The More-Tishans, from left: Chris Nelson, Roy ‘Pinky’ Herschleb, Hugh Kraemer and Tom Cafferty. Scan courtesy of Dan Shearen
The More-Tishans were a major live act in eastern Minnesota. Today they’re known mainly for the only song they ever released, “(I’ve Got) Nowhere to Run”. What a tune, penned by a friend of the band, Mark LeBoutillier.
The band recorded “Nowhere to Run” at Dove Studios in the Bloomington section of Minneapolis. It was produced by Timothy D. Kehr and released on Peak, a subsidiary of Minneapolis’ Metrobeat label. The B-side is the instrumental backing track of “Nowhere to Run”. Many copies have reversed labels.
This is very accomplished garage with fine harmonies. Scott Schell explained to me that after two early lead singers, Steve Peulen and Jim Bancroft left the group, the group needed to rely on their harmony singing to carry the songs. It’s hard to believe they would never cut another record.
Scott Schell has been researching bands from Stillwater, Minnesota and will publish a history of these groups next year. I’ll turn the rest of this article over to him. Scott also sent in the great photos, articles and promotional materials.
The More-Tishans – a history by Scott Schell
From the beginning the More-Tishans were a unique group with almost flawless harmonies, wit, and the ability to work up a crowd. This foursome were all somewhat shy, but on stage a transformation would take place and they would become the impeccable More-Tishans.
In 1963 when the idea of starting a group came about the only one with any musical background was Roy (Pinky) Herschleb. Pinky had been playing drums in the school band for some time, but as for the other three, Hugh Kraemer, Tom Cafferty and Chris Nelson, it would be bloodied fingers, hours of practice and determination.
With the help of their parents the More-Tishans set up a four-way partnership that would include being responsible for bank transactions, deciding on payment, and of course IRS tax and writing off equipment as needed; not bad for high school kids not yet old enough to drive!
Peppermint Club promo from 1964 with Tremadons, More-Tishans, Keith Zeller & the Starliners, Gregory Dee and the Avantis, and the Stomping Underbeats
The very first job that they would play would be a turkey trot at a local church, at this point they only knew about six songs, but would indeed entertain the crowd for several hours nonetheless. One member of the group went the whole night with his amp on standby, because he wasn’t quite there yet on guitar. As time went on and after hours of grueling practice after practice things began to take shape.As the musicianship grew so did the image as well. The More-Tishans would not only work their songs to perfection, but also the way they looked: wearing matching suits of which I think there was four or five different ones, and the posters, the pictures, the top of line equipment and last but not lest the hearses; of which over time there would be three.
Time would prove that the hearses wouldn’t be all that practical. The weight of the equipment added to the weight of the hearse itself was very hard on tires and universal joints; as a result the group would have to carry along with them a number of spare parts and two jacks. The two jacks was the only way the hearse could be lifted with all that extra weight.The next vehicle the group would own was a brand new Ford wagon the boys would lay down cold hard cash for. In the begining these guys weren’t old enough to drive, their first manager Doc Lee would bring the group to gigs in his station wagon touting trailer behind.
Management? Back in the early sixties the venue for live music was big business with over more than likely three hundred clubs, school dances, ballrooms etc. The competition was intense and Doc Lee would prove to be a fierce competitor in the field of entertainment. The More-Tishans would soon find themselves traveling the entire state of Minnesota and all surrounding states, logging thousands of miles a year.
Roy “Pinky” Herschleb promo photo, scan courtesy of Dan Shearen
In the spring of 1965 the group was graduating high school. My first job was stocking shelves in a corner store and here these guys are traveling all over the place playing music and learning life lessons from the road, doing what most of the rest of the world could only dream of. Well, so the summer of 65 is upon the More-Tishans and there’s plenty of work to go around before college starts and it’s time to buckle down. As the summer comes to a close and the new school year is upon us, all four of the group have enrolled in college but the More-Tishans are now playing the college circuit. And by now their skills as musicians are honed to a tee. Over the next year it would be school work during the week and rock & roll on the weekends. A tough schedule for most, yes, but this bunch is driven, not just by rock & roll but by life and all it has to offer.
