Monocled Alchemist

A brilliant combination of sounds, costume and choreography

Countdown 5 | Everybody Loves ‘Em! | The brash sounds of today, and a brilliant combination of costume and choreography are the COUNTDOWN. They are the embodiment of all that is professional in today’s rock musk scene – a superlative blend of sight and sound. The difficulty in understanding lyrics never bothers COUNTDOWN listeners since their audiences invariably respond with enthusiasm because their vocal delivery has drive, creates excitement and compels motion of the feet and body.

Their dance steps and bodily motions are employed effectively to every lyric, and this is done with a oneness of motion and vocalisation that transcends their audiences with feeling, electrifying excitement and frenzy as the expressive ends.

Communication is the life blood of the COUNTDOWN, and they have mastered the art in the field of music with an interpretation of a song and dance phenomenon which offers an almost visual representation of the feeling and sensations of their every uttered word, facial movement, body and feet movements so effectively that every member of the audience is captivated anf feels an overwhelming and complete rapport with the COUNTDOWN.

The COUNTDOWN understands youth and the music of today – their contemporary rhythms and introspective lyrics are a testament to that fact. Professionalism is the trademark of the COUNTDOWN – a professionalism born of six years performing together. This unique blend of experience and youthful ideas make the COUNTDOWN truly the sound of today.

Countdown 5 | Everybody Loves ‘Em!

One unique feature of the group is the fact that each member of the group is a talented writer. The group has over one-thousand songs to their credit.

Mack Hayes, magnificent lead singer of the group stands 5-9 and weighed in at 150lbs. He attended the University of Houston majoring in Radio and Television. In his third year of college he left to devote himself full time to the COUNTDOWN. Since that time, he has also become a recording engineer, and an airplane pilot. He frequently pilots the group to their many far reaching engagements. Hayes’ voice has a guttural quality reminiscent of his early days in a R&B group called The Continentals.

Like many singers who started in 62-64 he had his roots in the Texas-Louisiana earthy rock which has now become so popular with the advent of such groups as Credence Clearwater Revival. Aside from this however, Mack gives the group a sound all its own. This sound is a sophisticated Texas-Louisiana hard rock ballyhoo type of music, uniquely the property of the COUNTDOWN. Mack largely gives the group this distinctive sound.

Tommy Williams, hard driving drummer of the group was one of the COUNTDOWNS original members in 1963 when they were known as D & the Dominos. Standing only 5-6, “Willie” as he is affectionately known, is the teddy bear of the group. Willie does not sing but he does write. Among some of his songs are “Ain’t Got No Hair,” and “Female Attraction.” Willie is a very dextrous person. He has recently completely rebuilt his 66 Corvette. He also attended the University of Houston before devoting himself completely to music in 1967.

Countdown 5 | Everybody Loves ‘Em!

Tommy Murphy the multi-talented bass player for the group not only plays but writes his own distinct brand of music which never fails to have deep and vital meaning. He also is a talented commercial artist and a poet. His one hobby is budding intricate and beautiful model airplanes along with Willie’s never failing drumming. Muff holds the group together musically giving a solid bass on which to build.

If there is such a thing as classic virtuosity in reek music today John Balzer, lead guitar of the COUNTDOWN has it in ample proportions. A longtime studio musician, he has played on many hits other than those of the COUNTDOWN. A talented writer in his own right. Balzer personifies everything that is professional on the exciting music scene today. On stage, he cannot keep still, always dancing and moving often sensual, and always vital.

The group as a whole has done more than any other group in the south. Among other things, the group has done an 18 week TV show all their own. They have worked with Steppenwolf, The Ohio Express, The Raiders, The Dave Clark Five, The Five Americans, B. J. Thomas, Roy Head, Major Lance, Sir Douglas Quintet, The Gentrys, The Box Tops, Sam the Sham, The Grass Roots and many more. This is a record rivalled by no other group in the south.

This then is the COUNTDOWN, they are everything to everyone and yet they are only themselves. (vintage press)