In the mid-1960s, The Arizona Republic reported an estimated 400 rock ‘n’ roll bands in Phoenix. Undeterred, Mike McFadden (vocals, guitar), Steve “Wally” Fresener (bass), Danny Pacheco (drums), George Alexander (guitar), and Richard Mickel (guitar) formed The Mile Ends.

Competing with Valley mainstays like Phil and The Frantics, P-Nut Butter, The Spiders (Alice Cooper’s first band), and Floyd & Jerry, the quintet rose through the burgeoning Phoenix scene, packing local clubs like JD’s and securing a residency at the city’s top teen haunt, Fifth Estate. The club championed the band, sending them to Los Angeles for extended gigs at Hollywood’s Hullabaloo. In 1966, The Mile Ends recorded their debut single at Audio Recorders of Arizona. “Bottle Up and Go” b/w “Candy Man” was released on the club’s namesake 5th Estate Records.

With steady gigs and a new single, The Mile Ends gained traction, sharing stages with chart-toppers like The Rascals, Lovin’ Spoonful, Them, The Association, The Turtles, and The Doors. By 1967, they returned to Audio Recorders, cutting four more songs: “Ferris Wheel,” “Afterhours,” “Bring ‘Em On,” and “I Can Never Say.” Unfortunately, these songs were never released and leader Mike McFadden moved on to form the influential psychedelic rock band Superfine Dandelion.

“Bottle Up and Go” became a garage rock classic, appearing on compilations from labels like Trash, Way Back, AIP, Ubik, Milan, and Sundazed, including a 7-inch EP featuring the band’s four classic songs. Fervor Records is proud to have the works of The Mile Ends in our catalog!