The Liberty Bell (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Headquarters | Corpus Christi , United States |
| Products | Garage rock, psychedelic rock music |
The Liberty Bell was a 1960s American band from Corpus Christi, Texas, known for their blend of garage rock and psychedelic rock. Their sound was rooted in blues and proto-punk, drawing inspiration from British bands such as the Yardbirds. Although mainstream success eluded them during their active period, their recordings have since become prized by garage rock enthusiasts and have been featured on various compilation albums.
History
Originating in Corpus Christi in 1966 under the name the Zulus, The Liberty Bell crafted a vigorous blues-rock style heavily influenced by British groups like the Yardbirds, gradually incorporating psychedelic elements. The founding members were Al Hunt on lead guitar, Richard Painter handling rhythm guitar, Wayne Harrison playing bass, and Carl Abey on drums. Upon signing with Carl Becker—owner of J-Beck and Cee-Bee labels—who took on management duties, Ronnie Tanner was brought in as the lead vocalist, prompting the group to adopt the name The Liberty Bell.
Their recording sessions took place in 1967 at studios located in McAllen, Texas. Their initial single featured a rendition of the Yardbirds’ "Nazz Are Blue" backed with Willie Dixon’s "Big Boss Man," released in May. This was followed by singles "That's How it Will Be" coupled with "For What You Lack" in July, and "Something for Me" paired with "Al's Blues" in October. Additionally, an acetate recording of "I Can See" was produced during these sessions.
In early 1968, Tanner departed to serve in Vietnam and was succeeded by Chris Gerniottis from the Zakary Thaks, who introduced more reflective lyrics that complemented the band’s psychedelic shift. After signing with Back Beat Records, they released "Thoughts and Visions" backed with "Look for Tomorrow" in August 1968. Later that year, they issued the soul-influenced track "Naw Naw Naw," featuring Gerniottis alongside session musicians. The group disbanded in 1969 when Gerniottis returned to his former band, the Zakary Thaks.
Since then, The Liberty Bell’s music has garnered attention from collectors of garage and psychedelic rock. Their tracks are included on volumes 5 and 7 of Sundazed Music’s respected Garage Beat '66 collections. In 2014, their entire catalog was re-released in the anthology titled Thoughts & Visions 1967-1969.
Membership
- Ronnie Tanner (lead vocals)
- Al Hunt (lead guitar)
- Richard Painter (rhythm guitar)
- Wayne Harrison (bass)
- Carl Abey (drums)
- Chris Gemiottis (lead vocals)
Discography
- "Nazz Are Blue" b/w "Big Boss Man" (Cee-Bee, 1967)
- "That's How it Will Be" b/w "For What You Lack" (Cee-Bee 1002, 1967)
- "Something for Me" b/w "Al's Blues" (Cee-Bee 1003, 1967)
- "I Can See" (Cee-Bee, unissued acetate, 1967)
- "Thoughts and Visions" b/w "Look for Tomorrow" (Back Beat 595, unissued acetate, 1968)
- "Recognition" b/w "Naw Naw Naw" (Backbeat 600, 1968)