I receive about 300 press releases a week. This one caught my eye. A little bit different from what we usually discuss here, but I know some of you are big fans of The Babys. Here's the release:
One of the world’s most beloved classic-rock bands - the Babys - are back together with a comeback show scheduled for July 18 at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, Calif., and there are plans for a new CD and extensive tour through America and Europe.
The British group made a massive impact back in the 1970s with hits such as “Isn’t it Time,” “Head First,” “Midnight Rendez-Vous,” “Every Time I Think of You” and “Back on My Feet Again.” Original guitarist Wally Stocker and original drummer Tony Brock are back, and the Babys have found an incredible new singer in John Bisaha, who sounds just like John Waite, who is not participating but has given his blessing.
The new Babys have instant credibility with a new song, the aptly named “Not Ready to Say Goodbye,” which has all the classic Babys elements – amazing vocals, thoughtful lyrics and a chorus that lodges itself on your brain and refuses to leave for days; the song can be found on the band’s web site – babysofficial.com – and there is already an instant buzz.
“It’s very exciting. I’m really pleased with the new lineup,” Stocker said. “These songs bring back a lot of good memories.”
Through the years, Brock and Stocker went on to play with such acts as Rod Stewart, Jeff Beck and Air Supply, and both are thrilled with the reformation and particularly the addition of Bisaha, a renowned studio singer who first has made his mark in theatre and is now ready to make a worldwide impact.
How Bisaha is not already a huge star is one of Rock’s great mysteries, but the instant you hear his voice it’s clear the Californian is a worthy replacement for Waite, who would go on to chart-topping success as a solo artist with “Missing You” and as a member of supergroup Bad English with “When I See You Smile.”
“I’m telling you, it sounds like the original band. It’s fantastic,” Brock said. “The magic is still there. John Bisaha is going to get some pressure, but we hired him because he’s fantastic. It’s going to be
really good. I love his attitude, and he’s incredible. He’s a winner.”
The July 18 show at Canyon Club is a benefit, and proceeds benefit the Santa Clarita Food Pantry charity. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster – while they last.
Several record companies and booking agencies are bidding for involvement, as the reformation of the Babys is among the biggest stories in rock in 2013.
Former Babys keyboardist Jonathan Cain cannot be a full-time member because he is in Journey, of course, but the man who would go on to write “Don’t Stop Believing” – the most downloaded song in history – has vowed to sit in when he can, and Cain, still a great friend to Brock and Stocker, even helped choose Bisaha over other finalists for the lead-singer spot.
“I think the possibility of catching on is endless,” Bisaha said. “We’re just getting ripe but it’s great from a nostalgia point of view just to see and hear the Babys again.”
The Babys, originally signed to Chrysalis in what was purported to be one of the most lucrative record deals of all-time, released five studios albums including classics “Broken Heart,” “Head First” and
“Union Jacks” plus a greatest-hits package called “Anthology.” Their radio hits continue to be played every day throughout the world.
“I would love to think we have one more album in us. A lot of people still hold us in high regard,” Brock said. “It’s not like we’re starting a new band, not from scratch. We have a cult following, and every one of us are great players, and we’re still alive after all these years.”
The Babys feature a second guitarist named J.P. Cervoni plus two female backup singers. The band is just getting re-started, and more official news is expected soon. You can check out the Babys at thebabysofficial.com.
Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 12:01AM