Here is an interesting connection. While writing the hit musical Jesus Christ Superstar, Andrew Lloyd Weber was basically taking a collection of well known rock and r & b hooks and weaving them in with some classic Broadway show dynamics.... now listen to the opening guitar riff in Heaven on Thier Minds and compare it to the opening riff in Apricot Brandy...

Thanks for the great music... from, Robert Warren Greene Guitar player for Jesus Christ Superstar... back in the day...
Robert Warren Greene <bgreene@topspinentertainment.net>
USA

Here's a good story for you guys. I went with a bunch of college friends to see The Crazy World of Arthur Brown in NYC in 1969. The opening act was Rhinoceros, whom we were unfamiliar with at the time. Anyway, we loved the show. Rhinoceros was great - though not quite as great as Arthur Brown prancing about the stage with a burning candelabra on his head, all while humping his bass player and running away from the Fire Marshall- but quite exceptional. The group inspired me, and my band soon added covers of "Your My Girl" "When You Say You're Sorry", and "That Time of the Year" to our repertoire. By the way, one of my companions that night was my long-time roommate, Bill O'Reilly. Yes, the one and the same. He didn't quite "get" Rhinoceros. O'Reilly's more of a Jay and the Techniques type of guy.
Joe Rubino <JMRubino@aol.com>
USA

i was a roadie for the crazy world of arthur brown & got to know jeff cutler quite well - it was'nt long before i got to hear & meet the cats in Rhinocerous -
Danny if you read this, shoot me an email cause i can't get hold of you - i can't even get to be a buddy on yer myspace - Thanx & God bless y'all -
http://steelguitarfrance.com
James Crowbear <zumbody2@gmail.com>
France

I saw Rhinoceros in a club called The Black Dome in Cincinnati. I got my albums out today and still love them. We went to a party after the show and I met Danny and Alan. I still tell people what a good show.
Donna <dmorsbach@aol.com>
usa

wow......a rhinoceros web site. Hard for me to believe. I just played both #1 and satin chickens on lp and it sounded fresh but did bring me back to that time. I never owned or for that matter heard the 3rd lp. Never saw the band live nor do I recall any concerts in Colorado (my home). They came and went fairly quickly. I purchased #1 lp from woolworths in 1968 or 69. Not because it had been recommended to me but because of the very cool artwork of gene szafran. Hell, I bought the first Jefferson Airplane lp for the same reason. Anyway I have always enjoyed the guitar work, funky organ and john's soulfull vocals can mix with any great old time blues, r&;b both old and new. Glad you folks touched my life even if in a small way. Regards Harry Truitt
harry truitt <ironheadxlch@msn.com>
usa

Hi Danny:

Just saying hello and remembering wonderful Rhinoceros shows at Central Park band-shell (with Jefferson Airplane?) and Randall's Island (maybe where that film clip came from). Your playing in particular was an inspiration and, hey, what cover band _wasn't_ playing Apricot Brandy in their set back then? Funny, when you are 15, (as I was in 1969) you remember odd tid-bits, like my memory of your playing an entire solo bending one note on the fretboard... "you just can't do that!" was my reaction, but I still recall that solo like it was yesterday. Your new material sounds great.. glad to see you on the web. Best regards.
Don Wershba <dwershba@optonline.net>
USA

"Apricot Brandy" is one of my favourite instrumentals and when I used to dj a bit, this song was pretty much the theme tune. I discovered it on a psychedelic picturs disc compilation that had a very obscure tracklisting but I always knew which side it was when "Apricot Brandy"came on. It has one of my most revered hi-hat bits EVER!!!!
Nic <haclabel@mpx.com.au>
Australia

I first got to hear Apricot Brany when Jeff Dexter played it at Roundhouse, Chalk Farm during the Implosion Gigs and possilby Middle Earth.

