In 1975, musicians from San Diego County high schools Granite Hills, Grossmont, and El Cajon Valley got together to form a classic rock band named ZEELUND. Some of the original band members came from the east county band Smiles; others came from other local bands. ZEELUND played the music scene in San Diego County at the time, playing clubs such as the Iron Horse (La Mesa), Park Place (El Cajon), Mammoth West and Halcyon (Sports Arena area), The Bacchanal (Kearney Mesa), the Public House (La Jolla) and many other venues, until they broke up in 1977 to pursue college, careers, and other bands.

​

Fast forward to 2013. Two of the original ZEELUND band members, Jon and Pete, thought it would be fun to get together and catch up. At one of these dinners, they discussed getting the old band back together for a jam session. Jon reached out to former band members Jeff Mattazaro and John Cartmill, who still lived in the area and the four of them got together and played some music. It was a great evening, and they realized the group chemistry from the original band was still present over 35 years later. All they needed was a bass player and lead singer. Unfortunately, ZEELUND’s original bass player had moved to Colorado. And its original lead singer had passed away.

 

The initial dinner turned into a bimonthly practice session hosted by Jon and his wife Janis – complete with dinner, drinks and a jam session. Still, a bass player and lead vocalist were needed. John, who was also playing in another band at the time, said he would check with Paul Backes, a talented bassist and vocalist, to see if he was interested. He was, and a bass player was in place. The band kept practicing and landed a Sunday gig at BNS Brewing & Distillery in Santee. John’s daughter Mackenzie, an incredible vocalist, sat in on a few songs and killed it! She was playing in another classic rock band at the time, but after the show, said she would really like to play in the band with her dad. At last, ZEELUND was fully staffed!

​

The band continued to practice, developed a great song list, and was ready to go, booking initial gigs at BNS and Downtown Café. Then, during the two years of COVID, the band continued to learn new songs, and played driveway concerts for neighbors, who were grateful to have access to entertainment during the pandemic.

​

The band has now been playing at bars, restaurants, private parties, and fundraisers for over seven years and can often be found playing around San Diego County. Check out the schedule and see where they are performing here!

​

​

​

Photography Credit: Scott Legace