Fourth Fan Club - Cowsill Connection
Volume 3 Issue 2 & 3 Fall / Winter 1992

Page 2

FROM THE PRESIDENT...
I am saddened to report to you in this issue of The Cowsill Connection the passing of Bud Cowsill, father of Bill, Richard, Bob, Paul, Barry, John, and Susan Cowsill. He died on September 29, 1992, in Mexico after a lengthy battle with leukemia.

We fans will always be thankful for Mr. Cowsill's perserverance in his role as manager in the formative stages of his family's career, for without his steadfast determination, we may never have heard a note of Cowsills music or had our lives touched in any way by this special family.

May we as Cowsills fans do everything within our abilities to help "our band" reach their musical aspirations in the 90's.

Sincerely,
Marsha Jordan

IN MEMORY

William Joseph (Bud) Cowsill
12/02/25 - 9/29/92

(Bud and Barbara Cowsill in Atlantic City, NJ, July 8, 1971
Photo courtesy of Diane Vivinetto Skalski, Oldsmar, FL.)

COWSILLS HEADLINE TOYS FOR KIDS BENEFIT

On December 11, 1992, at the Coconut Teaszer in West Hollywood, THE COWSILLS, along with the Continental Drifters, headlined BAM Magazine and Guild Guitar's Club Revolution "Acoustic" Night, which was also a benefit for Toys for Kids.

This was THE COWSILLS' first electric performance in nearly a year, and according to the 1/15/93 issue of BAM, was "terrific as usual . . . the group delivered power-pop of the highest, hard-rockin' order, and those sweet Cowsill harmonies were perfect for the holiday season." Joining THE COWSILLS this evening was Berton Averre, formerly of the Knack, on lead guitar.

THE COWSILLS treated the holiday crowd with two special "rare" performances. They rocked out (with John singing lead) on "Covered Wagon," their London Records single from 1971, which was a big hit in Japan; and Bob and Susan took the lead as the group performed "Christmastime," Bob and Mary Jo Cowsill's original Christmas song.

TINSEL TOONS
BY PLEASANT GEHMAN



January 15, 1993
BAM

Photos:
Anna "Flash" Luken

The Cowsills and the Continental Drifters headlined the most recent Club Revolution "Acoustic" Night, sponsored by BAM and Guild Guitar, at the Coconut Teaszer in West Hollywood on December 11th. This "Toys for Kids" benefit ended up being a very special evening; in fact, more than several people commented that they hadn't felt such a good vibe in a Sunset Strip club in...well, ever. The Cowsills delivered their first electric performance in nearly a year...and it was terrific as usual. Showcasing new member Berton Averre, formerly of the Knack, on lead guitar, the group delivered power-pop of the highest, hard-rockin' order, and those sweet Cowsill harmonies were perfect for the holiday season. In fact, a jaded friend told me that Bob Cowsill's original Xmas song—which they did for an encore — brought tears to his eyes. (The same friend—a respected bassist in his own right — also pointed out that drummer John Cowsill is "a rhythm section's wet dream.") I swear, "Is It Any Wonder" should at least be on a commercially available record by now. if not a hit single. What is it with you record company guys, anyway? They're famous, they're charismatic...and. more importantly, they're terrifically talented. Harmonies were the order of the night from the C. Drifters as well, although the group kicked off the set with a great version of "Never on Sunday," which almost made you feel Greek.

COWSILLS QUICKIES . . .

in the 7/24/92 "Best Unsigned Bands" issue of BAM / Magazine, Bill Holdship praised THE COWSILLS for their "great modern, pop-rock tunes . . . they spotlight some incredible musicians on stage . . • they all sing like angels . . . they alWays fill the clubs . . . and if someone signed them, they'd be guaranteed the kind of press and publicity that other bands would have to fight to score . . . and they've had features written about them in major magazines and newspapers, and they've been featured on national TV and radio, all during the last year, without a new LP" . . .

In their quest for a recording contract, Bob Cowsill reports contacts and good communications with Japan and Germany . . .

The 7/9-23/92 issue of Rolling Stone and the August, 1992 issue of CD Review noted Susan Cowsill's backing vocals on the Steve Wynn "Dazzling Display" LP ...

Susan Cowsill's backing vocals can also be heard on Carlean Carter's latest album . . .

Susan Cowsill joined Peter Holsapple on stage this summer when he was the special guest host/performer at the BMI Acoustic New Music Nights showcase at Molly Malone's on Fairfax in L.A., and they were photographed for Song Talk magazine ...

