The Coachmen, one of the most popular and successful
rock bands in the Midwest, reunited with original
members, Rick Bell, Jeff Travis, Craig Perkins,
"Red" Freeman and Bruce Watson, at the August 23,
1997 show at the Pla-Mor Ballroom in Lincoln.
Originally from Lincoln, the Coachmen were formed in
1964 and performed regionally at teen dances
like 9-high, Keen Time, and Woods Park Pool
Parties.
In January 1965, The Coachmen won the KOIL radio
Battle of the Bands in Omaha. Shortly thereafter
they recorded and released "Mr. Moon", written by
Freeman, first on the local MMC record label,
later on Bear Records out of Minneapolis. The song
was a smash hit...reaching #1 on the local charts in
the fall of 1965, as well as going to #1 in regional
markets like San Francisco and Sacremento California,
Salem Oregon, and Minneapolis.
By 1966 they had relocated to Omaha, Ne,
toured over a 17 state area in their 44-passenger
bus, and hosted their own TV show in Omaha, aired
just after Dick Clark's American Bandstand...
performing their own hits, and featuring guest
appearances by other local rock bands.
