Rod Evans
Rod Evans | |
|---|---|
| File:Rod evans promo photo.jpg | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Roderick Evans |
| Born | 19 January 1947 |
| Origin | Slough, Berkshire, England |
| Genres | psychedelic rock, progressive rock, hard rock, heavy metal |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 1959–1973, 1980 |
Rod Evans (born 19 January 1947 in Slough, Berkshire) is a former English singer. In the late 1960s he began his professional career in The Maze, formerly MI5, after which he was a member of original Deep Purple who produced three studio albums to more progressive and pop driven sound. After recording a solo single, he was a member of original Captain Beyond who produced two studio albums.
Early career
Evans played together with Ian Paice in The Maze, formerly MI5. He was also in a band called The Horizons in the mid 1960s.
Reports state that Evans also worked as a male model around this time.
He was a original member of Deep Purple when they formed in Hertfordshire in 1968.[1] The most recognised song recorded with Evans singing is "Hush", which reached #4 on the U.S. Billboard charts in October, 1968.
After recording three albums with the band, he was dismissed in 1969.[1]
Captain Beyond
In 1971, Rod recorded a solo single for Capitol,[2] titled "Hard To Be Without You" (b/w "You Can´t Love A Child Like A Woman"), then went on to form Captain Beyond, along with former Johnny Winter drummer Bobby Caldwell, former Iron Butterfly bassist Lee Dorman and guitarist Larry "Rhino" Reinhardt, who also was part of the last incarnation of Iron Butterfly. This band proved to be very influential, but sales never reflected their musical achievements. Lack of commercial success ended the group after three albums.
Evans left Captain Beyond and the music business after their first two albums. He then became a director of respiratory therapy at a West American hospital until 1980.[3]
Tour of imitation band
In 1980 he was approached by a management company which specialized in questionably-reformed bands with well-known names, and he began to tour under the Deep Purple name accompanied by unknown session musicians. The line up was Rod Evans (vocals), Tony Flynn (guitar), Tom de Rivera (bass), Geoff Emery (keyboards), and Dick Jurgens III (drums), son of famous big band leader Dick Henrey Jurgens.[4]
After several shows ended in near riots,[5] Evans was sued by the management of the real Deep Purple and they were awarded damages of $672,000. As a result of the lawsuit, Evans no longer receives royalties from the band's first three albums.[5]
Later life
He has not appeared publicly since the court case and his current whereabouts are of considerable interest to fans of early Deep Purple. [5]
Reportedly he was contacted by Captain Beyond guitarist Larry "Rhino" Reinhardt to join the band for a reunion, but Evans wasn't interested in being part of the project. Reinhardt's death in January 2012 ended any chance of a full Captain Beyond reunion occurring. Currently residing in the Sacramento Foothills. Respiratory Therapist. Good man. Humble guy. Retired from Rock and Roll. Captain Beyond was a cult attraction in Sacramento Area among musicians from both Air Bases from 1972-1980. Bands did cover their songs.
References
- ^ a b BBC Music: 7 ages of Rock – Deep Purple
- ^ Rod Evans. Captain Beyond History. Deep-purple.net (1972-04-30). Retrieved on 2011-11-20.
- ^ Bogus Deep Purple in Sounds 80. Tinpan.fortunecity.com (1980-09-20). Retrieved on 2011-11-20.
- ^ Bogus Deep Purple in The Highway Star.
- ^ a b c Captain Beyond : Band Member Info on ROD EVANS. Tinpan.fortunecity.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-20.
External links
- The Highway Star – Information from a Deep Purple fansite.
- Additional information – Further reading.
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