Dave Cousins and Tony Hooper put together a folk band in the early sixties that later
developed into the Strawbs and by 1967 included Sandy Denny. Line-up changes in 1970
introduced Rick Wakeman on keyboards, plus John Ford and Richard Hudson. However Wakeman
only lasted until 1971 when he went to Yes and was replaced by Blue Weaver and later
that year Dave Lambert replaced John Ford.
Many albums were released and in 1973 they had two hit singles. Bassist Chas Cronk
and former (original) Renaisssance keyboard player John Hawken joined in 1973 after
which there were many more albums, line-up changes, splits and reformations.
By 2007 they were touring as both an electric and acoustic band. In 2009 Hawken left
and it was time for the return of the Wakeman name - only this time it was Rick's
son Oliver, with The Strawbs supporting Rick Wakeman's Six Wives of Henry VIII event
at Hampton Court Palace. By 2011 though Oliver had left with John Young taking over,
but by 2012 Wakeman was back again... only this time it was Rick's other son Adam
Wakeman!
Click here for the band website
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