Strider (9)

Strider were a UK blues/rock outfit. They were formed by guitarist Gary Grainger, keyboard player and lead vocalist Ian Kewley, bassist Lee Hunter and drummer Jimmy Hawkins. They spent their early days supporting the likes of Humble Pie, Status Quo and Deep Purple. Their debut album, ''Exposed", was released on Phillips Records in 1973, and it featured Babe Ruth's Jennie Haan on backing vocals, as did the second. Their second and final effort featured new lead vocalist Rob Elliott and Tony Brock in place of Jimmy Hawkins. After they split Grainger went on to feature in Rod Stewart's band and Tony Brock moved on to The Babys. Note: not to be confused with the nineties band of the same name. --- Strider released only two albums but their legacy far outweighed their contribution as a band due to the work their members did after they broke up. The first album Exposed was recorded by Grainger, Hunter, Hawkins and Kewley. Internal disputes flared resulting in Hawkins and Hunter both leaving. The band performed at the 1974 Reading Festival. By the time of the second album the bass and drum positions had been filled by Strzelczyk and Brock respectively and the band had been augmented by singer Elliot. Misunderstood also featured Jenny Haan who was then on the threshold of quitting Babe Ruth. The internal squabbles finally became too much and the band folded in 1974. Following the split Grainger spent some time with Rod Stewart before working with the likes of Roger Daltrey and John Entwistle. Kewley formed Limey, worked with Paul Young before working with Manic Street Preachers. Brock was perhaps the most prolific as his career included The Babys, Eddie Money, Rod Stewart and Jimmy Barnes.