Susan Cowsill and Vicki Peterson sang on Giant Sand's "Center of the Universe" LP on Restless Records .

The Continental Drifters band (which includes Peter Holsapple, Susan Cowsill, and Vicki Peterson) has recorded a song entitled "The Mississippi" for SOL Records . . .

Susan Cowsill and Vicki Peterson provided backing vocals for a makeshift band that played at Bill Holdship's Fifth Annual Backyard Rock 'n' Roll Bash in Hollywood . . . The Continental Drifters also delivered a short, acoustic set . . . Paul Cowsill, who was in attendance, was photographed for the 10/16/92 issue of BAM Magazine . . . S

usan Cowsill, Peter Holsapple, Vicki Peterson, Gary Eaton, and John Convertino (of Giant Sand) are working on a project called "Double Date" for Bill Bartel's Gasatanka label, which makes "45" records . . .

Peter Holsapple will be producing The Psycho Sisters (Susan Cowsill and Vicki Peterson) in the recording studio . . .

Bob Cowsill is performing solo each week at Molly Malone's . . .

Bill (a.k.a. Billy) Cowsill, who is a local favorite in clubs in Vancouver, B.C., and Mark Irwin, who co-wrote "Here in the Real World" with Alan Jackson, are the co-writers of the country song, "A Thousand Times," which is included on Stacy Dean Campbell's "Lonesome Wins Favorable mention was given to Bill 11/92 issue of Music Express' Magazine . . . is included Again" LP . . . and this-song in the . . . Bill and his The spring . , Bill and his band, The Blue Shadows, are planning to record in the spring . . .

Travis Cowsill (Bill's elder son) is credited for his animation work in the John Ritter movie, "Stay Tuned."

COWSILLS PLAY 2ND ANNUAL ATHLETIC BENEFIT AT CVHS

A communal atmosphere pervaded the MacDonald Auditorium on October 24, 1992, as friends, relatives, and schoolmates packed the room to capacity for THE COWSILLS' 2nd Annual Crescenta Valley High School Athletic Program Benefit Concert. I don't remember ever seeing such a wide cross-section of ages at a rock 'n ' roll show (or as many people under three feet tall!) But then, THE COWSILLS are hardly your average rock 'n' rollers. Their audience spanned three generations of music lovers.

THE COWSILLS would find a way to please everyone. Those who came to investigate the new material would have plenty to enjoy. Some came hoping to hear a favorite oldie or two. Others might have looked forward to hearing some cover tunes they remembered from last year's benefit. None would leave disappointed!

We cue the applause sign for the stage crew that created the appropriately spooky set, complete with harvest moon. Against this fabulous backdrop, THE COWSILLS got things started with the a cappella intro to "Cross That Line." Was I surprised to see so many people on stage -- seven to be exact! Vicki Peterson would enhance the mix with tasteful strumming on acoustic and electric guitars throughout the evening. Helping out on oddly shaped electric guitars, mandolin, and even accordian, was Peter Holsapple, formerly of the dB's and the "fifth member" of R.E.M. on their recent tour. Peter was in the recording studio with THE COWSILLS as they completed an album of all new material only months ago. A tape of this collection played in the auditorium prior to the concert. Many of these songs would be performed this evening.

John took the lead on their next new tune, 'What About Love?" Under the stage's harvest moon, he wailed mightily, giving all who saw and heard the impression that here's a guy who doesn't know how to go half way. He sings and drums with an incredible intensity and fiery enthusiasm. John had a lot less hair to shake around since last I saw the band. Looked great! Concluding this initial trio of new material was Susan's "Far Away." New to these ears, it featured some tasty mandolin picking from Mr. Holsapple. Their "Day Tripper" easily outclassed any Beatle tribute band's take on the song. The "Fabs" would be so proud! "Desperado" provided Susan with an opportunity to show off her ever-impressive vocal chops. For as many times as she's sung it, she caresses the lyrics with a tenderness that make them all her own. Paul, resplendent with ponytail, so perfectly evoked brother Bill's lead vocal on

"Indian Lake" that one could have closed his eyes and sworn it was the eldest sibling on stage.

Kicking off another mini-set of their recent work, Vicki teamed with Susan for some angsty harmony on "Under the Gun." Paul's buoyant "Shine" featured some wonderfully explosive harmonies and punishing drumwork. A lone mandolin figure ushered in Bob's confrontational "Got No Time." Edgy in tone, it reaches a frenzied peak during the middle eight. We Five's "You Were On My Mind" was drop-dead gorgeous. Those harmonies absolutely slay me! Susan followed with "Be My Baby." The first half closed with a covert announcement of William "Bud" Cowsill's recent death as the clan dedicated their first hit single, "The Rain, the Park and Other Things" to their dad. He'd passed away three weeks ago.

