Kreeg

Verified Timeline

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.

In Their Own Story

The Kreeg found steady success playing fraternity parties and high school homecoming dances across the Albuquerque area. According to Bob Sturtcman, '...from local airplay, we garnered a lot of clout for bookings, which kept us busy every weekend.' Their commercial viability helped establish Lance Records as a hub for the region's top groups. However, the band's momentum faced challenges when lead guitarist Larry Inks decided to move to California, causing the group to begin disintegrating. With the Vietnam War draft looming, the Kreeg officially ceased operations by the end of 1968. Following their breakup, Bob and Russ Sturtcman continued playing together in 'Mother Sturtcman's Jam and Jellies' through 1969, releasing a single version of The Yardbirds' 'For Your Love.' They later formed the band Albatross in Taos during the early 1970s. Decades later, Bob Sturtcman became an architect living in Ranchos de Taos, while Russ Sturtcman passed away in 2014.

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?

• The band changed its name from 'the Blitzkrieg' to 'the Kreeg' specifically out of concern for the numerous World War II veterans living in Albuquerque.
• They were the first band ever signed to Dick Stewart's Albuquerque-based Lance Records.
• Their debut single 'How Can I' b/w 'Impressin'' was released in November 1966 and sold well enough to convince the label to sign more local rock bands.
• Bob Sturtcman later became an architect and currently lives in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico.
• The name 'the Kreeg' evolved through two stages: first shortened from 'Blitzkrieg' to 'Krieg', then finally to 'Kreeg'.