Wally

Symphonic progressive rock band Wally, led by singer/songwriter Roy Webber, originated in Harrogate, Yorkshire in England between 1971-1976 and 2008-2011. The original lineup was completed by Pete Cosker (electric & acoustic guitars), Paul Gerrett (Fender Rhodes electric piano, Hammond organ, Mellotron, harmonium, grand piano, harpsichord & vocals), Paul Middleton (lap steel guitar & bass), Pete Sage (electric violin, bass & mandolin) and Roger Narraway (drums). In 1973, after playing the northern UK pub rock circuit, Wally entered a new act competition organized by English music paper Melody Maker. The band made it to the finals held at London's Roundhouse Theatre, but did not win. They did however catch the eye of one of the judges, "Whispering" Bob Harris (6), legendary DJ of The Old Grey Whistle Test. The runners-up prize was the opportunity to record a session for Harris's BBC radio show The Monday Program. Taking Wally under his wing, Harris secured a recording contract with Atlantic Records. "I really liked them," recalls Bob Harris. "I liked the swirling sound they made... acoustic guitar, electric guitar, fiddle, Fender Rhodes electric piano and pedal steel guitar. I liked their harmonies, the way their voices matched. I liked their influences... David Crosby, Jackson Browne and Neil Young. But most of all I liked Roy Webber's songs." Their debut album, Wally (1974), was co-produced by Bob Harris, along with Rick Wakeman who had seen one of the band's warm up gigs before the Roundhouse final. On their second album, Valley Gardens (1975), Nick Glennie-Smith replaced Paul Gerrett on keyboards. In 1976 continual heavy touring had taken its toll, and the band eventually split after Atlantic decided to cut their losses and pulled the plug. After over thirty-year hiatus, the surviving members of the original line-up – augmented by Frank Mizen (pedal steel) and Will Jackson (lead guitar) – performed to a sell out crowd on 4.4.2009 in their home town of Harrogate. The third album, Montpellier (2010), was comprising reworkings of demos from the band's earlier incarnation, along with new material by both Roy Webber and Paul Middleton. A recording of the 17.4.2010 reunion concert was released as a live album, To the Urban Man (2010), and the third and last reunion concert was on 25.6.2011, again in the band's home town of Harrogate. Band members (1971-1976 & 2008-2011): ● Roy Webber – lead vocals, guitar (1971-1976, 2008-2011) ● Nick Glennie-Smith – keyboards, vocals (1974-1976, 2008-2011) ● Will Jackson – lead guitar, keyboards (2008-2011) ● Paul Middleton – lap steel, bass, vocals (1971-1976, 2008-2011) ● Frank Mizen – pedal steel, bass, banjo (2008-2011) ● Pete Sage – electric violin, bass (1971-1976, 2008-2011) ● Roger Narraway – drums, percussion (1973-1976, 2008-2011) + Phil Dean – electric guitar as concert guest Former band members: ● Pete Cosker – lead electric & acoustic guitars, vocals (1971-1976, died in 1990) ● Paul Gerrett – Fender Rhodes electric piano, Hammond organ, Mellotron, harmonium, grand piano, harpsichord, vocals (1972-1974, died in 2008) ● Mike Smith – drums (1971-1973) ● Ade Cooke – ??? (1971, died in 2010)