The Ruins, 1968, l to r: Paul Turchetta, Paul Ferda, John Menadrysa on drums, and Dennis Girard.Tim Phillips, 1952 -2008
The Ruins were from Lincoln Park, Michigan, with only this one excellent 45 as their legacy. “The End” is an original song written by singer and guitarist Dennis Girard. “Take My Love (And Shove It Up Your Heart)” is a good cover of the Blues Magoos song.
What follows is Dennis Girard’s account of the Ruins, in his own words:
I come from a musical family (both parents had been involved with music and performed on local radio in Detroit, my father was a professional piano player), so it was natural to grab an instrument. The Beatles appearance on Ed Sullivan created my interest like many Americans in the guitar. My uncle was a professional guitar player and helped in selecting my first instrument.It was early 1965 when my cousin Tim Phillips was playing drums. His neighbor across the street was Randy McMillan and he played guitar. So the band started and we called ourselves the “Mysterions.”
We were fortunate to have Tim’s older brother Harry Phillips enter the scene. Harry was a few years older (we were only 13 years of age) and played with some of the bigger names in the Detroit music scene (Mitch Ryder and Catfish Hodge to name a few). He played the Hammond B3, and offered advice as we practiced.
The Ruins went through several changes in personnel. What is amazing is that these changes were never as a result of any disagreement or argument. It was a family in the true sense of the word, perhaps because it started out with cousins and close friends.
Early in 1966 the name of the group became a problem. Question Mark and the Mysterians had the hit 96 tears, there was confusion when we played out. I came up with the name, “The Ruins.” I had found a reference to the name in a Beatle tune (Think For Yourself).
We needed a bass player, Paul Ferda was a friend from junior high school and he had a bass guitar. 1966, The Ruins are created including the following members:
Dennis Girard – lead singer and rhythm guitar Tim Phillips – drums and backup vocals. Randy McMillan – lead guitar and backup vocals. Paul Ferda – bass guitar and backup vocals.
clockwise from left: Dennis Girard, Paul Ferda, Randy McMillan, and seated Tim Phillips
We played top forty tunes and were influenced by the Beatles, The English Invasion and the Motown sound of the Detroit Music scene. Our early outfits included Beatle collarless jackets and bright blue Nehru jackets. Our parents forked out the money for some big time equipment. At the time we made around $75.00 to a $100.00 dollars a night. This was immediately given to our parents to help defray the cost of more guitars, amps, and PA equipment. We were one of the few groups in Detroit to have not one, but four Vox Beatle amps. The group was enjoying popularity and playing every weekend. We hit the teen clubs (Chatter-Box, By-Pass, Hullabaloo, and the Club in Monroe Michigan) and local high schools.
In 1965 I had written a song called, “The End.” I was thirteen when I wrote it. We started including the song in our live performances. It was sometime in 1966 that we made contact with Mutt Records. As I recall Randy’s father had taken over the role of manager, and he put us in touch with Nate Dore. Nate Dore was the owner of Mutt Records located at 27316 Michigan Avenue in Inkster, Michigan (the studio was only 15 miles west of Detroit). Nate was a bondsman and the studio was located in the rear of this business. His sound engineer was Bill Williams.
From the beginning we were treated like family. Nate and the rest of the staff were African American and we were called, “the blue eyed soul boys.” Nate never charged us for studio time. He was convinced that The Ruins would allow him to break into the new sound that was being influenced by the English Invasion.
We signed a contract with Mutt records (well it was our parents who signed) and began to spend nights after school working on the two songs for the 45 record. My cousin Harry Phillips added the Hammond B3 and helped with arrangements for both songs. Harry because of other musical commitments, only performed a few times with the group. It was around this time I added a Farfisa organ to my instruments. Even with hours of practice, I never came close to the sound and skills of Harry. The record did not sell very well because of distribution problems or lack of. Nate Dore did stick with the group till the end.
Dennis Girard – a late night at Mutt RecordsJohn Menadrysa
1968: I cannot recall the exact details of why Tim Phillips left the band. I know he had a steady girlfriend (Jackie would become his wife) and started working with his brother Harry and Randy McMillan on another musical project. There was no argument or hard feelings.
