Fosterchild
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1976 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Founder | Jim Foster, Vern Wills |
| Defunct | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Calgary , Canada |
| Products | Music albums |
Fosterchild was a Canadian rock group active between 1976 and 1981, during which they released three studio albums.
Band lineup developments
Originating in Calgary, Alberta in 1976, Fosterchild was founded by longtime collaborators Jim Foster and Vern Wills. The duo had played together since their adolescence and secured a contract with CBS Records Canada through producer Bob Gallo, then head of A&R.[1]
Their musical style blended rock with elements of country, with the majority of their songs penned or co-penned by Foster and Wills. Early on, producer Gallo advised against emphasizing pop-oriented tracks.[1]
The principal members consisted of Foster and Wills on guitars and vocals. The initial ensemble also featured Gordon Marr on guitar, Dwight Thompson handling bass duties, and Bob "Mickey" Mathews on drums.[2] Their first demo sessions were produced by Gaye Delorme at Edmonton’s Sundown Recorders.[1] Prior to recording their debut album, Peter Sweetzir was added as keyboardist, Barry Boothman replaced Thompson on bass, and Gerry Wand took over drumming from Mathews.[1][2]
Albums and touring
Throughout their career, Fosterchild released three albums and scored two singles that charted nationally: "Until We Meet Again" and "I Need Somebody Tonight". Their touring primarily focused on western Canadian venues.
The initial two albums, Fosterchild (1977) and Troubled Child (1978), were issued under Columbia Records and recorded at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, with Bob Gallo producing. The debut featured session drummer Larrie Londin, notable for his collaborations with Elvis Presley.
Following the debut, Gordon Marr exited the group. Post-Troubled Child, Doug Johnson joined as an additional keyboardist for live performances. However, diminishing support from their record label resulted in a truncated nationwide tour and the termination of their association with CBS. At this juncture, Barry Boothman left the band, and Doug Johnson's involvement ceased after touring.
In 1979, Fosterchild inked a deal with Vera Cruz Records based in Edmonton, Alberta. Their third album, On The Prowl, was released in 1980 featuring Foster, Wills (who took over bass and guitar roles following Boothman’s departure), Sweetzir, and Wand. Guest musicians included Mavis McCauley providing backing vocals and saxophonist John Wesson. They toured alongside labelmates One Horse Blue but encountered similar difficulties due to Vera Cruz’s financial instability.
After disbandment
Fosterchild remained active until 1981. Subsequently, Jim Foster joined One Horse Blue and launched solo projects including Powerlines (1986) under RCA Records, along with later releases through Quest Records. He contributed songwriting to One Horse Blue, Doug and the Slugs, and Patricia Conroy, collaborating with artists such as Murray McLauchlan.
Vernon Wills co-authored Loverboy’s track "Lady of the 80's" and participated in solo efforts by both Foster and Paul Dean; he continues to be musically active in Calgary. Doug Johnson became Loverboy’s keyboardist starting from their debut album in 1980. Peter Sweetzir collaborated with various musicians including Long John Baldry and Aaron Pritchett. Gerry Wand and Barry Boothman transitioned into careers outside the music industry; Wand occasionally returned to performing live. Boothman passed away in 2015.
The rights to the Fosterchild name appear to have been lost within the United States, where it is currently associated with a Philadelphia-based heavy metal band established in 2005 that holds trademark ownership of the name.
Discography
- 1980 On The Prowl (Vera Cruz)
- 1978 Troubled Child (Columbia)
- 1977 Fosterchild (Columbia)