the band was shaken again in early 1973 when co-founder and guitarist, joe markko, was electrocuted with 27,000 volts of electricity in an industrial accident. losing both hands and massively burned over 55% of his body, joe remained in the burn unit of cleveland metrohealth for 9 months. rhythm guitarist ed durkos learned all of joe's music and the band moved forward. following joe's release he continued writing, singing and arranging for the band.