The Suitcasers
Ypsilanti, Michigan
1964-1965

 

We were all students at the time at Eastern Michigan University. Ernie was on a football scholarship, Phil and I had just transferred from Ferris State. Ernie and Phil played guitar, and lived on the same hallway, and Phil and I were roommates. I started out as the piano player until Al walked in on a jam session in the residence lounge, sat down, and proceeded to get about twice the volume out of the piano. He was hired on the spot, and I went out and bought a bass. We played our first gig free to honor our fallen President John F. Kennedy, who had just been assassinated. The hall was empty because no one had ever heard of us, but when we started playing they started pouring in. After that gig, we were inundated with offers from fraternities and the school for dances.

 

Personnel:
Ernie Rouse - Lead Guitar and Vocals
Phillip Francis - second Guitar and Vocals
Al Wouk - Piano and Vocals
Robert Burwell - Bass and Vocals
John Lucas - Drums

Influences:
Beatles, Stones, Chuck Berry, Little Richard

Setlist Sample:
Johnny B. Goode, Money, Long Tall Sally, She Loves You, Run Around Sue

Equipment:
Gibson SG standards, Regent Bass, Electric Piano

Rehearsal Space:
McKenny Hall on the Eastern Michigan University campus.

Band Vehicles:
Phil's car

Fashion Statement:
We all wore red and white pin stripes ala barber shop quartet.

Best Gig:
Theta Xi, they loved us, especially the song Run Around Sue, during which they would all adlib "She Goes..Down for Theta Xi"

Gig from Hell!:
As a group we never had a bad gig, but Al was pretty bummed out when one night some drunken jerk poured a mug of beer into his electric piano.

Last Gig:
Can't remember, but probably Theta Xi

 

 

Where are they now?
I am an applications developer and part time songwriter, Phil is teaching in Detroit, Ernie has a construction company in South Carolina, and I would really love to hear from Al Wouk and John Lucas.
Guys if you read this, email me at rburwell5@verizon.net

Editor's note:

Garage fans should note (especially those from the Detroit area), Robert Burwell later went on to play bass with "The Wilson Mower Pursuit" in 1967 and 1968, which also featured former members of "The Gang"... Jim Butler and Dave O'Brien

 Information contributed by Robert Burwell rburwell5@verizon.net

 

 
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