1966 would prove to be a major break through with the writing of, by high school class mate Marc LeBoutillier and recording of “(I’ve Got) Nowhere To Run” on a local record label.
The first blow the More-Tishans would take came in 1967 when Tommy, lead guitar and vocalist, would be drafted into the military; [yet] this was nothing more than a minor setback. A group out of Marshall, Minnesota had a more than qualified lead guitarist / vocalist who would be ready to fill the shoes of Tommy. Dick Schreier came on board and the group continued playing the Midwest, and the college circuit with Dick at the helm.
The More-Tishans, from left: Chris Nelson, Roy ‘Pinky’ Herschleb, Dick Schreier and Hugh Kraemer
In late ’67 the More-Tishans would suffer yet another blow when drummer Pinky Herschleb would be stricken with a condition that would cause him so much pain in his arms he could no longer play drums for an extended period of time. Once again it seemed as though this might be the end for the More-Tishans, but a young and eager Dan Monson was ready for the chance.
Now considered one of the top ten of Twin Cities bands, the More-Tishans seem to be unstoppable, yet on Aug. 23, 1968 it would end. In front of a hometown crowd at the National Guard Armory in Stillwater, Minnesota with all six present and past members of the More-Tishans in attendance the band would give their final performance.
Click to see full article
I am sorry to say with deep regret that four of the six More-Tishans are no longer with us. Dick was first to leave us in the 90’s followed by Dan, then Tom in 2003 and then in 2004 Pinky would join them. Only two are alive: Chris Nelson and Hugh Kraemer.
As a footnote I would like to add that the success these six individuals showed in the business of a rock & roll would also come shining through in their personal lives, all achieving and excelling in the business community.
The persona of the More-Tishans paid for their college educations and paved the way for what it takes to be successful, so; what many see as youthful fling with sex, drugs, and rock & roll is on the contrary; a lesson in business savvy, learning to be responsible, making the right choices etc.
Talk to any musician in the Valley and they will agree the More-Tishans set the bar for everyone to follow. The More-Tishans gave us much more than their own unique talent and showmanship, they also forced the rest of us to go that extra mile.
Music Scene May 1967
23 thoughts on “The More-Tishans “(I’ve Got) Nowhere To Run” on Peak”
These guys were great, Chris Nelson who used to own Pawnee’s in Bayport was a member too!!!!
When I was young I was friends with Pinky’s brother John. Our parents were friends and I used to spend some time at the Herschleb house on the North Hill of Stillwater. Does anyone know the circumstances of Pinky’s death. I didn’t know him real well, but I was always proud that I knew someone that was fairly famous.
The More-Tishans were the first band I ever saw. A neighborhood friend who went to Catholic school brought me along to one of their dances and the More-Tishans were the band. I can still hear their cover of a current song I especially liked, “5 O’Clock World” by the Vogues.
Info on The More-Tishans brings back some fond memories of the Minnesota rock scene of the 60’s. I’m proud to say I was a friend of Dick’s when he & I were members of Marshall, Minnesota’s “Marvelous Marauders” (7-piece blue-eyed soul band inducted into the Minnesota Rock & Country Hall of Fame in 2005). Dick founded the band as a three-piece, folk-rock high school group in 1962. It was through his enormous talent that the group was able to expand not only through size, but also in musical capabilities. With his gift of voice range, he was a natural fit when he joined the harmonies of the More-Tishans. He was also among the best guitarists I’ve ever known. It was a huge loss for many of us when Dick passed away on 1986.
Booked by the same Minneapolis agency, it wasn’t uncommon for The Marauders to bump into The More-Tishans once in a while and talk about road travels, similar places we played and styles in music. We were fortunate to count them as friends. And they were so popular!
