Blue-eyed soul band from Towson featuring lead vocalist and guitarist Billy Storm (Bill Wagner), with original lineup of Tom Concannon (bass), George Meredith (keyboards), Chuck Meyers (drums), Al Eberwein (trumpet ex-RaVons), Jerry Thompson (sax), and John Meredith (trombone).
Later members included bass guitarist John Glorioso, keyboardists Tim Boone, and Jake Welsh, drummers Jere Stermer, Victor Malone, and Paul Treffinger (ex-Morgan’s Pirates, Graham Chambers System), saxophonists Walt Preston, Joe Brieker, Marlon Deacon, and Greg Marsh, trombonists Denny Welsh (ex-Pastels), Ed O’Hare, and Rich Spearco, trumpeters Al Winnick, Chuck Volpe (ex-Tommy & Artelles), and Art Volpe…
The group backed the Crystals (“Da Doo Ron Ron”) at Hollywood Park. They semi-backed the Impressions (the Impressions had their own bass player and drummer) at a gig in Youngstown Ohio, and the entire group played music between the Impression’s sets. Also opened shows for the Coasters, Jr. Walker, Four Tops, and others.
The Tempests recorded at Dave Smith’s garage studio, and Edgewood Studios in D.C. They released a single in March 1968 “Apologize” b/w “Common Sense” (LeMans 2468).
The group played at many local teen centers and school dances. Seen at St. Girard’s CYO, many Loyola High School dances, Princeton University, Camelot Club, Hollywood Park… They appeared on TV’s Kerby Scott Show…
Concannon and Eberwein were later members of Fallacy. Concannon was also with the New Sentries. Stermer later played for the Admirals, Jeremiah, Shane, Spring Fever, Dryed Ice… Treffinger later played for the Bushwackers, Good Grief, and Chalet. Brieker also went on to the Admirals… Jake Welsh was later with Brandy under stage name John Welsh. O’Hare went on to As You Like It…
In 1986 Stermer organized a Tempests reunion with over 20 former members attending. As a result of the reunion a group of them decided to get back together and became known as the Tempests & the Hurricane Horns. Members came and went including Greg Brown (vocals), Dennis Mroz (guitar ex-Epilog, Bobby & Believers), Dave Grauer (guitar), George Owen (keyboards), John Hall (drums ex-Krackerjax), Eric Swanson (trombone)… They played locally for a couple of years including gigs at the Baltimore City Sports Bar and the Loyola 25-year Reunion Dance.
Photos below – The Tempests & The1986 reunion Hurricane Horns – courtesy of Jere Stermer
1968 LeMans 2468 Apologize / Common Sense