Now Paul Ferda and myself set about trying to save The Ruins. It was in 1968 that Ann Marston approached me about helping to form a new band. Because of our record and local success, Ann wanted to manage the band. Again there were high hopes and dreams. Ann Marston was a well known band promoter at this time (you can read about her life in the book, “Shooting Star” by Alana Paluszewski). She introduced John Menadrysa as the bands new drummer.
There was a lot of competition during those years between bands. For the most part it was not malicious, it often was over your equipment status. Things were often territorial in those years. You had the East Siders (east side of Detroit), Ann Arbor bands, and the Downriver Groups. We were in the later. Downriver included the middle class blue collar suburbs located south of Detroit and near the Detroit River. These groups were often called, “The Downriver Rats.”
There was a unofficial tier system for groups. The highest tier would have had bands like Bob Seger, MC5, Stooges, Scott Richard Case (SRC), Mitch Ryder and the Rationals as examples. These guys played The Grande Ballroom and often left the state to perform.
We made it into the second tier. These groups would often open for the above listed and had a 45 record released. I would include The Unrelated Segments, The Satellites, and of course ourselves as examples. The third tier was made up of groups that had no management and often poor equipment. They were lucky to grab a high school dance.
What hindered our group was the fact that we were so young. We had to have our parents drive us to many gigs. That was the beauty of having Ann Marston take over. Ann would pull a rented trailer around with her 1965 Plymouth Fury.
When a second tier group opened for on of the main acts, there was not much contact. The big groups had their roadies and stuck to themselves for the most part. The one exception I can remember was Scott Richardson (SRC). We opened for them at a gig on their side of town (St Clair Shores). Scott offered his PA (which even had a guy mixing and was huge compared to ours) to our group. He went out of his way to make us feel relaxed, even inviting us to a party in Ann Arbor after the gig (all the parents present vetoed that invite).
The Ruins, 1968: l-r: Paul Turchetta, Paul Ferda, Dennis Girard, John Menadrysa
Again there was a good chemistry and now we searched for a lead guitar replacement for Randy. Ann brought Paul Turchetta to my basement for an audition. Paul was the first and only lead guitar player to try out. The three of us (Paul Ferda, John Menadrysa, and myself) knew after the first song that Paul Turchetta was the one. I had never seen anyone fit into a group as fast as Paul Turchetta. The group began to practice and within a week started playing clubs.
Paul Turchetta: “Would you believe I still have the Epiphone Riviera and the Sunn amp and the jacket. Dennis’s mom made us those.”
The Ruins were once again together, and working closely with Ann Marston and Nate Dore. But more changes waited around the corner.
Paul Turchetta after only eleven months announced that his family was moving to Arizona. The band was devastated. Ann wanted Paul to stay behind and offered to have him live with her parents. Paul’s parents were not fond of this idea (he was only 16). The group almost broke up, but Ann and Nate convinced us to stick it out. As I stated before, The Ruins were an extended family, and one phone call to Randy McMillan found him back in the group.
By late 1968 The Ruins were Dennis Girard, Paul Ferda, Randy McMillan, and John Menadrysa.
The Ruins with their manager Ann MarstonOn the Robin Seymour TV Show, l-r: John Menadrysa, Vic Grasso, Randy McMillan, Dennis Girard
In September, 1968 found the group again playing gigs and Ann Marston got what we hoped would be our big break. We were scheduled to perform our two songs (The End and Take my Love) on the popular television show, “Swingin Time” with Robin Seymour. Robin Seymour could make or break any group in the Detroit area.
The Ruins with Robin Seymour
This was our big chance, but another change was about to take place. Paul Ferda decided he wanted to quit music and take a real job. On the eve of appearing on Swingin Time, we found ourselves without a bass player. A good friend of mine from high school Vic Grasso appeared with the group on The Robin Seymour Television Show (broadcast from Windsor Canada).
