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.
Hi I went to school with George Jr at Middle River Jr High
Loved the band
What an excellent drummer
Thank you.
Hi. Thought you might be interested in my attempt to decypher the lyrics to ‘I’m Fake’, which is a great and weird song. There are some lines I just can’t get, but I’d say a large portion of the lyric is accurate…
Concentrate on a fantasy trip
with the rollercoasters and ferris wheels
and the big dips
From the lights below,
gamma rays
Which are you?
So that we can see
But really what do we (?)
Now I’m fake
because of war and hate
I’m fake
because I put things off
till it might be too late
(I’m fake because I’m fake)
?
(I’m fake because I’m fake)
But I love to fake
Yeah
Participate in games and things
Have a laugh while you sit and sing
From your mouth comes a smile
These are used to express emotion
but really is it ourselves?
No no no
It’s me
Now I’m fake
because of war and hate
I’m fake
because I put things off
till it might be too late
(I’m fake because I’m fake)
?
(I’m fake because I’m fake)
But I love to fake
Yeah
(I’m fake because I’m fake)
I’m no good
I’m just a phoney
Somebody help me
You’ve got to help me
I’m no good
I’m just a phoney
I remember you guys, I do miss watching you guys play, I was married to Bill Bell when he was in Special Delivery and Fragile, I met him right after he left New Diablos, he is so talented also George is an awesome drummer.
Hi Susan, thank you for your comments and nice to see someone still remembers us
Hi, Dave Smith here, what happened to me over the years? When I left the New Diablos in 1972, I went to Peabody Conservatory and then on to Towson University for a degree in Music. I ended up working in Healthcare and have remained there to this day. I ended up with a BA in Music, an MS in Technology Management, an MS in Healthcare Administration, various certifications and wife and 2 kids – six grandchildren. Both of my parents were pilots and so was my step father (the flight instructor). I am also now a Private Pilot and working on my Instrument Rating. I still play music and have a Nord Stage 2 and use MainStage 3.
Great work, we’ll be playing Land of Love this week on our Beatsville Radio show on mixcloud.com. This week’s episode is entitled Baltimore 60s Garage.
Hi Dave,
I am glad you are still in playing music. You may remember I took over the keyboard position for the next five years, after you left the Diablos. You were a far better keyboard player. I appreciated your help during the transition. I remember attending your (1st?) solo concert, somewhere in Middle River. It sounds like a rich life lived and that’s all you can hope for. Please say hello to Wayne. I last saw him working in a music store in the Columbia Mall circa 1982.
Ed Parker
My brother Wayne passed away about 7 years ago. Thanks Ed for your comments.
Hi Dave Smith , I hope you remember me Russell Dobash.wow the talent that is within you is out standing. I stayed with my Brother George traveling around with the New Diablos and your brother Wayne. I became sound man for long time and I remember you well when you played in the band. Man I could tell you alot of crazy stories that has happen in the years I was working for the Diablos. Stay safe and happy.