Influence (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Founder | Louis Campbell McKelvey |
| Headquarters | Montreal, Toronto, New York City , Canada, United States |
| Products | Rock music, mini-album "Mad Birds of Prey" |
Influence was a Canadian band from the 1960s, primarily recognized for their rock-opera mini-album, Mad Birds of Prey.
Origins
The group was founded by guitarist Louis Campbell McKelvey (born 31 October 1943 in Killorglin, Ireland). Prior to forming Influence, McKelvey had been involved with the west London band Jeff Curtis & The Flames and had recorded with South African groups The Upsetters and The A-Cads during 1965 and 1966.
He arrived in Montreal around October 1966, briefly collaborating with the francophone ensemble Les Sinners before joining Our Generation in December for a single release.
Band Formation
McKelvey’s introduction to drummer Dave Wynne (born May 17, 1947, Stockport, England), formerly of The Haunted, came through guitarist Jurgen Peter. Wynne was soon enlisted. Additionally, McKelvey developed a friendship with bassist Jack Geisinger (born March 1945, Czechoslovakia), who had previously played with The Buddy Miles Quartet but found himself without work following Wilson Pickett’s US tour.
The last founding member was Andrew Keiller (born August 16, 1941, Bodmin, England), an English vocalist who had collaborated with McKelvey in The Upsetters and released a solo album in 1966. Keiller relocated to Montreal in April 1966 and reached out to McKelvey after seeing him on local television.
Band Timeline
Influence made their first public appearance on June 1, 1967, at the Barrel, an intimate club in Montreal. Later that month, they expanded their lineup by adding singer-songwriter and pianist Bob Parkins (also known as Bobo Island) alongside lead guitarist Walter Rossi. Both musicians had previously worked with Geisinger in The Buddy Miles Quartet and earlier bands such as Bob & The Messengers and The Soul Mates.
By late August, the band moved to Toronto where they performed frequently at Boris' Red Gas Room throughout September and October. In November, they recorded an album at Bell Studios in New York City under the production of Dennis Minogue (Terry Cashman) for ABC Records. Released in January 1968, the album included the mini-opera "Mad Birds of Prey," which drew stylistic comparisons to Weill’s Threepenny Opera rather than conventional rock music.
The group split their time between Toronto and New York City, returning to Boris' Red Gas Room in December before launching their album at Steve Paul's The Scene in New York. During this period, they opened for Blood, Sweat & Tears over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Buddy Miles also joined them on stage during this time.
Following disappointing sales and internal disagreements, drummer Dave Wynne left the band in January 1968. Frank LoRusso (known as Yum Yum) replaced him upon their return to Montreal. The band resumed performances in Toronto by mid-February, including a stint at the Penny Farthing club in March and supporting The Doors at CNE Hall on April 20.
In May, Influence toured parts of the US Midwest, opening for Procol Harum in Detroit and Steppenwolf in Chicago. However, instability grew within the group; Andrew Keiller departed in June 1968 and later relocated to Australia.
Back in Toronto, they played at El Patio from August 31 to September 1 before original member McKelvey left for England. The remaining members continued under the Influence name until early 1969 when Walter Rossi joined The Buddy Miles Express, leading to the band's dissolution.
Subsequent Developments
Louis McKelvey returned to Canada in March 1969 alongside Malcolm Tomlinson, another former member of Jeff Curtis & The Flames. Together they formed Milkwood, recording an unreleased LP for Polydor Records produced by Jerry Ragovoy. Jack Geisinger participated in these sessions as well. After Milkwood disbanded later that year, Geisinger briefly joined McKelvey's subsequent project Damage, which also featured drummer Yum Yum from Influence. McKelvey exited the music scene during the early 1970s but remained based in Toronto.
In February 1970, Geisinger became part of Luke & The Apostles and later brought Rossi into the group. This ensemble evolved into The Apostles before disbanding in 1971. Afterwards, both musicians collaborated on an LP under the name Charlee. Rossi went on to pursue a successful solo career while Geisinger recorded with Bombers.
Bob Parkins (Bobo Island), who had contributed to Buddy Miles' single "Them Changes" alongside Rossi, tragically died in a car accident toward the end of 1969.
Recordings
- LP Influence (Sparton 630) 1968 (Canada)
- LP Influence (ABC 630) 1968 (United States)
- CD Influence (PACE-095) 2014 Pacemaker Entertainment