<back - CROWBAR - was originally formed as a backup band for the legendary Father of Canadian Rock...Ronnie Hawkins. The original band was named 'And Many Others' by Hawkins, who stated that the band would get universal exposure, as, that phrase appeared at the bottom of marquees around the world. 'And Many Others' was primarily, a Blues band, due to the principal direction, Blues harp, and lead vocals of Richard 'King Biscuit Boy' Newell. Ronnie Hawkins and the group began touring on weekends in the U.S. They played New York City with Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs and Englishmen, in Boston with Mountain, and Detroit City with Lee Michaels, and received favorable reviews. While back in Canada playin' the bar circuit with Hawkins the band recorded an album with Richard Newell, that was due for release.

It was around this time that the band changed its name to Crowbar. The year was 1969. While in discussion with their producer Frank Davies, it was decided that a name change would be in order. The Hawkins name no longer conveyed any meaning. Just prior to this decision, Ronnie Hawkins had given an interview, and had stated that the band 'were a nice bunch of boys, but they could f*ck up a crowbar in about ten seconds!' In light of the remark, the name seemed appropriate. Richard Newell and Crowbar's album 'Official Music' was acclaimed as the best Blues album to come out of Canada at the time. During this time the band had to replace 2 of its original members. Richard Bell had left before the album's release, to play with Janis Joplin and the Full Tilt Boogie Band and Larry Atamaniuk left to play with Sea Train. Singer John Rutter left for personal reasons. Sonnie Bernardi came in to replace Larry Atamaniuk on drums; and Sonnie suggested Joseph 'Joey' Chirowski as a replacement for Richard Bell on keyboards. It was shortly after these changes that Newell decided to leave the group because he was unhappy with the direction of the band was taking. It was becoming more rock oriented, and Richard was a pure Blues artist. The band continued on, with Kelly Jay taking over as front man. They went back into the studio to record 'Bad Manors' their first solo effort as Crowbar. It was from this album that 'Oh What A Feeling' was released as a single. The record went to number one on the charts in seventeen Canadian cities, and propelled the band to national touring status. The original Crowbar broke up in 1974, shortly after the release of their last recording, 'KE-32746' on Epic records.  MP3- CORRINA |