Family
Highly respected and nostalgically revered, Family were one of Britain's leading progressive rock bands of the late '60s and early '70s. They were led by the wiry yet vocally demonic Roger Chapman (b. 8 April 1942, Leicester, England), a man whose stage presence could both transfix and terrify his audience, who would duck from the countless supply of tambourines he would destroy and hurl into the crowd. Chapman was ably supported by Rick Grech (b. 1 November 1946, Bordeaux, France, d. 17 March 1990; violin/bass), Charlie Whitney (b. 24 June 1944, Leicester, England; guitar), Rob Townsend (b. July 7 1947, Leicester, England; drums) and Jim King (b. Kettering, Northamptonshire, England; flute/saxophone). The band was formed in 1962 and known variously as the Roaring Sixties and the Farinas, finally coming together as Family in 1967 with the arrival of Chapman and Townsend. Their first album released in 1968 was given extensive exposure on John Peel's influential BBC radio programme, resulting in this Dave Mason-produced collection becoming a major cult record. Chapman's remarkable strangulated vibrato caused heads to turn. Following the release of their most successful album FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT they experienced an ever changing personnel of high pedigree musicians when Rick Grech departed to join Blind Faith in 1969, being replaced by John Weider, who in turn was supplanted by John Wetton in 1971, then Jim Cregan in 1972. Poli Palmer superseded Jim King in 1969 who was ultimately replaced by Tony Ashton in 1972. Throughout this turmoil they maintained a high standard of recorded work and had singles success with No Mules Fool, Strange Band, In My Own Time and the infectious Burlesque. Family disintegrated after their disappointing swan-song IT'S ONLY A MOVIE, Chapman and Whitney departing to form Streetwalkers. While their stage performances were erratic and unpredictable, the sight of Roger Chapman performing their anthem The Weaver's Answer on a good night was unforgettable and one that rock fans who saw them will cherish.