John Verity Band namesake John Verity has a wealth of experience with Argent, Charlie and Phoenix. Previous to Argent he had created The John Verity Band touring America as support to artists such as Jimi Hendrix and Mountain prior to journeying back to the UK in 1971.
In 1973 the John Verity Band was revived once more issuing a Steve Rowlands produced album the following year. Joining him were guitarist Geoff Lyth, bassist Jerry Smith, the enigmatically titled vocalist Thunderthighs and drummer Ron Kelly. Later recruits into the band were bassist Peter Byford and guitarist Paul Quinn, both from Son Of A Bitch. The John Verity Band supported Argent in the UK and following these dates Verity was enticed into the ranks of the headline act to fill the gap left by a departing Russ Ballard. Verity stayed for two albums 'Circus' and 'Counterpoint' before forming Phoenix.
As the 80's dawned Verity found himself reuniting with old friends Byford and Quinn producing the first album for their newly found status as Nwobhm heroes Saxon. He would also produce MotȪrhead and Tank. Verity also tried out for a position in Uriah Heep.
1981 had the man working with ex-Argent colleagues guitarist Russ Ballard and drummer Bob Henrit together with ex-Sweet frontman Brian Connolly in a short lived act titled Vel Verity. This union fell apart but Verity did produce and appear alongside Rod Argent and Henrit once more on Connolly's third solo single 'Hypnotized', a cover of the Fandango tune. Verity also formed part of Connolly's touring band when he supported Pat Benatar on her January 1983 tour.
Later the same year he also played one gig as a stand-in member Of Michael Schenker Group during their UK tour. 1983 proved a groundbreaking year for the man as he was offered positions in Michael Schenker Group, Asia and with Ted Nugent but chose instead to tour with John Coghlan's Diesel Band.
1983's 'Interrupted Journey' saw guests including GENESIS guitarist Mike Rutherford, Rod Argent and Russ Ballard. Bass came from former IF and Phoenix man Dave Wintour. Among the songs was a re-working of a Phoenix track written by Ballard 'Just Another Day (In The Life Of A Fool)' and 'Love Is Blind' also covered by Uriah Heep. For touring the band enrolled Jim Rodford's son Steve on drums and Terry Uttley on bass.
Verity's 1985's 'Truth Of The Matter' album featured Rutherford again, erstwhile Argent colleagues Henrit and Argent, as well As Smokie musicians Terry Uttley and Chris Norman. In late 1986 Verity formed The Guest List with Uttley, guitarist Patrick McDonald, erstwhile Rio and Berlin keyboard player Steve Thompson, ex Smokie guitarist Alan Silson and ex-Toy Dolls drummer Paul Smith.
1. Schoolgirl - 9:16
2. 5000 Miles - 4:47
3. I Wish - 2:33
4. People - 7:07
5. Hitch-Hiker - 2:59
6. Gimme Some Lovin' - 5:47
7. So Hard So Long - 7:24
8. It's Alright - 4:48
9. Back On The Road Again - 3:17
All song by John Verity
John Verity Band
*John Verity - Guitar, Vocal, Bowed Guitar
*Geoff Lyth - Guitar, Keyboards
*Gerry Smith - Bass Guitar
*Ron Kelly - Drums
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Once again personal thanks ! I take on this album intrigued - maybe in not very positive way - by the cover - but - "don't judge record by it's cover", they say ! :) Very very good hard rock, great riffs and solos, change of tempos - great ballad "So Hard So Long" ! You rule, Mario !
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