The Mergers at the Lakewood Knights of Columbus - Photo courtesy of Colin Ehli
Jeff Morgan, Colin Ehli, Mike Houghton, Gary Brand and Sid Ostrander
The Mergers
Tacoma, Washington
1966 - 1968

Members
 

Gary Brand ~ Drums
Colin Ehli ~ Lead Guitar
Mike Houghton ~ Bass, Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Jeff Morgan ~ Vox Organ
Sid Ostrander ~ Bass, Lead Vocals
 

In Memory of

Sid Ostrander


The Mergers - Image courtesy of Jeff Morgan
Mike, Colin, Gary, Jeff, Sid

The Mergers - Image courtesy of Jeff Morgan

The Mergers - Image courtesy of Jeff Morgan


The Mergers was a local band doing general radio rock (Stones, Paul Revere, Sonics, Wailers, Don & The Goodtimes, R&B, etc.)   The most notable thing about the band was the Harvey Thomas prototype Maltese Falcon Bass and Lead Guitars, shaped like Iron Crosses, with tombstone heads (pre-Eagle-hook).

In 1967, band was joined by Mike Houghton, bass & rhythm guitar and vocals.  Mike brought some original songs in with him.  When Colin Ehli went in the Army, Mike took on the job of lead guitar.  The band mostly played in Pierce County at Teen Clubs (Red Carpet, Summit Teen Club), Military Bases, dance halls (Knights of  Columbus in Lakewood was the Maiden Voyage of the band), and for high school and college dances (Mt. Tahoma, White River HS,  UPS & St. Martins College) though adventures were taken to the Tri-Cities area.

Jeff Morgan, May 2002

The Mergers - Image courtesy of Jeff Morgan
The Mergers - Image courtesy of Jeff Morgan
The Mergers - Image courtesy of Jeff Morgan


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Last Update:  19 December 2006
Credits: Jeff Morgan, Colin Ehli
Band # 814