Back Street Crawler (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Founder | Paul Kossoff |
| Defunct | 1976 |
| Fate | Disbanded; members continued as Crawler |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
Key people | Paul Kossoff, Terry Wilson-Slesser, Terry Wilson, Tony Braunagel, Mike Montgomery, John Bundrick |
| Products | Music albums |
| Parent | Atlantic Records |
Back Street Crawler was a British rock ensemble established in 1975 by former Free guitarist Paul Kossoff. The group secured a contract with Atlantic Records that same year and took their name from Kossoff's solo release, Back Street Crawler. Musicians Terry Wilson, Mike Montgomery, and Tony Braunagel had previously collaborated in Bloontz, whose 1973 record included tracks that later appeared on Back Street Crawler's The Band Plays On.
History
Kossoff’s persistent struggles with drug addiction severely hindered the band’s development and ultimately resulted in his untimely passing.
In the spring of 1975, the band conducted a UK tour throughout May and June before finishing their album The Band Plays On. Efforts to promote the record with live performances were interrupted when Kossoff suffered a drug-induced seizure followed by cardiac arrest, requiring hospitalization. Nevertheless, four concerts were held in November across Liverpool, Glasgow, Newcastle, and London.
Shortly after, keyboardist Mike Montgomery departed and was succeeded by John 'Rabbit' Bundrick for the early 1976 American tour dates. Kossoff’s health problems, which included finger injuries, led to numerous show cancellations.
During sessions for their sophomore album with producer Glyn Johns in New York and Los Angeles, session guitarist W.G. 'Snuffy' Walden played most of the guitar parts due to Kossoff’s poor condition. Walden also performed live during Kossoff’s absence in February 1976. Upon Kossoff’s return, the band headlined four concerts at the Starwood in West Hollywood. At these shows, members of Bad Company joined them onstage at the Los Angeles Forum. The final performance on 3 March 1976 marked both Kossoff’s and Back Street Crawler’s last appearance.
A planned UK tour supporting AC/DC in April 1976 was canceled following Kossoff’s death from cerebral and pulmonary edema during a flight from Los Angeles to New York on 19 March. Subsequently, the remaining members continued under the name Crawler.
Past members
- Paul Kossoff – lead guitar (1975–1976; deceased 1976)
- Terry Wilson-Slesser – lead vocals (1975–1976)
- Terry Wilson – bass guitar (1975–1976)
- Tony Braunagel – drums (1975–1976)
- Mike Montgomery – keyboards (1975–1976)
- John Bundrick – keyboards (1976)
Discography
- 1975 – The Band Plays On (Atlantic Records)
- 1976 – 2nd Street (Atlantic)