THE READERS WRITE BACK

THE READERS WRITE BACK

In response to last week's question of "Whatever happened to the Sand Rubies", reader Tara R. writes in. Tara, take it away...

Shortly after the release of their first major label cd (I can't think of the title right now, but it includes "Goodbye", "Interstate", "Never", and "Santa Marie Street") the Sand Rubies, formerly known as the Sidewinders, broke up (although I'm not entirely sure why). Dave Slutes, the former lead singer, is now in another Tucson band called "The Luminarias" (and I've heard they're not that good). As for Rich Hopkins, I'm not sure if he's also in the Luminarias or in another Tucson band.

If you're interested in their earlier stuff (all of which is (excellent) it is rather hard to find. Their very first album which was recently recently released to cd format is called Cuacha!, followed by what I consider their best, Witchdoctor, and their last under the Sidewinders name, Auntie Ramos Pool Hall.

They were forced to change their name in 1990-91 because some band from back east had claimed that they were originally the Sidewinders and that the existence of this fabulous Tucson band inhibited the success of their ill-talented bunch. The Sand Rubies album was actually completed around that time, but because of the insuing legal battle and the search for a new name it was pushed further and further back for release until Spring '93.