The New Diablos came from East Baltimore, Maryland, making two excellent psychedelic singles during their time together.
The band started as the Diablos, practicing at the Victory Villa Community Center and became the New Diablos by 1967, going through many lineup changes.
The first mention of the band I can find was on August 3, 1967, when the Aegis of Bel Air, Maryland reported:
The band consisted of George Dobash, drummer; Rusty Fisher, singer; Bill Bell, lead guitar; David Smith, organist; Wayne Smith, bass guitar; Norm Snyder, lead sax and Tim Check, sax.
By February, 1968, Rusty Fisher had left and Bob Peters had joined on guitar.
The Aegis continued reporting on the bands at the Havre de Grace Teen Center with members:
Bill Bell – lead guitar and lead vocals
Bobby Peter – rhythm guitar
Wayne Smith – bass
George Dobash Jr. – drums
Dave Smith – keyboards
Norm Snyder – saxophone
Tim Cech (spelled Ceck once) – saxophone
The New Diablos appeared on the Kirby Scott Show (WBAL-TV) in August 1967 or 1968.
At some point in 1968, Bub Deskin joined as lead vocalist. Their first single contained vocal and instrumental versions of “Land of Love”, song writing credits to Serpents Inc., Edw. E. Medcaff (or Ed Metcalffe). It seems Bob Deskin brought this song with him from his prior band, the Serpents. Saxophones are absent from both their singles, but this one has flute to accompany the lead vocal.
The New Diablos released “Land of Love” on Littlefields Records RI 2759, with Alfred L. Cullen credited for production and publishing “at White Marsh, MD”. George Dobash, Sr at 823 Lannerton Road in Baltimore has arrangement credit., and also managed the band.
Their next single may have come as late as 1970. “Tangerine Guides” and “I’m Fake” have touches of psychedelia and soul. Bill Bell and George Dobash wrote both songs (Dodash on the label is a typo). I’m still trying to puzzle out the lyrics to “I’m Fake”.
It was recorded at Virtue Recording Studios at 1618 N. Broad St., Philadelphia and released on Frank Virtue’s Fayette label, F-9370. D. Hutch gets producer credit.
In 1970 Collins replaced Deskin.
Versions of the band continued into 1982 with more lineup changes, including Kenny Carter and Dawn Down on vocals, Skip (surname?) on bass, and Ed Parker on keys.
Dave “Smitty” Smith sent in the photos seen here.
