Cletis
Carr ~ Keyboards, Guitar (76-81)
Todd
Duncan ~ Saxophone, Keyboards (81-82)
Mark
Halworth ~ Drums (76-78)
Marquis
Olsen ~ Drums (78-83)
Billy
Rich ~ Guitar (76-83)
D.
Willy ~ Guitar, Vocals (77-83)
Johnny
Zipgun ~ Bass (76-83)
Originally formed as Shaniko in 1976, the band went through several name changes (including a brief period when they were The News, until Huey Lewis' band burst onto the scene). They became Sneakers in 1979 as they were recording their debut album.Their managers, Allen and Phillip Kovac secured a deal with the New York-based MMO Group's City Lights label, and hired producer Roger Atkins (who wrote "It's My Life" for the Animals). Their debut, Ear Cartoons, was released in 1980, and the band's popularity grew as they rode the New Wave with their energetic and zany stage shows.
Keyboard/guitarist Cletis Carr left to join the new band formed by Lenny Rancher of Portland's Malchicks and was replaced by Todd Duncan. They recorded a second album, Music From The Sole in 1982, co-produced by Carr, who was then based in Los Angeles. The album remains unreleased. The band moved and reformed in Houston Texas, and eventually called it a day in 1983.
D. Willy lives in Tuscon Arizona.
Billy Rich also lives in Tuscon and is active with local blues bands.
Cletis Carr lives in Sydney, Australia, and is an award-winning producer and songwriter.
Marquis Olsen lives in Houston Texas and is active within his local church's music program.
Johnny Zipgun lives in Eugene Oregon.
Todd Duncan went on to form the popular ska band, the Crazy 8's.
Cletis Carr, Sydney, Australia, November 2005
