Back Street Crawler

Formation and Early Years: Back Street Crawler was a British rock band formed in 1975 by guitarist Paul Kossoff, former member of the legendary band Free. After Free disbanded, Kossoff assembled a new lineup for Back Street Crawler, recruiting musicians including Terry Wilson Slesser (vocals), Terry Wilson (bass), Mike Montgomery (keyboards), and Tony Braunagel (drums). The band's name was derived from the Free album "Heartbreaker", which featured a song titled "Back Street Crawler".

Debut Album "The Band Plays On" (1975): Back Street Crawler released their debut album, "The Band Plays On", in 1975. The album showcased the band's blues-infused rock sound, highlighted by Kossoff's soulful guitar playing and Slesser's powerful vocals. While the album received positive reviews from critics, it faced challenges in achieving commercial success due to Kossoff's ongoing struggles with substance abuse and health issues.

Subsequent Albums and Changes: Following the release of their debut album, Back Street Crawler continued to record and perform, releasing albums such as "Second Street" (1976) and "Live at Croydon Fairfield Halls 15.6.75" (2004). However, the band faced numerous lineup changes and internal struggles, including Kossoff's deteriorating health, which ultimately led to his untimely death in 1976 at the age of 25. Despite these challenges, Back Street Crawler's music continued to resonate with fans of blues rock and classic rock.

Legacy and Influence: Back Street Crawler's legacy is primarily associated with Paul Kossoff's remarkable talent as a guitarist and his contributions to the British rock scene. Kossoff's emotive playing style and soulful approach to the blues left an indelible mark on the genre, influencing generations of guitarists to come. While Back Street Crawler's tenure as a band was relatively short-lived, their music remains cherished by fans of classic rock and serves as a testament to Kossoff's enduring legacy as a virtuoso guitarist.

Posthumous Releases and Tributes: In the years following Kossoff's death, several posthumous releases featuring unreleased material and live recordings were issued under the Back Street Crawler name. These releases provided fans with additional insight into Kossoff's talent and musical contributions, preserving his legacy for future generations of music enthusiasts. Additionally, tributes and remembrances honoring Kossoff and his impact on the music world continue to be held by fans and fellow musicians alike, ensuring that his memory lives on.