Chapman-Whitney

Streetwalkers were an English rock band formed in late 1973 by two former members of rock band Family, vocalist Roger Chapman and guitarist John "Charlie" Whitney. They were a five piece band which evolved from the Chapman Whitney Band.

The band was managed by Michael Alphandary and Harvey Goldsmith and were best known for their live performances and their album ''Red Card'' (1976). By 1977 their potential to become more important in UK rock history was diminished by changing musical taste, due to the growing influence of punk rock and new wave music on European culture. The band had success in the United States and Europe, particularly Germany.

History

1973 ''Chapman Whitney Streetwalkers'' the album

Chapman and Whitney signed to the Reprise label in 1973 and recorded ''Chapman Whitney Streetwalkers'' (1974) with a lineup including other members of Family (co-founder Ric Grech on bass, former bassists John Wetton and Jim Cregan providing bass and backing vocals and backing vocals respectively) and King Crimson (Wetton, plus saxophonist Mel Collins and drummers Ian Wallace and Michael Giles). When writing about the album for Allmusic, Patrick Little commented: During this period keyboard player Blue Weaver appeared with them at concerts, such as the Reading Festival in the summer of 1974. Bobby Tench from The Jeff Beck Group and Hummingbird was also featured in their fluid, informal touring band line up and appeared at concerts such as in Hyde Park, London, the same year

Concert billing, Rockpalast, Streetwalkers formation and Downtown Flyers

After recording the album ''Chapman Whitney Streetwalkers'', Chapman and Whitney changed the name of their band to Streetwalkers and Tench joined them as an official band member, when they signed to Phonogram Inc. in 1975. Tench was joined by drummer Nicko McBrain (who would later join Iron Maiden) and bass player Jon Plotel. They had previously appeared on a European broadcast for the German TV show Rockpalast with Chapman and Whitney earlier the same year, billed as The Chapman Whitney Streetwalkers. The band's first album, ''Downtown Flyers'' (1975) was released in both USA and Europe but did not achieve the anticipated success in USA, although interest in Europe was more encouraging.

Red Card, stadium concerts

Their second studio album, the groove heavy album ''Red Card'' (1976) reached #16 in UK album charts and remains a much respected album. The band performed at a series of concerts entitled Who Put The Boot In appearing at UK Football stadiums, during May and June 1976, supporting The Who. The billing for these concerts included The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Little Feat, Outlaws, Widowmaker (UK) and Streetwalkers were the second act to appear. The band also toured the U.S as support to others such as Wings, 10cc and Joe Cocker.

John Peel sessions, final Rockpalast appearance

On 12 June 1976 they made their first appearance for John Peel on his "Peel Sessions" recorded by BBC
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