In those days that one turned us in those days, into Amphetamine Gazelles.
Bob ap Rhys ap Rhys <sameko7@blueyonder>
United Kingdom

I saw Rhinoceros' first Fillmore East show (October 25, 1968?) with the Moody Blues (their first US appearance - had all sorts of problems due to the difference between US and UK voltage standards, ended up doing a brilliant set with borrowed gear) and John Mayall's Blues Breakers and was totally blown away by the group. Went right out and bought their first album and treasure it to this day. Glad to see there is still interest in the group.
Ron Rehfeld <rmongoos@sympatico.ca>
Canada/US

When I first started playing music around that time, it was all about Rhinoceros and Mandala. I wore out 3 copies of the first Rhinoceros album - now I want all of them on CD - DO IT so I can convince all my friends and colleagues who say "who" when I mention them. Come to Ottawa
Davd 'Jake' Newman <dnewman@rogers.com>
Canada

Just listening to my vinyl Rhinoceros LPs for the 1st time in ages - still stunning !!
Mike Gordon <mikegordon07@btinternet.com>
UK

I'm 25 years old now and when I was about 14 I got to go through an old storage bin of my dad's that had a few milk crates full of vinyl. The usuals were there, Beatles, Hendrix, Dylan, etc. And there was Rhinoceros. What the freak was this! Dad said it kicked ass and ass it did kick!
James Marshall Gaddis <jim_75062@peoplepc.com>
United States

First id like to thank the host and administor of this website for giving me the ability to look into my own family's history.Lee Jackson is my dad and its been a real treat to see some of the old photos and stuff from long before i was born.i happen to have alot of old clippings aswell as the original airing of the cbc documentary . if the website has interest i would gladly donate some of it .To keep you and anyone interested posted Lee Jackson (contrary to popular beleif haha)is alive and well and still lives in the toronto area . ive attached my email so drop us a line sometime and thanks again for the memories .
Michael Ferry(Jackson)JR <X_V_I_I@hotmail.com>
canada

Too long a story to get into here, but I've just flashed back a lot of years to the best time of my life. Thanks for the memories Mouse
Janet Powell <janet.powell1@optusnet.com.au>
Australia

i live in a small town north of T.O. in this town is a small (60 seats) blues bar called the happy hog. one night in may this band id never heard of (John Finley and the Checkmates)was playing .they blew me, and everone else there, away. there couldn't have been more than thirty people. the band brought some freinds (danny weis and others) and the band was up to eight people at one piont. the stage is built for a three piece. i was worried they would bump into eachother and get hurt and stop the show. that night was awesome, and iv bugged all my freinds about them ever since. i bought their CD and listen to it all the time (like right now). they're coming back in two weeks and i can't wait to catch them again. and agian and again.

thanks for signing the cd guys
mike jones <mikejones_6@sympatico.ca>
canada

Hello. I used to be a friend of Jerry Penrod and his wife way back in the early 70's in San Diego. I would love to write him a letter if anyone knows how I could contact the Penrods. Thank you.

Bette
(who used to be with George Gillette at the time)
Bette <BTippen2@aol.com>
USA

I had the pleasure of jamming with Danny many years ago when we were teenagers in El Cajon,CA where I grew up. Danny came over a couple of times and played his guitar. It didn't take long for me to realize he was doing stuff that was beyond our level of music. I am so pleased to see that he went on to do what we all loved, play music, be creative and share what we have come up with... GROVE that is in the pocket! Keep on jammin"

Paco Trujillo

Frank (Paco) Trujillo
USA

Back in the good days of music the guys on the corner and I would head down to the ex under 21 club in TO when TO was top city man was it hot where Jon And Lee played the BEST LIVE RB act EVER those nights take care all............
jack <jac22222@hotmail.com>
canada

Ah, yes. Rhinoceros is the band that got away. I LOVED their first album with its powerful twin lead vocals and all that filthy funk tucked into the upbeat grooves. being a Midwesterner, I wasn't aware of all the "supergroup" hype accompanying them...I just knew I was crazy about the sound they made together. I'd been familiar with Iron Butterfly, Daily Flash and some of the other bands from whence they came, but Rhino was different from all that had gone before as well as from anything else going on at the time. Bless you all, gentlemen; I miss you to this day!
SweetLittle16 <wholelottashakin@hotmail.com>
USA

