After 1,000 work-hours over the course of two years, I am proud to say that the first edition of The Real Rock & Roll High School 1960-1975 is complete. Due to high content of large scale images and two-page-spread format of the book, it is not possible to print in a cost effective manner through any of the corporate internet services, and will not lend itself to ebook conversion for the limitations of the medium. Therefore, I am offering it for sale in the most impressive and beautiful format available as a pdf document, which I am sure you will enjoy. Contact me for more info. -- Mark Smollin, author

True tales of legendary bands that performed at Staples High School took place in our state-of-the-art 1,200 seat theater, an excellent facility graced by all kinds of musical talents, but this book focuses on rock-stars! Famous name bands also played at proms and other venues in Westport as documented, often accompanied by local bands as opening acts. Concerts were made possible by construction of the venue and two students with their ears on the pulse of pop-music. They possessed a desire to provide first class entertainment to the student body and Fairfield County at large, and do it profitably.

The presentation provides a thread tracking the influence of electric-music and the way it transformed our culture as experienced by Barry Tashian, Staples graduate in 1962, founder, lead vocalist, and guitarist of The Remains. Barry writes about his getting hooked on Bill Haley, performing with The Schemers at Staples, and founding The Remains, who just played their fiftieth anniversary show. Many other alumni contributed anecdotes and memorabilia about their rock-experiences as well. Excerpts of local and school newspapers are included to document this history as faithfully as possible. You also find some surprising music trivia and inside scoops.

For each year covered in the book a current events fact sheet is inserted to include: news headlines, top movies, television programming, music news, and the top ten singles released for the year.

The Yardbirds played their first concert in the United States at Staples. Dick Sandhaus booked them to so we could hear Eric Clapton, but he was replaced by Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page, so we had to settle. Eric eventually made it to our stage with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker in 1968 as pictured on the back cover below.