50th reunion after "Last Laugh"
12 min. Video - Band members at 50th reunion recount the Brigade story.
The band was based in Portland and performed from 1966 to 1970 throughout Oregon and Washington.
1968 Battle of the Bands Winner
KISN radio "Teen Fair" with 99 performing. Three Prizes: 1954 Cadillac Hearse, recording contract, and playing on the bill with Sly & The Family Stone at the Portland Memorial Coliseum.
1969 Publicity Photo - Rocky Butte
Band Members/ BIOs
Bob Anderson (drums '66-'70)
Bob started playing drums in 1965 with Tim Vetter and Peter Belknap in "The Better Set". The band evolved with new members, changed names, and peaked with the success of "The Brigade." It was one of the most memorable experiences from his high school days. During the 1970's and '80's, college, a career at Intel, and family life of being married with three children kept the drums in their cases.
But in the 90's and later years, Bob got back into music, playing with rock, blues, and acoustic bands. He learned to play congas and cajon. Bands included Core, Element, High Fashion, Portal, Carley Fairchild, Generic Generation, Blue Lightning, White Rhino (a marimba band) and Booligh Jam.
Ed Wallo (guitar '66-'70)
Ed started university as a music major, but found that nothing could match the joy and high of playing with his Brigade bandmates. How great it felt getting everyone dancing and applauding! Having the experience managing and promoting the band was positive, so a switch to the business school made sense. Retired life came in 2021 after a two-decade international marketing career while living in 6 countries: England, France, Italy, Japan, Germany and the U.S. This was followed by 27 years in the wine business as co-founder, with his wife, of Yorkville Cellars Organic Vineyards & Winery in Mendocino County. They have a daughter and two sons. Current residence is in northern California. There Ed continues to listen to oldies music from the '60 & 70's sometimes streaming Portland's KISN radio, a habit he started over six decades ago.
Eric Anderson (keyboards '66-'70)
Being in the Brigade and recording "Last Laugh" was definitely the high point of Eric's teen years. Later he went to Portland State University where he majored in Music. Then the traveling started. He lived in six countries (Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the U.S.). In Brazil he met his wife who is from Ipanema (Rio de Janeiro) and they have seven kids. He played in bands in Puerto Rico and Brazil for many years where he ended up playing at Brazilian rodeos and at the private ranch of Chitãozinho & Xororó (extremely famous). Eric speaks Portuguese and Spanish and a little Mandarin (from time in Beijing) and a little Russian (from time in Ukraine) and is currently in Houston. He continued creating dozens of songs over the years and recently finished his fourth CD entitled "Learn" ericanderson.hearnow.com/learn Other titles are: "War Of The Spirit", "Freedom In Your Eyes" and "In The Long Run" - all currently available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and various other websites. More info at: https://ericandersonsongs.wixsite.com/ericanderson
Peter Belknap (lead singer '66-'70)
Peter was born in Portland, Oregon in 1952. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Portland State University, majoring in bronze casting and painting. He makes his home in the Skagit Valley in northwest Washington State where he has been an exhibiting sculptor and painter for more than 40 years. His fine art works are in numerous public and private collections in many countries. Perhaps a bit of his vocal talent was inherited from his mother who was a highly acclaimed lead choral vocalist and swing band songstress in her day.
Dennis Steindl (bass '69-'70)
Dennis answered our ad for a bass player when we needed one due to Mark's draft board orders in late 1969. He attended Wilson High School in Portland. He contributed to our music and was with us when we recorded the album. We're very disappointed that we've lost touch with each other. And hope one day in the not to distant future we are reconnected.
Mark Hartman (bass '68-'69)
Mark's most memorable times were helping carry the Hammond organ up the longest, steepest flight of stairs at a teen club; seeing a partygoer get up on stage, putting his drink on my amp, which tipped spilling over my amp; finals of the Battle of the Bands at the Memorial Coliseum; and riding in the back of the van with no side windows on top of all our equipment. These experiences were a lot of fun given the great company present.
Later in life, the Brigade's skill level, work ethic, and philosophy in making music, helped when starting my own band. My main career in life was in electronics. It was satisfying repairing, designing and building equipment that produced music, but also reproducing it. I had the benefit of meeting great musicians and engineers in both the music and audio industries.
