Originally known as Concert (formed in late 1973) the Parkville area band members included Randy Hammond (vocals ex-Chryslers, Tricks), Chuck Gross (bass), Bruce Crawford, and Tim Kilgore (keyboards). The group named themselves Concert after joking about hearing of another group called Audience. They appeared at teen dances and later as the house band on weekends at the Red Balloon on Belair Road.
Concert eventually became known as Toys. The Top-40/rock band also doubled as the Beatles cover band Sgt. Pepper. Decked in Sgt. Pepper outfits the band performed continuous sets of Beatle tunes. Barry Swearman (drums ex-Island, Raven, Taxie) joined the band. Kilgore was replaced with Mark O’Connor (ex-Little Hans, OHO). O’Connor was eventually replaced with Ed Weber (ex-Seed, Shane).
Seen at the Howard County Fair, Five Oaks Pool, Westminster Elks, Peddler’s Pub, Martin’s Eudowood. They also performed as the headliner for a Painter’s Mill New Years Eve show.
Gross later with the Beaters, Laff Clinic, BLAMMO…
