Toe Fat
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | June 1969 |
| Founder | Cliff Bennett |
| Defunct | 1971 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Studio albums, singles |
Toe Fat was a British rock ensemble active between June 1969 and 1971, distinguished by the involvement of musicians who later joined Uriah Heep and Jethro Tull. Throughout their short-lived existence, they produced two studio albums.
Career
Established in June 1969, the group was led by former Rebel Rouser Cliff Bennett and featured lead guitarist and keyboardist Ken Hensley, bassist John Glascock (who succeeded original bassist Joe Konas), along with drummer Lee Kerslake. Following their debut album, both Kerslake and Hensley departed, making way for Brian Glascock on drums and Alan Kendall on guitar.
Bennett formed the band after disbanding the Cliff Bennett Band, collaborating with ex-members of The Gods—Hensley, Kerslake, and Glascock. The choice of the band's name was intentional, aiming for an unconventional and memorable identity.
Toe Fat secured contracts with American label Rare Earth and UK-based labels EMI, issuing their first album through Parlophone and their sophomore release via Regal Zonophone.
Their self-titled debut album earned favorable reviews from critics despite underwhelming commercial performance. After releasing their initial single "Workin' Nights," which featured an early Elton John composition "Bad Side of the Moon" as its B-side, they toured the United States as support for Derek and the Dominos. The album's cover art, created by the design collective Hipgnosis, stood out for its surrealistic style.
Upon Hensley's exit to establish Uriah Heep, Kendall stepped in prior to recording their second album, Toe Fat Two. Bennett later admitted he "probably should have joined" Uriah Heep when offered the opportunity. Kerslake left to join National Head Band before eventually becoming part of Uriah Heep in 1971. Glascock moved on to become a member of Jethro Tull. Brian Glascock, another former member of The Gods, took over drumming duties.
Producer Jonathan Peel became involved with Toe Fat Two after discovering them during BBC radio sessions. Although the album received more radio exposure and was supported by a US tour, it did not achieve commercial success. As a result, management and record labels ceased financial support.
Afterward, Bennett recorded Rebellion before stepping away from the music industry to pursue a career as a shipping entrepreneur. He occasionally reunited with the Rebel Rousers for tours and later returned in the 2000s with albums Loud And Clear (2002) and Nearly Retired (2009).
Both Alan Kendall and Brian Glascock subsequently contributed as musicians and songwriters for the Bee Gees.
Band members
- Cliff Bennett – lead vocals, piano (1969–1971)
- Lee Kerslake – drums, backing vocals (1969–1970; died 2020)
- Ken Hensley – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals (1969–1970; died 2020)
- Joe Konas – bass, backing vocals (1969)
- John Glascock – bass, backing vocals (1969–1971; died 1979)
- Alan Kendall – guitars (1970–1971)
- Brian Glascock – drums, backing vocals (1970–1971)
Studio albums
- Toe Fat (1970)
- Toe Fat Two (1970)
Singles
- Bad Side Of The Moon / Working Nights (1970)
- Brand New Band / Can't Live Without You (1972)