Teen rock band from Pikesville area formed in summer of 1966. The group featured two guitars, keyboard, drums, and vocalist (no bass guitar!). Jon Pearlman (lead vocals), Brian Blitz (lead guitar, vocals), Keith Franz (rhythm, vocals), Herschel Goldstein (organ), and Ron Gerber (drums).
The Undertakers performed at youth centers, private parties, and battles of the bands. The show would open “with our heads bowed and Herschel playing some ominous chords on the organ” recalled Ron. “Jon would recite in a reverent voice “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…” Then, screaming and jumping up and down “TO HEAR THE FABULOUS MUSIC OF THE UNDERTAKERS!!!” Gerber would break into “Wipeout” and their set lists included covers of British rock, garage, soul and Motown. Baltimore Sun writer Lou Panos once noted in his column that “a couple of Labor Day appearances by the band resulted in no fatalities.”
Goldstein was later with Chastity’s Child. Gerber’s family eventually moved to Atlanta. In 1974 Ron was invited to join the Blue Meanies and returned to Baltimore.
