Widowmaker (British band)
| Company type | Supergroup |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Founder | Ariel Bender |
| Defunct | 1977 |
Area served | United Kingdom, North America |
| Products | Studio albums, singles |
Widowmaker was a British hard rock ensemble active between 1975 and 1977, frequently recognized as a supergroup. They produced two studio albums before dissolving due to creative and interpersonal conflicts. Their musical contributions have been compiled in the 2002 release Straight Faced Fighters by Castle Communications, which includes selections from both records.
History
The band was initiated by guitarist Ariel Bender, formerly of Mott the Hoople and Spooky Tooth. The initial roster featured lead singer Steve Ellis (previously with Love Affair), guitarist Huw Lloyd-Langton (ex-Hawkwind), Australian bassist Bob Daisley (formerly of Chicken Shack), and drummer Paul Nicholls (ex-Lindisfarne).
Following rehearsals at the Manticore Studios owned by Emerson, Lake & Palmer, the group secured a contract with Don Arden's Jet Records. Their debut single "On the Road" and the self-titled album Widowmaker were both released in 1976. This album, which featured additional performances by vocalist/guitarist Bobby Tench and Hammond organist Zoot Money, fused elements of blues, country, folk, and hard rock, achieving a peak position of No. 196 on the US charts.
Widowmaker supported Nazareth during their UK tour and took part in the Who Put The Boot In stadium events alongside artists such as Little Feat, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, with headlining performances by The Who.
After completing a North American tour with Electric Light Orchestra, Ellis left the band and was succeeded by singer John Butler. The group then recorded their sophomore album Too Late to Cry. Upon bassist Daisley's departure to join Rainbow, Widowmaker disbanded shortly after releasing the album in February 1977.
Discography
- Widowmaker, Jet 2310 432 (1976)
- Too Late to Cry, (1977)
- Straight Faced Fighters, (2002) (compilation containing previously unreleased radio session tracks)
Singles
From the album Widowmaker
- "On the Road"/"Pin a Rose on Me", Jet JET 766 (1976)
- "When I Met You"/"Pin a Rose on Me", Jet JET 767 (1976)
- "Pin a Rose on Me"/"On the Road", Jet JET 782 (1976) – UK No. 53