One of Baltimore’s most well-known rock / country-rock bands during the 1970s. Their unusual name was reportedly borne of a dream that Eliza Jane keyboardist Fred Ritz had about an animal that gave rides to children. The original line-up included former Steamboat Willie members Doug Robinson (guitar), and Kyf Brewer (drums -also ex-Eliza Jane, Meat), Lee Townsend (bass), along with Dave Woodworth (guitar ex-Eliza Jane, Clyde). Dave quit after only a couple of gigs and Bobby Hird (ex-Steamboat Willie, Calico, Primo) joined as the new guitarist. Fred Tepper (guitar ex-Rize, Meat, Calico) soon joined the group. He eventually moved on and joined the bands Dakota, and Trigger Happy. Kyf moved over to playing piano, and John Tracey (ex-Queen’s Chapel, Trigger Happy, Easy Livin’) joined as the new drummer.
Climbadonkey performed a popular mix of country-rock and blues – appearing as clubs such as Four Corners, Hollywood Palace, Motherlodes Wild Cherry, Mimmie Jr.’s, Pier 7 (Annapolis), Bayou (D.C.), Italian Gardens (College Park), the Gallery, Dulaney Inn, Toni’s Dream, and were a regular Sunday night attraction on the Barge – sometimes performing on double bills with Appaloosa, Bandit, and others. Also seen in D.C. and at beach resorts in Maryland and Delaware. Played the Ellicott City Festival in July 1978, and the Cross Street Tavern’s annual Beer Relay Race and Block Party.
Their song “Don’t Blame Me” was included on “The 98 Rock Album.” Members – Hird (lead vocals, slide guitar), Brewer (keyboards, vocals), Townsend (bass), and Tracey (drums).
Their song titled “Golden Throat” was included on 1978’s WKTK Album. Other original recordings include theme songs for The Retarded Citizen’s Bike and Dance Marathons.
By 1978 the group had been unsuccessful at securing a major recording contract. A change was coming. After a chance meeting between Kyf and Hollins Ferry guitarist Rob Fahey the two hit it off. Robinson had recently left the band and they brought Fahey in as the new guitarist. This line-up became known as the Ravyns.
Hird and Tracey later became members of Crack the Sky, and No Heroes. In the ‘00s Tepper could be seen performing with The Lucky Band, a Country/Rock band Bootleg, and a blues band Blue Church. Fahey’s group the Pieces continued to play Baltimore area clubs. He also performed as a soloist and as a duo with guitarist Gary Brown. Hird and Robinson performed together in a blues band called the Delta Dogs.
Climbadonkey photos courtesy of Bobby Hird
