A newly remastered 2CD edition of the recordings by Warhorse, released originally on the Vertigo label between 1970-1972. Includes the self-titled album, “Warhorse” and “Red Sea” and 11 bonus tracks.
Back in November 1970, right after parting ways with Deep Purple’s original Mark I line-up, founding bassist Nick Simper unleashed a dark, organ-drenched beast onto the British underground: Warhorse’s self-titled debut album, celebrating 56 years this month! . Recorded at Trident Studios and pressed on the iconic Vertigo swirl label, the band paired Simper’s thunderous Rickenbacker and Fender low end with Ashley Holt’s gritty, powerhouse vocals, Ged Peck’s razor-sharp Telecaster attack, Frank Wilson’s swirling Hammond organ, and Mac Poole punishing the drums.
From the relentless, shifting progressive structures of “Vulture Blood” and the brooding weight of “St. Louis” to their massive heavy overhaul of “Hush”, this record stands as an essential cornerstone of 1970 underground heavy prog.
Formed in early 1970 by the former Deep Purple bassist Nick Simper, the band began life as backing band for singer Marsha Hunt. The group also initially featured Rick Wakeman, but he departed the band in April 1970 to join The Strawbs. Signing a licensing contract with Vertigo Records, the band’s self-titled debut album was released in November 1970. The release was followed by touring, but the band’s line-up evolved further before the recording of their second album, ‘Red Sea’, issued in June 1972.
Simper had joined Marsha Hunt’s backing band. Not long after, Simper replaced her backing band with Ged Peck on guitar and Mac Poole on drums. When Hunt became pregnant, the band stopped touring, and Simper and Peck re-organized the group as Warhorse. Ashley Holt became the band’s singer, and they recruited the keyboard player Rick Wakeman. When their first demo was recorded in April 1970, Wakeman was replaced by Frank Wilson and left to join The Strawbs.
Warhorse signed to Vertigo, and released their first album, “Warhorse” in November 1970. Warhorse was managed by Ron Hire, originally part of HEC Enterprises, the original investors in Deep Purple.
The band began to tour, but made little progress, and the album failed to chart. A single, “St. Louis”, was released, which failed to chart. By 1971, after arguments about style, Peck left and moved to classical guitar playing. He was replaced by Pete Parks.
In June 1972, their next album, “Red Sea”, was released, but soon after Warhorse was dropped from the label. Around the same time, Poole decided to leave Warhorse for Gong. The band carried on, and replaced Poole with Barney James. Wakeman used both Holt and James for his solo albums, “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” and “The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
Soon after this, drummer Mac Poole departed join Gong and was replaced by Barney James. Warhorse would continue until 1974, but vocalist Ashley Holt and Barney James would depart to join Rick Wakeman in his band The English Rock Ensemble.
Warhorse’s last concert in 1974 was at Polhill College, Bedford.
The two albums recorded by Warhorse are fine examples of Progressive Hard Rock of the era. They are both featured in this collection, along with eleven further bonus tracks comprising demos and live recordings.
