The Modds
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Headquarters | Miami, Florida , United States |
| Products | Garage rock music |
The Modds were a garage rock outfit originating from Miami, Florida, with a brief period of activity in 1965 and a reunion occurring in 2002. Although they did not issue any official records during the 1960s, their recordings were later compiled and released. Their most recognized track is "Don't Be Late."
History
The band was established in early 1965 by guitarist John Mascaro, bassist Don Ricketts, and drummer Dewey Bond, all previously part of the local group the Deltonas. The lineup also featured lead singer Dean Liapis and lead guitarist Bob Nimer, who was subsequently succeeded by Dennis O'Barry. All members attended Southwest Miami Senior High School, a notable incubator for Miami bands such as the Montells and Evil. Mascaro, originally from Rochester, New York, had experience playing with several area bands before initiating the Modds.
Drawing inspiration from the British Invasion—particularly the Beatles’ 1964 appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show—the group blended these influences with American rhythm and blues as well as soul music elements. Their name paid homage to the English mod movement, with an additional "d" added for uniqueness. The Modds performed at local events including fraternity parties and dance halls, eventually landing engagements at prestigious Miami Beach hotels through their manager Ray Skopp.
In June 1965, they recorded a two-sided acetate at Dukoff Studios featuring "Don't Be Late" and "So in Love." Although this recording was never commercially distributed, "Don't Be Late" received airtime on WFUN radio thanks to DJ Morton Downey Jr., which significantly raised their local profile.
This increased visibility afforded them the opportunity to open for prominent acts such as the Byrds and Paul Revere & the Raiders during a Columbia Records showcase. While Columbia expressed interest in signing the band, the drafting of key members Mascaro and Liapis into military service abruptly halted their progress.
Following the band's dissolution, Dewey Bond went on to form Asbury Park, earned endorsement from Ludwig Drums, and founded Allstar Lighting & Sound in Orlando. Mascaro served in Vietnam before leading the John Mace Group and later transitioning into medical quality control work. Bob Nimer died by suicide in 1976, and Don Ricketts passed away in 2005 after a struggle with emphysema.
In the summer of 2002, Liapis, Mascaro, and Bond reunited for a one-time performance alongside other South Florida garage bands from the 1960s. The Modds’ song "Don't Be Late" is featured on the compilation Psychedelic States: Florida In The 60s Vol. 3, preserving their place within garage rock history.
Membership
- Dean Liapis (lead vocals)
- John Mascaro (rhythm guitar)
- Don Ricketts (bass)
- Dewey Bond (drums)
- Bob Nimer (lead guitar)
- Dennis O'Barry (lead guitar)
Discography
- "Don't Be Late" b/w "So in Love" (acetate recorded at Dukoff Studios; not commercially released)