Battle Hymn (1971)
Bassist Glenn Cornick, aka Glenn Barnard, left Jethro Tull in 1970 after three successful years. He hired Jon Blackmore (gt, voc), Graham Williams (gt), John Weathers (dr; called "Pugwash", he later played with Gentle Giant) and Gary Pickford-Hopkins (gt, voc) and called his band "Glenn Cornick's Wild Turkey".
After a few months, Williams and Weathers left to join Graham Bond. They were replaced by two members of Man, Jeff Jones and Alan "Tweke" Lewis.
The 'Glenn Cornick' in front of the band name disappeared and, in 1972, the first album 'Battle Hymn' was produced. Successful tours with Black Sabbath and… yes, Jethro Tull followed. Jon Blackmore soon crossed over to the other side of the fence, becoming a critic for NME (New Musical Express).
Turkey (1973)
Here comes Bernie Marsden!
New reshuffle. Roadie Steve Gurl (p, kb) and Mick Dyche (voc, gt, slide gt) took part in the recording of the single "Good Old Days". Sales expectations were not fulfilled and, as there was no money, some members left. Alan "Tweke" Lewis returned to Man and guitar player Bernie Marsden (later Whitesnake) took over. Jeff Jones passed the drumsticks to Kevin Currie. After the second album, the "Wild Turkey" story ended for the time being.
Reunion
In 1996 there was a reunion with Glenn Cornick, Gary Pickford-Hopkins and Alan Tweke Lewis.
Stealer Of Years came out. It was one the best album of that year - for me.
Wild Turkey discography
- 1971. Battle Hymn
- 1972. Turkey
- 1996. Stealer of Years
- 2001. Live in Edinburgh
- 2005. Final Performance
- 2006. You & Me in the Jungle