I’m amazed – and delighted – to see that there is a new incarnation of the mighty Atomic Rooster treading the boards. Founder Vincent Crane passed on in 1989 and there are some who would say that John Cann (guitar/vocal) and Paul Hammond (drums) – both also now deceased – were his definitive cohorts. Respectfully, I disagree.
I’ve always thought Pete French, vocalist on 1971 LP ‘In Hearing Of’ (the third of their five original-era albums) and on the US single version of ‘Devil’s Answer’ was by far their best vocalist – out of several (the others being Nick Graham, John Cann, Chris Farlowe, and Crane himself). Steve Bolton was the guitarist who replaced Cann in 1971, shortly after Cann had recorded the guitar parts for ‘In Hearing Off’. Bolton toured with the Pete French line-up and then, when Vince replaced French with Chris Farlowe, he (Bolton) played on the splendid ‘Made In England’ and toured with the Farlowe album, though departing before the fifth LP ‘Nice’n’Greasy’.
Some may recall Bolton from playing lead guitar on The Who’s 1989 tour and ‘Join Together’ live album, but what he’s been up to since then, I have no isea. French has done lots of things post-rooster, most recently a revival of his pre-Rooster band Leafhound.
I somehow never imagined a Rooster revival, but Pete and Steve have made it work – and they have the blessing of Vince’s widow. Letting any nay-sayers now retreat!
It’s a shame, in a way, that Ric Parnell isn’t in this new Rooster – not just for extra authenticity, simply because he was the original Rooster’s best drummer (on ‘Made In England’), and was actually in ‘Spinal Tap’ (the exploding drummer). But this new Rooster sound terrific. From the few clips online, I’d love to see them.
I would never have
Will be seeing them in March at the prog festival in Wales. Looking forward to hearing the new incarnation as they were favourites back in the day.
Interesting news indeed. That Leafhound album is a real grower too
They could have asked Carl Palmer to step in in drums if he’s not busy with Asia.
A TOTP clip from 1971 complete with groovy dancers.
I believe Carl was on the same bill as the clip in the OP. That must have been an awkward conversation.
Review and set list of the Cambridge show (in the OP clip) here:
http://www.metaltalk.net/columns2016/20168412.php
I’ll try and get an interview with Pete French for the AW. Because I care…
Audio of the amazingly sinuous ‘Black Snake’ from another recent Rooster show:
https://soundcloud.com/steve-boltz-bolton/black-snake-atomic-rooster-live-at-100clublondon-030816-faders-uprough-mix?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=facebook