Congratulations to The More-Tishans for their induction into the Minnesota Rock & Country Hall of Fame in 2008. Dick Schreier is one of the few who have selected for the HOF twice.
I have not heard this since it was released. We had the demo record, which is long gone, that Marc gave to us. Marc LeBoutillier is/was my first cousin and greatly adored and loved by me and all our family. He had musical gift that was straight from the soul. I looked forward every Christmas when he could make it home, I’m not sure, but I think he had a Volkswagon bug. After his time in the National Guard, Marc went out west to be a DJ. I think the job was in Utah. He was, unfortunately, killed in a car accident in the mountains in Sept of 1970. He would play his harmonica and guitar for us. My father has his twelve string steel guitar. I just can’t tell you how much I loved him and still love him. He was the one person in my family who loved me unconditionally. Thank you so much for bringing this back into my lofe. You have no idea how amazing the timeing of this is for me. Peace!
If you’re wondering who the “High Rising Tremadons” were (on the Peppermint Club Bulletin), they were a surf music dance band from Polk County, Wisconsin. Joe Unbehaun was the leader and lead guitarist, playing a Lake Placid Blue Fender Jazzmaster. Jerry Prokop on lead vocals/rhythm guitar, playing a Sunburst Fender Strat; Les Rybak on bass guitar; and Luis Karl on drums. When Les moved away, I took over bass duties and sang some harmonies. The group was fading by the time I joined in early 1964. My first gig with them was at the Luck Danish Brothers Society Hall in Luck, Wisconsin. The only regular gig I can remember was the Pines Ballroom in Bloomer, Wisconsin, operated by Albert Schwab. We bought all our equipment at B-Sharp Music. The Tremadons (name pulled out of the air) disbanded either late 1964 or early 1965. I think Les has passed away. My older brother, Joe, still lives in the St. Croix Falls area. Jerry lives near Centuria, Wisconsin; Luis is around Barron, Wisconsin; and I am in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, where I do original music on acoustic guitar.
I was there at the start of the Marauders, (named after the Mercury car model of our dad) through the development of the Marauders to the More-Tischans to the Upper Division. I enjoyed the bus trips with the Marauders, and even drove the old Cadillac hearse (no power steering). The music was so listenable. If I can, I’ll take this trip back with the Mortys. Mike Schreier
In cleaning out my Mom’s house in Polk County, Wisconsin, I have found late 1960’s dance posters which I would tear off the wall at RICHARDSON PAVILLION near Clayton, Wisconsin when I was in high school. I went there every week and the “More-Tishans” played there about once a month.
Having grown up in Glencoe Mn in the mid to late 60’s The More-Tishans were my favorite group at the Pla-Mor Ballroom. Some of us used to help them lug their gear in and visit and we always had a good time. Their music and showmanship were superb to say the least and they were just plain nice guys and fun to be around.
Chris said to contact him concerning my e-mail if anyone especially Scott Schell has info on Chris and Hugh or if the cd of armory recordings is available. would like to hear thjat or get a copy. I remember the Morts well. kf
Kevin you may contact me via Facebook, would be glad to answer any questions you may have. And to bring you up to date the Morts are once again playing a few gigs a year with a new lineup. Thanks for your interest.
Chris Nelson and Hugh Kramer are still in the Stillwater area and have brought back the band and are playing locally for special occasions. At least up till early 2019.
Roy Pinky Herschleb was my older brother. I remember well all the practice sessions in our old barn. The nights in Stillwater when they played at the armory were really special for me since I was too young to ever go see them on the road. Tommy Cafferty flew choppers in Vietnam for 2 or3 tours and was shot down once but survived, only to later die from cancer that was believed to be from agent orange. I remember when Dick Schrier started practicing with the band. That guy was good! They did that Stevie Wonder tune I Was Made To Love Her and he really nailed it. He always had a cough tho and I was sad to hear he was later diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and died young. Cool website, thanks for the memories and kudos to Scott for the good article.
