Peter Wheat and the Breadmen's origins trace back to a rock and roll group called the Night Caps which formed in Oakland in 1957.

The band became regionally popular on the teen club circuit in Northern California, and released two singles on Amber Records that were composed of self-penned material by saxophonist Barry Carlos.

[5] Thanks to Carlos's marketing and scheduling, Peter Wheat and the Breadmen soon began opening for prominent music acts such as the Byrds, the Animals, and frequently were paired with Paul Revere & the Raiders.

With all the good fortune the band was enjoying, they were scheduled to open for the Beatles' August 29, 1966 performance at Candlestick Park, however conflicts with labor unions limited the group to being spectators to the Fab Four's final live act.

[6] In late 1966, Peter Wheat and the Breadmen, as a result of Carlos's encouragement and inspiration from the Beatles' song "Got to Get You into My Life", added a horn section to their live act.