I attended the University of Hartford gig in 1969. Then a funny thing happened. I woke up and I was 52.
Wendy <newzealandwool@aol.com>
USA

I socialized with John and Larry back in the 60's when they jammed in Larry's basement in Willowdale. Bob Hughes and I often visited Larry at his home. I often think of both of them. Both wonderful and talented. I hope all is well with both.
Linda <antonwriter@yahoo.ca>
Canada

Hey there,

I remember seeing Rhinoceros play at Aaron Russo's Kinetic Playground in...I believe 1968. You had that bass player with the HUGE mustache and hands like hams. :) I think you opened for BS&;T and I was blown away by the energy of the band and the songs! I didn't see this gig listed on your "list" for that year, so you might want to update it?
Steve Crosse <celtic_hound@hotmail.com>
USA

I still listen 2 your first LP liked it 2 years, got ya on my web site. www.corock.ca on the classic page sorry i really never get past bands 1st lp's but there's just so many. Anyway Thanks 4 the tunes Peace.
CoRock
Canada

Thanks for the checkmates truly a blast from the past to hear "bring it down front,, and porkchops" again too bad there not
being re-released I'am sure i wouldn't be the only one that would buy them hint hint ,, rock-on
joe sarino <joesa@sympatico.ca>
canada

Hi all! --discovered a couple Billy Mundi sites/discographies: eminently useful for scoring his many 'sides' [he remains my favest drummer! Long live that
'BAK-oom-BAK-oom-BAKKA-doom-BAK-oom' groove]

http://www.muscleheadmusic.com/mundi.htm

http://www.thecoolgroove.com/bmundi.html
ge
usa

I had the pleasure of seeing Rhinoceros in the late 60's at the Black Dome in Cincinnati, Ohio close to the University of Cincinnati campus. They blew me away and are one of my all time favorite bands. I no longer have all my vinyl albums and am in the process of looking for a Rhinoceros CD and am enjoying reading all the comments and seeing how many others agree with me regarding this exceptional talent.
Donna Campbell <donna1a@aol.com>
United States

satin chickens was one of my favorite albums. loved "back door', "monkey man", almost every song. thanks to the internet, i can finally replace my vinyl with the combo cd
jim king
United States

Wonderful to see the band is stiil alive. I bougt the first album in 1970 in Germany when I was in the army. Great band. I hope they will ever come Europe for a convert!

Dick Allewelt <dick.allewelt@planet.nl>
Netherlands

I had a band in 1970 that played a few Rhinoceros songs. Apricot Brandy went over
pretty well !
Now I see that at least one other band covered Rhino. Mind boggling !
Well I love the band, esp. the first album !
Live long and prosper
ken d <guitarman_k200@yahoo.com>
usa

I saw Rhinoceros at Seneca College the year they formed. As I recall, they had former Mother's drummer ? Mumy on drums.

Ken <kmphoto@insight.rr.com>
USA

JUST SAW YOU THREE AT THE LIQUID LOUNGE IN BRANTFORD, SOUNDING PRETTY GOOD!! TOO BAD YOU COULN'T DO FANNIE MAE. SAW MICHAEL AT THE PORT CREDIT BLUESFEST WITH DANNY BROOKS AND I BET THIS WAS A MORE COMFORTABLE VENUE WITHOUT THAT COOL LAKE ONTARIO BREEZE BLOWING. HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN, THNAX
VIC

In 1969, our band "The Bearded Clam" covered
the "Rhinoceros" album. We were immediate
devotees to their enormously creative, progressive and captivating sound. As a "circuit" opening band for "The Soul Survivors", Billy Harner, and "The Children of the Night", we developed quite a following in Atlantic City and Philadelphia area. Now 55, and still performing, I have been seeking authenic lyrics to these songs; one in particular, "When you say you're sorry". Amazingly, it can not to be found on any search engines. I have made a comprehensive search to no avail. During my life I have listened to, and seen thousands of bands; I will always identify "Rhinoceros" as having a timeless sound that will always move, touch and inspire me and those I turn onto this extraordinary ensemble. If someone could help
me with a printable version of Gerber/Rhinoceros lyrics, i will be eternally grateful. Finally, I am a recognized funk/rock/jazz/blues/reggae mandolin/guitar instrumentalist/singer songwriter. I would love to get together sometime and jam. Most recently I spent time with George Benson and Al Jarreau (sp.) when they performed at the Mann Music Center in Philadelphia.