John, I went to prom with Roy in ’65 and went to many dances. Me and another girl spent prom night at Tommy’s house as we were from Minneapolis. He had fun “hunting night crawlers” with my dad. I last saw him at the U and he was having problems with his hands at that time. Those were fun times. Kathy
I remember growing up on the North Hill of Stillwater, and hearing the More Tishans practice up the street. I recall those hearses rolling down the street past our house.
I got the book “Garage Sounds” for Christmas (excellent job Scott!). It brought back so many memories….so many of those people featured in the book i knew. I read it from cover to cover on my flight back to Boise.
I do recall a story….and a story it probably is. The “rumor” was is that the drummer intentionally broke both of his wrists to avoid being drafted to Vietnam.
I remember all the originals including the two soloists who never went forward. I hope they realize how much their playing and success meant to the rest of us. We were extremely proud of them and their “concerts” were always special and memorable. I knew Chris first because he was from Bayport and all of us at that age spent a lot of time playing baseball and football together. I knew Marc next as we were in the same religion class in a Bayport church and he was very accomplished at inviting himself to spend the weekend with one of us in town. His dad was amazing as he built their boat and their house in his spare time. I still remember spending the night at his home during a lunar eclipse. Marc was a musical prodigy from an early age. Hugh liked a girl who had set her sights on me – I didn’t much care at that age and said “have at it!”. Pinky stayed below me with a bunch of U of M students at the Mpls Campus. His problem with his hands was natural not self-caused. Tom was boyfriends with a very pretty cheerleader from Bayport. Who would have ever thought these normal teenagers would have created some of the sweetest harmonies ever heard in the Midwest. Well done boys!
The played the New Munich ballroom when I was a teen, and I was thrilled when they drove me home in the hearse, after the concert. Chris walked me to the door. That was probably 1966. I graduated high school in 1967. I still have their picture tucked away with my memorabilia. I am pleased to read their history and am impressed with their business acumen and perseverance. They truly deserved their success.
I am the younger brother of one of the band’s early hangers on; John Benepe from Afton. He followed everything those guys did and went to practices regularly to watch. That was about ’66-67 Mike Benepe
Hi Mike. Are you a musician or do you know a Mike Benepe that is? Just came across three copies of “Hope”/”Rebecca” by Mike Benepe on 45s. Label is Music Marque Records, Burnsville MN. Trying to track down whatever details I can.
God! I love hearing about the Twin Cities music scene. I used to think that the 1980s were it – but the more I search around there were a lot of cool bands through the ages. Thank you for the research!
This site is a work in progress on 1960s garage rock bands. All entries can be updated, corrected and expanded. If you have information on a band featured here, please let me know and I will update the site and credit you accordingly.
I am dedicated to making this site a center for research about '60s music scenes. Please consider donating archival materials such as photos, records, news clippings, scrapbooks or other material from the '60s. Please contact me at rchrisbishop@gmail.com if you can loan or donate original materials
The More-Tishans were a major live act in eastern Minnesota. Today they’re known mainly for the only song they ever released, “(I’ve Got) Nowhere to Run”. What a tune, penned by a friend of the band, Mark LeBoutillier.
The next vehicle the group would own was a brand new Ford wagon the boys would lay down cold hard cash for. In the begining these guys weren’t old enough to drive, their first manager Doc Lee would bring the group to gigs in his station wagon touting trailer behind.
These guys were great, Chris Nelson who used to own Pawnee’s in Bayport was a member too!!!!
When I was young I was friends with Pinky’s brother John. Our parents were friends and I used to spend some time at the Herschleb house on the North Hill of Stillwater. Does anyone know the circumstances of Pinky’s death. I didn’t know him real well, but I was always proud that I knew someone that was fairly famous.
