Stud - September 1972

Originally a trio comprising Jim Cregan (b. James Cregan, 9 March 1946, Yeovil, Somerset, England; guitar/vocals), Charlie McCracken (b. Richard McCracken; bass) and John Wilson (drums), Stud formed from the ashes of Taste, a band that included both McCracken and Wilson in its ranks. Wilson had also been a member of Them, while McCracken had previously played in Blossom Toes and Julian Covey And Machine. This central trio was quickly supplemented by the addition of former Family guitarist and vocalist John Weider (b. 21 April 1947, Shepherd’s Bush, London, England) after the release of their debut album, a self-titled effort released in 1971 on Deram Records. This set, which secured significant press acclaim, established jazz rock as the band’s métier. Although in retrospect the songwriting did not equal their obvious instrumental skill, it was enough to earn the band a strong following in Germany. Both their subsequent albums were released in that country alone as part of a contract with BASF Records, a situation owing in no small part to their manager Eddie Kennedy’s ructions with Deram. However, German sales alone were not enough to support the band, and soon after the release of 1973’s Goodbye Live At Command Cregan left to join Family, Weider moving on to Moonrider, and McCracken joining a re-formed version of the Spencer Davis Group. Wilson, the final remaining member, attempted to resurrect the band name by recruiting Andy Sneddon (bass, ex-East Of Eden) and Snowie White (guitar), but this line-up never recorded. AMG.

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