Righteous Rob <sunman305@aol.com>
USA

I had a band called Kimberley in New York 1967~1970, played guitar and remember hanging out one day with Danny. Rhinoceros was doing a gig that night in the park I believe, and Danny was gracious enough to let me tag along as we wondered through the city down to the Village where we met up with Janis Joplin at her hotel.

I partnered up with friends in Bangkok and have a radio station here called 98.5 Breeze FM where i do Morning Drive.

Danny, if you read this and by some chance remember any of this....that's a stretch...get in touch at
www.985breezefm.com

Thanks and Sawadee from The Land Of Smiles,
Richie Walker
Morning Show Host / Music Director
98.5 Breeze FM
www.985breezefm.com

Richie Walker <richie_walker@hotmail.com>
Thailand

I was at that Pavillion show at Flushing meadows back in '69. It was my birthday, or the day before, and it was one of then first--and best--concerts I've ever been to. Spooky Tooth did a great opening set, and then Rhinoceros came out and blew everyone away. The really amazing thing was, after the headliner--Stepenwolf--finished their set, the crowd started calling for an encore... of Rhinoceros! And they came back out after Stepenwolf and played another set. You guys had us in the palms of your sweaty hands.
Roger Goode <roger@properpup.com>
USA

I love you guys I am glad I found this site. we danced and sang in Danbury Conn. a long time ago I'll always have that secret crush on Danny ,after Conn. I returned to long island and formed Fearless Nipples 2 chicks 8 band members with a very new sound back then!
Still my number one music Best band too bad we never made music together I was unfortunately much younger than you guys then I moved to Europe Still feeling the music however! Good Luck stay well
denise <bighoox@aol.com>
usa

Saw the Checkmates this past weekend in Toronto, Smokin band incredible show, John was celebrating a Birthday , I had to travel about 6 hours to get to the show and it was worth every second!!!!! The band covered some Rhino stuff some SoulBop All in all it was a incredible weekend !!! If you get the chance see the Checkmates or as my younger brother called them CHECKNAURSOUS LOL
DougDDoug Dandenoou
Canada

I have checked the web before for info on Rhinoceros, and today I found this. I told my son it was like reaquainting with an old friend I hadn't seen in years.

I no longer have my album though.

J
J Beech <mygoldenyears@hotmail.com>
Canada

It's great to find this site , and find out how well everyone is doing. I have been a fan for many years, back to the days with the checkmates in Hamilton at the boogaloo, The Grange and sunday night at st. nicks. Rhinoceros is still my favorite group. Thankyou for the great music and fond memories. I wish you all well !!

thanks John
john palmer <plmrjj@sympatico.ca>
canada

John:

A friend and I happened into a small teenage nightclub called "The Cellar" in Arlington Heights, Illinois and saw you guys (I think it was around 69'.) Your show was one of the best I had ever seen.

You, John, were absolutley remarkable - a true original talent of the highest degree. In the course of my concert going days I saw Zeppelin, the Stones, the Dead, all the biggies. You guys were one of the five best groups I saw live. I bought your album Apricot Brandy and turned others on to it. It is still a masterpiece that stands the test of time.

And you, John Finley, are still my favorite singer. I always wondered why you guys were so touchy-feely with each other on stage. I never observed a group so happy together.

Glad to see you're alive and well, AND still singing away. You're the greatest, John!

Charles


Chares <cratkins50@earthlink.net>
USA

The first time I got stoned on pot, someone put on the 1st Rhino album and Apricot Brandy set me free! Since then, it's been one of my favorites and thankfully someone saw fit to put out the CD-thank you!
Thomas "T-Bone" Filip
USA

For all of you who thought Danny was a killer guitar player before, go buy the Sweet Spot album!! He has outdone himself on this one! Bought it last week and haven't been able to stop listening to it. He shows all the "smooth jazz" players what they'd like to sound like. And the funk is awesome! Thanks Danny, it was worth the wait!! Now you need to start touring behind the album. Maybe NYC??
Arte O'Dell <ankhafnakhonsu@aol.com>
U.S.A.

