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Mud (band)
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Key Information
Mud II | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Les Gray's Mud (1980-2004) |
| Years active |
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| Members | Syd Twynham Chris Savage Marc Michalski Chris Millward |
| Past members | Les Gray Stuart Amesbury Cherie Beck Dale Fry Rob John Nick Richie Tim Fish Mark Hatwood Kevin Fairburn John Berry Wole Rother Phil Wilson |
Mud are an English glam rock band, formed in February 1966. Their earlier success came in a pop and then glam rock style, while later hits were influenced by 1950s rock and roll and rockabilly,[1] and they are best remembered for their hit singles "Dyna-mite", "Tiger Feet", which was the UK's best-selling single of 1974, and "Lonely This Christmas" which reached Christmas number 1 in December 1974. After signing to Rak Records and teaming up with songwriters/producers Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, the band had fourteen UK Top 20 hits between 1973 and 1976, including three number ones.[2]
History
[edit]Mud
[edit]1966–1972: the early years
[edit]The band was founded by lead guitarist Rob Davis,[3] lead vocalist Les Gray,[3] drummer Dave Mount (born 3 March 1947,[3] Mitcham; died 2 December 2006, St Helier Hospital, Carshalton[4]) and bassist Ray Stiles (born 20 November 1946,[3] Guildford, Surrey).
The band released their debut single "Flower Power" on CBS in 1967, but were not immediately successful.[5][6][7] Three further singles in 1967/68, "Up the Airy Mountain"/"The Latter Days", "Shangri-La"/"House on the Hill" and "Jumping Jehosophat"/"Won't Let It Go", made no impression on the UK Singles Chart.
The band appeared on The Basil Brush Show on BBC TV, and toured as support for Jack Jones.
1973–1976: the golden years
[edit]
After years of unsuccessful singles, they were signed to Mickie Most's Rak label, and had three Top 20 successes in 1973 with "Crazy" (No. 12), "Hypnosis" (No. 16) and "Dyna-mite" (No. 4).[2]
At the peak of their career, they also enjoyed British number one singles with "Tiger Feet"; and "Lonely This Christmas" (1974), an affectionate Elvis Presley pastiche; plus "Oh Boy" (1975), a cover of the Buddy Holly hit, which also featured on their album Mud Rock Volume 2. "Tiger Feet" sold over 500,000 copies in the UK and a million copies globally.[3]
Like contemporaries Sweet, their most successful period came when their records were written and produced by Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman: in 1975 they had seven singles in the UK Top 40 totalling over 45 weeks on the chart, the most by any artist in 1975. "Oh Boy" was the only number one single produced by Chinn and Chapman that they did not also write.[8]
"Lonely This Christmas" got seasonal airplay on British radio and television, (along with Slade's "Merry Xmas Everybody" and Wizzard's "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday"). The band also embraced the burgeoning disco craze, as exemplified on their 1976 single "Shake It Down" which reached No. 12 in the UK chart. After "Tiger Feet" they released "The Cat Crept In" which reached No. 2 in April 1974, which was written to exploit Les Gray's vocal impression of Presley.[9] Their next single "Rocket" reached No. 6 in the UK, after which they released another track from their album Mud Rock Volume 1, a cover of "In the Mood". This was released under the band name "Dum" (which is both "Mud" spelt backwards and on a largely instrumental single, hence a pun on "dumb"), but it failed to chart.
