iven his continued devotion to the development and expansion of Scientology, it was not until late 1973 that Ron was again able to devote himself to music in any concerted way. The setting was his research vessel, Apollo, then at sea in the Mediterranean and Atlantic, and from where he informed a British arranger/composer: “It occurred to me that as we had some musicians on board, scattered amongst the crew we should form an organization known as the Apollo Troupe.” The referenced crew were members of Scientology’s Sea Organization, founded in 1967 to support Ron’s research and otherwise forward the growth of Scientology. In addition to all other benefits to be had from the formation of a shipboard troupe, was Ron’s abiding concern that the Apollo supply some form of exchange with those ports regularly providing dockage and hospitality. Consequently, and given the nautical tradition of shipboard bands, he logically posed the question: Why not organize a musical troupe in the name of port-side goodwill and cultural exchange?

It began in earnest with a hastily prepared performance at a winter festival on the Portuguese island of Madeira. If the audience was not particularly sophisticated -- under a rightist regime much in the way of popular music had not made its way to Portugal -- Madeira residents were nonetheless discerning with a rich musical heritage of dances and ballads. Although three of the original seventeen performers could claim some professional experience, the remainder were strictly amateur -- garage band musicians, as it was said, and only remotely capable of a cohesive performance. Still, under Ron’s tutelage -- and he would initially drill them note by note -- the Madeira debut in a municipal band shell proved an unqualified success, and the first of the troupes, the Apollo Stars, was born.

    The Sea Chanteys