Ann Marston quickly brought in Mike Monday as the permanent replacement for Paul Ferda. The one photo of me in the studio was taken when the final version of the Ruins went back to record a follow up record (late 1968). In the studio at this time was Randy McMillan, John Menadrysa, Mike Monday and myself. It’s a shame but several tracks were recorded of new songs, but I have no idea where they are.
The final version of the Ruins, l-r: Randy McMillan, Dennis Girard, John Menadrysa and Mike Monday
Again this version of The Ruins enjoyed success and began playing some major venues. A quick story: the night we played in Southgate Michigan with Teegarden and Van Winkle their song “God, Love and Rock & Roll” was big on the charts. the place was packed but they arrived with no equipment. Their trailer had been impounded by a local police department for improper plates.
They were not “hip” on using our equipment (they needed a Hammond B3, my small Farfisa was not a match). Enter Nate Dore the bail-bondsman. Nate was able to drive to the police department and get all of their equipment released in time for the show. We did a longer opening set and the show was a success.
Ann Marston was beginning to become upset with the many changes that The Ruins were going through. She began working with other bands. Randy’s father again stepped in and started booking the band. The Vietnam war would bring “The End” to the Ruins. John Menadrysa found himself drafted into the Marines. After the many changes and loss of Ann Marston, the group disbanded. The magic of the Ruins had ended. It had been an amazing experience with great memories and many friendships that would last a lifetime.
In 1969 Randy McMillan and myself entered the studio again with a band called “NRG” or “ENERGY.” The group lasted only a few months. I can only recall the first names of the bass player (Frank) and the drummer (Tom). We did record an album under that band name. None of this material was ever released. I exited the band scene as a full time musician in 1970.
I still talk daily with Paul Turchetta and have visited him in Arizona many times. Paul owns Cave Creek Guitar has provided me with many guitars and advice. The one member who continued in music full time was Harry Phillips. He played with Mitch Ryder, John Cougar and did studio work with the Rolling Stones.
– Dennis Girard, Feb. 2008
The Ruins single was released on Mutt Records M 27319, mastered at Nashville Matrix and pressed at Archer in Detroit in 1967. Mutt Records owner Nate Dore usually copyrighted original songs with his Mutt Music publishing, but I can’t find an entry for “The End”.
Thank you to Paul Turchetta and Dennis Girard for their help with this article and use of their photos.
41 thoughts on “The Ruins “The End” on Mutt Records”
I saw cousin Dennis today at my brother Timmy’s funeral in Dearborn Michigan. Words cannot express our loss. Dennis and I tripped down memory lane about the 1960’s Ruins. My sister Cheryl and our girlfiends (the Madison Street Girls not a band, just a fan club) spent endless hours peaking in windows on the band practices. Mom finally hung up curtains to deter us so the boys could focus on their music. Much fun many years ago… Thank you for this website for our memories. Cousin Dennis Girard was the lead singer in the band.
Dennis, sorry to hear of your loss. I can’t recall Tim, I only knew Johnny M. as the drummer. But I was the little brother and that was long ago.
I had a phone call a couple months ago, and the guy on the other end asked for Paul Turchetta, the guy that played in the RUINS ! I almost dropped the phone. I hadn’t heard the RUINS name mentioned outside of Paul & you. It was a old friend of his from Michigan that was visiting in AZ.
Long live great memories, friendships and the Ruins.
I am Dennis Girard of the Ruins and discovered this fantastic website today. Some sad news to report. Tim Phillips the drummer and driving force behind the band, passed away yesterday ( 01/15/08 ). Tim was my cousin and dear friend. He will be missed by fello musicians, friends, and family. It is ironic that only a few months ago Tim’s brother Harry Phillips ( played the Hammond B3 on both tunes ) had called me and talked of creating the old sound. This is a great website and I will try to post some photo’s of the group.