After the success with "Lonely This Christmas", they cracked the Valentine's Day market with "The Secrets That You Keep", which reached No. 3 in February 1975. Around this time Mud wound up their contract with Rak releasing three further singles, "Oh Boy" (their third and final UK No. 1), "Moonshine Sally" (No. 10) and "One Night" (No. 32). Mud also split from Chinn and Chapman in mid-1975 and signed to Private Stock (licensed to Philips in Continental Europe). There they enjoyed three more British Top 20 hits within seven months: "L'L'Lucy" (No. 10), the ballad "Show Me You're a Woman" (No. 8) and the disco-influenced track "Shake It Down" (No. 12). The latter two singles saw them gradually moving away from glam rock, which was now unfashionable. Keyboardist Andy Ball, formerly of Candlewick Green, joined Mud in 1975, and was with the band during their time on the Private Stock label. Ball left the band in 1977 and was replaced by Brian Tatum.[10]
Their last single to reach the British charts was a cover of the Bill Withers song "Lean on Me" which reached No. 7 in the UK in December 1976.[2]
1977–1980: downfall to disbanding
[edit]"Lean on me" was followed by in 1977 Gray's solo version of "Groovy Kind of Love" on Warner Bros., which peaked at No. 32 in the UK. Also in 1977, with Private Stock in financial difficulties, the band moved to RCA. Their first single on RCA was "Slow Talking Boy", a folk rock song composed by John Kongos,[11] and featuring Davis playing a Vox 12-string guitar-mandolin; they performed this song on BBC TV's Top of the Pops,[12] but without reaping any chart success. Mud's next single, "(Just Try) A Little Tenderness", was their final appearance on any major national chart, stalling at No. 98 in Australia.[13] Three more singles, all cover versions, followed in 1978[11] before RCA dropped the band and Gray quit for a solo career.
The original band continued for a short while with female lead vocalist Margo Buchanan in Gray's place,[10] releasing a commercially unsuccessful single for Carrere in 1979 titled "Drop Everything and Run".[11] Another single with Margo Buchanan on lead vocals, "Rico", was released in 1980, this time under the band name "Ring" instead of "Mud". The band finally disbanded in 1980.
Aftermath
[edit]Following the band's dissolution, Stiles joined the Hollies; whilst Davis went on to co-write several highly successful dance hits for Kylie Minogue and Spiller featuring Sophie Ellis-Bextor.[2] Drummer Mount went into the insurance business. Mount appeared on an episode of Never Mind the Buzzcocks on BBC Two in November 2005, and featured in the "spot the pop star of the past" identity parade segment. He had been married twice and worked as a salesman latterly. His obituary appeared in The Independent newspaper.[14] The last performance by the four original members was on 3 March 1990 at Dave Mount's wedding; a video recording of which was made by Mount.
1980–2004: Les Gray's Mud
[edit]After the original band broke up in 1980, Gray reformed the band as 'Les Gray's Mud'. The initial lineup featured Stuart Amesbury (rhythm guitar) and Cherie Beck (backing vocals) of the Bristol-based Cherie Beck Band; together with Dale Fry (bass), Nick Richie (lead guitar) and Rob John (drums); with the latter two being replaced in 1983 by guitarist Tim Fish and drummer Mark Hatwood respectively.[15]. In October 1982, Mud played a concert for Freshers Week at Leeds University. Mud played at Wadham College Oxford's May Ball in summer 1983. In 1985, a further lineup change saw Amesbury, Beck, and Fry depart the band; with the new lineup being rounded out by Kevin Fairburn on bass.[16]
In 1987, all members with the exception of Gray departed the band, and Gray brought in bassist John Berry, drummer Wole Rothe, and guitarist Syd Twynham as replacements. Rothe and Twynham had both been members of Liquid Gold prior to joining Mud. This lineup lasted until 1998 when Rothe was replaced by Phil Wilson, and the band underwent no further changes until Gray died in 2004.
2005–present: Mud II
[edit]Following Gray's death, the three remaining members were given permission by the other founding members of Mud, plus that of Gray's family, to continue using the band's name. Berry, Twynham, and Wilson then rechristened the band 'Mud II' and recruited keyboardist and longterm Mud collaborator Chris Savage.[17] The following year, Berry left (to focus on performing with Slade) and was replaced by Marc Michalski, creating a lineup of the band which continued until April 2023, when Chris Millward replaced Phil Wilson on drums.
Mount died on 2 December 2006, aged 59, from an apparent suicide.[18]
A short version of "Tiger Feet" was played at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics.
