Streetwalkers

Streetwalkers

Company type	Rock band
Industry	Music
Founded	1973
Founder	Roger Chapman, John "Charlie" Whitney
Defunct	1977
Headquarters	England
Key people	Roger Chapman, John "Charlie" Whitney, Bobby Tench, Nicko McBrain, Jon Plotel, Mickey Feat, Brian Johnston, David Dowle
Products	Albums, live performances

Streetwalkers was an English rock group established in late 1973 by ex-Family members, vocalist Roger Chapman and guitarist John "Charlie" Whitney. Originating from the Chapman Whitney Band, they expanded into a quintet.

Under the management of Michael Alphandary and Harvey Goldsmith, they became known for their dynamic live performances and their 1976 release, Red Card. Former publicist Barbara Charone remarked on their near breakthrough, emphasizing that Chapman, Whitney, and Bobby Tench consistently appeared ready to achieve significant success.

By 1977, however, shifting musical landscapes driven by the emergence of punk rock and new wave music curtailed their influence within UK rock history. Nonetheless, they found notable success across the United States and Europe, particularly in Germany.

1973 Chapman Whitney Streetwalkers album

In 1973, Chapman and Whitney signed with Reprise Records, releasing Chapman Whitney Streetwalkers in 1974. This album featured contributions from former Family members—including co-founder Ric Grech, bassists John Wetton and Jim Cregan—alongside musicians from King Crimson, such as Wetton, saxophonist Mel Collins, and drummers Ian Wallace and Michael Giles.

The record was well-received for its fusion of rock and ballads enriched by varied influences, highlighting Chapman's unique vocal capabilities. Keyboardist Blue Weaver joined the band for live shows like the 1974 Reading Festival. Additionally, Bobby Tench, known for his work with the Jeff Beck Group and Hummingbird, was part of their touring lineup, including appearances at London's Hyde Park that same year.

Concert billing, Rockpalast, Streetwalkers formation and Downtown Flyers

Following the release of Chapman Whitney Streetwalkers, Chapman and Whitney rebranded their group as Streetwalkers and officially incorporated Tench upon signing with Phonogram Inc. in 1975. Tench was accompanied by drummer Nicko McBrain (who would later join Iron Maiden) and bassist Jon Plotel. Earlier that year, they performed on the German television program Rockpalast, billed as Chapman Whitney Streetwalkers. Their debut album as Streetwalkers, Downtown Flyers (1975), was launched in both the US and Europe but achieved only modest success stateside while garnering more attention in European markets.

Red Card, stadium concerts

Their sophomore album, the rhythm-driven Red Card (1976), climbed to #16 on UK charts and continues to be well-regarded. During May–June 1976, the band supported The Who on their UK stadium tour "Who Put the Boot In," sharing stages with acts such as the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Little Feat, and the Outlaws. Additionally, Streetwalkers toured across America supporting Wings, 10cc, and Joe Cocker.

John Peel sessions, final Rockpalast appearance

On 12 June 1976, Streetwalkers recorded their inaugural session for BBC radio's John Peel show featuring Chapman, Whitney, Tench, Plotel, and McBrain. A second Peel session followed on 14 March 1977. Their last performance on Rockpalast occurred on 19 April 1977 with a lineup comprising Chapman, Whitney, Tench, keyboardist Brian Johnston, bassist Mickey Feat, and drummer David Dowle (later affiliated with Whitesnake).

Vicious But Fair and Band Dissolution

When their third and concluding studio album, Vicious But Fair (1977), was released, Vertigo had already redirected its attention towards punk and new wave genres, which adversely affected the band's commercial success across Europe. The 1977 release Streetwalkers Live consisted of a rough assortment of poorly captured recordings, seemingly produced to satisfy contractual requirements. Critic John Dougan acknowledged the substandard audio quality but emphasized Chapman's expressive vocal performances. By this stage, the group had ceased to exist, with Tench proceeding to collaborate with Van Morrison and Little Feat.

Chapman Whitney Streetwalkers Lineup 1973–1974

• Roger Chapman – lead vocals, harmonica, percussion
• Boz Burrell – vocals
• Jim Cregan – vocals
• Linda Lewis – backing vocals
• Charlie Whitney – guitar, steel guitar
• Neil Hubbard – guitar
• Bobby Tench – guitar, vocals, percussion, keyboards
• Ric Grech – bass guitar
• John Wetton – bass, vocals
• Blue Weaver – keyboards
• Tim Hinkley – keyboards, vocals
• Max Middleton – keyboards
• Mel Collins – saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet
• Michael Giles – drums
• Ian Wallace – drums
• Poli Palmer – vibraphone, backing vocals
• Godfrey McLean – percussion

Streetwalkers Lineup 1975–1977

• Roger Chapman – vocals, harmonica, percussion
• Charlie Whitney – guitar, keyboards, slide guitar
• Bobby Tench – guitar, vocals, percussion, keyboards
• Jon Plotel – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Mickey Feat – bass guitar
• Brian Johnston – keyboards
• Nicko McBrain – drums, percussion
• David Dowle – drums

Discography

• Chapman Whitney Streetwalkers Reprise K 54017 UK/Mercury USA (May 1974)
• Downtown Flyers Vertigo 6360 123 (October 1975)
• Red Card Vertigo 9102 010 UK/Mercury USA (May 1976). Achieved #16 on UK album chart
• In Concert BBC (1975)
• Vicious But Fair Vertigo 9102 013 UK/Mercury USA (January 1977)
• Live Streetwalkers Vertigo 6641 703 (December 1977)
• Best of Streetwalkers Vertigo 846 661 2 (1991)

Re-releases

• Red Card Repertoire REP 4147-WP CD (2002)
• Downtown Flyers BGO (2002)
• Vicious but Fair See for Miles SEECD 352 (1994)
• Live at the BBC Windsong 61 (1994)
• Streetwalkers Live BGO (2004)

Compilation Albums

• Red Card/Vicious but Fair BGO BGOCD 606 (2005)

Singles

• "Roxianna"/"Crack" Reprise K14357 (1974), from Chapman-Whitney Streetwalkers album
• "Raingame"/"Miller" Vertigo 6059 130 (1975), from Downtown Flyers album
• "Daddy Rolling Stone"/"Hole In Your Pocket" Vertigo 6059 144 (1976), from Red Card album
• "Chilli Con Carne"/"But You're Beautiful" Vertigo Europe, from Vicious but Fair album

References

• Joynson, Vernon. The Tapestry of Delights - The Comprehensive Guide to British Music of the Beat, R&B, Psychedelic and Progressive Eras 1963-1976. Borderline (2006). Reprinted 2008.
• Roberts, David. British Hit Singles & Albums (19th edition). London: Guinness World Records Limited(2006). .

External links

• Chapman Whitney Streetwalkers and Streetwalkers performances at Rockpalast WDR Studio-L Köln in 1975 and 1977
• [ Streetwalkers] complete discography available on Allmusic
• Streetwalkers performing "Crawfish" live at Rockpalast on March 25, 1975, featured on NME.com