I am so Disheartened, I just found out on the internet right now, that my childhood best friend had died. Tim I love you. This is Randy McMillan The Lead guitarist for The Ruins. It seems like yesterday when Tim,Dennis, Paul, Harry and I recorded The End and Take my Love at Mutt studio in 1967. Tim and I played baseball together, he was the catcher I was the pitcher. We played football together and were in the cub scouts together and his mom was our den mother. Living across the street from each other we were inseperable.All the memories come back. Ilove you Tim. Randy
My Name is Paul Cochran, my friends call me Rosie. I have the distinct priveldge of Calling Dennis Girard one of my closest friends that I have and his family is my family. I worked with Dennis for 12 years and have played along side him for a many jam sessions in my basement and in his where we have collaborated on numerous songs that we are really just getting out to people. Through Dennis I have made a new friend in Paul Turchetta,who I have found to be a great guy who is always willing to help people. I can see why him and Dennis get along so well. I have purchased several guitars that are just outstanding from his shop in Arizona. When I first met Dennis, we pretty much hit it off as friends and when our music interests came into play we did alot of work on new material and I can say Dennis helped me out immensly with my playing and writing of new music. We pretty much were always together doing stuff on our days off and alot at work. One song I am very proud about is the one we did about my Father called My best friend, that is the best song we worked together on. This is a great site and I can say that this does a great service to the Ruins. Rock on
Wow what a great site. Tim was my dad. I never got a chance to see him on the drums in person, but thanks to Dennis I have pictures to look at and stories to read and even music to listen to. Also, my kids have a chance to see thier grandpa as never before. People pass on but memories last forever.
I love your site!!!!! One of the best in all internet. I have to send to you some portuguese stuff of the 60`s. Garage, surf, psych… Go to my blog: http://osreisdoyeye.blogspot.com/
I remember and ponder the very good years of playing next to Tim. He was extraordinary as a drummer and very devoted to music. I also have good memories of my childhood years playing with the band. Good friendships are impossible to forget and i hope one day i can give Tim a hug in another world. !! He was a kind and gentle soul… and with deep respect for the remaining family, may God Bless Him.
Everythings okay in The End. If its not okay, then its not The End.
Jan I hope all is well. Both my parents passed a few years back and I was able to collect a lot of old letters that are absolutely hilarious . If you even want me to scan for some laughs just let me know. You can reach me here. ptferda@sbcglobal.net
Hi, I too, am a Paul Turchetta. Born in Cleveland Ohio in 1950 and have lived in Southern California fror over 30 years now.
Just checking in as I did not know that there were any “Turchetta’s” from Michigan. Pa, Fla. Ohio, Rhode Island, and others but not Mich. My father was born in PA, as was my grandmother. I understand that you live in Cave Creek, AZ.
There is another cousin who has recently relocated to AZ, named Jerome. “Jerry” Just FYI.
Jan i don’t check this site often. it sure is a surprise hearing from you 🙂 email the admin here (chas) and he can give you my email if you want to talk. Hope all is well
A friend and drummer sent this info to me. He knew Dennis and the band as I did way back then. Hope all is well with you, feel free to contact me. Is Jan the girl we both knew?
Hi Keith, I can’t remember all the people we dealt with back then, at the time we were in our early to mid teens when we were recording at Mutt. So I don’t know if I know a Geno or not. are they recordings from Mutt records if you know? Thank You. Randy
Sorry Bill, didn’t go back to the site till today. I hope your doing well. A lot of changes in life since we last spoke, many years ago. Let me know how to get a hold of you, if that’s okay. My best. Randy
Hey Randy! I was looking up info on Harry Phillips and came across this. Like you I was surprised to find out about Tim. So what have you been up to the last 40 years? Never knew you guys went this far. I remember sitting with you and your Telecaster showing you finger exercises. Long time ago. Hope you are well.
