Radio Gonzo

Wally is one of those bands that unaccountably just didn't quite make it on a commercial level. Why? Nobody really knows, because they were always (and occasionally still are, because they are all still good mates and reform once in a while) a bloody good prog band with a slight jazzy country tinge to them. In 1973, after playing the northern pub rock circuit that included venues in Manchester, Harrogate, Leeds and Bradford, they entered a New Act competition organised by the music paper Melody Maker making it to the finals at London's Roundhouse. They did not win - that honour went to a Prog Rock band named Druid - but they caught the eye of one of the judges, "Whispering" Bob Harris of The Old Grey Whistle Test fame. Their "runners-up" prize was the chance to record a session for Harris's BBC radio show, "The Monday Program". He took the band under his wing and set up a recording contract with Atlantic Records. Their debut album, Wally, released in 1974 was co-produced by Harris, along with Rick Wakeman wh