The Nocturnals


Nocturnals in RPM, August 16, 1965
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The Nocturnals started as an instrumental band called the Rousers in Haney, BC, east of Vancouver in the late 1950’s. They evolved into the Nocturnals, based in Vancouver, with members Bill McBeth drums and lead vocals, Ron Henschel on guitar, Chad Thorp organ, Wayne Evans on bass, and Roger Skinner and Carl Erickson on saxophone.

The band had regular bookings at the Grooveyard, located at 795 Carnarvon in New Westminster, a nightclub they part-owned. Les Vogt (member of another early Vancouver band the Prowlers) and Red Robinson opened the club in September, 1965. The Nocturnals kept their stake in the club a secret so competing bands wouldn’t refuse bookings there.

The Grooveyard succeeded in a Vancouver scene that attracted top r&b acts. The club’s primary competition was Danceland, a big hall on the other side of town which attracted U.S. servicemen from the Whidbey Island base.

Les Vogt produced a two LP set, Live From the Grooveyard, featuring bands who appeared regularly at the club: the Stags, Kentish Steele and the Shantelles, the Epics, Soul Unlimited and the Night Train Revue. The Nocturnals have four songs on the album: “Mustang Sally”, “Slow Down”, “You Make Me Feel So Good” and “Get On Back”. Far from being live, it was recorded at Robin Spurgin’s studio with crowd noise overdubbed, and released in 1966 on New Syndrome, run by Tom Northcott, who made a few records himself. The album accurately reflects the soul-oriented live shows typical of working bands of the time.

In late 1965 the Nocturnals traveled to Kearney Barton’s Audio Recording in Seattle, the same studio used by the Sonics and the Wailers. Their first single, “Because You’re Gone” chugs along steadily with a Peter Gunn-style riff, flashes of horns, fine drumming and chanting vocals. Their second featured two more originals, “This Ain’t Love” b/w “You Lied.” Both of their Regency 45s reached the top ten on CFUN.

For their first two singles the band had help in song writing from Kathy Dubin and Jeanne Fink, two sisters who were fans of the band. Kathy and Jeanne wrote “Because You’re Gone” with Billy McBeth and the flip “Can It Be True” with Henshel. Jeanne’s daughter Linda headed the Nocturnals fan club!

In 1967 they signed to Trans-World and released three more 45s. The second of these, “Detroit” b/w “Do What You Want” was picked up for U.S. release on Milton Berle’s Embassy Records in March, 1967. Although it didn’t chart, “Detroit” is a good track, with all the elements that would have made their live show exciting – fuzz guitar, soulful horn charts, and group vocals.

A highpoint for the Nocturnals was playing the huge Expo 67 in Montreal. Afterwards the band relocated to Ontario, but, uninterested in adapting to the new psychedelic styles, they returned home after a few months. The band broke up in 1968, with Billy McBeth going into The Fox and Wayne Evans and Carl Erickson both staying in music for some time.

In April and June, 2007 the Nocturnals reunited for two live performances. They also released a CD of all their 60’s recordings, and a DVD of clips of the band from CBC-TV’s Let’s Go show and at the PNE backing the Coasters.

Sources include articles in the Vancouver Sun and the PNW Bands site. Thank you to Ivan Amirault for the RPM cover scan.


Photo from Live! from the Grooveyard LP

38 thoughts on “The Nocturnals”

  1. Hi, yes I was a member of the Nocturnals fan club, have one 45 I played endlessly, still have my membership card and a Christmas Card signed by all the guys, Chad, Carl, Roger, Wayne, Bill and Ron. The front has a white Santa owl with their equipment in a Santa bag on a red sleigh, and the 6 reindeer have their faces superimposed as the deers’ heads. Why does it have to be 40 years ago already?

    Cheers!

  2. Yes, he’s old, but Wayne Evans (bass) is still kicking and playing bass for a couple of young hot chicks doing dirty bluegrass. He sure pretends to be in it for the music. Look for him in “Hawkin’s Revenge”

  3. I remember the record with the Blue label. I was only about 6 or 7 but I thought WOW its Ronny playing on stage!! Do you know where he is?? if you do please say hello from Sande Burnstad..I’d like to know if they still have the farm in their family. Mrs Henshcel used to have me over on the farm and make fabulous potato pancakes. I’m still trying to replicate them. My father and Rons family did business together. Anyways I am still involved in the performing arts and music !!