2015–present: Mud revived
[edit]Since 2015, founder members Rob Davis and Ray Stiles have been performing together again under the band name 'Mud', alongside Ian Parker, Keith Read and Pete Phipps.[19]
Personnel
[edit]Members
[edit]
|
|
Lineups
[edit]| 1966-1975 | 1975-1977 | 1977-1978 | 1979 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
| |
| 1979-1980 (Ring) |
1980-1983 (Les Gray's Mud) |
1983-1985 (Les Gray's Mud) |
1985-1987 (Les Gray's Mud) |
|
|
|
|
| 1987-1998 (Les Gray's Mud) |
1998-2004 (Les Gray's Mud) |
2004-2005 (Mud II) |
2005–2023 (Mud II) |
|
|
|
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| 2015–present (Mud) |
2023–present (Mud II) | ||
|
|
Timeline
[edit]
Discography
[edit]Studio Albums
- Mud Rock Volume 1 (1974)
- Mud Rock Volume 2 (1975)
- Use Your Imagination (1975)
- It's Better Than Working (1976)
- Rock On (1978)
- As You Like It (1979)
- Mud Featuring Les Gray (1982)
References
[edit]- ^ "Mud Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More". AllMusic. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
- ^ a b c d Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 382. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ a b c d e Murrells, Joseph (1978). The Book of Golden Discs (2nd ed.). London: Barrie and Jenkins Ltd. p. 348. ISBN 0-214-20512-6.
- ^ "Stephen Glover: A prissy judgement by the PCC". The Independent. London. 20 September 2010. Archived from the original on 8 January 2007.
- ^ D'Agostino, Giulio (2001). Glam Musik: British Glam Music '70 History. iUniverse. p. 193. ISBN 0-595-16563-X.
Mud's Discography Date Label Tracks Highest 1967 CBS203002 "Flower Power"/"You're My Mother
- ^ Rees, Dafydd; Crampton, Luke (1991). Rock Movers and Shakers: An A-Z of People Who Made Rock Happen. p. 354. ISBN 978-0874366617.
MUD.. Apr They make their first live appearance at Streatham Ice Rink, South London, and release one-off debut single "Flower Power", for CBS. ... After 2 years' gigging as a semi-professional band, Mud turns professional and re-signs with CBS, releasing "Up The Airy Mountain
- ^ Larkin, Colin (2006). Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 10. Omnibus Press. p. 57. ISBN 978-1846098567.
Their debut single for CBS Records, 1967's 'Flower Power', was unsuccessful but they continued touring for several ...
- ^ Rice, Jo (1982). The Guinness Book of 500 Number One Hits (1st ed.). Enfield, Middlesex: Guinness Superlatives Ltd. p. 167. ISBN 0-85112-250-7.
- ^ Eder, Bruce. "Mud - Music Biography, Credits and Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
- ^ a b "The MUD Story - The Cast". Mudrock.org.uk. 7 October 1947. Archived from the original on 3 February 2014. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
- ^ a b c "Mud Discography - UK". 45cat. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
- ^ "Mud - Slow Talking Boy". YouTube. 27 November 2011. Archived from the original on 23 May 2014. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
- ^ Hung, Steffen. "Forum - Top Singles of 1977 (Personal Charts: Your Special Occasion Charts)". australian-charts.com. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
- ^ "Dave Mount". The Independent. London. 18 December 2006. Retrieved 13 May 2010.
- ^ "Stargazer". Bristolarchiverecords.com. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
- ^ "Kevin Fairburn - Bassist". Lemonrock.com. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 14 November 2015.
- ^ "The Cast". davidproffitt.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 14 November 2015.
- ^ "Tribute to Dave Mount RIP - CPFC BBS". www.cpfc.org. 25 December 2006. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
- ^ Proffitt, David. "Mud Revived". Retrieved 12 May 2023.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mud (band).
