Sad news from the world of classic garage rock: Last Tuesday, ?—singer of the great '60s band, ? And The Mysterians—lost nearly all of his possessions when his Clio, Michigan home burned down to the ground. ? (whose birth name is oft-thought to be either Rudy Martinez or Reeto Rodriguez) had been living at the home with his manager and the manager's wife for nearly 30 years. The only things they were able to save from the blaze were three of the seven Yorkshire Terriers they raised. Everything else was lost, including personal effects like an instrument tour bag ? had for 40 years, more than four decades of ? And The Mysterians ephemera (including photos and gold records) and loads of recordings that date from the '60s (the band still plays and records occasionally, and ? himself records incessantly on his own). They had no insurance and are currently living in a tour bus parked on their farm. Any donations can be sent to: ? and the Mysterians, PO Box 96 Clio, MI 48420 ? and the Mysterians formed in 1962, had a huge, and hugely influential, hit with "96 Tears," and have continued to wow audiences since with ?'s insane stage antics and unyieldingly primitive garage rock. www.myspace.com/questionmarkandthemysterians.com
