Stackridge

Stackridge are a West Country based group who were at the height of their success, such as it was, during the 1970s. Characterised by quirky humour and rhythmic catchy singalong tunes the band gained a cult following which continues to this day.

Stackridge Lemon were formed in Bristol, UK from the remains of Griptyght Thynn by Andy Davis & Jim 'Crun' Walter during 1969. After initial experimentation and very lofty aims the music begins to arrive and the Lemon is dropped from the band's name. The band plays its first London gig at The Temple on 6 February 1970 and the last addition to the lineup take place to arrive at the classic band.

Andy Davis (vocals/guitar/keys/drums)

James Warren (vocals/guitar/bass)

Billy 'Sparkle' Blake (drums)

Jim 'Crun' Walter (bass)

Michael 'Mutter' Slater (vocals / flute / keys)

Mike Evans (vocals / violin)




They are an historical group if only in that they

play the first note at first ever Glastonbury Festival - 19 September 1970
play the last note at first ever Glastonbury Festival - 20 September 1970

During 1971 Stackridge begin serious gigging and Crun leaves to take up bricklaying. The group embark on a UK tour supporting Wishbone Ash. Later in the year they are signed to MCA Records and record their first album Stackridge, at Kingsway Studios, London. They then tour the UK as headliners with Renaissance supporting.

The second album Friendliness is recorded in November of 1972 after year that is full of touring again with Wishbone Ash and "Forever More" (who later form the basis of "The Average White Band"). By this time Crun rejoins the band.

In February 1973 is the band's first appearance on "The Old Grey Whistle Test". They then tour during February and March with Camel in support. The Third album The Man In The Bowler Hat is recorded in Air Studios, London with producer George Martin. The album The Man In The Bowler Hat, like the first two albums, failed to sell in large quantities.

After other band changes in 1974 James and Crun are replaced by Paul Karas (Bass) and Roy morgan (Drums), Keith Gemmell and Rod Bowkett join on sax and keys. The fourth album Extravaganza is recorded at Air Studios with Tony Ashton producing.

With more touring and an appearance at Wembley Stadium concert with Elton John and The Beach Boys, 1975 sees the eventful recording of the band's fifth outing in the studio, Mr Mick which eventually gets recorded at Ramport Studios, Putney.

In 1976 Peter Van Hooke replaces Roy Morgan on drums. On something of a downward slide by this time Mr Mick suffers at the hands of the record label Rocket Records. They perform a final show in April of 1976 and shortly after the band is no more. except that Rocket Records release compilation "Do The Stanley" late in the year.

During 1996 talks are held between original members about possible reunion and recording actually starts. And the following year, 1997 Stackridge - The Radio One Sessions is released by Strangefruit.

By 1999, after a slow start, Something For The Weekend, featuring the line-up; James Warren, Jim 'Crun' Walter, Mike Evans, Richard Stubbings, John Miller, Ian Towers ,and Tim Robinson.

Then in 2001 Live At Croperdy and The Original Mr Mick are released on Dap Records. The band split for the second time in 2001

In 2005 Sex and Flags is released, a compilation of tracks previously released on Something For The Weekend plus 8 new tracks written by James, Mutter, Crun and Andy

As of 2007 Stackridge are now back on the road touring with the original line up
of:
Andy Davis

James Warren

Michael 'Mutter' Slater

Jim 'Crun' Walter

Sarah Mitchell

According to the official website www.stackridge.net, a new album is expected in 2008!