Drummer / guitarist moved to Baltimore in 1966 and attended Woodlawn High School. He performed in local bands Jazz Unlimited Trio, High Tyde, Playmates, Beginnings, and Memory Lane.
An avid Buddy Holly fan, Jerry moved to Clovis, New Mexico in the ‘80s where he met Vi Petty, wife of producer Norman Petty, and worked in the Nor-Va-Jak studios. His research led to a book about Petty’s studio. Jerry also penned articles about the Fireballs and other Petty related groups for Goldmine magazine. Proficient on both the drums and guitar he recorded two excellent surf music LP’s. He played all the instruments except piano tracks by Bill Pratt, and saxophone by Bob Bischoff. Backing vocals were provided by Allan and Val Prescott, and Nancy and Debbie Plaugher. Jerry also released 4 singles on Nor-Va-Jac Records in 1985 using the original vintage label design.
Staying true to his surf / hot rod background, Jerry owned a successful Camaro / Corvette restoration company in the ‘00s. In 2007 he was invited to become the drummer for a re-formed Fireballs touring group.
Both of his Nor-Va-Jak albums have been reissued on CD by the German NPR label.
Jerry MacNeish discography:
1985 Nor-Va-Jak 1327 Torquay / Gunshot
1985 Nor-Va-Jak 1328 Chief Whoopin-Koff / Panic Button
1985 Nor-Va-Jak 1330 Drum Riot / Bandit Boy
1985 Nor-Va-Jak 1331 Dumbo / El Ringo
Albums by Jerry:
1985 Nor-Va-Jak Quite a Surf Party
1986 Nor-Va-Jak 2 Jerry MacNeish Plays the Fireballs
1988 Rockhouse 8803 Drive-In Guitars (Reissue of ..Surf Party)
