SPLITS, QUITS & BREAK UPS

Rip It Up, Issue 2, 1 July 1977, Page 3

SPLITS, QUITS & BREAK UPS

In which Rip It Up tells you who’s broken up and who’s left who. Steeleye Span. Bob Johnson (guitar) and Peter Knight (fiddle) have both left Steeleye Span to work on their own projects. Replacing them in the band are, well-known folk guitarist Martin Carthy, who was an original member of the group; and accordionist John Kirkpatrick who has worked with Richard and Linda Thompson among others. Johnson and Knight quit the band on the eve of its world tour which includes dates in NZ in August. Rumours have suggested that this could be a substantially different Steeleye Span, in sound, to the one seen in NZ last.

Procol Harum guitarist, Mick Grabham has quit. He replaced Dave Ball five years ago, who in turn replaced Robin Trower. Grabham s de parture is apparently amicable, but both he and Harum seem uncertain of their respective futures. Mick Grabham has hinted that he may form his own band.

The Supremes. The last original member of the Supremes, Mary Wilson, has left. The remaining two, Scherrie Payne and Susaye Green, are understood to be searching for a third member. There’s also a strong possibility that Mary Wilson’s first solo album will be produced by Marvin Gaye. Labeile have also broken up. All three members are working on solo projects, of which Nona Hendryx's album will probably be the first released.

Black Oak Arkansas have changed their name to Black Oak. With the name change comes a massive personnel upheaval. The only remaining members from the old line-up are Jim Dandy Mangrum and “Little Jimmy" Henderson.