Shepherd - "Are We Alone" b/w "Never Heard a Thing" 1970-71 / Snoblind - 1975

Mark Lillis' (guitar, bass,vocals) and Jeff Hilgert's (drums) musical friendship began in the mid-1960's while they were members of the Eau Clair, Wisconsin boys drum & bugle corp. They were also playing in rock bands during those years and in 1967, Joined Burlington Express along with Ken Matson (keyboard, vocal), and Bill Burling (bass). In 1968 they recorded a 45 RPM record, comprised of  Sam Cooke's "Shake", and "Three Time Loser" by Wilson Picket, which got considerable regional airplay.
Shortly thereafter, Michael Clifton joined the band on guitar and vocals, which was eventually followed by Bill Burling's departure. The remaining four members adopted the timely name "Krystal Sunshine."
In 1969, after losing Matson to a hot blonde, Mark, Michael and Jeff became a trio called Shepherd. Their abilities, ambitions, and popularity grew quickly, and they soon a keyboard player named Jay Peterson. Mike Richson (guitar,vocals) was later added for special effects.

Shepherd

Shepherd's live show was a mix of covers and original material, they performed at outdoor festivals, theaters, and clubs in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Iowa. Two of the bands original compositions: "Are We Alone" & "Never Heard a Thing" were recorded at Scott Sound Studio in Eau Clair in 1968, and both songs still stand as solid rock music of the era.

Shepherd disbanded in 1970. Mark, Jay, and Jeff, moved to Milwaukee where they played with John Paris and James Solberg in the bands Bacon Fat, and Dynamite Duck. Michael remained in Milwaukee and helped form Snoblind.

In 1973, Snoblind moved to Madison, where they were already well known. A Few months later, Mark and Jeff packed up to once again join forces with Michael and Snoblind in Madison.

Jeff returned to Eau Clair in 1974 to play with Mike Richson in Not Guilty. Around that time Steve "Zues" Johnstad ("vocalist extraordinaire") Joined Michael and Mark in Snoblind. The band continued to expand musically while becoming evermore popular until it's demise in 1976.

Hear the flipside to this tune, "Never Heard a Thing" HERE

Shepherd

Live at Hannah's, Milwaukee, Wi, 1975

Live at Hannah's, Milwaukee, Wi. 1975