Stackridge

Stackridge are a West Country-based band formed in Bristol in 1969 from the remains of Griptyght Thynn by Andy Davis and Jim “Crun” Walter. The group develops from an early name, Stackridge Lemon, before dropping “Lemon” as the songs begin to take shape. Their music is marked by quirky humour and rhythmic, catchy, singalong arrangements, and they build a cult following that continues beyond their main period of success in the 1970s.

Early line-up and first releases

The first London performance takes place at The Temple in February 1970. By then the classic line-up is in place: Andy Davis on vocals, guitar, keyboards and drums; James Warren on vocals, guitar and bass; Billy “Sparkle” Blake on drums; Jim “Crun” Walter on bass; Michael “Mutter” Slater on vocals, flute and keyboards; and Mike Evans on vocals and violin.

In 1971 the band begins serious gigging. Walter leaves to take up bricklaying, and the group tours the UK supporting Wishbone Ash. Later that year it signs to MCA Records and records its first album, Stackridge, at Kingsway Studios in London. It then tours the UK as a headliner with Renaissance as support. The second album, Friendliness, is recorded in November 1972, with Walter back in the group.

Albums and personnel changes

The third album, The Man in the Bowler Hat, is recorded at Air Studios in London with George Martin producing. Like the first two albums, it does not sell in large quantities. In 1974 the line-up changes again: James Warren and Jim “Crun” Walter are replaced by Paul Karas on bass and Roy Morgan on drums, while Keith Gemmell and Rod Bowkett join on saxophone and keyboards. The fourth album, Extravaganza, is recorded at Air Studios with Tony Ashton producing, followed in 1975 by Mr Mick, recorded at Ramport Studios in Putney.

Peter Van Hooke replaces Roy Morgan on drums in 1976. Stackridge plays its final show in April 1976 and then ceases to exist, although Rocket Records later issues the compilation Do the Stanley that year.

Reunions and later releases

Talks between original members about a reunion begin in 1996, and recording starts again. The following year, Stackridge - The Radio One Sessions is released by Strangefruit. By 1999, after a slow start, Something for the Weekend appears with James Warren, Jim “Crun” Walter, Mike Evans, Richard Stubbings, John Miller, Ian Towers and Tim Robinson. In 2001 the band releases Live at Croperdy and The Original Mr Mick on Dap Records, then splits again later that year.

In 2005 Sex and Flags is issued as a compilation of tracks previously released on Something for the Weekend, plus eight new tracks. Stackridge returns to touring in 2007 with Andy Davis, James Warren, Michael “Mutter” Slater, Jim “Crun” Walter and Sarah Mitchell, and releases A Victory for Common Sense in 2009.