Cold Sun

An obscure but legendary psychedelic progressive outfit. Cold Sun, based in Austin, Texas, were active for only a few years around 1970. Bill Miller (autoharps, voices), who was a fan of the 13th Floor Elevators and later known as one of the backing members of Roky Erickson, formed a psychedelic rock band Couldron with his mate Tom McGarrigle (guitar) in 1968. Soon they changed the name to Amethyst and appeared on stage at the LL Club, a psychedelic club in Austin, as a follower of the Elevators. Since then Bill had gotten to play autoharps, one of the key instruments for psychedelic rock, with some eccentric chords amplified. In 1969, Amethyst recruited Mike Waugh (bass), who brought in John Ike Walton (drums, percussion), one of the early members of the Elevators. They signed with an independent record label Sonobeat, that John Ike was familiar with, with their band name changed into Cold Sun. Their one and only album 'Dark Shadows' was recorded during 1970, with a new drummer Hugh Patton instead of John; unfortunately, Cold Sun could not release this album because of Sonobeat's bankruptcy, and they broke up in 1973. Members are: - Billy Miller - Lead Vocals, Autoharp, song writing - Tom Mcgarrigle - Lead Guitar, backing vocals, - Mike Waugh - Bass, backing vocals, - Hugh Patton - Drums