Roy Wood with Wizzard.
Roy Wood the creator of the band Wizzard was an established songwriter and performer
with The Move in the 60s and early 70s.
He had always invisaged the idea of recreating on stage the kind of sounds similar to the
Beatles, Strawberry Fields Forever and Iam The Walrus.
HoHowever before he could start this scheme he had to fill the contractual requirements of the Move.
The band In which now consisted of Roy Wood, Jeff Lynne and Bev Bevan on Drums,
released the Move's last single in 1972 the excellent "California Man".this was a top ten hit..
AfAfter the release of their last album "Message From The Country"
he set about forming "The Electric Light Orchestra."
E.L.O 1973. JeddddddddddddddThe Move 1971/72.
E.L.O then released their one and only single with Roy Wood "10538 Overture ".
After one album together Wood decided that he would leave E.L.O to his mate Jeff Lyne.
He engaged himself with yet another idea a rock'n'roll revival band this was to be called--
Wizzard.
He recruited Rick Price (Guitar)
Bill Hunt (Phno, Harpsicord and French Horn)
Hugh McDowel (Electric Cello)
Nick Pentelow (Sax )
Mike Burney (Sax)
Keith Smart and Charlie Grima (Drums)
.
This was a huge band and they created whats known as kitchen sink records,meaning everything was thrown in.
The results were brilliant "Ball Park Incident" was their first hit single in 1973,
followed by two massive number one singles with "See My Baby Jive" and "Angel Fingers"and a number 2 hit
with "I Wish it could be Christmas everyday".
An interesting story here is that Roy Wood planned carefully to ensure he would
get the Christmas number 1 slot that year
and was almost there when Slade pipped him at the post with"Merry Xmas Everybody".
Although both bands were close friends Wood determined to get revenge,
threw a custard pie in Noddy Holders face during Slade's performance on Christmas day Top of The Pops.
As with most Glam Rock stars of the day they would always try and outdo each other
on tv with the most outrageous costumes.
All in all they were just having great fun and audiences loved it.
Wizzard made only 1 album together--" Wizzard Brew"
By 1974 Roy Wood moved to another idea and slimmed down Wizzard to but a few members.
They recorded an album under the name "Eddy and the Falcons".
After this period Wizzard sadly came to an end.
Wood continued to write and perform with many famous names
and it seems that every Christmas he revives Wizzard in one way or another
when the Christmas single keps re-charting.
It has become a classic and was voted as one of the top three Christmas songs of all time!
The latest incarnation was with the Wombles.
Issuing the single and video"I wish it could be a Wombling Merry Christmas everyday".
Although Wizzards output was small it was however extremely worthwile and proof of the creative genius of Roy Wood.
Wizzard will always be remembered as a great fun band.
Click on the link below to see Wizzard perform
ter the release of the Moves last album "Message From The Country" wever before he performer in the 60s with The Move
Roy