Tim Vetter (bass '66-'67)
Tim was one of the original band members, He played rhythm and bass guitar. Born and raised in Portland, OR he attended North Catholic High School. He enjoyed a lifelong love of music, sharing his talents of guitar playing and singing with many over the span of his musical career. Tim worked for the City of Portland as a printing technician before retiring. Tim, RIP (1952 to 2019)
LPs & CDs (QuestionS? interestED? please use CHAT BOX)
Only 100 Originals Produced in 1970
Only 100 Originals Produced in 1970
Only 100 Originals Produced in 1970
Despite winning a recording contract, we ultimately ended up self-producing our "Last Laugh" album in February 1970. This receipt from Band 'N Vocal Record Company shows that there were 100 originals produced and packaged. Including the reproductions, there are less than a 1,000 albums in total being traded around the world in 20+ countries.
The Original
Only 100 Originals Produced in 1970
Only 100 Originals Produced in 1970
Due to scarcity (only 100), these are traded among vinyl collectors generally in the range of: $2,000 for very good to $5,000+ for near mint condition LPs (album, sleeve & cover).
Authorized Replica
Only 100 Originals Produced in 1970
Authorized Replica
A very good copy (front cover color is slightly different). We cooperated in the early 2000's with Shadoks Music Co. in Germany who made a several hundred. On the Internet often listings ask $75 - $150 based on condition. Interested in one? Use Chat Box.
Re-Release Copy
"Collector's Edition"
Authorized Replica
This version is distinguished by: A front cover color image that is a bit fuzzy that is glued onto white cardboard giving it a white border all around, no vinyl wrap, scratched out producer logo on back. Record label says "Del Val" who apparently made 350 copies in 1991. Interested in one? Use Chat Box.
"Collector's Edition"
"Collector's Edition"
"Collector's Edition"
We worked again with Shadoks in Germany in 2014 who made 220 numbered copies with blue-lizard texture cover with artwork, and a transparent purple vinyl pressing. Has 4-page insert. On Internet typically offered for $100 - $175 based on condition.
CDs Available
"Collector's Edition"
"Collector's Edition"
In addition to LPs, Audio CDs are available for $40 plus shipping fee. Please use the Chat Box below on the right side to contact us and we'll get back to you quickly regarding any questions or interest you have.
By 1968 it was a tight heavy sounding keyboard-driven psychedelic outfit with enough talent to compose and perform their own songs.
Amazon Review: 4 of 5 stars
GiGS LIST
Did you attend any of our 123 performances?
(Portland metro area unless otherwise noted)
1966
Sep 17 – Salishan Lodge, Gleneden Beach, OR
Nov 19 – Bishop Dagwell Hall
1967
Mar 18 – Tigard Senior High School
Mar 25 – Tigard Senior High School
Apr 16 – The Polish Hall
Jun 3 – Memorial Coliseum “Teen Fair”
Jun 9 – St. Charles Teen Club
Jun 10 – Memorial Coliseum “Teen Fair”
Jun 25 – Lighthouse Teen Club
Jul 8 – Scappoose High School, Scappoose, OR
Jul 19 – St. Helens Fairgrounds, OR
Jul 21 – St. Helens Fairgrounds, OR
Aug 5 – Milwaukie Elks Club
Aug 11 – St. Charles Teen Club
Sep 16 – Salishan Lodge, Gleneden Beach, OR
Oct 6 – Central Catholic High School
1968
Jan 24 – Portland Masonic Temple
Feb 17 – Portland State University
Mar 22 – Tigard Senior High School
Apr 5 – Fowler Junior High School, Tigard, OR
Apr 6 – Gresham Armory
Apr 12 – Holy Cross Teen Club
Apr 26 – Lake Oswego Armory
May 3 – Sherwood High School, Sherwood, OR
May 4 – Gresham Armory
May 11 – Neighbors of Woodcraft Hall
May 18 – Neighbors of Woodcraft Hall
May 24 – Our Lady of Sorrow Teen Club
Jun 1 – Memorial Coliseum “Teen Fair”
