WAR- the back up band becomes the Band

In 1970, Eric Burton left his band, The Animals and needed an outlet for his work. He discovered this group of musicians, working the clubs in Los Angeles known as “Nightshift.” They were signed to a small label, but didn’t have any records selling. Eric Burdon comes along and they click.

They record the album “Eric Burdon Presents War.” Over the years, I heard the big single, “Spill the Wine.” They toured Europe. “Spill the Wine” became an international hit. The song was written by members of the band, not the famous singer. This was an era of long jams in concert and War could improvise and jam for hours. Jimi Hendrix sat in with the group on a show.  Things looked promising for this American group with British lead singer.

The next big song was an extended jam on the hard rock song, “Tobacco Road.” It wasn’t the same hit, but it was a show stopper.

The next release was a double record.  The album had very long jam songs. It didn’t sell well and Burdon left the band.

Normally when the big star leaves the band, they fall apart. War continued on their own. They would create some big 1970s songs. One song will have one of the most iconic harmonica riffs of all time.

That’s where I’ll go in my next posts.