Progressive / underground band from the Milford Mill area. The group played original music along with cuts by artists such as Ten Years After, Joe Cocker, Dylan… at UMBC, various festivals, and many high school dances and events.
The original members included Fred Tepper (guitar ex-Rize), George Alvey (bass), Brian Freed (drums ex-Walnut Bunch, Rize).
Tepper and Alvey unknowingly had both lived in France for many years. Alvey had returned having played with the “Suffering Kind,” the house band at the prestiquous Paris night club Elysee II’s Drag West Club Discotheque, during the 2nd British Invasion era in ‘65-66, then a stint as member of Jay B & the Capris…
For a brief stint, MEAT added Mark Honkofsky (organ), and Mike Gardiner (2nd guitar –Felix, Dryed Ice, Paradise). The band decided to revamp first as a trio with Tepper (This line-up made TV appearances on the Kerby Scott Show), and then adding Tony Sciuto (rhythm guitar, vocals ex-Ravins). Other members included bassist Kenny Wright… Alvey returned to the group briefly before leaving to join Aux.
After some personnel changes Meat continued with Tepper, Freed, George Barnhart (bass ex-Lost Cause), and Jane Case (acoustic piano). New York producer Michael Jeffries sent an agent to Baltimore to audition bands choosing this version of Meat to travel to Electric Ladyland studios where they auditioned for Jeffries and Jimi Hendrix. After the unfortunate death of Jimi Hendrix, the recording deal fell through and the band soon dissolved.
The group was seen at the Bluesette on Charles Street, and the Ball & Chain at 2100 Maryland Avenue. They performed at Pikesville Sr. High, UMBC College ‘The Collage’ Coffee House, Wyman Park and Read Street festivals, and seen at the Harry Magazine Benefit concert March 1970 with Ames Oakes, Light, Aux, and others… at the Putty Hill free concert on September 20, 1970 with Quinn, Aux, Aubrey Circle, and Calhoun.
Alvey was later with Aux… Brian Freed later of Mars, Freed At Last… Barnhart went on to Calico, Lucifer… Tepper went on to join Calico, Climbadonkey, Trigger Happy… Wright became a successful jazz player and has released several CD’s. Case later with Southwind…
