The Savage Resurrection


The Savage Resurrection was an American psychedelic rock band from the San Francisco Bay area, and were active in between 1967 and 1968. The band were known as one of the youngest psychedelic rock bands in the area, with their 16-year-old lead guitarist, Randy Hammon, who is the cousin of Blue Cheer drummer Paul Whaley. There was only one member of the band who wasn’t a teenager, and it was Steve Lage who was 21.

History

Founded in 1967, the group was signed to Mercury Records, on which they released their eponymous debut in 1968. Their album was produced by Abe "Voco" Kesh who is famous with his work with the band Blue Cheer and Harvey Mandel. Their sound was close to groups such as Love and the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Singer Bill Harper and bassist Steve Lage quit the band shortly thereafter, leading to the demise of the group. The band continued on touring until late 1968 and then disbanded.
Nick Saloman of The Bevis Frond has cited the Savage Resurrection as one of his biggest influences and, in October 2008, performed a live set with guitarist Randy Hammon. There was some suspicion that Randy Hammon was actually Randy Holden due to some citing that was done in Joe Carducci's book, The Pop Narcotic; this seems to be a misconception.

Post 1968

Bill Harper went on to write and perform, notably appearing on an LP and several singles with The Stepford Husbands in the early '80s. Jeff Myer recorded and toured extensively throughout the '70s and '80s with Van Morrison, Jesse Colin Young, Janis Ian, Tom Fogerty, Terry and The Pirates, and reggae band The Edge. Former band member Steve Lage, who was born Stephen Allen Lage on August 15, 1947, died on July 25, 2010 in Oakland, California.

Present day

A version of The Savage Resurrection has been performing since 2007. It features original members Bill Harper and Randy Hammon, joined by John Hansen on bass, Greg Langston on drums, and Cliff Moser on guitar.

Band members

Singles