The band that was to become Black Ice started in 1979, with Duke Harner on drums and Nathan Whorton playing bass, two 7th graders at Hopkins Jr. High in Aberdeen, WA. Tony Poukkula on guitar soon joined as well. They were three kids that just liked music and would create life-long friends with themselves and many more. Early names include Epsilon and Exodus. Mike Elliott, a guitarist, was the original fourth member. The boys practiced at Mike's house, at the school's band room, at Duke's mom's "the Duck's" beauty salon in Central Park and Purdy's garage. The guys played at noon-time dances at the Jr. high, wedding receptions and where ever, sans vocals. Bill Pitts, Jim Green and Bob Elhindi were also members early on. Suzanne Carson sang with the band for awhile, but eventually, in 1981 John Purdy became the vocalist. Now there was a core of four. Chris Kycek played guitar for the band for awhile and was eventually replaced by Doug George of Raymond, WA. After the Summer of 1983 Nathan left the group and the band continued on in various line-ups that lasted about another three years. Perhaps, we'll talk about that more later. To see a selection of early photographs, go to: Classic Photos To read a rarely seen interview with Black Ice, go to:Ocean Breeze interview, December 20, 1982 Black Ice played A LOT for any aged band. Junior, Senior high school, college dances in Aberdeen, Montesano, Hoquiam, Raymond, North Beach, and South Bend - not to mention a zillion wedding receptions, fair shows, keggars, a biker party and whatever else that came up. Black Ice played mostly cover tunes - songs by Van Halen, Judas Priest, Scorpions, Def Leppard, Loverboy, Rush, Kiss, UFO, Night Ranger and so on, lots of tunes. Actually, the list would be more like what didn't they play. Favorites included; Working Man, 2112, Tom Sawyer, Victim of Changes, The Green Manilishi, Cat Scratch Fever, Rockbottom, Bottom's Up!, Ain't Talking 'bout Love, Mean Streets, Jumping Jack Flash, The Zoo, Blackout, The Boys Are Back In Town - Can't possibly list them all, but these guys liked playing long, complicated songs as well as easy top-40 tunes. Black Ice played original tunes too, songs like Rock and Roll Show, You Can't Go Wrong, Such A Long Time, Age Of Metal, In Outer Space, My Lady and Shatterday, to name a few. There's a reason most of the players in this band have continued to be musicians, that's because they all have talent and desire. 1996 gave the world a glimpse of the days of yore. Duke, Tony, John and Nate played three sets at the Liberty Tavern, that included all of the favorite covers and originals. It was packed, Black Ice rocked - and it could happen again with Doug too! The word is?? Perhaps future links will include more information about Duke, Tony, John and Doug. John told me that he is going to write up three stories about the old days - about "John threatening to throw Tony in front of a car", "Duke dumping out Nate's tape case and Nate kicking over Duke's drums" and "Duke roller skating in Sam Benn Gym and tackling Tony because he wouldn't help set-up for a gig". When I think about it (and I really haven't thought about much in many years) it's pretty cool that 4-5 junior and high school kids did what Black Ice did - play and write music, organize the business part and have fun, without adult supervision (but we, of course had help from moms and dads). Hopefully, there will be comments and memories from the band members, so stay tuned!!!! OK, If anybody; Fans, bandmembers, fellow musicians have any comments to put on this fine page, you know what to do. Write what you want to say, (I hope that it's nice) and email it to me. Hey and while you're at it - send this link to an old or new friend.