Bob Sterner - Vocals
Brad Horowitz - Guitar
Odell Nails - Drums and Percussion
Hobey Echlin - Bass
Influences
Savage Republic, Virgin Prunes, Southern Death Cult, Sonic Youth, Throbbing Gristle/Psychic TV, Test Dept., Coil, Section 25, Dead Can Dance, Echo & The Bunnymen, Simon & Garfunkel, The Doors, Hardcore Jane, The Halfass, the 60's peace & love myth
Spahn Ranch was formed in August of 1986 in Detroit, MI. Although the name would suggest a connection with the Manson Murders, the band had no affiliation.
In it's infancy, the band played in many local venues on the bill with various local bands. Quickly a strong following developed, which immediately precipitated a self titled cassette release of six tracks on the Ikthus Network label.
After having missed their own billing at a show, the band was introduced to Eric Cope of Insight Records from San Francisco, CA. He offered them a contract with Insight after reviewing their cassette and video work. The band accepted and began recording their first LP, 'Thickly Settled' in California where they were welcomed by receptive audiences.
'Thickly Settled' was hailed as one of the best albums of the year by England's Underground Magazine, and also met favorable reception in the U.S. of A.
None of the members of Spahn Ranch had any formal music training and had not played an instrument prior to forming the group.
"The sound they create is tense and raw, not polished to distract from the music itself. Drummer Odell Nails lays down a thick, almost tribal drum beat, accompanied by Hobey Echlin's bass foundation for the music. Guitarist Brad Horowitz adds the energetic, consuming guitar melodies, changing the tunings for each song in order to make no two sets alike. Bob Sterner's vocals with a touch of folk influence, mesh with the instrumental sounds that give the finished product, intense music which envelopes and audience."
I only ever knew Bob as the sweetest most pure loving decent guy. Spahn Ranch was magical for me. You guys saved my life on a couple different occasions. Bobby was really there for us and comforting when Billy died. I can only hope they get to hang out in some kind of heaven. It’s a giant loss for this world.
One of the greatest "lost" bands of Detroit and the world. Spahn Ranch is dead..long live Spahn Ranch. Saw them many times, and they never failed to bring intensity and atmosphere.
Back in 1987 I had the good fortune to befriend Odell Nails, Brad Horowitz and Bob Sterner. For several years I was fortunate enough to have seen many Spahn Ranch shows, opened up for them, kept an archive of their accomplishments, attended many practice sessions and lastly played with them during the final unreleased recording sessions.
Odell and I recently reconnected and both agreed it was time to pay tribute to a band that changed the lives of all of those who came in contact with it.
If you have any memorabilia you would like to share, please contact me. I hope to have tracks remastered from Thickly Settled up in a week or so.