The More-Tishans were the first band I ever saw. A neighborhood friend who went to Catholic school brought me along to one of their dances and the More-Tishans were the band. I can still hear their cover of a current song I especially liked, “5 O’Clock World” by the Vogues.
Info on The More-Tishans brings back some fond memories of the Minnesota rock scene of the 60’s. I’m proud to say I was a friend of Dick’s when he & I were members of Marshall, Minnesota’s “Marvelous Marauders” (7-piece blue-eyed soul band inducted into the Minnesota Rock & Country Hall of Fame in 2005). Dick founded the band as a three-piece, folk-rock high school group in 1962. It was through his enormous talent that the group was able to expand not only through size, but also in musical capabilities. With his gift of voice range, he was a natural fit when he joined the harmonies of the More-Tishans. He was also among the best guitarists I’ve ever known. It was a huge loss for many of us when Dick passed away on 1986.
Booked by the same Minneapolis agency, it wasn’t uncommon for The Marauders to bump into The More-Tishans once in a while and talk about road travels, similar places we played and styles in music. We were fortunate to count them as friends. And they were so popular!
Congratulations to The More-Tishans for their induction into the Minnesota Rock & Country Hall of Fame in 2008. Dick Schreier is one of the few who have selected for the HOF twice.
I have not heard this since it was released. We had the demo record, which is long gone, that Marc gave to us. Marc LeBoutillier is/was my first cousin and greatly adored and loved by me and all our family. He had musical gift that was straight from the soul. I looked forward every Christmas when he could make it home, I’m not sure, but I think he had a Volkswagon bug. After his time in the National Guard, Marc went out west to be a DJ. I think the job was in Utah. He was, unfortunately, killed in a car accident in the mountains in Sept of 1970. He would play his harmonica and guitar for us. My father has his twelve string steel guitar. I just can’t tell you how much I loved him and still love him. He was the one person in my family who loved me unconditionally. Thank you so much for bringing this back into my lofe. You have no idea how amazing the timeing of this is for me. Peace!
If you’re wondering who the “High Rising Tremadons” were (on the Peppermint Club Bulletin), they were a surf music dance band from Polk County, Wisconsin. Joe Unbehaun was the leader and lead guitarist, playing a Lake Placid Blue Fender Jazzmaster. Jerry Prokop on lead vocals/rhythm guitar, playing a Sunburst Fender Strat; Les Rybak on bass guitar; and Luis Karl on drums. When Les moved away, I took over bass duties and sang some harmonies. The group was fading by the time I joined in early 1964. My first gig with them was at the Luck Danish Brothers Society Hall in Luck, Wisconsin. The only regular gig I can remember was the Pines Ballroom in Bloomer, Wisconsin, operated by Albert Schwab. We bought all our equipment at B-Sharp Music. The Tremadons (name pulled out of the air) disbanded either late 1964 or early 1965. I think Les has passed away. My older brother, Joe, still lives in the St. Croix Falls area. Jerry lives near Centuria, Wisconsin; Luis is around Barron, Wisconsin; and I am in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, where I do original music on acoustic guitar.
Hi Carl,
Good to read your comment about the Tremadons. Are there any photos or recordings of the group?
Chris
garagehangover.com
I was there at the start of the Marauders, (named after the Mercury car model of our dad) through the development of the Marauders to the More-Tischans to the Upper Division. I enjoyed the bus trips with the Marauders, and even drove the old Cadillac hearse (no power steering). The music was so listenable. If I can, I’ll take this trip back with the Mortys. Mike Schreier
In cleaning out my Mom’s house in Polk County, Wisconsin, I have found late 1960’s dance posters which I would tear off the wall at RICHARDSON PAVILLION near
Clayton, Wisconsin when I was in high school. I went there every week and the
“More-Tishans” played there about once a month.
Having grown up in Glencoe Mn in the mid to late 60’s The More-Tishans were my favorite group at the Pla-Mor Ballroom. Some of us used to help them lug their gear in and visit and we always had a good time. Their music and showmanship were superb to say the least and they were just plain nice guys and fun to be around.
