The Savage Generation came from Westchester, NY. Members were Roger Alther of Tuckahoe, Ronnie Fruscianti of New Rochelle, Tom Scarcello and Ray De Angelis of Scarsdale, and Paul Montclare of Eastchester.
They had one single on Senate Record Corp 2113 from October 1968, both sides original songs by band members. Ray De Angelis wrote the A-side, “You’re Not Going to Change My World”, which is heavy on the phasing and has great rhythm section. I haven’t heard the flip, “Mr. Sun”, written by Tom Scarcello and Ron Frusciante.
Both songs published by Pocket Full of Tunes, Inc / Egavas Music BMI, produced by Wes Farrell, and distributed by ABC Records, NY.
The article has many interesting quotes from the band’s members, and also lists two songs that weren’t released, “A Dream Walks Amongst Us” written by Paul Montclare, and “Birth of a Savage”.
Tommy Scarcello wrote a personal history of his time in the ’60s for the Tony Alamo ministry. He describes performing with the Savage Generation:
We wrote a song called “Birth of a Savage.” I would come on stage wearing a priest’s white robe with a long afro and beard and would light myself on fire with lighter fluid and the stage as well. We would sing our song, and then as things were burning, I would pick up a large empty shell that looked like a mini bomb, and I would scream, “Peace, peace, or destruction!” and then fling it out into the audience … We went on and recorded an album at the first 24-track studio owned by Jimmy [sic] Hendrix in New York City.
I think it’s likely the group did record more than just the single, but nothing else has been released to my knowledge. After writing this article, Tommy contacted me and sent the photos seen here.
A belated thank you to transoniq for finding this article, and special thanks to Tommy Scarcello for the photos of the group and fan club card.
Very interesting my name is Tommy ScarcelloI wonder where the rest of my group is now ?
I am Tommy Scarcello
I have some pictures of my group that I was in back in the 60s savage generation but I don’t know who to contact to give them
Hello,
I was wondering if somehow there was a Michael who played guitar in your group at one time?
I am friends with both of your sisters, Janet and Betty. We were talking about you the other night. I saw you play several times.
How interesting do you remember where you saw us
I actually do remember very well. It was at Eastchester High School. You were wearing a white robe and pouring some flammable liquid on your arms. At the end you threw something that looked like a bomb, and sounded like an ashcan going off.
Very impressive show! Betty’s husband told me you responded.
Hi Bob I have not Ben Abel to reach my sisters do you have a number
Hi Bob, this is Tommy Scarcello’s daughter, I have been looking for years for my Aunts, Betty and Janet. Could you please ask them to contact me? My Dad and I are estranged, but I would LOVE to contact my Aunts!!
Thank you!
Jessica, I did get your Facebook request and spoke to Janet and Betty right away. I understand you did get in touch with them, so I did what you asked. Glad I could help.
Hi Tom:
This is Roger Alther. I now live in Gardnerville NV. Lived 28 years in SanDiego after leaving LA in 1975. Ray is in Toms River NJ. I don’t know where Ron or Paul are.
Contact me if you’d like.
Roger
Ron last known to be in Elmsford ny. as of 17 years ago.
Hello , my name is Conrad Paolucci, I lived 2 house down from Ronnie on Sickles Ave. New Rochelle, I would see yo Guys getting ready to go out on a gig, in fact my uncle took me and my cousin to listen & watch you practice at the rented room 2nd floor on North Ave .
Tommy, call Janet! Happy Thansgiving!
Hi, long lost brother Ray from the Savage Generation,still rockin at 70.Can’t believe anyone even cared enough to dig up this 60’s band,I love it.This was one of my early bands in high school.We had a big fan base in the tri-state area.We herd that a band called the Who and the Move from England that destroyed their instruments on stage,This seemed like a good idea to us.Unfortunately We didn’t know they used dummy amps, after we went broke I believe we had to stay together another year after we broke up just to pay back every music store in the area.This band had the first rock opera anywhere.Most people didn’t know we were at one point slated to tour with the Who,but when Chris stamp the Who’s manager saw us live he said no way these guys are crazier than the Who I can’t have that. Gee I wonder where they got the idea for Tommy I know we were doing Birth of a savage way before they did Tommy.Unfortunately we had to keep topping ourselves every show,we destroyed cars,rode on stage with horses,swung on ropes,set fire to everything,played in a forest,you name it this band did it.Years later Kiss asked me to join their band,members of their band would always be in the front row of our shows.They said we paint our faces and are going to have a big show like you guys did in the 60’s,I actually said,I don’t think anyone will go for that again.I’m also the genius who turned down VanHalen.Good to see some of these guys are still alive I miss them.I spent 35 years in L.A. played in a great 12 piece horn band for Paramount studios for two years,we were the house band for Mork and Mindy,Happy Days,Laverne and Sherley ect.I also had the house band for Al Pacino’s club ran by his Dad for 9 years.I now live by the Jersey shore in a band called the Shoresyde Band and Duo.we work all the time,mostly New York New Jersey and Philly.I would love to hear from these guys again.
Hi Ray this is Tammi do you have an email address or something and we can communicate on
Hello,
I was wondering if there was a Michael who played guitar in your band back then.
Hi Ray. Yeah, I’m still playing at 72. Live in Yonkers for the past 24 years.
Married with 3 all grown up kids. And 3 Grand kids. Good to see everyone is still around. Been a long time.
Hey, this is Paul. Nice to hear from you guys. Like the newspaper article said I became a lawyer, and now I am a partner in the law firm of Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp based in LA and NYC. I still love music, and my daughter Caitlin Montclare is a really terrific rock musician/writer/guitarist/performer. You should check her out online. I live in Scarsdale. Loved to hear the old stories of the SG.
Hi Paul, you drove to South Lee MA once to visit me and wrote a poem about your trip. I wish I still had it, it was good! Anyway I dated Ron briefly and that’s how we became friends. I don’t know if you will remember any of this but it was a fond one for me. Warmly, Casey
Hey Paul this is Tommy sure like to talk with you my email you how can I reach you
Can you get me my sisters number
Tommy, this is Janet, e-mail me.
Call me what’s your e mail address
Tommy,this is janet, call me at nine one four 588 one one nine four.
Hi, Tom,
My email address is pdm@msk.com
I just seen a acetate on ebay by the savages from n.y. and it brought me here.. Was wondering if it was the same band? It contains 3 cover songs of the rolling stones, recorded at howell recording services buffalo, n.y.? Around and around/play with fire/if you need me” are the song titles….