The Velvet Haze came from Alexandria, Virginia. The band started out as the Arratics in 1965. Members were Jim Jost vocals, Mike Mullins guitar, Ron Collins guitar, Dave Padgett bass and Steve Larrick drums. In 1966 they changed their name to the Velvet Haze.

The next year they had a major lineup change. Rhythm guitarist Roger Bullock told me that “Mike Mullins started the Velvet Haze and I joined in what could be termed phase II, i.e., Mike Mullins and Jim Jost remained from the original band, and Art Meushaw, Tom Futch and I joined the band — and a short time later we added Butch Martinez as a second vocalist.”

The Velvet Haze were known for playing some rough venues and it shows up in the heavy, scuzzy sound of their only 45, from 1968. Sometime after the single, Rick Stone took over as drummer until the band broke up in 1971. They reunited around 1975 for a show with Rick Stone on drums, at a local Alexandria, VA community center. Recordings of “Grizzly Bear” and “Let It Be Me” come from that show.

Members:
Butch Martinez (vocals), Jim Jost (vocals), Mike Mullins (lead guitar), Roger Bullock (guitar), Art Meushaw (bass), Tom Futch (drums), Ron Collins (guitar 1965-67), Dave Padgett (bass 1965-67), Steve Larrick (drums 1965-67)

Also Known As:
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