It was so nice to see your name. I have looked, searched to try and find you or Cheryl. Its been a long time and I hope everyone is doing well. Was so sorry to hear about Timmy…you know how I always felt about him…. : ) Hoping maybe one day I will hear from you again. Lots of love my childhood friend…Diane
Randy Mac McMillan, Hi Mike It’s been a very long time and I remember. I had taken a hiatus for a few years but started playing again and had a recording contract with step one records out of Nashville. the group Gunslinger you can look up on google gunslinger Randy Mac or Dynasty records. I hope you have been well one of my best friends from the neighborhood. Randy
Long time Randy . I was digging into a box of CD’s and found the first one you did with Gunslinger . Nice to see your still out there doing what you Love . Randy A
Randy, what’s been happening for the past 45 years! Living in Jackson, Michigan for the past 14 years. Still have my drums and play for the workout. Miss the solid Rock and Roll you, I, and Frank used to kick out. Those were the days my friend. Glad to hear you had some great fun with music and are still at it! Carry on. Peace Out. Your old bandmate, Tom LeGarie.
Randy, it’s me Tom LeGarie. Sorry took so long to get back to you, just checked in. Living in Jackson, Michigan. Still have my drunms but gettin a little dusty. Ever hear from Frank? Talked to him in the 80’s.Did you have any success in the music bizz? I’ll be lookin for a reply, untill then… Happy Trails. Peace out. Your ol bandmate, Tom.
Hi Tom, Yes a Long Long time. have not talked to Frank probably since 1974. Do you still have that Rogers set of drums double bass ? get back to me, we will have to get together in the near future.email me at glomacus@aol.com. Mac Out.
Tom, great to hear from you again. I had played with Frank in 72′ 0r 73′ with a group I put together with the drummer from the Sunday Funnies Richard Mitchell called Mac Flak. Since then been playing country music had a group called Gunslinger you can look it up on google. look up Gunslinger Kickin it up Randy Mac. Spent a lot of time in Nashville, Right now I’m working on a Blues Rock Project to record. I hope your health is good Tom, we need to get together. email me at glomacus@aol.com
Hey Randy I ran across this website seen your name and a post by some guy named Bill which was not me at the time but this is Bill from the breakout days what’s new?
Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any photos I could use for my forthcoming book about the 5 trips I made to Detroit 85-94 Its about black music, the people I met and the quality time I spent with the creators of my interest. For example Mutt Studios recorded a few black artists so pictures of the studio will be of great help. All credits given on every picture published. In hope, yours R J Gilbert UK
Hi Richard, This is Randy McMillan, I can probably get a few pictures. Let me know on this site how you want to proceed. We did a lot of recording at Mutt. Over a span of 3 to 4 years back in the 60’s. It was a Great place with Great people.
Hi Randy, sorry I missed your reply, if it wasn’t for a buddy who lives in Detroit it may have took me even longer to pick up on this. What I need is just an inside photo of the studio and or any of the few black artists that recorded there, Carrol Jones, The Sophisticates, Dusty Wilson are 3 artists off the top of my head. Afraid I don’t know anything about Garage music (please forgive me on that) Many thanks for responding, sadly a lot of people want to protect anything they have so sometime documenting things with photos is very hard to achieve.
I have some very sad news about the Ruins. Paul Turchetta of our band passed away on 04/15/2021. Paul had been battling cancer for the last few months. I met Paul when we were both 15 years old. Ann Marston had brought him to my folks basement to audition for lead guitar. After one song the group looked at each other and said “yes ” please join our group. This was a friendship that would last for over 54 years. Even after Paul moved to Arizona with his family we continued phone calls weekly. He was the owner of Cave Creek Guitar in Arizona. He dedicated his life to guitars and always amazed me how he could play. But more important was the magic of his personality. You didn’t have to physically meet Paul to be touched by his sincerity. I can only thank God that I shared our friendship for over half a century. They say that blood is thicker than water, well band mates are thicker than blood.
