Pool Of Sound - Nutz

John, Keith, Mick and Dave

 

Originally called 'Jiminy Cricket' in 1972, the band was initiated by guitarist Mick Devonport by drawing in drummer John Mylett and bassist Keith Mulholand. Their lead vocalist, Dave Lloyd, was located through the television. The singer had lent his vocal talents to the theme of a Cadbury's Crunchy bar advert, this display prompting the trio to track him down. By coincidence Lloyd was performing at the world famous Cavern club the very next day and duly persuaded to front 'Nutz'. Before becoming known as 'Nutz' they had changed their name to 'Harpoon'. Their name was subsequently changed by record company A&M in 1973 to 'Nutz' with the line-up of John Mylett on drums, Mick Devonport on guitar, Dave Lloyd on vocals and Keith Mulholland on bass guitar. It's not known where the band name originally comes from though, but during the Battle of the bulge in WW2, an American commander sent a message back to the Germans after being asked to surrender, which just read 'nutz'...

The band established a residency at the Cavern club, recording in daylight hours and performing live in the evening. During this time management company executives Mike Clifford & Chris Trendgrove (ex A & M) became interested in signing the band and went on to manage them during their first two albums. 
'Nutz' released their first album in 1974 entitled simply 'Nutz One', with John Antony producing the album, who also produced 'Queen'. However it did not live up to expectations and they went on perhaps unfortunately to be more remembered for their saucy album covers than the actual music the records contained.
In 1974 they toured with 'Queen' and, according to band members, it was one of their most enjoyable tours. Now with a positive reputation established, the group set about recording their follow-up album the following year in London's Trident studios. Once again they utilised John Anthony as producer, who had so successfully guided their debut. It wise a wise move as the resulting album, 'Nutz Too' showed distinct maturity and a great gift for constructive arrangements. It also continued to showcase the musical talents of the band. This album was a much more commendable effort than their first and in the same year they recorded a BBC Radio One Live Session and they were invited to appear on the BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test TV program. As cool as the TV experience was for the band, that was to be their pinnacle.

February 1975

Their fortunes were revived with a valuable support tour to 'Black Sabbath's' 1976 UK dates. Soon back on the road, they then paired up with 'Budgie' for further UK dates plus a barnstorming appearance at the Reading Festival. They added keyboard player Kenny Newton in mid 1977 for the recording of the 'Hard Nutz' opus. 'Nutz Live Cutz' was issued in 1978 resulting in them severing their contract with A&M. However, the record company then exercised their contract in full, not allowing the band to record for a further two years. The band members relocated to Jersey during this period. After this third album they signed to David Oddie of Quarry Management who also managed 'Status Quo', Rory Gallagher and Graham Bonnet.

The Reading Festival

By 1979 the band was sputtering to a halt, but then their song 'Bootliggers' was surprisingly chosen for inclusion on the 1980s 'Metal for Muthas' ( a compilation of the emerging New Wave of British Heavy Metal talent like 'Iron Maiden', 'Praying Mantis' and 'Samson' ). in 1979 they signed to the French label Carrere Records but Newton quit the band to join 'Nightwing'. Carrere persuades the remaining members to change their name to Rage to cash in on the younger generation and Terry Steers was brought in on guitar. As 'Rage' they got to tour with Uriah Heep and Meatloaf and went on to record three more albums before finally breaking up in 1984. As for 'Nutz', their two first albums remain highlights from that mid-70s era. They are very much of their time musically, but that is really the main draw and exactly why they still remain so alluring to fans of hard 1970s rock'n'roll.

see also :- http://www.thefootballvoice.com/2019/06/pool-of-sound-elvis-costello.html