Wow, I didn't know the first album was available on CD. I saw the group back in maybe '69 at The Filmore East. I think the lineup that night was Rhinoceros, John Mayall, and The Moody Blues.
JohnJohn <sculpey_2462@msn.com>
USA

Like Glenn (couple of posts ago), I found myself humming "I Will Serenade You" the other day after 35 years. Found the first album a few days later on Yonge Street, and away we go. It's a masterpiece of funky precision and soul. Not a moment in it worth missing. Wow! Thanks for the wonderful interviews, history, and great site.

Doug
Toronto

Cool Website. One of the bands I played in did
Rhino songs-Apricot Brandy-Don't Wanna Discuss It-Don't Come Cryin.
Recently ordered the cd's/ Was surprised to find the third album.
Really enjoyed this band.
dana groff <danagroff10@aol.com>
U.S.

As I sit here listening to "Rhinoceros" I am instantly transported back to a time of peace and love. At 58yrs young the journey is not that far when I listen to the music. The music of the 60's is coming full circle again and boy am I happy! Bring it on Rhinoceros!!
Danny Brot <mdbassman@juno.com>
USA

I woke up this morning with "I will serenade you" going round and round in my head...what-35 years after I last heard it! Playing in a soul/funk band now, I realize that the songs from the first album and a few from Satin Chickens have legs and will still move people! Thank you for developing and maintaining this site...I'll be back!
Glenn Goodwin <glenngoodwinbass@hotmail.com>
USA

I Truly enjoyed my two rhinoceros albums I had in high school and college. I even had one on 8-track. I need to find an mp3 version of "In A Little Room". Since I am a deejay in Nebraska, it would be great to play it for my audience.
Greg Jackson <newsanchor49@hotmail.com>
USA

I was in a local Band from Greenwich, Conn. and was the warmup act for Rhinocerous at the St. Mary's gig in '79. I was blown away by these guys, and to this day, their first albumn is one of my favorites. "Your My Girl", "Chicken", "I Need Love" live found my jaw wide open. I miss this kind of magic!
Bruce <bruceltaylor@earthlink.net>
USA

Saw them at the Fillmore East in 1969 Totally blew me away bought the album next day I seem to remember a big Hammond Organ on stage. Love Apricot Brandy wished there was along version or live version somewhere !!
Steve Katz
USA

I went to a private boarding school for high school. Somehow Rhinoceros got to be very popular with us kids. In the spring or summer of 1969, while on vacation in NYC, a group of us went to the Wolman Rink in Central Park and saw them. The opening act was the Crazy World of Arthur Brown. It was the first rock concert I ever went to and I still remember the joy I felt there!
Thank you for this great site!
Rick <Senseandspirit@yahoo.com>
USA

I saw the Checkmates perform as the opening act for Ronnie Hawkins at his farewell concert at Massey Hall in Toronto, last night Dec.17/05. The treat of the night was that John Finley was brought on as the surprise guest to perform with the Checkmates. All the memories of John & Lee and the Checkmates came flooding back. John was amazing and the band was solid. They did a set of R&;B standards and classics. Rumor has it that John is going to get together with the Checkmates to work on a future project. I sure hope that happens. It was great to see John and the Checkmates make a return to Massey Hall and at the same time sad to see Ronnie go.
Don <dwh@rogers.com>
Canada

It has been great to find this site. As someone who has always been a fan this is great. I was looking at the live dates and noticed that there was not one showing for Seneca College in Toronto. I was sure I saw them there I could not give you a date. But I'm positive they were there. Maybe someone out there remebers that gig.
Paul <garlyn@msn.com>
Canada

