Glam Slam Guide

The stomping, sax-blasting, silver-suited engine room that turned glam into a gang!

Before they had a name, they were simply “the band” – the group of session musicians who gave Gary Glitter his trademark wall-of-sound stomp. When they stepped out front in 1974, they kept the glitter but added harmonies, horns, and pure bubblegum joy.

The Classic Line-Up

• John Rossall – sax, vocals, ideas man

• Gerry Shephard – lead guitar, vocals (the pretty one)

• Pete Phipps – drums, vocals

• Tony Leonard – drums (yes, two drummers – that stomp!)

• John Springate – bass, vocals

• Harvey Ellison – sax, occasional vocals

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The Must-Hear Hits

1. Angel Face – 1974 – UK #4The ultimate glam stomper – twin drums, twin saxes, and a chorus that never leaves your head.

2. Let's Get Together Again – 1974 – UK #8Pure sunshine pop with handclaps.

3. Goodbye My Love – 1975 – UK #2Their biggest ballad – almost beat Gary to #1!

Where to Start Listening Today (5 tracks)

1. Angel Face – the one that started it all

2. Let's Get Together Again – feel-good glam perfection

3. Goodbye My Love – tear-jerking harmonies

4. Just for You – more sax madness

5. People Like You and People Like Me – their final Top 10 hurrah

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Quick Legacy

• 7 consecutive UK Top 20 hits (1974–1975)

• The only act to score hits while still playing on Gary Glitter’s records at the same time

• Invented the double-drum glam sound that everyone copied

• Still touring today (as The Glitter Band) with original members

The Glitter Band weren’t just a backing band – they were the heartbeat of 70s glam. Put on “Angel Face” and try not to stomp. Impossible!

Deep Dive

Origin: The Glitter Band formed in 1972 from members of the Boston Showband, which had been backing Gary Glitter (born Paul Francis Gadd) on his early hits. The original lineup included:

John Rossall (trombone, musical director)

Gerry Shephard (guitar, vocals)

Pete Phipps (drums, keyboards)

Tony Leonard (drums)

John Springate (bass, vocals)

Harvey Ellison (saxophone)

Initially called the Glittermen, they provided the backing for Glitter's hit singles like "Rock and Roll (Parts 1 and 2)" and "I Didn't Know I Loved You (Till I Saw You Rock and Roll)." Their distinctive sound included two drummers, which was part of their signature glam rock beat.

Break as an Independent Band:

First Single: In 1974, they released "Angel Face," which became their first hit, reaching No. 4 in the UK. This marked the beginning of their success outside of Glitter's shadow.

Hits: The Glitter Band had several top 20 singles in the UK, including "Just for You," "Let's Get Together Again," "Goodbye My Love," and "People Like You and People Like Me." Their music was characterized by catchy hooks, a strong beat, and a glam rock aesthetic.

Albums:

Studio Albums: They released several albums:

"Hey!" (1974)

"Rock 'n' Roll Dudes" (1975)

"Listen to the Band" (1975)

These albums contained a mix of original material and covers, showcasing their versatility within the glam rock genre.

Lineup Changes and Later Years:

Departures: John Rossall left in 1974, and the band continued with Shephard, Springate, and Phipps leading.

End of the Glam Era: As glam rock waned, so did their commercial success. They tried changing their name to "The G Band" and later "Air Traffic Control" for new singles, but these efforts didn't recapture their earlier success.

Legacy and Reunions:

Reformation: In 1987, Shephard and Phipps reformed the band, touring extensively. However, legal issues over the use of the name "Glitter" due to Gary Glitter's later controversies led to restrictions on how they could present themselves.

Continued Performances: Pete Phipps has kept the band alive with various lineups, performing under "The Glitter Band" name.

Cultural Impact: The band's music has been used in various media, and their songs are remembered fondly from the glam rock period. "Rock and Roll (Part 2)" by Gary Glitter, which they played on, became an iconic sports anthem, although the band itself is less associated with this track in public memory.

Controversies: The band's association with Gary Glitter has been complicated by his later legal troubles, affecting how their legacy is viewed.

Members' Later Careers:

Gerry Shephard: Co-wrote the UK's 2000 Eurovision entry, "Don't Play That Song Again," and continued to work in music until his death in 2003.

John Springate: Also pursued music, including songwriting for Eurovision.

Pete Phipps: He has remained active in the music scene, both with The Glitter Band and other projects.

The Glitter Band's contribution to glam rock, with their infectious songs and distinctive sound, has left a lasting mark on the genre, even if their association with Gary Glitter has cast a shadow over their history.