Between 1964 and 1968, The Coachmen became one of Nebraska's most popular rock bands ever. In the process of touring the dense Midwestern network of auditoriums and nightclubs, the Band left a deep footprint in the 60's rock culture of Nebraska and the surrounding region. This included nearly 900 shows and several records, including their still popular Mr. Moon, the first #1 single by a Nebraska band in history.
In the 1980s, interest in The Coachmen among fans, record collectors and midwestern media began to generate features and interviews. Some of these have been widely circulated in print and on the internet for many years. Interest seems to create more interest, sparked by the fact that 60s rock has become mainstream music in the 21st century.
In 1997, five of the original members--Rick Bell, Red Freeman, Craig Perkins, Jeff Travis and Bruce Watson--reunited to perform at the "Nebraska Rocks" concert and be inducted into the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame.
Encouraged by the public's response, the Band recorded a 20 track CD called Still Rockin' in 1999 and played five shows in Nebraska in 2000. The CD continues to sell today at www.thecoachmen.com.
More than 500,000 of the Band's six 45s were manufactured between 1965-69. Aided by internet and media features and links--the distribution of thousands of Coachmen records as well as the CD among collectors and fans at memorabilia shows and online auctions is keeping The Coachmen in the present tense. In this process, literally hundreds of new and renewed friendships have been created. We greatly appreciate this.
In 2008, The Coachmen were inducted into the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and headlined the HOF Induction concert at Lake Okoboji, Iowa.