KILLING FLOOR

Killing Floor is a London blues rock and psychedelic rock group formed in 1968 by lead guitarist Mick Clarke and vocalist and harmonica player Bill Thorndycraft. The band emerges during the British blues boom of 1968 and 1969, when Clarke and Thorndycraft recruit other musicians through classified adverts in Melody Maker. The original line-up also includes pianist Lou Martin, bassist Stuart MacDonald and drummer Bazz Smith.

Early years and recordings

The group takes its name from Howlin' Wolf’s “Killing Floor”. After playing just one gig, it attracts the attention of former Radio Caroline DJ John Edward, who becomes its manager. Through Edward’s links with Southern Music, the band signs to the Spark Records imprint. Its debut album is recorded at Pye Recording Studios in 12 days, with Edward credited as producer. The record largely consists of reworked Chicago blues material, alongside a version of Willie Dixon’s “You Need Love”. It is issued in the United States on Sire.

Edward also arranges dates at Dunstable’s California Ballroom and the Marquee, where the band supports Yes and The Nice. In 1969, Killing Floor tours the UK with Freddie King, appearing on two separate British tours and building a national reputation through radio exposure and steady live work.

Line-up changes and second album

After the release of the debut album and a set of BBC Radio sessions, Lou Martin leaves and the group continues as a four-piece. Further changes follow in 1970 and 1971, when the line-up includes former Juicy Lucy singer Ray Owen, drummer Rod D’Ath and bassist Mick Hawksworth, who has previously played with Fuzzy Duck, Andromeda and Ten Years Later. The second Killing Floor album, Out of Uranus, appears in 1971 on Penny Farthing Records, with Larry Page acting as executive producer and overseeing the sessions.

Split and later work

By mid-1972, Killing Floor has split up. Members go on to a range of other projects: some form Toe Fat and back Cliff Bennett. Bill Thorndycraft retires from music, while Bazz Smith continues in jazz trios. Stuart MacDonald forms Peace with former Free singer Paul Rodgers before returning to Wales and playing in local bands, including The Electric Blues Reaction. Lou Martin later joins Rory Gallagher’s band, tours with Chuck Berry, and plays with Blues ’n’ Trouble. Mick Clarke forms S.A.L.T. with “Little” Stevie Smith in 1974, and in 1983 starts the Mick Clarke Band, which releases several LPs.