Bakerloo (band)

Bakerloo

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1968
Founder	David "Clem" Clempson, Terry Poole, others
Defunct	1969
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Music albums, singles

Bakerloo—initially known as The Bakerloo Blues Line—was a British blues-rock power trio established in the late 1960s by Staffordshire guitarist David "Clem" Clempson, Terry Poole, and others. Emerging during the height of influence from acts like The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Cream, the group, despite a brief existence from 1968 to 1969 and a single album release, contributed notably to the blues-rock scene. Its members later played key roles in bands such as Colosseum, Humble Pie, May Blitz, Graham Bond, Vinegar Joe, Judas Priest, and Uriah Heep.

History

Formed in February 1968 by Clempson and Poole, The Bakerloo Blues Line derived its name from London's Bakerloo line. The band experimented with several drummers—including John "Poli" Palmer, Bill Ward, and John Hinch—before settling on Keith Baker. Under the management of Jim Simpson, they frequently played at Birmingham’s Henry's Blueshouse and took part in Simpson’s UK 'Big Bear Ffolly' tour alongside Earth (which later became Black Sabbath), Locomotive, and Tea And Symphony. Notably, they supported Led Zeppelin during their debut performance at London’s Marquee Club on 18 October 1968.

By mid-1969, the group shortened their name to "Bakerloo" and secured a deal with Harvest Records. Their initial release was the single "Drivin' Bachwards" / "Once Upon a Time" (HAR 5004) in July, which featured an adaptation of J.S. Bach's Bourrée in E minor. This came out just before Jethro Tull’s rendition titled "Bourrée" appeared on their August 1969 album Stand Up. The single’s A-side was also included on their self-titled album issued in November.

Bakerloo

The Bakerloo album (Harvest SHVL 762) was promoted through the track "This Worried Feeling," which appeared on the 1970 Harvest double sampler Picnic - A Breath of Fresh Air and was featured in BBC sessions. Produced by Gus Dudgeon, the record showcased standout songs such as "Last Blues," a powerful rock number, and "Son of Moonshine," a driving heavy metal blues piece. The album also integrated elements from classical, jazz, and progressive rock genres.

Although receiving positive critical attention, the lineup of Clempson, Poole, and Baker dissolved by the time of the album’s late 1969 release. Clempson initially planned to establish another blues-rock trio—reportedly with drummer Cozy Powell—before joining Colosseum as guitarist, replacing James Litherland. Meanwhile, Poole and Baker formed May Blitz alongside Jamie Black; however, both departed prior to the band’s signing with Vertigo Records.

Subsequently, Poole performed with groups including Graham Bond and Vinegar Joe, while Baker moved between Supertramp and Uriah Heep. Clempson further enhanced his reputation through his work with Colosseum and by taking over guitar duties in Humble Pie from Peter Frampton in 1971.

Albums

Personnel

• David "Clem" Clempson — guitar, harmonica, harpsichord, piano; vocals on "Bring It On Home" and "This Worried Feeling"; slide guitar on "Bring It On Home"
• Terry Poole — bass guitar; vocals on "Last Blues" and "Son of Moonshine"
• Keith Baker — drums
• Jerry Salisbury — trumpet on "Drivin' Bachwards"

Singles

• "Drivin' Bachwards"/"Once Upon a Time" (1969, Harvest Records, HAR 5004)