BOOT formed in 1963 as the Allusions. A few years later changed our name to the SPLIT ENDS (recorded Rich With Nothing / Endless Sea at H & H) then a few years later became BOOT... 12 years together with the same four guys: Dann Eliassen, Mike Mycz, Bruce Knox and Jim O'Brock. We recorded at Starday-King in Nashville (James Brown's studio for his big hits.) Our albums were: BOOT and TURN THE OTHER CHEEK. Our first album is rare and came out on a Texas label, though we hailed from New Port Richey, Florida, and had earlier recorded as The Split Ends. It's basically hard rock with some psychedelic guitar work. Our second album is rather mundane heavy rock. 

Jim O'Brock recalls: "Circa 1969, we changed names from The Split Ends to B.O.O.T., an anacronym for 'Blues Of Our Time'. We began playing 80% to 90% original material and began traveling more, playing larger venues. We played with Canned Heat, B.B. King, Neil Diamond, Detroit Wheels, etc. and at the Atlanta Pop Festival and Miami II Pop Festivals. Once we competed with the Allman Brothers in a contest at the University of Florida and won first prize! In Atlanta, Georgia we played with Lynyrd Skynyrd (they opened for us!) and stayed on the road for about four years. During this time we recorded our two albums in Nashville, TN. We seemed to stagnate about that time. I left the band and it broke up. A couple of years later, Mike and Bruce tried to resurrect the name with a couple of new guys, but it didn't last long". Over the years we played on a Dick Clark Tour "Happening '67" and the Dick Clark band contest show "Happening '68".

 A few years after we broke up, Bruce Knox died of pancreatic cancer. Dann Eliassen played with some Beatles cover groups. He is now living in St. Amant, LA not playing music. Mike Mycz whereabouts are unknown. I last heard he was an indian chief or something! Jim O'Brock is living in Shreveport, LA. Became an accountant and company pilot for Louisa Health Resorts (Remember Louisa International Spas in Tampa? Same lady.) When the health spa became a casualty of the 80's economy, he opened a handyman business and has been doing that for 20 years.

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