This page contains an abridged transcription of Frank's very own handwritten account of the long, strange trip that brought him to where he is today. This is by no means a comprehensive history of the band in its current form, but rather a glimpse into the man, the myth, the legend that is "Famous" Frank Ward.
I started at age 20, when workmates at the JC Penney Auto Center started a band just for fun. They needed a singer, and I was willing to give it a try. We played a party at a private home, and I liked it. I enjoyed the crowd, and playing music with my friends. I felt uncomfortable with my hands having nothing to do while I sang, so I learned just enough guitar to hold one in my hands while I sang (a la Elvis). My roommate was a guitarist, and one of my friends loaned me an acoustic guitar. They both showed me some chords (Beatles, etc) and I practiced while watching TV. That band, which was never even named, soon broke up. I continued to practice, but mainly concentrated on my race car.
I had a very good friend from the age of 13-16 named Curt Aldstadt, who was quite the piano player and guitarist. He always tried to get me into guitar playing and listening to music other than what I was used to. He was into Hendrix, Trower and Clapton. I liked music a lot, but the radio was fine - remember, in 1969, the radio was pretty good! Curt knew I had some music background as a trumpet player (from age 12-16).
My other best friend from that era was named John Reed. He played trumpet, as well as many other instruments. He was a true prodigy and hanging with him got me playing at least two hours a day. I played so much I got very good & burned out. At that point, I had to go to symphonic orchestra or marching band. I had no interest in either, so I quit. Several months later, the high school band director shot himself. Conicidence?
So back to Curt: While visiting from college in 1977, Curt discovered that I had a warehouse for my race car. He had a guitar amp way too loud (& big) for his parents' apartment. He moved the amp to my shop, and we played through it together. A drummer named Tim Preisenger was driving by and heard us playing. He asked if he could go get his drum set. He returned with drums and a bass player friend of his named Tom Uellner. Tim and Curt were good players and Tom and I were beginners, but it worked ok.
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