Chris said to contact him concerning my e-mail if anyone especially Scott Schell has info on Chris and Hugh or if the cd of armory recordings is available. would like to hear thjat or get a copy. I remember the Morts well.
kf
Kevin you may contact me via Facebook, would be glad to answer any questions you may have. And to bring you up to date the Morts are once again playing a few gigs a year with a new lineup. Thanks for your interest.
Scott Schell
Scott–don’t do facebook e-mail me with any info on the More-Tishans.
KF
Chris Nelson and Hugh Kramer are still in the Stillwater area and have brought back the band and are playing locally for special occasions. At least up till early 2019.
Roy Pinky Herschleb was my older brother. I remember well all the practice sessions in our old barn. The nights in Stillwater when they played at the armory were really special for me since I was too young to ever go see them on the road. Tommy Cafferty flew choppers in Vietnam for 2 or3 tours and was shot down once but survived, only to later die from cancer that was believed to be from agent orange. I remember when Dick Schrier started practicing with the band. That guy was good! They did that Stevie Wonder tune I Was Made To Love Her and he really nailed it. He always had a cough tho and I was sad to hear he was later diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and died young. Cool website, thanks for the memories and kudos to Scott for the good article.
John, I went to prom with Roy in ’65 and went to many dances. Me and another girl spent prom night at Tommy’s house as we were from Minneapolis. He had fun “hunting night crawlers” with my dad. I last saw him at the U and he was having problems with his hands at that time. Those were fun times.
Kathy
I remember growing up on the North Hill of Stillwater, and hearing the More Tishans practice up the street. I recall those hearses rolling down the street past our house.
I got the book “Garage Sounds” for Christmas (excellent job Scott!). It brought back so many memories….so many of those people featured in the book i knew. I read it from cover to cover on my flight back to Boise.
I do recall a story….and a story it probably is. The “rumor” was is that the drummer intentionally broke both of his wrists to avoid being drafted to Vietnam.
I remember all the originals including the two soloists who never went forward. I hope they realize how much their playing and success meant to the rest of us. We were extremely proud of them and their “concerts” were always special and memorable. I knew Chris first because he was from Bayport and all of us at that age spent a lot of time playing baseball and football together. I knew Marc next as we were in the same religion class in a Bayport church and he was very accomplished at inviting himself to spend the weekend with one of us in town. His dad was amazing as he built their boat and their house in his spare time. I still remember spending the night at his home during a lunar eclipse. Marc was a musical prodigy from an early age. Hugh liked a girl who had set her sights on me – I didn’t much care at that age and said “have at it!”. Pinky stayed below me with a bunch of U of M students at the Mpls Campus. His problem with his hands was natural not self-caused. Tom was boyfriends with a very pretty cheerleader from Bayport. Who would have ever thought these normal teenagers would have created some of the sweetest harmonies ever heard in the Midwest. Well done boys!
The played the New Munich ballroom when I was a teen, and I was thrilled when they drove me home in the hearse, after the concert. Chris walked me to the door. That was probably 1966. I graduated high school in 1967. I still have their picture tucked away with my memorabilia.
I am pleased to read their history and am impressed with their business acumen and perseverance. They truly deserved their success.
My dad dr lee was there manager
I am the younger brother of one of the band’s early hangers on; John Benepe from Afton. He followed everything those guys did and went to practices regularly to watch. That was about ’66-67
Mike Benepe
Hi Mike. Are you a musician or do you know a Mike Benepe that is? Just came across three copies of “Hope”/”Rebecca” by Mike Benepe on 45s. Label is Music Marque Records, Burnsville MN. Trying to track down whatever details I can.
God! I love hearing about the Twin Cities music scene. I used to think that the 1980s were it – but the more I search around there were a lot of cool bands through the ages. Thank you for the research!