was later featured on various compilation albums.
History
The roots of Peter Wheat and the Breadmen trace back to the Night Caps, a rock band founded in Oakland in 1957. The Night Caps cultivated a loyal fan base throughout Northern California's teen club scene and released two singles on Amber Records, showcasing original pieces composed by saxophonist Barry Carlos. After seven years, the group opted to rebrand themselves to align with contemporary pop music trends. Carlos recounted the renaming process: "'We wanted something related to money, like dough or bread.' Bob Fox immediately proposed 'Peter Wheat and The Breadmen,' inspired by a local bakery company."
Their first appearance under the new moniker occurred in 1964 at Fremont's UAW Hall, where they concealed their former identity as the Night Caps and performed regionally for six months while dressed in bakers' aprons. Following their breakup, Carlos established BLP Productions to promote a fresh band under the Peter Wheat and the Breadmen name. He enlisted the Tarantels, a five-member group from Fremont consisting of Roger Kennedy (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Barry Houk (lead guitar), Bob Birdwell (bass), Terry Rissman (drums), and Chuck Tedford (keyboards). The Tarantels were supporting the Turtles at San Leandro Rollerina when Carlos identified them for their inventive approach and openness to intricate musical arrangements. Initially embracing the Peter Wheat identity completely, the Tarantels eventually abandoned the apron concept to develop their own unique style.
Managed by Carlos, Peter Wheat and the Breadmen served as opening acts for prominent artists such as the Byrds, the Animals, and frequently Paul Revere & the Raiders. In March 1966, they recorded their only single, "Baby, What's New?" backed with "All the Time," which was issued on Amber Records and enjoyed regional popularity. They were slated to open for the Beatles' August 29, 1966 concert at Candlestick Park but were prevented from performing due to disputes with labor unions. In September 1966, Birdwell and Kennedy became involved in controversy when their school district refused enrollment because of their long hair, drawing brief national media coverage before they ultimately conformed.
Motivated by the Beatles' song "Got to Get You into My Life," Carlos advocated for incorporating a horn section in late 1966; however, differences in musical direction led to the band's breakup in early 1967.
Following their disbandment, their recordings have been featured on well-known garage rock compilations. "Baby, What's New?" appears on Pebbles, Volume 10 and You Got Yours! East Bay Garage 1965 - 1967, while "All the Time" is included in Pebbles, Volume 11: Northern California.
Members
- Roger Kennedy - Lead vocals, rhythm guitar
- Barry Houk - Lead guitar
- Bob Birdwell - Bass guitar
- Terry Reisman - Drums
- Chuck Tedford - Keyboards
Discography
- "Baby, What's New?" b/w "All the Time" - Amber Records (Amber 6657), 1966