Purple Haze
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Purple Haze was a rock band formed in the Fall of 1976 at Lock Haven State College (today, known as Lock Haven University). These web pages were created to document the short life but lasting memories of the band.
"You guys had a great sound for only being together a short time. There was a lot of talent in the band. I think of you guys whenever I hear 'Play That Funky Music.'"
- David Lepley, Sept 2008 (a fellow student and author of the publicity posters)
"I just found your Purple Haze web site... The music you have on here is KILLER! I love 70s rock and you guys fit the bill."
- Matt Garner, April 2016
"You guys were awesome!"
- Eric Franklin, Sept 2017
Being a RA (Resident Advisor) in High Hall at Lock Haven State College in the Fall of 1976, one of my duties was seeing that quiet hours were observed after 9 o’clock on weekdays. I was walking through the hall one night when I heard this loud Jimi Hendrix music coming from a room. I knocked on the door. This very tall, blonde-haired shy student answered the door. I told him I really liked Jimi Hendrix, but he has to keep the stereo down after 9:00 PM. He then told me it wasn’t a stereo. I said what was it? He said it was him playing his guitar. So naturally I didn’t believe that for one second. He asked me to come in the room and sure enough there was an amplifier and a fender Stratocaster sitting in the corner. He slung the guitar back over his shoulder and started playing several Jimi Hendrix songs. I asked him if he wanted to get a band together. The rest was history! Needless to say, one of the fondest memories of my life! - Terry Rieker, Facebook post August 2025