Cruisin' for Burgers
Cruisin' for Burgers no longer exists as a band. They were formed in Fullerton, California early in 1971 and disbanded in late 1972, but they were hot while they lasted. The songs on this site were recorded live on a reel-to-reel tape recorder during one of their last gigs in November, 1972 at a venue called The Warehouse, a former bowling alley on Manchester Avenue in Anaheim, California. The songs were later transferred to a cassette which is how I got my copies. I have no idea where the original recordings are, but they are probably better quality than these are. I also have no idea where most of the members are these days. The only one I stay in close touch with is Dean Hall, the trombone player, because we went on to play in other bands together over the next ten years or so. I was one of the trumpet players in the band (the one sitting on the train tracks). If any of the former members see this site, I'd appreciate a note letting us know how you're doing these days. Thanks for listening! - Mark Hermann
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Band members in these recordings:
Pete Damian - Vocals
Wally Miller - Lead guitar, backup vocals
Eric Ongie - Rhythm guitar, lead and backup vocals
Ed Voccia - Bass guitar, backup vocals
Dave Morby - drums
Bob Martin - sax and flute
Dean Hall - Trombone
Lee Coffey - lead trumpet
Mark Hermann - trumpet
Your musical influences
Cruisin' for Burgers was a 9-piece horn band, influenced by Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears, Chase, Tower of Power, and many other "jazz-rock", R&B and funk bands of the late '60s and early '70s. They were also heavily influenced by Surf Music, and other eclectic artists - even Tom Jones. Repertoire included songs by Edgar Winter, Buddy Miles, Dick Dale, Sam & Dave and many others.
Anything else?
KEZY radio in Anaheim played an ad for The Warehouse one night in 1972. The first time the DJ read the ad copy live on the air it went something like this (in your own best DJ voice): "This Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night at the Warehouse in Anaheim catch one of the hottest bands in Orange County! Cruisin' for ....uh .... Cruisin' for WHAT!!"
Students at Fullerton College and Cal State Fullerton will remember Cruisin' for Burgers playing at dances and political rallies right up to the presidential election of 1972.
Hope some of these songs bring back a few of those memories.
