Christopher (33)

Christopher is a progressive/acid/psychedelic rock band from Houston, Texas, USA, that was formed in 1968 under the name of United Gas. The line-up was formed by Richard Avitts (guitar), Doug Walden (bass, piano, recorder) and Doug Tull (drums). After meeting the independent producer Ron Kramer, they relocated to Los Angeles, where they gained a reputation at Sunset Strip club Gazzarri's as well as performing at drug-crazed parties held by local biker gang The Barons of Earth (the band photo on LP front cover was shot in their head quarter). After some gigs the group signed with Metromedia label, who insisted on a change of name (to avoid confusion with Pacific Gas & Electric) and commissioned an album that was recorded at Sound City in Van Nuys, CA. In the meantime, due to Tull's increasingly unstable behavior (probably also caused by his extensive drug use) the band was forced to replace him with John Simpson and Terrance Hand during the recordings. The newly-named Christopher's album was issued in April 1970, it is thought in 1000 copies. Throughout the years their sole album has become increasingly sought after by both collectors, and fans alike. Christopher broke up shortly afterwards, by which time Tull had already resurfaced in fellow Houston band Josefus.