The Magic Band
The Magic Band were a US rock band. Originally Captain Beefheart's backing band from 1965 to Beefheart's retirement from music in 1982, they reformed in 2003. The reformed Magic Band feautered Beefheart's long-term drummer John "Drumbo" French on lead vocals, Gary Lucas and Denny Walley on guitars, Rockette Morton on bass, and Robert Williams on drums. For their first two shows, (the ATP festival in Camber Sands UK, and Shepherds Bush Empire London UK), French played drums for the instrumental half of the shows, then switched to vocals for the second half, when Robert Williams took over the drumming. After these two shows Williams left, and was replaced by Michael Traylor. In 2003, a new studio album named Back To The Front was released on London-based ATP Recordings. Another, 21st Century Mirror Men, followed in 2005. After playing over 30 shows throughout the UK and Europe, and just one in the USA, the band concluded their activities in 2006. [1]
John Peel was initially sceptical about the reformed Magic Band. He played a live recording of the band recorded at an All Tomorrows Parties festival on his show. After playing their set Peel couldn't speak and had to play a record to regain his composure. A year or so later the band did a live session for Peel.[1]
Band members
Zoot Horn Rollo (Bill Harkleroad), guitarist when the band was with Captain Beefheart, did not join the reunion tour, although he had been involved in rehearsals when the project was first mooted.
Members participating in reunion
- Rockette Morton (Mark Boston) – bass guitar, guitar
- Drumbo (John French) – vocals, drums, percussion
- Denny "Feelers Rebo" Walley – guitar, slide guitar
- Gary Lucas – guitar, slide guitar
- Robert Williams – drums
- Michael Traylor – drums
Discography
- Back to the Front (ATP Recordings, 2003)
- 21st Century Mirror Men (2005)
External links
- ATP Recordings Page
- The Magic Band reunion page at the Captain Beefheart Radar Station
- Drumbo's Farewell Address
References
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