Who Is Hammerstael?

Hammerstael was a San Jose, California rock band that existed from 1975 to 1976. Hammerstael was a band that was, and should have been; a band that was decades ahead of time, but a product of its own age. The name of the band gave an idea of what you were in for: a sonic "hammer of steel" that pummeled you with raw, pure energy. Hammerstael produced many firsts for local bands in the San Jose area: the first "glitter" band, the first with a light show, the first with dry-ice smoke, and the first with pyrotechnics.

While there were several changes in the lineup, the core of the band was Don Dileo (guitar, bass and vocals), Jon Dewey (bass, guitar, keyboards and vocals) and John Rice (drums, vocals). In the original line up, Don and Jon played dual guitars, with Eric Mann on bass. Eric left the band early, which left just three. The three piece band was augmented at different times by Robert Watson on vocals, and Mark Bramble on bass. But primarily the band was Don, Jon and John. For a short period in 1976 Denny Gordon was added as lead vocalist.

Jon in 1974



Jon in Hawaii in the 1990's




Don in 1974




Don in California in the 1990's