Locomotive (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Founder | Jim Simpson |
| Headquarters | Birmingham , United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Locomotive—initially known as The Locomotive—was a British ensemble originating from Birmingham, active throughout the 1960s. Their musical approach encompassed genres such as jazz, psychedelic rock, ska, and progressive rock. The founding members featured Chris Wood, who later joined Traffic, alongside drummer Mike Kellie of Spooky Tooth. In 1968, they achieved modest UK chart success with "Rudi's in Love" before issuing their sole album, We Are Everything You See, in 1970.
History
The band was established in 1965 under the name Kansas City Seven by trumpeter Jim Simpson. The initial roster consisted of vocalist Danny King, saxophonists Chris Wood and Brian "Monk" Finch, organist Richard Storey, bassist Pete Allen, and drummer Mike Kellie. Beginning with jazz roots, the group evolved toward R&B and soul influences and subsequently adopted the name The Locomotive, building a solid reputation through live performances. By late 1966, following Wood's departure to join Traffic, Simpson remained the only original member. The lineup then incorporated Norman Haines (vocals/keyboards), Jo Ellis (bass), Bill Madge (saxophone), and drummer "Mooney" Mezzone.
Fronted by Haines—whose style was shaped by Birmingham's West Indian community and ska rhythms—the band released their debut single on the Direction label featuring Haines' composition "Broken Heart" alongside a rendition of Dandy Livingstone's "A Message to You, Rudy," a track later popularized by the Specials. In 1968, Simpson exited performing duties to focus on management and founded Big Bear Records; he would later manage Black Sabbath. Ellis and Mezzone were replaced by Mick Hincks (bass) and Bob Lamb (drums), with Mick Taylor stepping in for Simpson on trumpet. Omitting "The" from their name and signing with Parlophone Records, their follow-up single "Rudi's in Love," a ska number penned by Haines, reached number 25 on the UK Singles Chart.
Capitalizing on this momentum, Locomotive recorded an album at Abbey Road Studios under producer Gus Dudgeon. The record marked a transition toward progressive rock with an emphasis on Haines' keyboard work; however, its release was postponed due to indecision from the label. A single cover of Question Mark and the Mysterians' "I'm Never Gonna Let You Go" failed to chart. In 1969, Haines departed—turning down an invitation to join Black Sabbath—and went on to form the Norman Haines Band; he died in 2021.
We Are Everything You See finally appeared in early 1970 to favorable critical reception but struggled to maintain their earlier R&B fanbase. The album featured tracks such as "Mr. Armageddon," which later appeared on progressive rock compilations, along with covers of Joseph Byrd’s compositions from The United States of America. Additionally, the group released a single under the alias Steam Shovel through Transatlantic Records.
Following these events, Hincks and Lamb continued Locomotive with John Caswell and Keith Millar, releasing the single "Roll Over Mary" before rebranding as The Dog That Bit People in 1970. This new formation produced an album in 1971 prior to disbandment. Subsequently, Hincks and Lamb joined Tea and Symphony; Lamb also pursued a career as a producer for UB40.
We Are Everything You See was reissued on CD twice—once in 1995 and again in 2010.
Bob Lamb passed away on 16 October 2025 at the age of 78.
Albums
- We Are Everything You See (Parlophone, 1970)
Singles
- "Broken Heart" / "Rudy - a Message to You" (Direction, 1967)
- "Rudi's in Love" / "Never Set Me Free" (Parlophone, 1968) – UK No. 25
- "I'm Never Gonna Let You Go" / "You Must Be Joking" (Parlophone, 1969)
- "Mr. Armageddan" / "There's Got to Be a Way" (Parlophone, 1969)
- "Roll Over Mary" / "Movin' Down the Line" (Parlophone, 1970)