In 1968, Allen rejoined the band and, despite maintaining much of its quirkiness, the unit was temporarily welcomed back into the fold of listenable and tolerable bands -- at least by Dublin standards. Through the addition of a more traditional repertoire, and due in no small part to Allen's friendship with one Randy Stinson, a very popular guy who never tired of promoting the band, The Ancestors began their peak period of commercial success, sometimes earning as much as $30-$40 each from one show.

Left photo:   The proper way to hold a spear gun. Center photo:   Randy Stinson's first brush with an Ancestors founding member is documented in this rare photograph of one of Randy's early birthday parties.  That's Tom Patterson at left holding a toy frog, and Randy in the center in cowboy garb.  Allen Tindol was Randy's next door neighbor at this time, and was once bitten by Randy's dog (with justification, I'm sure). Right photo:   Stunt driving in the Buick.

Allen left again in 1968 and was replaced by singing bassist Johnny Fountain. The Ancestors added a new keyboardist, Mike Harrell, who knew nothing about anything other than the music of "Steppenwolf." Allen later rejoined the band for a third time, from 1969 until its demise in 1970, as a featured vocalist, along with Johnny Fountain's cousin, Bobby Fountain. The band played songs by Spirit, Blood, Sweat, and Tears, Three Dog Night, The Hollies, Wilson Pickett, The Beatles, and Rolling Stones during this final era.

Prev chapter             Next chapter