greenmantle

GREENMANTLE was one word and 3-2-4 guys? Formed in September 1971, Ian campbell, billy campbell & jack law made up the first formation. Their Previous backgrounds in local beatgroups, ie. (the trinkets ) gave them their Own distinctive sound. Ian left the group in 1972, due to ill health, so billy And jack carried on as a two piece, and carved a good reputation as singer/ Songwriters, touring all over Britain. They signed a management deal with Johnnie Morris in 1973, and he secured them a recording contract with Philips records. Their first single was released in 1974, it was a Rupert Holmes song called “terminal”. It sold quite well, but the boys felt that it Was not representative of the way they were wanting to go, so they decided To recruit two new members to the band. Allan Stevenson on drums, and Peter mcbrearty on guitar. Their sound became better suited to the songs they Were writing, and because of change of direction, they had to move out of the Folk clubs and concert halls, and into the rock-pub and club circuit. Allan left The band in 1975 due to being worn out from all the touring. John Houston Came in on drums, and the band carried on writing, recording and playing. A year later, jack decided to leave, being thoroughly fed up with the music Business, and mick tausney came in to replace jack but the band only lasted A further six months before it sadly broke up. The boys have a large collection Of studio, and live recordings of their own material, and are currently putting Together a selection, for release.