ATOMIC ROOSTER
OFFICIAL
ATOMIC ROOSTER - The Legendary Prog/Rock Band**
In the summer of 1969, *The Crazy World of Arthur Brown* had to abandon their second US tour due to keyboardist Vincent Crane's mental illness. Once Crane recovered, he and drummer Carl Palmer took the bold step of leaving Arthur Brown to return to England.
It was the *Year of the Rooster* in the Chinese calendar, and Crane set up a meeting with Brian Jones to discuss working together. After Jones' untimely death, the duo adopted the name *Atomic Rooster* (inspired by the US band Rhinoceros) and soon recruited Nick Graham on bass and vocals. This lineup established their signature sound: a unique arrangement of organ, bass, and drums, reminiscent of Crane's work with *The Crazy World of Arthur Brown.*
By 1971, Atomic Rooster had evolved, with a lineup featuring Steve Bolton on guitar, Ric Parnell on drums, and Vincent Crane on keyboards. This version of the band toured extensively, performing in Italy, America, and Canada. Their international tour culminated in a September 1971 benefit concert at the Oval Cricket Ground, where they played to an audience of around 65,000 alongside *The Faces* and *The Who.*
Discography
1. Atomic Roooster* (1970)
2. Death Walks Behind You* (1970)
3. In Hearing of Atomic Rooster* (1971)
4. Made in England* (1972)
5. Nice 'n' Greasy* (1973)
6. Headline News* (1983)
The Band's Revival
Over the years, guitarist Steve Bolton received numerous requests to revive the music of *Atomic Rooster*. With the blessing of Vincent Crane's widow in 2016, this dream became a reality. The rebirth of Atomic Rooster honors the legacy of Crane's groundbreaking work while delivering the band’s timeless music to new audiences.
Current Lineup
Steve Bolton | Guitar/Vocals (1971–1972, 2016–Present)
Adrian Gautrey | Keyboards/Vocals (2017–Present)
Shug Millidge | Bass Guitar (2016–Present)
Paul Everett | Drums (2019–Present)
With their rich history and renewed energy, Atomic Rooster continues to captivate fans old and new, proving that their legacy in progressive rock is as vibrant as ever.
