Eggs over Easy

Eggs over Easy

Company type	Musical group
Industry	Music
Founded	1969
Founder	Jack O'Hara, Austin de Lone, Brien Hopkins
Defunct	1981
Headquarters	London, New York City, San Francisco , United States, United Kingdom
Products	Country rock music albums and singles

Eggs over Easy was a pioneering American country rock group active in the early 1970s, distinguished by their move to London to produce an album and their residency at a local London pub, which played a key role in initiating the pub rock scene.

Formation

Jack O'Hara (handling guitar, bass, and vocals) encountered Austin de Lone (keyboards, guitar, and vocals) in Berkeley, California, where they initially formed a duo before relocating to New York. There, they were joined by Brien Hopkins (keyboards, bass, guitar, and vocals), creating a versatile three-piece ensemble without a drummer. Performing in clubs across Greenwich Village and Long Island, they cultivated a modest following and secured Peter Kauff as their manager. Kauff, involved with Cannon Films’ entry into the music industry, facilitated the involvement of Chas Chandler—former bassist of the Animals and renowned producer/manager for the Jimi Hendrix Experience—to oversee their debut album's production.

London

The band commenced recording sessions at Olympic Studios in London during December 1970 with Les Sampson on drums, completing the work by January 1971 with former Animal John Steel behind the kit. Despite smooth recording progress, disagreements between Kauff and Cannon Films delayed the album’s release. During this period, Kauff recommended that the group remain in London.

With Chandler now managing them, Eggs over Easy secured performances at colleges sponsored by the American Embassy, exposing them to British university audiences alongside American poets. They established themselves near Kentish Town’s Tally Ho pub, adapting their country rock and blues sound to fit within the venue’s jazz-only policy—thereby helping to lay the foundation for the "pub rock" movement. Beginning in May 1971 with Steel on drums, their shows quickly drew substantial crowds including future notable musicians such as Graham Parker, Nick Lowe, and Elvis Costello. Their performance frequency increased to multiple weekly appearances at both the Tally Ho and venues like The Marquee, where they connected with Dave Robinson, manager of Brinsley Schwarz.

Their setlists included over 50 original compositions alongside 50 cover songs. Collaborative efforts featured members of Brinsley Schwarz as well as artists like Loudon Wainwright III and Frankie Miller. The band’s impact inspired Barry Richardson to create Bees Make Honey, which also gained a residency at the Tally Ho alongside groups such as Max Merritt and Brinsley Schwarz.

Interest in pub-rock bands surged within London’s Victorian pubs located north of Regents Park. Eggs over Easy toured pubs owned by Ind Coope and supported John Mayall on a UK tour late in 1971 with George Butler substituting for Steel on drums. Their country rock approach provided a contrast to Mayall’s jazz-blues style.

Facing unresolved issues surrounding their unreleased album coupled with no UK recording contract and visa complications, Kauff advised the band to return stateside. They concluded their London residency with a final performance at the Tally Ho on 7 November 1971 before departing.

Return to US

Upon returning to New York, Bill Franz joined as drummer and the group signed with A&M Records. In 1972 they recorded their debut album Good 'N' Cheap, partially reworking tracks from their London sessions. The album was produced by Link Wray at Vernon Wray’s studio in Tucson; all songs were written by the band except one.

In 1973 they moved to San Francisco and toured supporting prominent acts such as Eagles and Yes, representing mainstream artists that pub rock originally stood apart from. By 1976 John "Jay" David (formerly of Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show) replaced Franz on drums. They released the single "Bar in my Car" on Buffalo Records; however, the label folded soon after its release. Contrary to some online claims, this track was not included on their album Fear of Frying.

Their sophomore album Fear of Frying was recorded during 1980/81 and issued via Squish Records—a label that also quickly ceased operations—rendering the album a rare collector’s item with no CD reissue available.

Eggs over Easy frequently performed live alongside Grootna vocalist Anna Rizzo and members of Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen in Moonlighters. One of their last appearances was under the name "The Opinions," backing singer Dan Hicks. The band dissolved in 1981.

Following the breakup, Hopkins focused on songwriting; O’Hara transitioned into recording engineering; while de Lone pursued session work with artists including Bonnie Raitt, Nick Lowe, and Elvis Costello.

Albums

• Good 'N' Cheap – LP released in 1972 by A&M (catalog number A&M 2366); reissued on LP by Edsel in 1986; issued on CD by Edsel in 1998 (ED199); CD edition with additional tracks released by Hux in 2006 (Hux 081)
• Fear of Frying – LP issued in 1981 through Squish Records

Singles

• "Back of My Car" (1974) issued on Buffalo Records

Compilations

• Naughty Rhythms: The Best of Pub Rock – CD issued in 1996 by EMI (Premier 37968), featuring the track "Factory"
• Goodbye Nashville Hello Camden Town – a Pub Rock Anthology – CD released in 2007 by Castle Music (CMEDD1451), including "Runnin' Down to Memphis"
• Good 'N' Cheap: The Eggs Over Easy Story – 2-CD set released in 2016 by Yep Roc Records