Glam Slam Guide

The eight-piece, face-painted, sax-wailing, rainbow-haired glam orchestra who made Christmas forever weird and wanted you to see their baby tonight.

Roy Wood left ELO, grew the maddest beard in rock, slapped on war-paint thicker than Kiss, and assembled the loudest, campest, most joyous gang of glam lunatics Britain ever saw.

The Glam Slam Essentials

1. Wizzard Brew (1973) – Album Release (1973)One long, mad, prog-glam freak-out – “Wear a Silly Grin”, “Buffalo Station”. Not radio-friendly, but pure Roy genius.

2. Introducing Eddy and the Falcons (1974) – Album Release (1974)The masterpiece – 50s pastiche done with glam insanity. “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday”, “See My Baby Jive”, “Angel Fingers”.

3. The Christmas single that ruined every school nativity play forever“I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday” (1973) – still the greatest non-Beatles Christmas song.

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Where to Start Listening Today (5 tracks)

1. See My Baby Jive – UK #1 – Phil Spector wall-of-sound on acid

2. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday – the ultimate glam Xmas banger

3. Angel Fingers – another #1 – pure glitter-soaked joy

4. Ball Park Incident – their debut hit – baseball metaphors and sax solos

5. Are You Ready to Rock – the ultimate live closer

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Wizzard didn’t do subtle. They did face-paint, roller-skates, two drummers, three saxes, and enough tinsel to decorate the entire Black Country.

Turn it up, grab a mince pie, and remember: Roy Wood invented glam Christmas.

Deep Dive:

Formed by Roy Wood, who was previously a member of The Move and a co-founder of Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). Here's a comprehensive look at Wizzard:

Formation and Lineup:

Founder: Roy Wood, known for his multi-instrumental skills, formed Wizzard in 1972 after leaving ELO due to creative differences with the band's manager, Don Arden.

Key Members: The band included musicians like Bill Hunt (keyboards, French horn), Hugh McDowell (cello), Rick Price (bass), Charlie Grima and Keith Smart (both on drums), Mike Burney and Nick Pentelow (saxophones, clarinet, flute), and Bob Brady (keyboards). This large ensemble was notable for having two drummers.

Musical Style:

Glam Rock with a Twist: Wizzard combined glam rock's theatricality with a deep reverence for 1950s and 1960s rock 'n' roll, often employing a "Wall of Sound" production technique reminiscent of Phil Spector.

Eccentricity: Their music was both catchy and experimental, especially on their albums, where they explored beyond the pop singles into jazz-rock and progressive elements.

Notable Achievements:

Chart Success: Wizzard had significant success with singles:

"Ball Park Incident" (1973) - Reached No. 6 in the UK.

"See My Baby Jive" (1973) - A No. 1 hit in the UK.

"Angel Fingers" (1973) - Another No. 1 in the UK.

"I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday" (1973) - Although it only reached No. 4, it has become a perennial Christmas classic in the UK.

Albums:

"Wizzard Brew" (1973) - Their debut album, which showcased a mix of glam rock and experimental music, peaking at No. 29 in the UK.

"Introducing Eddy & The Falcons" (1974) - A rock 'n' roll pastiche album.

"Main Street" - Initially unreleased due to commercial concerns, it was eventually released in 2000.

Live Performances and Image:

Visual Impact: Known for their distinctive costumes, makeup, and stage antics, Wizzard was one of the most visually striking bands of the British glam rock scene. Their performances included elements like pantomime horses and custard pies, making them memorable on shows like "Top of the Pops."

Disbandment and Aftermath:

Financial and Creative Issues: The band was expensive to maintain due to its large lineup and extensive studio time. After failing to make a significant impact in the US, and with dwindling chart success, the band disbanded by autumn 1975.

Post-Wizzard: Roy Wood went on to form Wizzo Band briefly before focusing on solo work and producing for other artists. The legacy of Wizzard, particularly through their Christmas hit, remains strong in British music culture.

Wizzard's brief but impactful presence in the 1970s music scene left a lasting mark due to their innovative sound, memorable hits, and unique visual style. If you're interested in how Wizzard might have appeared in their prime, I can generate images capturing their iconic glam rock aesthetic.