Hi Dennis, what a page this is- with many fantastic photos and what a source of info! Whilst fascinating to hear what you’ve all been up to- it’s very sad news to hear about Paul; but as a fan, lovely to hear about your first meeting there…. Dennis, I’d love to speak to you about something- any chance you could drop me a line if you have a moment? big thanks- Dom (UK)
Sorry I have taken way too long to respond. My generation is leaving the planet at a rapid pace. I Iove the music and enjoy talking about it. It was a wonderful time to be in music. It shaped my life in so many ways. Love to hear your thoughts and questions. Guitargus mag2000md@gmail.cpm
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The Ruins were from Lincoln Park, Michigan, with only this one excellent 45 as their legacy. “The End” is an original song written by singer and guitarist Dennis Girard. “Take My Love (And Shove It Up Your Heart)” is a good cover of the Blues Magoos song.1968: I cannot recall the exact details of why Tim Phillips left the band. I know he had a steady girlfriend (Jackie would become his wife) and started working with his brother Harry and Randy McMillan on another musical project. There was no argument or hard feelings.
I saw cousin Dennis today at my brother Timmy’s funeral in Dearborn Michigan. Words cannot express our loss. Dennis and I tripped down memory lane about the 1960’s Ruins. My sister Cheryl and our girlfiends (the Madison Street Girls not a band, just a fan club) spent endless hours peaking in windows on the band practices. Mom finally hung up curtains to deter us so the boys could focus on their music. Much fun many years ago… Thank you for this website for our memories.
Cousin Dennis Girard was the lead singer in the band.
Susie (Phillips) Smith
Dennis, sorry to hear of your loss. I can’t recall Tim, I only knew Johnny M. as the drummer. But I was the little brother and that was long ago.
I had a phone call a couple months ago, and the guy on the other end asked for Paul Turchetta, the guy that played in the RUINS ! I almost dropped the phone. I hadn’t heard the RUINS name mentioned outside of Paul & you. It was a old friend of his from Michigan that was visiting in AZ.
Long live great memories, friendships and the Ruins.
Anthony
I am Dennis Girard of the Ruins and discovered this fantastic website today.
Some sad news to report.
Tim Phillips the drummer and driving force behind the band, passed away yesterday ( 01/15/08 ).
Tim was my cousin and dear friend.
He will be missed by fello musicians, friends, and family.
It is ironic that only a few months ago Tim’s brother Harry Phillips ( played the Hammond B3 on both tunes ) had called me and talked of creating the old sound.
This is a great website and I will try to post some photo’s of the group.
Give peace a chance,
Dennis Girard
Great name for a band ! Pretty good story and fantastic pictures ! Thank you !
I am so Disheartened, I just found out on the internet right now, that my childhood best friend had died. Tim I love you. This is Randy McMillan The Lead guitarist for The Ruins. It seems like yesterday when Tim,Dennis, Paul, Harry and I recorded The End and Take my Love at Mutt studio in 1967. Tim and I played baseball together, he was the catcher I was the pitcher. We played football together and were in the cub scouts together and his mom was our den mother. Living across the street from each other we were inseperable.All the memories come back. Ilove you Tim. Randy
My Name is Paul Cochran, my friends call me Rosie. I have the distinct priveldge of Calling Dennis Girard one of my closest friends that I have and his family is my family. I worked with Dennis for 12 years and have played along side him for a many jam sessions in my basement and in his where we have collaborated on numerous songs that we are really just getting out to people. Through Dennis I have made a new friend in Paul Turchetta,who I have found to be a great guy who is always willing to help people. I can see why him and Dennis get along so well. I have purchased several guitars that are just outstanding from his shop in Arizona.
When I first met Dennis, we pretty much hit it off as friends and when our music interests came into play we did alot of work on new material and I can say Dennis helped me out immensly with my playing and writing of new music. We pretty much were always together doing stuff on our days off and alot at work. One song I am very proud about is the one we did about my Father called My best friend, that is the best song we worked together on. This is a great site and I can say that this does a great service to the Ruins.
Rock on
Rosie
Wow what a great site. Tim was my dad. I never got a chance to see him on the drums in person, but thanks to Dennis I have pictures to look at and stories to read and even music to listen to. Also, my kids have a chance to see thier grandpa as never before. People pass on but memories last forever.
Awesome site! My name is Patrick and I was Harry’s neighbor for some time in Brighton Mi. What a cool guy! Any one know how to reach him now??
I love your site!!!!!
One of the best in all internet.
