Jokers Wild

Minnesota garage rock band with a progressive rock sound. Formed in the mid 1960's by Dave Wagner and Gene Balabon who were both former members of The Aardvarks. They underwent several line up changes over the years before getting down to a trio of Lon Knight, Denny Johnson and Pete Huber, then finally ending in 1969. They released 3 singles on Metrobeat and Peak records. Original members: Dave Wagner – Vocals Gene Balabon – Lead guitar Pete Huber – Drums Denny Johnson – Bass Dave Middlemist – Keyboards In 1967 their manager, David Anthony, organized a change of personnel between Jokers Wild and The Rave-Ons to form a new group called South 40. Post 1967 Members: Lonnie Knight – Vocals and Lead Guitar Bill Jordan – Guitar (replaced by Dale Strength, then Danny Kane) Denny Johnson – Bass Pete Huber – Drums Greg Springer – Keyboards Lonnie Knight was a member of The Castaways and the Rave-Ons before joining Jokers Wild.