The "Spyders"

Bill Oxford, Vance Johnson's uncle, brought the "Spyders" to the Bay Area all the way from Harrison, Arkansas early in 1964.  Vance joined the band as their first Bay Area drummer, and later, lead singer and front man.  The "Spyders" were at first a top 40 cover band during the "British Invasion", and later became a pure "Soul" band, gaining some recognition as a "Tower of Power" influence.                                      Both Vance and his uncle left the "Spyders" late in 1965, and moved to Spokane, Washington, where they started new musical pursuits.  The "Spyders" quickly replaced them and got very "funky".  The band went on to record and tour successfully for another three years, until the draft decimated the group, and they dissolved late in 1968.        Back Row, left to right: Steve Dodson, Larry Cambra, John Whitney, Max Haskett, Mike Tacker.  Front: Dennis D'ell Acqua            Although the "Spyders" are now a distant memory, there still seems to be a sort of lingering "Spydermania" among their fans, and fans of the "Tower of Power", even after 35 years.  Bill Oxford had several former members of the "Spyders" together again in a club band in Oakland in 1970. Vance played his 30 year Mt. Eden High School class reunion with John Whitney, who has helped to write several T.O.P. hit tunes with Emilio Castillo and Stephen "Doc" Kupka.