I have to send to you some portuguese stuff of the 60`s. Garage, surf, psych…
Go to my blog: http://osreisdoyeye.blogspot.com/
I remember and ponder the very good years of playing next to Tim. He was extraordinary as a drummer and very devoted to music. I also have good memories of my childhood years playing with the band. Good friendships are impossible to forget and i hope one day i can give Tim a hug in another world. !! He was a kind and gentle soul… and with deep respect for the remaining family, may God Bless Him.
Everythings okay in The End. If its not okay, then its not The End.
paul ferda
To Paul – I have been wondering for years how you are doing. Please contact me. I’m Jan, your next door neighbor when you were in the band!
Jan I hope all is well. Both my parents passed a few years back and I was able to collect a lot of old letters that are absolutely hilarious . If you even want me to scan for some laughs just let me know. You can reach me here. ptferda@sbcglobal.net
Hi, I too, am a Paul Turchetta. Born in Cleveland Ohio in 1950 and have lived in Southern California fror over 30 years now.
Just checking in as I did not know that there were any “Turchetta’s” from Michigan. Pa, Fla. Ohio, Rhode Island, and others but not Mich. My father was born in PA, as was my grandmother. I understand that you live in Cave Creek, AZ.
There is another cousin who has recently relocated to AZ, named Jerome. “Jerry” Just FYI.
Paul
prturchett@aol.com
Jan i don’t check this site often. it sure is a surprise hearing from you 🙂 email the admin here (chas) and he can give you my email if you want to talk. Hope all is well
Hi Randy,
A friend and drummer sent this info to me. He knew Dennis and the band as I did way back then. Hope all is well with you, feel free to contact me. Is Jan the girl we both knew?
bill
Hi this is Randy McMillan seen your posting are you Bill Sheridan ?
Hi Randy, are you the same Ruins that may have recorded with geno? I may have the missing master tapes you were looking for
Hi Keith, I can’t remember all the people we dealt with back then, at the time we were in our early to mid teens when we were recording at Mutt. So I don’t know if I know a Geno or not. are they recordings from Mutt records if you know? Thank You. Randy
Hey Randy that is not me with the question but I did see my name up there and I had to respond this is Bill Sheridan for the breakout days what’s new?
Sorry Bill, didn’t go back to the site till today. I hope your doing well. A lot of changes in life since we last spoke, many years ago. Let me know how to get a hold of you, if that’s okay. My best. Randy
Hey Randy! I was looking up info on Harry Phillips and came across this. Like you I was surprised to find out about Tim. So what have you been up to the last 40 years? Never knew you guys went this far. I remember sitting with you and your Telecaster showing you finger exercises. Long time ago. Hope you are well.
It was so nice to see your name. I have looked, searched to try and find you or Cheryl. Its been a long time and I hope everyone is doing well. Was so sorry to hear about Timmy…you know how I always felt about him…. : ) Hoping maybe one day I will hear from you again. Lots of love my childhood friend…Diane
Randy Mac McMillan, Hi Mike It’s been a very long time and I remember. I had taken a hiatus for a few years but started playing again and had a recording contract with step one records out of Nashville. the group Gunslinger you can look up on google gunslinger Randy Mac or Dynasty records. I hope you have been well one of my best friends from the neighborhood. Randy
Long time Randy . I was digging into a box of CD’s and found the first one you did with Gunslinger . Nice to see your still out there doing what you Love . Randy A
Randy, what’s been happening for the past 45 years! Living in Jackson, Michigan for the past 14 years. Still have my drums and play for the workout. Miss the solid Rock and Roll you, I, and Frank used to kick out. Those were the days my friend. Glad to hear you had some great fun with music and are still at it! Carry on. Peace Out. Your old bandmate, Tom LeGarie.
Mr. Legarie, Great to hear from you it’s been a long time my friend I hope your doing well
Randy, it’s me Tom LeGarie. Sorry took so long to get back to you, just checked in. Living in Jackson, Michigan. Still have my drunms but gettin a little dusty. Ever hear from Frank? Talked to him in the 80’s.Did you have any success in the music bizz? I’ll be lookin for a reply, untill then… Happy Trails. Peace out. Your ol bandmate, Tom.