    I remember Mom taking me to hear you guys play in New west on the waterfront 60’s)..DO you remember that?!!! Do you still play at all for fun?

    Please let me know if Ron is around and if he has a family..I just read the bio and I do remember when he married Linda Fink

    Thanks
    Sande Burnstad (Gunny’s daughter) White Rock BC

    1. Sande, this Carl formerly of the Nocturnals . Both Ron and I live in Creston BC and chat quite often. Sorry I don’t recall you but then it’s been , what fifty years since the band broke up , yet we are all still alive and kicking and for the Nocturnals was and always be a huge part of our lives. Sadly we lost Laurie Dubin recently, the husband of one of our dear friends who did indeed write some of our tunes ….. my email below if you want to contact me …..
      regards , love&life Carl

  4. My dad is Roger. He is still involved in music as well. He is now in a blues band and plays keyboard. You can see them around Vancouver. They are called Blooze Brewing Company! 😀 Cheers.

    1. Roger and his family lived in a home behind us in North Delta in the ’70’s on, and you know, I never even clued in that Roger played in the Nocturnals. I don’t know if the subject ever came up, but I would certainly have been interested in going to watch them play. Will have to follow the Blooze Brewing Company. My brother, Bill Stables, sang in many bands around that time, and in the ’80’s as well. He still loves his music, both singing and writing. I will certainly have to get him to look into Roger’s band and this site looks pretty cool too. I remember both of Rogers children too, Kathy and Adam.
      Judy Anderson

    2. Hey Kathy, how are you …. I’m Carl Erickson . Me and your Dad , who is and always will be my heart friend ….we traded saxophones , way back in the day ,my Selmer mark 6 for his king super 20 , which I still have and play . I always refer to as “our horn”
      Ron Henschel and I always laugh cuz Rog was always so much bigger than me , and him on tenor and me on baritone was indeed a hoot , we kinda looked like Mutt&Jeff , me being Mutt …. I said to Ron today …Roger could have been a pro comedian , no body could be more hilarious …
      anyway…love&life…..Carl

  5. Hey biscuit, Wayne used to play bass for Copper Penny in 1970-71. He started just about the time Brad Fowles(Churls), who was playing drums for Copper Penny left the band. If you ever see him ask if he remembers the gig with Chuck Berry or the bands farmhouse in Washington, ON…I’m sure he does! He can e-mail me at: copperpenny (at) rogers (dot) com

  6. And if Brad Fowles(Churls), is out there he can contact me at copperpenny at rogers dot com, we can swap old Copper Penny band stories from 1970.

  7. Hi sande
    yes hello iam alive and still kickin living in creston bc.. how are you. I can still remember all the good memories of the Burnsteds
    cheers

  8. This Ain’t Love is on the CD set from Neptoon Records. It’s absolutely worth getting for the sound and also the bonus DVD of old tv clips, home movies and interviews!

  9. Hi Sande , I played saxophone with the Nocturnals . Currently I live with Ron and his family in Creston BC. Contact us if you ever get this email.
    I know Ron would be please to hear from you , although he may not remember you … sorry that I don’t either but your welcome to email me at my address if you want. We got together as a group 5 years ago for a reunion of all the R&B groups of that era . All are guys are in the process of putting together a reunion for friendship sake as it may be the last time we are all together …. we’re still “brothers’ after all these years ….

    be well in any case love and life to you Carl Erickson age now 66

    1. Just started looking for you and Roger and Finn. Finn is a really elusive one. I think he thinks that Mom and Dad are holding a grudge and he doesn’t want to take a chance. the truth is stranger than fiction. Time heals all wounds. In some cases it also wounds all heels.

