Home (British band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | Cliff Williams, Laurie Wisefield, Mick Stubbs, Mick Cook |
| Defunct | 1974 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Progressive rock music |
Home was a British band specializing in progressive rock, active during the early 1970s.
The principal members consisted of Mick Stubbs (lead guitar and lead vocals), Laurie Wisefield (lead guitar and vocals), Cliff Williams (bass guitar and vocals), and Mick Cook (drums). Initially, keyboard responsibilities were managed by Clive John (formerly of Man) from 1971 until 1972, after which Jimmy Anderson took over.
History
Established in 1970 by Cliff Williams and Laurie Wisefield following the breakup of their former group 'Sugar', Home completed their lineup by adding Mick Stubbs and Mick Cook. They secured a contract with CBS Records in 1971, releasing their first album, Pause for a Hoarse Horse, in August of that year. Their touring commenced in November as they supported Led Zeppelin during the Electric Magic Show at Wembley Empire Pool. Later, they also served as opening act for bands such as Argent, The Jeff Beck Group, and The Faces.
In September 1971, Home recorded the album Home, which achieved a peak position of number 41 on the UK Albums Chart. The band gained significant recognition while supporting Mott the Hoople on their UK tour at London's Rainbow Theatre in October 1972. In January 1973, an NME readers poll ranked them as the fifth 'most promising new name.' That March, they opened for glam rock group Slade at Wembley Empire Pool.
Their concept album The Alchemist, released in July 1973, drew inspiration from Louis Pauwels' Dawn of Magic. Although it received accolades from Disc magazine, which described it as "a work of genius," commercial success eluded it. Following Mick Stubbs' exit, Home toured the United States between May and June 1974 as the backing band for Al Stewart. A fourth album was recorded but remained unreleased before the group disbanded.
Afterwards
Following their disbandment in 1974, Cliff Williams joined Bandit from 1975 to 1977 before replacing Mark Evans as bassist for AC/DC, maintaining this role except for a hiatus between 2016 and 2018. Laurie Wisefield became a member of Wishbone Ash, staying until the mid-1980s. In late 1975, Mick Cook joined The Groundhogs, succeeding Clive Brooks, and later performed with Lickmalolly during the 1980s. Meanwhile, Mick Stubbs participated in the brief project Paradise in 1975, continued his career as a musician and songwriter—including contributing to the 1979 single "I Love to Boogie" by Lulu—and reunited with Cook for subsequent performances.
Discography
- 1971: Pause for a Hoarse Horse (CBS64365)
- 1972: Home (CBS 64752) – reached No. 41 on the UK chart
- 1973: The Alchemist (CBS 65550)
- 2000: Home Live BBC Sessions 1972-1973 (Major League Productions, MLP02CD)