The long-haired bassist who helped define the American rock aesthetic
In short: In 1964, a recommendation for a "weird" musician with long hair helped shape the visual identity of American rock. Ron Meagher didn't just provide the low end for The Beau Brummels; he became a pioneer of the Beatlesque look that would soon dominate the global music scene.
In 1964, guitarist Ron Elliott sought a bassist for his new group, The Beau Brummels. He received a recommendation from Kay Dane, who warned that Meagher was "kind of weird" due to his long hair. Despite this initial hesitation, Meagher's appearance became a cornerstone of the band's identity, making him one of the first American rock musicians to adopt the distinctive Beatlesque hairstyle.
Meagher was a versatile contributor to the band's early output. Beyond his primary role on bass, he provided backing vocals and occasionally took the lead, notably on the track "They'll Make You Cry" from the group's 1965 debut album, Introducing the Beau Brummels. He remained a steady presence as the group evolved from a five-piece ensemble to a trio by the release of the critically acclaimed Triangle in 1967.
His career took a dramatic turn in 1968 during the recording of Bradley's Barn. At the height of the Vietnam War, Meagher was drafted into military service—a rare occurrence for a member of a prominent rock band. Following his discharge two years later, he continued his musical journey, performing in several reunions and joining the Black Velvet Band with former bandmate Declan Mulligan.
Meagher's influence extends into pop culture history as well. He appeared in the 1965 science-fiction comedy Village of the Giants, a film that later gained a second life in the 1994 episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000. His trajectory reflects the intersection of early rock aesthetics, the draft's impact on the music industry, and the enduring legacy of 1960s garage rock.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Ron Meagher
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