In 1969, I was a 17 year old college freshman with a on-campus one hour radio slot. My friends and I at this tiny state college radio station would grab the mail every day, knowing that there would always be several promo records from record companies, both big and independent. One Friday, the single 'Apricot Brandy' arrived, with 'When You Say You're Sorry' as the B side. Since the DJs had pretty much full reign to play whatever they wished, and since records were hardly ever screened or "OK'd" before being aired, 'Apricot Brandy' very likely had its East Coast debut on my Friday show at 4 PM. Since I always played requests, 'AB' was aired at least three times in that hour; I invariably played it once each show for the rest of the semester. I still have in my possession that 45 single, extensively scratched, but still an electrifying rocker after 30 + years.
needles <needles@twcny.rr.com>
USA

I found the first album of Rhinoceros at a used record shop...snagged it right up! Sure brings back some sweet heavy times. My Brother knew Danny Weis, Doug Hastings and Jerry Penrod. He was in the same click in LA, he saw the same struggles and lived the same disapointments. I am glad to see that some persevered on. Peace, light...further on. Robert Morgan.
In Loving Memory of Ron Morgan (West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band).
Robert Morgan <medullaarts@comcast.net>
USA

To this very day, "Apricot Brandy" is still one of my all time favorite song. I've had a PC, since 2000, and I was stunned when I found your web page today. For Rhinoceros, to be remembered like this is truly an honor that is long overdue. It is so sad, that your group, along with so many other groups never get their "day in the sun." When your group followed up "Apricot Brandy", with "I Need Love", I just knew that a new supergroup had been born. That song has so much energy in it, I felt, as if, the music was coming out of the speakers, when I would hear it on the radio. Even though, Rhinoceros isn't remembered by everyone, I remember you, and I wanted to take time out to thank you, for being a pleasant part of my past that is gone, but...not forgotten. May God embrace you, with His love.
William <THEBADVEGETARIAN@aol.com>
U.S.A.

let's see..1'st road trip of my life to boston to see rhino.. at pratt institute..waiting outside b-4 soundcheck john walks by and disdainfully spits on the steps.. at the "dynamite" in brooklyn, got to talk with michael about the making of satin chickens..one of my clique goes to live with the red headed bass player in upstate n.y. at the band's house...one of the greatest bands ever, and one of the reasons i've been a musician all my life...thanks.
joel krauss <joelmusic@optonline.com>
usa

In fact...I have the three Rhinoceros lps right here by my desk, I brought them in to show someone the great cover design. I have a couple of really good stories but I'll just say that I rode up an elevator with Danny Weis a few months ago. He was playing in a band with Paul Quarrington and Rick Bell...they were great!
Dave <kidneyd@mcmaster.ca>
Canada

Just bought the second album at a used record store yesterday. Didn't know much about the band, and your site is very helpful in learning about them. A great resource. Thanks!
Jim Sadler <jcs@northcarolina.edu>
USA

Danny Weis is the GREATEST guitar player ever!

Danny is actually my stepdad,for real,i'm not even joking.

luv ya danny
from
Haley
Haley <Sweet_Girl1718@hotmail.com>
Toronto

It's June 3rd ,2005 and in a week I will turn 60 but today I feel like a young 18 year old because I am going tonight to see one of my favorite groups - John & Lee and the Checkmates at the Fox and Fiddle!

Wow-what memories! I had the fortune at that young age to fall into dance/concert promotion and hired the group many times in Burlington and Hamilton gigs. I never tired of hearing " the Harlem Shuffle " and of course " Please,Please" by 2 young white guys with the hearts and voices of the southern blues masters.

After booking groups like: Myna Byrds, Ronnie Hawkins, The Sparrow, Luke & the Apostles, Eric Burdon & the Animals, wilson Pickett, Spencer Davis, Junior Walker, The Hollies, Ike & Tina Turner to name a few - THE CHECKMATES ARE STILL AT THE TOP OF MY LIST FOR SHOWMANSHIP,TALENT AND JUST A GOOD GROUP OF GUYS TO WORK WITH.

Going to shower and pick up my OZOB buddy Henry Bokor (Guitarist) to see one of his guitar idles from 1966.

