Bow Street Runners was a psychedelic rock band formed in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Their debut
album was released in 1970 for B.T. Puppy Records and not long after the band sadly disappeared.
The band was formed in 1969 and their members included George Graham (drums), Steve Darling
(guitar), Frank Hardwick (bass), Mike Dees (vocals), Bill Joyner (keyboards) and later Steve Struthers (lead guitar).
Sounding like a blend of Jefferson Airplane and the Doors, Bow Street Runners was a Fayetteville,
North Carolina-based psychedelic band who released one eponymous album in limited quantities on B.T. Puppy Records in 1970. While the group was ignored at the time, Bow Street Runners became a collectible item among psychedelic aficionados during the '80s and '90s, leading to its 1996 reissue by Sundazed Records.
Using the trippy, folky rock of Jefferson Airplane and eerie, organ-driven soundscapes as a foundation,
the Bow Street Runners may not have many original ideas in their head, but that's part of their appeal. Their lone, eponymous album is filled with attempts at hippie mysticism and menacing, swirling fuzzy psychedelia.
The Bow Street Runners Interview HERE
It’s great to have you. Let’s start at the very beginning. Where did you grow up, and how did you first get interested in rock’n’roll music?
George Graham: I was born and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Even though I have always loved different types of music from an early age, it was not until the British Invasion that I became hooked on music.
Was there a specific moment when you knew you wanted to become a musician?
I did not consider becoming a musician until the British Invasion. That was when I decided to become a drummer. Watching drummers has always fascinated me. One of my best friends, Ralph Melvin, was also interested in being a drummer. We both encouraged each other to pursue our passion. We both ended up as drummers in local bands over the years.
The British Invasion and the sound of heavier groups have influenced your band. Would you like to take us back in time and tell us what kind of records and fanzines we would find in your teenage room?
My friend, Ralph Melvin, introduced me to a drummer named Sandy Nelson. He had released numerous albums, among which was ‘Let There Be Drums’. Ralph and I bought Sandy Nelson’s albums and studied his style and playing. Before and during that period, I loved The Beach Boys and all the music that went along with the surfer influence, fast cars, and love songs.
How did you come around to play the drums?
Again, it was a mixture of the things I have already mentioned, but the British Invasion locked it in for me. I was mesmerized by the effect the music and style had on audiences. In my mind, I wanted to be a part of that scene.
Read The Interview on "It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine"
Bow Street Runners – Bow Street Runners
Label: Sundazed Music – SC 6112
Format: CD, Album, Reissue, Stereo 1996
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: Rock
Style: Psychedelic Rock
TRACKS
01. Electric Star 2:35
02. Watch 2:13
03. American Talking Blues 3:48
04. Leaving Grit America 2:49
05. Another Face 5:11
06. Eating From A Plastic Hand 4:06
07. Rock Fish Blues 2:13
08. Push It Through 2:04
09. Spunky Monkey 3:14
10. Steve's Jam 4:05
LINE - UP
George Graham (drums),
Steve Darling (guitar),
Frank Hardwick (bass),
Mike Dees (vocals),
Bill Joyner (keyboards)
Steve Struthers (lead guitar).
