Bullfrog (4)

British hard rock band who were formed in Consett, in the north-east of England, in 1970. Initially called Mandrake, they changed their name to Bullfrog in April 1971, a year in which they were also forced to make personnel changes when Glancy chose to leave, and Simons was sacked. They were replaced by McDonald and Harle, respectively. By 1972, they had saved-up enough money to pay for a recording session at Multicord Recording Studios (Frederick Street, Sunderland), during which they recorded enough material for an album. From this session acetate LPs and demo tapes were made, and a large number of these were sent-out to record labels, promoters, and the like. At the end of '72 they entered the EMITape national talent contest 'Star Search', and were placed third, for which they received £250 and an audition with EMI. They failed to impress EMI, but not Cube Records, who signed them in 1973, and more recording sessions followed. Initially they were produced by Rodger Bain, but the role was quickly taken-up by Hugh Murphy. Though there were plans to release an album and several singles, only 1 single ever saw the light of day, as relations between themselves and the label deteriorated due to a difference of opinion concerning the band's musical direction. Finding themselves at loggerheads with Cube, they were dealt another blow in 1975 when McDonald announced that he was leaving to join-up with Dave Black (2) in the new line-up of Spiders From Mars. Without a singer, contractually obliged, and in financial debt to Cube, they decided to disband. During their time on the college/music hall/pub circuit they supported Wishbone Ash, Gary Glitter, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Vinegar Joe, The Pretty Things, East Of Eden (2), The Edgar Broughton Band, and Juicy Lucy, amongst others, as well as appearing twice on the TV show 'Geordie Scene', with the Bay City Rollers on one occasion, and Lindisfarne on the other. Members: Steve Thompson - bass (1970-75) Robin Hird - guitar (1970-75) Michael Glancy - vocals (1970-71) Michael Simons - drums (1970-end of 1971) Pete McDonald - vocals (1971-75) Jim Harle - drums (1972-75)