The New Diablos came from East Baltimore, Maryland, making two excellent psychedelic singles during their time together.
The band went through many lineup changes but included as many as eight people at one point:
Bub Deskin – lead vocals
Bill Bell – lead guitar
Bobby Peter – rhythm guitar
Wayne Smith – bass
George Dobash Jr. – drums
Dave Smith – keyboards
Norm Snyder – saxophone
Tim Cech – saxophone
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.
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.
The band continued into the ’70s with some lineup changes.
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.
Anyone have a photo of the New Diablos?
I do, as I was the keyboard player. Let me know where you want me to send it.