Unveiling the Forgotten Gems of the 1970s Supergroups
The 1970s witnessed the emergence of numerous supergroups, each comprising the pinnacle of talent in rock, blues, and pop. Yet, as time marches on, some of these exceptional supergroups have faded into obscurity, overlooked by contemporary music enthusiasts. It's time to bring them back into the spotlight and celebrate their enduring legacy. Let's explore three supergroups from the 1970s that deserve to be remembered and cherished even today.
Beck, Bogert & Appice: The Hard Rock Pioneers
Beck, Bogert & Appice was a short-lived but impactful hard rock and blues rock supergroup that operated from 1972 to 1974. The band's lineup included Jeff Beck (The Yardbirds), Tim Bogert (Vanilla Fudge), Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge), Bobby Tench (Alan Price & The Electric Blues Company), and Kim Milford. Their sole studio album, aptly titled Beck, Bogert & Appice, reached the 12th spot on the US charts in 1973. Despite their brief existence, they left an indelible mark on the music scene, and their unfinished second album has since been released as bootlegs, offering fans a glimpse into their untapped potential.
Paice Ashton Lord: The Psychedelic Powerhouse
Paice Ashton Lord, another short-lived supergroup, existed from 1976 to 1978, leaving behind a single studio record, Malice In Wonderland, released in 1977. The band consisted of Ian Paice (Deep Purple), Tony Ashton (Family), Jon Lord (Deep Purple), Bernie Marsden (Whitesnake), and Paul Martinez. After their dissolution, three live albums emerged, capturing their energetic performances from 1977. It's a testament to their talent that these live recordings continue to captivate fans, even though the supergroup's journey was cut short.
U.K.: The British Prog-Rock Innovators
U.K., a British prog-rock supergroup, may have had a generic name, but their music was far from ordinary. Initially together from 1977 to 1980, they reunited briefly from 2011 to 2015. The band's lineup featured Eddie Jobson (Roxy Music), John Wetton (King Crimson), Allan Holdsworth (Soft Machine), Bill Bruford (Yes), and Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa’s band). U.K. released two studio albums during their initial run, including the self-titled U.K. and Danger Money, as well as a live album. Their influence extended beyond their albums, as they released several live records during their breakup and reunion, solidifying their status as pioneers in the prog-rock genre.
These 1970s supergroups, though forgotten by some, continue to inspire and captivate music enthusiasts. Their unique blends of rock, blues, and pop, coupled with exceptional talent, warrant a place in the annals of music history. It's time to rediscover and celebrate these forgotten gems, ensuring their legacy endures for generations to come.
