The beginning
Like most artist, The Countdown 5 had meager beginnings and for these guys it was appearing 7 nights a week (including Saturday and Sunday Matinees) at the “Bamboo Hut” on Galveston Island.Bamboo Hut - Splash Days
The “5″ played through sweltering heat, heavy rain storms and even the threat of a hurricane or two. Sure, it was grueling but all the while they honing their skills, getting tighter, more creative, and they were drawing big crowds. Spring Break and Splash Days at the Bamboo Hut were amazing times.Around 1964, the group teamed with Don Gomez, a BOI professional who saw their potential, and just like in the movies, the group was on the road.
Lots of traveling
From 1964 to 1969, they traveled throughout the southwest United States; a lot of traveling in those days. They played concerts, college fraternities, and shared the stage with many other name-groups of the time, always returning to their roots on Galveston Island.Natural entertainers
They were natural musicians who could put on one hell of a show. They were creative, inventive, and frequently imitated; so much so that if you attended a “new” rock concert in the 60's, or even an act in Las Vegas, chances were you saw some of their showmanship reenacted. Theirs was an energetic, even exhaustive performance, but as as time rolled on, things changed things for the guys from Galveston and Texas City. Eventually, they severed their relationship with Don and in 1969 the guys went their separate ways; never to reunite, that is, so far. By the time they split up however, The Countdown 5 had already contributed their share of musical seasoning to the Texas rock genre. Some self-styled music connoisseurs claim they can detect the group’s unique style in the performances of today’s Texas rock artist.Thanks for stopping by!
john ~
more retro photos