Memories of drummer Craig Lugger when asked about his band The Lurays “…we were just having fun, and at first, performing more for our own entertainment. Challenging ourselves and recreating popular music seemed to give us a modicum of control over the media as well as our lives.”
“The first live band some of my friends and I heard was outside a recreational dance hall around the early ’60s. I think the group was called the Del Shannon’s. I believe that is when I decided I wanted to perform at a dance event.”
“Up until then I performed in a school concert band percussion section. I started playing a small drum kit with two schoolmates. A country & folk guitarist named Chris Seiford, and a Country boy from ‘West-by-God Virginia’ as he, bassist Wayne Charney referred to it. We started with some rock-a-billy like The Chantays ‘Pipeline,’ The Shadows’ ‘Apache’, The Ventures. No mic, so only instrumentals.”
“We were encouraged to move out of the pool party environment to some paid gigs. Truth is we would have paid to play (smile)! We eventually called ourselves The LURAYS – after all, the Beatles started at the ‘Cavern’ night club.”
“Soon, younger neighbors and fellow students started a few good bands; The Links specializing in The Stones, Stanky really had Mick down. The Sounds of the British Realm nailed The Who and ‘Talk,Talk’ was the best. Though the band members were our youngers I do remember a few names like Sam Booth on bass, Lemaster on drums, Allen Parsons singer, Bruce Webster: one awesome guitarist! Tink Maze, Barry Grube – awesome left-handed drummer. Lawrence…”
“We all circulated around Brooklyn, South Baltimore, Glen Burnie, and Arbutus. For ourselves – The Lurays, we played at the Red Garter, Dark Corner, Glen Burnie’s Greenway Lounge, Frat Toga Party, Iron Horn Biker party (3 day), Birthday parties…”
“Unfortunately, the WAR came along. Chris and I were quickly taken away in 1967 and could never get things back together afterwards. I lost track of everyone except Wayne who played at a few private things, and Chris playing at open mikes.”
“Myself, I joined a few professional pipe bands. We piped Roddy Piper to the ring at the Civic Center. Opened for the Queens Guard at the Civic Center and partied all night. We played for Senator Tydings’ wedding at My Ladies Manor. We piped the Police & Fire Fighters at almost all Fallen Hero events at Delaney Valley Memorial Gardens. Saint Patty’s at Cavanaugh’s Fells point, The Golden Arm, Harford County Farm Fair and just about every parade in the area. Just to name a few.”
Thank you Craig (Kreig) Lugger for your memories.
