VETERAN band Stray have been rocking since the 60s, and the three-piece group will be stopping off at the Wharf on Sunday, September 10.
In 1966, the year England won the World Cup and Harold Wilson was Prime Minister, three young lads at Christopher Wren School in London decided to form a band, little knowing they would still be performing together more than 50 years later.
Within three years they had become regulars on the London club circuit, performing at such venues as Shepherd’s Bush Goldhawk Club, Covent Garden’s Middle Earth and The Marquee Club. The band still holds the record for being the youngest group to play at the famous Roundhouse.
In late 1969, Stray signed to Transatlantic Records and in 1970, their first now legendary album simply titled STRAY was released.
Some years later Iron Maiden recorded the song All In Your Mind, which was the long opening track from this album.
Stray appeared at their first Reading Festival in 1971, and made their television debut on BBC 2.
Over the years Stray have continued to tour in Europe, the UK and Japan and have toured with some of the biggest names in music.
The group has recorded 11 studio albums, four live albums and a live DVD set.
Still featuring original lead guitar hero Del Bromham, he will be joined on stage by the current line-up which includes Stuart Uren on bass guitar, Karl Randall on drums and, making a welcome return to the band, Peter Dyer on guitar and vocals.
Del said: ‘We will endeavour to play a selection of our songs, recorded throughout our long career. With so many songs, the biggest problem is what to leave out. ‘
A box set of CDs will be released in October 2017 by Esoteric/Cherry Red Records followed by a further box set release in 2018.