THE COWSILLS pour a passion into the covers they perform. Their uncanny ability to produce letter perfect renditions is legendary with those who have witnessed them in concert. The second half of the concert was dotted with a half dozen of these. The "unplugged" set got underway with the Beatles' "I'll Be Back." I've been familiar with Crosby, Stills, & Nash's three part harmony on "Helplessly Hoping" for many years, but the C's wove yet a fourth part into the vocal tapestry. What can you do but smile and shake your head? Wow! File that one under "T" for too good ! The folk rock continued with Bob's earnest take on Mr. Zimmerman's "Knockin' On Heaven's Door." John then made his eagerly awaited trek from behind his drum set to center stage. The delighted crowd broke into cheers and applause after only the first five words of "Crying." Under a blue spotlight, John, once again, sang the pants off of the Roy Orbison classic.

"Poor Baby" was a vocal marvel. Those already familiar with the song can appreciate the complex vocal arrangement achieved in the studio with the luxury of overdubbing. Unlike many of pop music's biggest acts, THE COWSILLS don't use backing tapes at their shows for which they should be applauded. Even their enormous talent was put to the test to present "Poor Baby" live and they pulled it off admirably. Introduced by the band as "Ba-Ba" (Ba-Da?), "Monday, Monday" was the evening's final cover. Remember how it sounded on "The Cowsills in Concert?" This was even better!

Next up was a quartet of newer songs. Bob handled lead vocal chores on the first three. "I Be Low" rocks moderately, punctuated by Paul's keyboards and some spirited drumming from John. "What I Believe" is a strum-happy-head-bobbin' infectious tune that you'll find yourself humming in an unguarded moment weeks after having

heard it! The muscular "Rescue" was easily the show's loudest offering. "Freefall" could be the best song The Who never recorded. I can't help but think of Roger Daltry when Paul cries, "Got your freedom." Of course, the perennial crowd pleaser "Hair" was left for last.

Answering the cries for more from the ecstatic throng of humanity, THE COWSILLS returned to the stage with yet another new tune. "She Wants Everything," a rollicking country rocker, has been sung by both John and Bob in the past. Nowadays, Bob sings the lead vocal while John solos on the bridge.

THE COWSILLS have written so much new material that the three songs from their initial demo tape, "She Said To Me," "Some Good Years," and "Is It Any Wonder?" were all silent tonight.

You all know how wonderfully talented these folks are. I can't wait for the rest of the music world to catch up with us!

by Paul Bailey
Fullerton, CA

PRAISE FROM THE PRESS . . .

2/5/93, Brett Milano, The Boston Phoenix: "Is America's Hottest New Pop Group The Cowsills? . . . When you're a Boston rocker in L.A., trying to find a great pop band can be a thankless task. But one night I lucked into the band of my dreams. They had a classic pop-guitar sound and harmonies to die for. They had a woman up front whose stage manner won your heart and whose voice broke it. They had a guy on guitar who wrote irresistably hooky songs, with simple-but-meaningful lyrics about love and its pitfalls. All told, they were right up there with the Smithereens, Shoes, dB's, and all the other pop-as-art bands I'd loved over the years. And here's the catch: that band was THE COWSILLS ... So here we have a 60's bubblegum act (albeit a pretty cool one) coming back to life as a modern pop band, more than 20 years later; and most of them are still younger than the Ramones. In the entire history of rock and roll, nothing like this has ever happened."

2/10/93, Gayle Fee/Laura Raposa, The Boston Herald: "THE COWSILLS made a huge comeback at Avalon last night."

2/11/93, Dean Johnson, The Boston Herald: "The Most Valuable Players Award goes to THE COWSILLS . . . the band unleashed a fabulous half-hour set of smart toothy power pop . . . they mixed impressive new original tunes with crisp, sassy takes of their hits, "Indian Lake" and "Hair."

2/11/93, Steve White, The Patriot Ledger; "The highlight of the evening was a smashing set by THE COWSILLS. Their old material sounded fresh and new, and Susan Cowsill looked very much like the "flower girl" on "The Rain, the Park and Other Things." The new material rocked the joint like a thunder clap, particularly the pumped up "Cross That Line" and the snappy "Far Away." Why this band hasn't been signed to a major label record contract is baffling."

