Charging out of Worthing in 1968, Steamhammer caused enough of a stir with the heady blues riffage of their debut single Junior’s Wailing for it to become a staple of Status Quo‘s live shows, and their eponymous album that followed displayed enough chops for Steamhammer to get the gig backing visiting bluesman Freddie King on European tours.
Both their CBS releases were also available on the Reflection label (in different sleeves).
A third album, Mountains, was released on B&C and, from then on, they concentrated more on touring Continental Europe with ever-changing line-ups. They found success in Germany in particular but remained at the grass-roots level at home.
Rod Stewart eventually kidnapped half the band for his solo efforts, including Martin Quittenton who co-wrote some of Stewart’s best work, including Maggie May and You Wear It Well.
Steamhammer eventually became Axis, but after failing to make any real headway the band members all went their separate ways in 1974.
Kieran White
Vocals, guitar, harmonica Martin Quittenton
Guitar Martin Pugh
Guitar Steve Davy
Bass Michael Rushton
Drums Mick Bradley Drums
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