Marblehead is known as a destination for many things. Vacations, history, sailing, you name it. But for one roots-rock band in the early ’70s, it was where it recorded one of its most popular albums.
In 1971, Seatrain released its third album, “The Marblehead Messenger,” recorded entirely in a small house on the Neck that summer and produced by none other than George Martin.
Yes, that George Martin, who is often referred to as the “fifth Beatle” for his role in producing the iconic band’s albums.
At the time, Seatrain was made up of six members: Richard Greene (violin, mandolin, vocals), Larry Atamanuik (drums, percussion), Peter Rowan (guitar, vocals), Lloyd Baskin (keyboard, vocals), Andy Kulberg (bass, flute, vocals), and Jim Roberts (lyrics, vocals). The group started its career in 1969 in California, but made its way to the East Coast shortly afterward and set up camp in Marblehead.
Drawing inspiration for the album’s name from an old newspaper in town, “The Marblehead Messenger” consists of 10 tracks, totaling slightly more than 40 minutes.
That same summer, thousands came out to see the band perform at Crocker Park during the Marblehead Festival of Arts. An article in the Messenger dated July 8, 1971 states that there were nearly 12,000 people in attendance for the festival, where roughly 5,000 watched the band perform.
No, that’s not a typo. In fact, the article says that the concert got so wild that the police received multiple complaints about noise at the park.
Another Messenger article from that same year in October, written by Ralph Silva and Scott Loomas, reviewed the project. In the article, they called Greene’s violin “the backbone of the group’s music,” and each song’s “personality etched by his electronic stylizations.”
In the title track, the band chose to make its “message” about creating peace in the world with the lyrics “lay down your arms, put an end to war, lay down your arms.”
Silva and Loomas wrote about the band’s decision to send that message from their small coastal town.
“Maybe we should be thankful that a West Coast rock group found this hope here in our town,” the article reads. “It’s a well-written message and a good song.”
Do you, your friends, or family members remember Seatrain coming to Marblehead? Reach out to us at ryan@itemlive.com with your stories and memories of the band recording and performing in town.