Heads up rock fans! Performing at Boston’s City Winery on July 6 is Captain Beyond, one of the most influential, yet underrated, hard rock bands of the ‘70s. They were amongst the heaviest of the heavy when it came to their music during that era.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1971 by drummer Bobby Caldwell, the British/American quartet was among the first “super-groups” of that era – influencing a generation of musicians. Count latter day bands like Metallica and the Foo Fighters as big fans of the band!
Prior to forming Captain Beyond, Caldwell had played with Johnny Winter, lead singer Rod Evans had been the original singer in Deep Purple (he was the original singer on Purple’s hit version of “Hush”) and bassist Lee Dorman and guitarist Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt came on board from heavy rock icons Iron Butterfly.
Their self-titled debut album, released in 1972 and featuring 3D cover art (artwork well ahead of its time and now a very in-demand, collectable album) became an instant classic. They mixed in elements of jazz, blues, ‘60s psychedelia, metal and even a Latin music sensibility to create an original and heavy hard rock sound.
The band, featuring several lineup changes, recorded two more well-received albums before calling it quits in 1978.
But now – four decades later – the band is back with Caldwell, who is also an immensely talented songwriter, arranger and producer (he was principally involved with the intricate, inventive arrangements and songwriting on the first album). Bobby has put together an amazing new lineup that is carrying on the band’s great legacy and is now back on the road touring.
For tickets: https://citywinery.com/boston/captainbeyond070618.html