WARHORSE

From the ashes of Marsha Hunt's band, Nick Simper, previously the bass player with Deep Purple, Ged Peck, from Billy Fury's band and Mac Poole from Hush, brought Warhorse together bringing in Rick Wakeman on Keys and Ashley Holt on Vocals. The band was then signed to the record label Vertigo, an offshoot of Philips Records for their progressive label. As Nick had been in Deep Purple and since Mac had grown up with John Bonham on the Birmingham Circuit, the band Warhorse catalyised the raw energy of blues and rock 'n' roll , aided by the melodic inspiration of Rick Wakeman, the stunning Guitar work of Ged Peck and Powerhouse vocal dexterity of Ashley Holt, the band created the progressive rock sound that is known through out the world today.However, even before the first album was completed Rick Wakeman left to join The Strawbs and Frank Wilson was recruited in his place. A notable player, with an extraordinary ability for performance and keyboard virtuosity. This line up established itself wherever and whenever the band played. On the continent the band were supreme, as many bands will remember.After several tours Ged was replaced by Pete Parks a Blues-rock guitarist and then the second album called 'Red Sea' was recorded. After more tours Nick Simper left and the band carried on with a new bass player called Joe Southall, who had previously been with Marty Wilde's band.After a while as the band were having trouble with their agents and the work was sparse Mac was asked to work with "Gong", a French band with lots of work, so Mac went to live in France.He was replaced by Barny James. Nick also rejoined just after this time and the band carried on for a short time before finally breaking up because of management problems.