Hal Lotzenhiser, Ned Neltner, Mike (Michael Jay) Clothier, Michael Buono, Les Clinkingbeard and of course "The Coasters"
Cornell Gunther, far right.
The Mark 5
Spokane, Washington
1961  ~ 1965

Members

Bob Acorn ~ Keyboards
Mike Buono ~ Drums
*Les Clinkingbeard ~ Saxophone
*Mike Clothier ~ Organ
*Wayne Freeman ~ Drums
*Hal Lotzenhiser ~ Bass
Steve Nelson ~ Drums
*Ned Neltner ~ Guitar, Leader

*  Original Members

Roadie

John "Kan-Do" Kandarian

In Memory of
Wayne Freeman

Wayne Freemen - from the 1962 Rogers High School Annual
Image Courtesy of Michael Jay Clothier

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Wayne Freeman, who died at the age of 19, was a rare human being, and definitely one of a kind.  He was a really good Hot Rod Builder.  He had a 34 Ford 5 window coupe, and a 34 Dodge 2 door Sedan.  He loved cars and music and was just beginning a productive life.  We still miss him.

Michael Jay Clothier, January 2007

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Original members of the Mark 5, Spring of 1963, were, Ned Neltner, leader and guitar, Hal Lotzenhiser (Lotzi), bass, Les Clinkingbeard, sax, Michael (Michael Jay) Clothier, organ and Wayne Freeman, drums.  Unfortunately Wayne was killed in a car wreck, about 4 months after the band was formed.  We struggled with other drummers for 3 or 4 months, until, in Portland, Oregon, in the Fall of 63, we met Michael Buono.  We were playing after hours jam sessions at the Turquoise Room and Michael would come and set in.  He was working at the time at the 3 Star,  just a few blocks down Barbour Blvd from the T-Room.  That band was intact for 3 years.  When Uncle Sam called Ned, we tried to survive but he was the backbone of the Group.  When Ned returned, that's when the Gas Company was formed.

Michael Jay Clothier, January 2007
 

If you have corrections, a neat photo or more information, please send it to:

Last Update:  18 February 2007

Credits: Don Rogers, Don Larson, Bob Acorn, Michael Jay Clothier, Brian Lord