Kreeg
Albuquerque's garage rock pioneers who turned local hits into a timeless legacy.
The Kreeg were an American garage rock band hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, who rose to prominence during the mid-1960s. Formed in 1966 by members of earlier local groups known as the Goldenaires and the Prophets, they quickly became one of the most popular acts in their region. Despite their regional focus, they left a lasting mark on garage rock history through their 1966 single and subsequent anthologies that preserved their complete recordings for enthusiasts worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
- Genre
- Garage rock
- Years active
- 1966-1968
- Label
- Lance
- Past members
- Bob Sturtcman
- Hap Blackstock
- Ray Trujillo
- Larry Inks
- Russ Sturtcman
Lore & Background
The Kreeg emerged in 1966 from the ashes of the Prophets, originally considering the name 'the Blitzkrieg' before shortening it to 'the Krieg' and finally 'the Kreeg' out of respect for World War II veterans in Albuquerque. The lineup featured Bob Sturtcman on rhythm guitar and vocals (previously with the Goldenaires), Hap Blackstock on bass, Larry Inks on lead guitar, and Russ Sturtcman on drums; Ray Trujillo later replaced Blackstock on bass. Heavily influenced by the harder, blues-based sounds of The Yardbirds and Them, they developed a distinct style that combined these elements with folk rock.
Bob Sturtcman wrote several songs, leading to their historic signing as the first band on Dick Stewart's Lance Records. Their debut single, 'How Can I' b/w 'Impressin'', released in November 1966, generated two minor local hits and sold well enough to convince Lance to sign more area rock bands.
Reader's Guide
For collectors and garage rock historians, the Kreeg's legacy is best preserved through the 1996 anthology 'Impressin',' released on Collectables Records. Assembled by Bob Sturtcman and Dick Stewart, this CD features their complete recordings, including official releases, demos, and live tracks, accompanied by informative liner notes and a discography. Fans can also find their music in earlier compilations: 'How Can I' and 'Impressin'' appeared on the 1991 release 'Sixties Archives #4: Florida & New Mexico Punk' by Eva Records, while 'Impressin'' was included in the 2004 Sundazed Music compilation 'Garage Beat '66 Volume 1: Like What, Me Worry?!'. The band's sole official single remains 'How Can I' b/w 'Impressin'' (Lance 2229), released in November 1966.
Did You Know?
- They were the first band ever signed to Dick Stewart's Albuquerque-based Lance Records.
- Bob Sturtcman later became an architect and currently lives in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico.
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