Jun 9 – Memorial Coliseum “Teen Fair”; fronting Sly & The Family Stone
Jun 15 – Edweirdo’s Teen Club
Jul 1 – Hilton Hotel
Jul 3 – Sheraton Hotel
Jul 20 – Tin Hut at Jantzen Beach
Aug 4 – Cedarville Park Center
Aug 23 – Mormon Church Teen Club
Aug 24 – The Dunes Teen Club, Pacific City, OR
Aug 31 – TG’s Teen Club, Newport, OR
Set 1 – TG’s Teen Club, Newport, OR
Sep 7 – Camp Howard, Aims, OR
Sep 13 – Mormon Church Teen Club
Sep 20 – Franklin High School
Sep 21 – Salishan Lodge, Gleneden Beach, OR
Sep 27 – Sandy High School, Sandy, OR
Sep 28 – Mt. Hood Community College
Oct 5 – North Catholic High School
Oct 10 – University of Portland
Oct 12 – Marycrest High School
Oct 25 – Milwaukie High School, Milwaukie, OR
Oct 26 – Burns High School, Burns, OR
Oct 31 – Sam Barlow High School, Gresham, OR
Nov 1 – Clackamas High School, Clackamas, OR
Nov 8 – Sandy High School, Sandy, OR
Nov 9 – Gill Coliseum, Oregon State Univ, Corvallis, OR
Nov 15 – Milwaukie High School, Milwaukie, OR
Nov 27 – Centennial High School, Gresham, OR
Dec 13 – Grant High School
Dec 21 – Pilot Rock High School, Pilot Rock, OR
1969
Jan 10 – Lincoln High School
Jan 11 – North Catholic High School
Jan 17 – Rex Putnam High School, Milwaukie, OR
Jan 18 – Clackamas High School, Clackamas, OR
Jan 24 – Gresham High School, Gresham, OR
Feb 7 – Roosevelt High School
Feb 12 – River Queen Restaurant
Feb 14 – Our Lady of Sorrow Teen Club
Feb 15 – North Catholic High School
Feb 22 – Holy Family Teen Club
Feb 28 – Sandy High School, Sandy, OR
Mar 7 – Beaverton High School, Beaverton, OR
Mar 14 – Neighbors of Woodcraft Hall - fronting The Springfield Rifle
Mar 15 – D+D’s Teen Club, Wenatchee, WA
Apr 5 – Jack & Jill’s Teen Club
Apr 6 – Gresham High School, Gresham, OR
Apr 11 – Gladstone High School, Gladstone, OR
Apr 12 – Centennial High School, Gresham, OR
Apr 19 – Hockinson Hall, Hockinson, WA
Apr 24 – University of Portland
May 2 – Beaverton High School, Beaverton, OR
May 10 – University Park, Corvallis, OR
May 17 – Dixon Lodge, Oregon State Univ, Corvallis, OR
May 23 – St. Charles Teen Club
May 29 – Gresham High School, Gresham, OR
Jun 7 – Cedar Hills Community Center, Beaverton, OR
Jun 12 – Parkrose High School
Jun 21 – Jantzen Beach Park
Aug 1 – Penney’s Downtown Store Fashion Show
Aug 2 – Penney’s Downtown Store Fashion Show
Aug 23 – St. Francis Seminary, Troutdale, OR
Aug 29 – “D” Street Teen Club
Sep 5 – Parkrose High School
Sep 6 – Camp Howard, Aims, OR
Sep 12 – Marshall High School
Sep 19 – Sandy High School, Sandy, OR
Sep 20 – Masonic Temple, Lincoln City, OR
Sep 26 – Rex Putnam High School, Milwaukie, OR
Oct 9 – Grant High School
Oct 11 – Central Catholic High School
Oct 17 – Beaverton High School, Beaverton, OR
Oct 18 – McMinnville Youth Center, McMinnville, OR
Oct 24 – Memorial Union, Oregon State Univ., Corvallis, OR
Oct 25 – Oregon College of Education, Monmouth, OR
Oct 31 – Commons, Linfield College, McMinnville, OR
Nov 1 – Aloha High School, Aloha, OR
Nov 7 – Gladstone High School, Gladstone, OR
Nov 8 – Neveh Shalom Synagogue
Nov 14 – Roosevelt High School
Nov 21 – Hillsboro High School, Hillsboro, OR
Nov 22 – Willapa Valley High School, Willapa, WA
Dec 13 – Oakridge High School, Oakridge, OR
Dec 19 – Sunset High School
1970
Jan 30 – Lincoln High School
Feb 13 – Tillamook High School, Tillamook, OR
Feb 14 – Phoenix High School, Phoenix, OR
Feb 20 – Corvallis High School, Corvallis, OR
Feb 21 – Holy Sacraments Lutheran Teen Club
Apr 4 – St. Stephens Teen Club
Apr 10 – Sandy High School, Sandy, OR
Apr 11 – Sam Barlow High School, Gresham, OR
Apr 12 – Aladdin Restaurant at Lloyd Center
Apr 17 – North Catholic High School
May 1 – Marshall High School
May 8 – West Linn High School, West Linn, OR
Brigade band dance posters
SONG LYRICS
best book on Northwest 60's rock
