Here’s another quick post about an obscure psych band from the Sixties with a killer band name and a great sound. The Savage Resurrection was formed in 1967 in the San Francisco Bay Area, a hub for the counterculture movement of that era (obviously). The group was known for its raw and energetic live performances and distinctive psychedelic and garage rock blend.
The Savage Resurrection’s lineup included members John Palmer (vocals), Randy Hammon (guitar), Jeff Myer (bass), and Steve Lage (drums). Their self-titled debut album, released in 1968, is regarded by some as a long-lost classic of the psychedelic rock genre. It’s definitely a rare gem.
The group was known as one of the youngest psych-rock bands of their area at the time, with a 16-year-old Randy Hammon as lead guitarist, who was the cousin of Blue Cheer drummer Paul Whaley. The only member of The Savage Resurrection who wasn’t a teenager was Steve Lage, who was 21.
Despite their young age, the group definitely didn’t make teeny-bop psych, and when you listen to them, they sound wise beyond their years. One of their most well-known tracks is “Thing In ‘E,’” characterized by its fuzzed-out guitar riffs, swirling organ, and trippy lyrics—a hallmark of the psychedelic sound of the era.
Despite their talent and the critical acclaim they received, The Savage Resurrection’s time in the spotlight was brief. They disbanded in 1969 after releasing only one album, but their music has endured and continues to be appreciated by fans of psychedelic rock and collectors of obscure ’60s music.
Really, The Savage Resurrection are one of those “what could have been” psych rock bands. Their lone record wasn’t flawless, but it was a solid debut that showed a very young group with tons of potential. They also had a great producer – Abe “Voco” Kush – on their side, best known for producing Blue Cheer and Harvey Mandel.
Unfortunately disagreements led to their demise. After briefly touring the Midwest after releasing their debut album, the group broke up. Their album wasn’t a big hit, either, with the pressing selling in the low hundreds.
Despite their relative obscurity, The Savage Resurrection has had some impact on the psych-rock genre. Nick Saloman of The Bevis Frond has cited the band as one of his biggest influences, and he performed a live set with guitarist Randy Hammon in October 2008. We can consider The Savage Resurrection as one of those obscure psych acts that maybe never got the attention they really deserved. Check out their self-titled debut record, where you can find it on Spotify and likely on YouTube, too. Enjoy!
The Third Eye 
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