Tommy and The Tune Sharks

Based on newspaper ads for local clubs, the band seems to have begun performing publicly around late 1967 under the name Bobby Fischer and The Tune Sharks. Fronted by Bobby Fischer (2), the group also featured drummer Bob Mewes of Davenport, Iowa, who had been with Fischer since about 1960; guitarist Dick Seals of Matherville, Illinois; and bassist Erv Smith, also of Matherville. This incarnation of the ensemble appears to have remained intact into February of 1970, when Fischer gave up a 17-year long career with International Harvester's Farmall plant in Rock Island, Illinois, to become a songwriter in Nashville. Following Fischer's departure, the group reformed as Tommy and The Tune Sharks, performing under that name as early as July 1970 with Tom Holder fronting the band. Holder had previously performed with another local band known as Tommy And The Curios, including a December 1968 New Year's Eve gig with local country music luminary Red Tuck. The reformed Tune Sharks appears to have lasted into at least 1976. After that venture, Holder began fronting a new band, Country Magic, around 1980.