2/11/93, Jim Sullivan, The Boston Globe: "They (THE COWSILLS) rocked . . . displayed superb three-and four-part harmonies, played four new hook-laden, power pop songs, and even made old hits like "Indian Lake" and "Hair" seem fun."

2/12/93, Robin Vaughan, The Boston Herald: "To Kendall (Greg Kendall, a local musician) and other musicians and

media types who scarfed onto the guest list, the hands-down hit of the night is THE COWSILLS' set, a mix of adroitly performed oldies from the band's child-star years and updated pop material from their current comeback. As THE COWSILLS sing the first line of "Hair," the crowd goes wild. 'That is the best band there ever was,' smiles Fort Apache studio head Gary Smith."

COMMENTS FROM BARRY SCOTT, DJ, WBOS 92.9 FM, BOSTON, MA, AND HOST OF THE AVALON BENEFIT . . .

"As THE COWSILLS' biggest fan in radio, not a week goes by when I don't play a song from the group on my show. It has helped make "The Lost 45's Show" #1 in its time slot for 8 years now! The concert was a huge success. We raised over $40,000 to fight AIDS and THE COWSILLS were a big hit."

COMMENTS FROM KIM MASI, TREASURE ISLAND, FL . . .

"It was so cold, that night--but the show was hot ! The atmosphere was very cozy and personal. We (Carol Lane and I) arrived at the Avalon early, and it wasn't long before we saw Sue walking around with her future hubby . . . glowing. Davy Jones will have to eat his heart out. Mark Lindsay, The Captain and Tenille, Tony DeFranco, Allan O'Day, and Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods were there. THE COWSILLS were the 3rd act that night, and the crowd engaged them. They were like the wake up call, and eveyone started crowding the stage and getting into the music. They did about eight songs, and the new material went over well with everyone who only remembers them for "The Rain, the Park and Other Things." A lot of the artists there that evening did the songs they were known for and left. But THE COWSILLS gave them all that and more!"

PHOTO CREDITS

Many thanks are extended to Penny Brannon, Carol Lane, KiM Masi, and Diane Skalski for the photos they contributed to this issue.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!

Paul .... November 11

Bill ..... January 9

COWSILLS COLLECTOR'S CORNER - - -

If you're missing any Cowsills 45's or LP's from your collection, you may be able to purchase what you need from Stephen J. Tokash, P. 0. Box 863104, Ridgewood, NY 11386. He can be reached by phone at (718) 386-2560 in the evenings.

COWSILLS CLASSIFIEDS

For sale: Cowsills "Most of All"/"Siamese Cat" full cover B & W sleeve without record. Cover has early photo of Bill, Bob, Barry, & John with signatures and liner notes on back. $5.00. Write: D.J. Castellon, #555938, Hughes Unit, Rt. 2, Box 4420, Gatesville, TX 76597 for instructions on transaction.

For sale: July, 1968 and October, 1968 Movie Teen Illustrated magazines. Cowsills are featured. $10.00 each. Excellent condition. Postage paid. Write: Anna Labbate, 63 Oxholm Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301.

ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Susan Cowsill and Peter Holsapple are happy to announce their engagement and forthcoming marriage. They are making wedding plans for April 18, 1993. The Cowsills Fan Club wishes Susan and Peter much happiness and the very best of everything always!

(Note: The page before this must be missing. Sorry!)

playing all the instruments on "II x II" and "On My Side?" Who's handwriting graces "On My Side's" inner sleeve?

I guess it would only be fitting to conclude this edition of "Cowsills Imponderables" by citing my favorite Cowsills song ever. That would be Bob's superb "Night Shift" from "II x II." Thanks, Bob and all THE COWSILLS, for all the music. You guys are the greatest. Roll the dice, keep your pride, shine on!

by Paul Bailey
Fullerton, CA

'70s stars lost in song at AIDS benefit

Bell-bottoms, flower power, disco and yes, even The Cowsills - from left, Bob Cowsill, Peter Holsapple, John, Susan and Paul Cowsill and Robby Scharff - made a huge comeback at Avalon last night at the "Lost 45s Love Will Keep Us Together" benefit for the AIDS Action Committee. Hundreds and hundreds of flower children rocked into the night to the sounds of washed-up seventies superstars like The Captain and Tennille, Bob Donaldson and the Heywoods, Alan O'Day, Tony Defranco and Mark Lindsay. It was totally groovy and very retro, of course.

Page 13 is a copy of the 2/5/93 article from The Boston Phoenix by Brett Milano. Click here to read this article.