ArtistInfo

The Gary Cooper Combo

Band,
Rock, Folk and World

Gary Cooper was from the beginning Lars Mertanen (now Kranz) solo project after the Iguana Foundation. Harry Byrnes (Electric Garden) who had released Iguana Fondation on record thought Lasse should start playing live so Pelle Strandberg who sang in Iguana Fondation took the drums, Iggo (from Kitchen & the Plastic Spoons) took the bass and Mats Hellqvist (later bob dog) took the solo guitar. Lasse who wrote the most songs sang and played com guitar. The name Gary Cooper was filled with Combo. Pelle jumped after just a few gigs but was replaced by Mats brother Martin on drums. He was in for about three years, hoping to leave when he was expecting children, then replaced by Mats Andersson (Zoo, bob hund). Mats Hellqvist was in for about one and a half years, he would rather play bass and started Apa, Epa and later bob hund. John Essing took over the solo guitar and the last year, Per Ulander also featured on violin, harmonica and guitar. Two singles and one LP were released by Harry before the band split after about four years.

Members

	Pelle Strandberg perc, voc, bvoc
	Johnny Essing g, eg
	Mats Hellquist acg, b, eb *1964 SE
	Iggo Karlsson key
	Lars Mertanen perc, g, voc *1959 SE