Hi Tom, Yes a Long Long time. have not talked to Frank probably since 1974. Do you still have that Rogers set of drums double bass ? get back to me, we will have to get together in the near future.email me at glomacus@aol.com. Mac Out.
Tom, great to hear from you again. I had played with Frank in 72′ 0r 73′ with a group I put together with the drummer from the Sunday Funnies Richard Mitchell called Mac Flak. Since then been playing country music had a group called Gunslinger you can look it up on google. look up Gunslinger Kickin it up Randy Mac. Spent a lot of time in Nashville, Right now I’m working on a Blues Rock Project to record. I hope your health is good Tom, we need to get together. email me at glomacus@aol.com
send me an email my Madison Street Partner! ssmithedp@gmail.com
Diane,
If you come back to the Ruins site-SEND ME AN EMAIL!! ssmith@hillsdaleed.org
Susie
Hello I played in a band that my friend and I started in 1965 through 1969 and we were called the Ruins also we played out of Marion Ohio.
Hey Randy
I ran across this website seen your name and a post by some guy named Bill which was not me at the time but this is Bill from the breakout days what’s new?
Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any photos I could use for my forthcoming book about the 5 trips I made to Detroit 85-94 Its about black music, the people I met and the quality time I spent with the creators of my interest. For example Mutt Studios recorded a few black artists so pictures of the studio will be of great help. All credits given on every picture published. In hope, yours R J Gilbert UK
Hi Richard, This is Randy McMillan, I can probably get a few pictures. Let me know on this site how you want to proceed. We did a lot of recording at Mutt. Over a span of 3 to 4 years back in the 60’s. It was a Great place with Great people.
Hi Randy, sorry I missed your reply, if it wasn’t for a buddy who lives in Detroit it may have took me even longer to pick up on this.
What I need is just an inside photo of the studio and or any of the few black artists that recorded there, Carrol Jones, The Sophisticates, Dusty Wilson are 3 artists off the top of my head. Afraid I don’t know anything about Garage music (please forgive me on that) Many thanks for responding, sadly a lot of people want to protect anything they have so sometime documenting things with photos is very hard to achieve.
I have some very sad news about the Ruins.
Paul Turchetta of our band passed away on 04/15/2021.
Paul had been battling cancer for the last few months.
I met Paul when we were both 15 years old.
Ann Marston had brought him to my folks basement to audition for lead guitar.
After one song the group looked at each other and said “yes ” please join our group.
This was a friendship that would last for over 54 years.
Even after Paul moved to Arizona with his family we continued phone calls weekly.
He was the owner of Cave Creek Guitar in Arizona.
He dedicated his life to guitars and always amazed me how he could play.
But more important was the magic of his personality.
You didn’t have to physically meet Paul to be touched by his sincerity.
I can only thank God that I shared our friendship for over half a century.
They say that blood is thicker than water, well band mates are thicker than blood.
Hi Dennis, what a page this is- with many fantastic photos and what a source of info! Whilst fascinating to hear what you’ve all been up to- it’s very sad news to hear about Paul; but as a fan, lovely to hear about your first meeting there….
Dennis, I’d love to speak to you about something- any chance you could drop me a line if you have a moment? big thanks- Dom (UK)
Sorry I have taken way too long to respond.
My generation is leaving the planet at a rapid pace.
I Iove the music and enjoy talking about it.
It was a wonderful time to be in music.
It shaped my life in so many ways.
Love to hear your thoughts and questions.
Guitargus
mag2000md@gmail.cpm
I am devastated to learn of Paul’s passing,. We became good friends in the late 1980s when I moved to Phoenix and kept in touch over the years.
Spent many an afternoon hanging out with him.
Paul was a great guy on so many levels.
I wish I would have had the chance to speak with him about The Ruins.
Rest In Peace, my friend.
Miss you already.
Great website. Great information. Would anyone know anything about the owner of Mutt Records – Nate Dore? Or his family please ? Thank you