Love the web page and info-keep it up!
Steve Remen <remen@execulink.com>
Canada

Seeing John and Michael perform with the other Checkmates at Hollywood on the Queensway in Toronto on May 17 brought back fond memories for me. I was a huge fan of the Checkmates and Rhinoceros.

I'll never forget one evening in late 1968 when my mother's organ teacher came to the house to give her a lesson. He looked at me with my long hippie hair and said, "Have you heard of that new super group, Rhinoceros?" When I replied yes, he said, "I taught the keyboard player, Michael Fonfara. Was I impressed! I suddenly a greater respect for my mother, too.

Living in the Toronto area most of my life, I have had the benefit and pleasure of catching Michael Fonfara on a regular basis in the various bands of which he is a member, especially over the past decade or so since he got off the road with the likes of Lou Reed. Of course, it's always a rare treat when John is in town. I'm amazed at how he and his Toronto contemporaries, such as George Olliver, Luke Gibson and Grant Smith, have maintained their extraordinary vocal skills over such a long period of time.

There'll never be another era in music like the Toronto music scene in the '60s -- a decade that, in addition to Jon and Lee and the Checkmates and Rhinoceros, spawned John Kay and the Sparrows, David Clayton Thomas and the Shays, Neil Young, Rick James, Joni Mitchell, Bruce Cockburn, the Downchild Blues Band, the Mandela, Luke and the Apostles, McKenna Mendelson Mainline, Nucleus, Roy Kenner and the Associates, Grant Smith and the Power, Whiskey Howl and many others. Domenic Troiano of the Mandela and later Bush was a big inspiration for The James Gang, featuring Joe Walsh.

No wonder the city is called "Toronto the Good".
Dave Hunter <d.s.hunter@sympatico.ca>
Canada

As always, my visit to this site was extremely enjoyable. Each visit provides another tidbit of background on what I think is one of the greatest bands of all times. John Finley's vocals are simply the best. The man is Mr. Soul with a capital S.

In John's interview there is reference to a CBC documentary about the band. If anyone could provide me with information how I might track a copy of this down, please email me. It would definitely be a keepsake for my collection.
Peter "Vic" Vickery <pdv_@hotmail.com>
Toronto, Canada

John Finley and his amazing vocals has been an inspiration to me my whole life... ever since I saw Jon & Lee & The Checkmates at the Broom and Stone in Toronto, Canada in the '60's. I'm fairly certain that John had a broken leg or ankle at the time with this HUGE cast on - didn't hamper the passion of the performance though - the cast just become a prop for the show! And what a show it was!! When I heard "Bring It Down Front" at that gig I thought I'd died and gone to heaven...that was the moment I knew I had to play the Hammond till I dropped - and I'm still playin' it with that song in my head. Thanks don't cut it - but thanks anyway!
John Leiher <litljohn@mac.com>
Canada

I've looked and looked over the years for updated versions of all three of the Rhinoceros records and here they are! Awesome! I cut my early guitar-playing teeth on their songs and learned early to appreciate how excellent these guys were on their instruments. Ron Stockert, former keyboardist with Rufus, turned me on to Rhinoceros when we were in a band together in Peoria, IL in 1969 (before he headed west to hook up with Chaka). He spent long times at practice trying to show me the licks these guys were playing. I think I frustrated him more than helped!

I still love their music and still greatly admire the musicianship and singing on all three albums. Really high quality stuff from some really high quality musicians! Thanks to whomever put this site together. This band deserves it!
Joe Grier <dotnjoe@new.rr.com>
USA

As a professional musician from the (rightly) famed 70's New Jersey "A Circuit" that spawned (among others) that "Born to Run" guy, I tell you that Rhinoceros was one of only a handful of bands that had the attention of the players from that rough and tumble scene. Genuine is the best way to describe Rhinoceros. The first album, like The Band's second, the first Ian Hunter solo album and Clapton's "Layla" is part of the literature of in-the-pocket rock. Musicians: play like this. Everybody else: thank God and dig it.
Mr. E. Guest
USA

One of the best of the era--RHINO and Vanilla Fudge will always be my Fav's --rock on!!
Dave (B3) Nnatterson <music2ya@aol.com>
USA