The Brymers
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1963 in San Joaquin Valley, California, United States |
| Defunct | 1968 |
| Fate | Disbanded; reunited in 2007 |
| Headquarters | San Joaquin Valley, California , United States |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
| Website | www |
The Brymers were a garage rock group from California's San Joaquin Valley who were active during the 1960s. They scored a regional success with their track "Sacrifice," which also gained airplay internationally across Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. Although their initial career produced only one official single, they recorded many other songs that remained unreleased until being issued on CD between 2007 and 2008. The band reunited in 2007 and subsequently released five albums featuring both their classic and newly created material. Their tracks "Sacrifice" and "The House of the Rising Sun" were included in the film Jobs, while "I Want to Tell You" was featured in the ABC television series Once Upon A Time.
1960s
Formed in 1963 in San Joaquin Valley, California, The Brymers began as the de-Fenders under the leadership of drummer Dick Lee. He brought together fellow Lemoore High School graduates Bob Virdin (bass), Ken Valentine (keyboards), Jim Mellick, and Mike Wagner (guitars), all from the class of that year. Their early performances consisted mainly of teen dances with low admission prices. When Wagner was drafted into military service, the group adopted the name The Brymers, inspired by actor Yul Brynner; to complement this image, members briefly shaved their heads.
They frequently performed alongside the Sullies, whose frontman Steve Perry went on to achieve fame with Journey. In 1966, Virdin left to prioritize family responsibilities and was replaced by Bill Brumley; Valentine also departed later and was succeeded by Ken Sinner. The Brymers signed with Diplomacy Records based in Los Angeles and released their fuzz-driven single "Sacrifice" with "I Want to Tell You" as the B-side. This record became popular regionally and received international radio exposure. Following this achievement, they toured extensively both within their region and nationally, including a notable stint as Chuck Berry’s backing band. Notably, the band maintained a clean lifestyle, steering clear of alcohol and drugs throughout their tenure. The Brymers dissolved in early 1968.
Later events
After his 1966 departure from the band, Bob Virdin sold off his bass guitar and amplifier and left the music scene to pursue a career in dairy farming, where he remains semi-retired. Dick Lee currently lives in Eugene, Oregon, where he owns Valley Grown Records. This label released California Nuggets: Fuzz, Mod Rock, and R & B Unknowns, Volume 1, a compilation featuring 25 tracks from Central Valley bands spanning 1960 to 1970. Lee also hosts a podcast dedicated to garage rock music.
In 2007, The Brymers reunited for a sold-out concert in California. Virdin recalled an enthusiastic crowd of around 1,000 attendees. Since then, they have recorded new songs in Lemoore, California, and continue to perform live shows. Their lineup today reflects that of 1966–1968: Dick Lee on drums, Bill Brumley on bass, Jim Mellick handling lead guitar and harmonica, and Kenny Sinner on keyboards and saxophone. All members share vocal duties.
Despite having only one single released during their original period, The Brymers earned recognition among garage rock fans; many of their recordings remained unreleased for decades. They have since issued five CDs combining archival material with new recordings, including Sacrifice (early works) and 40 Year Brotherhood (recent sessions). Their song "Sacrifice" was featured on Crypt Records’ compilation Garage Punk Unknowns, Volume 1. Both "Sacrifice" and an unreleased rendition of "House of the Rising Sun" appeared in the Ashton Kutcher film Jobs. Additionally, "I Want to Tell You" was included in ABC’s successful series Once Upon a Time.
1963–1964
- Dick Lee (vocals and drums)
- Bob Virdin (vocals and bass)
- Ken Valentine (vocals, guitar, saxophone)
- Mike Wagner (vocals and guitar)
- Bobby Cox (vocals and keyboards)
- Jim Mellick (vocals and guitar)
1964–1966
- Dick Lee (vocals and drums)
- Bob Virdin (vocals and bass)
- Ken Valentine (guitar and saxophone)
- Jim Mellick (guitar)
1966–1968
- Dick Lee (vocals and drums)
- Jim Mellick (lead guitar, vocals, harmonica)
- Ken Sinner (keyboards, saxophone, vocals)
- Bill Brumley (bass and vocals)
Discography
- "Sacrifice" backed with "I Want to Tell You" (Diplomacy 30, December 1966)
Bibliography
External links
- The Brymers Yesterday and Today – official website of the band