      1. Hello Mark,
        this is Carl Erickson. I was a close friend of your brother Bruce and considered myself a friend of your folks. I played saxophone and bass in the Nocturnals ….and still play these to this day . You were a very young boy when I last saw you and if I remember there was that other brother , but I don’t recall his name. But, as best as I do remember you were Bruce’s favorite brother. He was incredibly bright , wonderfully sarcastic and a faithful friend ….Finn, I saw about 20 years ago otherwise I have no idea of his whereabouts … if your folks are still around, give them my best …. Carl

  10. Hey Sande, just shows how old I’m getting … I just read that Ron has indeed replied to you ….oh well I am getting on in years Carl Erickson

    1. Hi Carl,

      Just found this website! Carol and I were talking about The Nocturnals a few days ago and I did some googling! Just wondered if you remembered the name? You used to call my Mom (Doris) “Duchess”? Aunty Marg and Uncle Louie were my/our Godparents? I still have the sweater that was Uncle Louie’s that Aunty Marg gave to Dad! Barry has mentioned you and Tommy a few times, too! Wondering how you and your family are? I still have the 2 “45’s” that Carol had from your group! Good to have found you in the interior, still “rockin'” It out!

  11. Hi/
    Just cruisin the net and found this old post. I managed The Churls in their early days and am trying to find Brad or any info on any of the guys. if you have been contacted or have any info on any original Churl members, I would dearly appreciate a shout…..thanks…….a very old Bill Riley.

    1. Hi Bill Riley;
      Sam Hurrie from the Churls is still around. He lives in Powell River, and gigs frequently with many other musicians, including my brother! There’s lot’s of current info about Sam on Google.
      Cheers,
      Doug Campbell

  12. Hello Bill Riley – I talk with Hal Ames, lead guitar with The Churls way back in 1966-67, once a year or so. Haven’t talked with Brad Fowles since about 1973 or so.

  13. I was in the original garage band with Hal, Brad, Dave, Pete…going wayyyy back, then brad and hal started up the churls, still have the album, and have some original saints recordings …contact me if any of you guys are still around!

  14. hi Ron. Its Nov I just looked at this site via a Facebook note about Roger playing. In Van. I guess it came from when i looked at your website. I see now that i got a note back from you..Mom asked me tonight. She and I laughed because I told her I remember waking up to the Rooster..She says there WAS NO ROOSTER ON THat Farm! !!! Lots of lmemories So glad to hear from you. I got the most beautiful mother goose book from you Mom and passed it on to my daughter.!!! luv sande. .

  15. back in the early to mid sixties Wayne Evans worked briefly with my dad and occasionally would come to our house and visit. My brother and I were just learning the guitar and Wayne would give the two of us pointers, and taught us things that helped us develop a love for music. Thank so much Wayne you were a good role model.

  16. Ron I stumbled onto your emailb and thought it would be nice to youch base with you after all these years. Hope to pass through Creston this summer and will look you up.

    Bob Karyula

  17. I just joined a band with nocturnals keyboardest, chad. I play bass with him in The Centaurs, another local band from that era. Chad is a really nice guy and fun to play music with!

  18. Hi Bill Riley;
    Sam Hurrie from the Churls is still around. He lives in Powell River, and gigs frequently with many other musicians, including my brother! There’s lot’s of current info about Sam on Google.
    Cheers,
    Doug Campbell

  19. Been tryin to find this song for 20 years! Heard it on CISL but never knew the name or bands name. Just figgered it out today sept 2018! Lo and behold….the band started in Haney, right where I sit.

  20. Hi Everyone
    Re: The Nocturnals
    I’m in their age group but never heard of them before today. What prompted me to look up this site is there is a signed photo by all the original 6 members (when they were still in Haney). It’s on an auction site, so I’m going to bid on it. If I get it, I’ll be happy to pass it on to any interested member of the band or fans. Contact me at stonecarverca@yahoo.ca. thnaks, Robert

    1. Back some 55 years, I was the bass player and BL for the Soul Reflections in Vancouver, BC. I remember the Nocturnals and all the bands on the Groove Yard CD. I was honored to know and play with drummer, Ron Zinko, sax player, Glenn Gish and many others. It was a great time to play the Vancouver scene. I still play today but in my home studio in California. All the best to those who followed the greatest time in Vancouver’s music history. I am looking forward to receiving my Groove Yard CD!…Jim

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