- Mud biography at the Allmusic website
- David Proffitt's Mud tribute pages
- BBC Top of the Pops Mud section
- Mud's discography, chart positions
- Mud CD reissues available
| International | |
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| National | |
| Artists | |
Mud (band)
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
1966–1972: Formation and early career
Mud was formed in February 1966 in Carshalton, Surrey, evolving from the local band The Mourners, with vocalist Les Gray, guitarist Rob Davis, bassist Ray Stiles, and drummer Pete Gray as the initial lineup. The group originated from earlier outfits in the Mitcham and Carshalton areas, including The Apaches (featuring Davis and future drummer Dave Mount) and The Mourners (led by Gray), before merging and adopting the name Mud to reflect their shift toward rock and roll sounds. Early activities focused on local gigs in Surrey pubs and clubs, building a grassroots following amid the vibrant British beat scene of the mid-1960s.[1][4][2] The band's debut single, "Flower Power" backed with "You're My Mother," was released in October 1967 on CBS Records, capturing a psychedelic pop style influenced by the era's hippie trends but failing to chart or gain significant attention. Subsequent releases included "Up the Airy Mountain" in 1968 (also on CBS), a folk-tinged track that similarly flopped commercially, and "Shangri-La" in 1969 on Philips Records, which continued their streak of obscurity despite radio play in limited markets. These early efforts highlighted Mud's experimentation with pop and psychedelic elements, though they struggled to break through amid competition from established acts. During this period, the band secured their first professional gig at the Marquee Club in March 1968 and supported emerging artists like Terry Reid on tour.[5] Mud gained modest visibility through television and touring opportunities, including appearances on BBC TV's Basil Brush Show—their first national TV exposure—and as opening act for American crooner Jack Jones on UK tours in the late 1960s. Internally, the group faced challenges with lineup stability when drummer Pete Gray departed in early 1968 to pursue a career as a draughtsman, prompting Dave Mount (who had played with Davis in prior bands) to join on drums, solidifying the core quartet of Gray, Davis, Mount, and Stiles. By the early 1970s, persistent commercial failures with major labels like CBS and Philips led to a stylistic evolution toward straightforward rock influences, while the band persisted with semi-professional gigs and regional tours. This period of pre-fame struggle culminated in their signing with Rak Records in late 1972, marking the end of their early obscurity.[6][7][4]1973–1976: Rise to fame and glam rock success
In 1973, Mud signed with Rak Records and began collaborating with songwriters and producers Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, marking a pivotal shift toward commercial success. Their debut single under the label, "Crazy," reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart, providing their first significant breakthrough. This was followed by "Dyna-Mite," which climbed to number 9, establishing the band's foothold in the glam rock scene with its energetic, hook-driven sound.[8][9] The band's momentum accelerated in 1974 with a series of number-one hits that defined their glam rock peak. "Tiger Feet" topped the UK Singles Chart for four weeks and became the best-selling single of the year, with over 500,000 copies sold in the UK alone. Later that December, "Lonely This Christmas"—a festive track mimicking Elvis Presley's style—secured the Christmas number-one spot, holding the position for four weeks. In 1975, their cover of the 1957 Buddy Holly and the Crickets song "Oh Boy!" reached number one for two weeks, showcasing their affinity for 1950s rock 'n' roll revivals infused with contemporary flair. These successes contributed to a remarkable total of 14 UK Top 20 hits between 1973 and 1976.[9][10][9] Mud's studio output during this era included the self-titled album Mud in 1973, though it did not achieve notable chart placement, followed by Mud Rock Volume 1 in September 1974, which peaked at number 8 on the UK Albums Chart and spent 35 weeks in the Top 100. The sequel, Mud Rock Volume 2, released in July 1975, reached number 6 and charted for 12 weeks, emphasizing their rock 'n' roll covers and original material. These releases solidified their reputation for blending nostalgic influences with polished production.[11][12][8] The band's rise extended beyond the UK, with strong international acclaim in Europe, including number-one singles in the Netherlands and frequent television appearances on shows like Top of the Pops, where they performed hits such as "Tiger Feet" and "Oh Boy!" amid widespread European tours. Mud fully embraced the glam rock aesthetic, adopting flamboyant stage presence with makeup, platform boots, and glittering outfits that amplified their high-energy performances and appealed to a teen audience.[13][14] Central to their sound was the Chinn-Chapman partnership, whose songwriting emphasized infectious, memorable hooks and often drew from 1950s rock 'n' roll templates, as evident in tracks like "Tiger Feet" and the "Oh Boy!" cover, propelling Mud to stardom through radio-friendly anthems.[15]1977–1980: Decline and original disbandment
Following the success of their glam rock era hits under Rak Records, Mud transitioned to Private Stock Records in 1976, where they achieved their final Top 10 single with a cover of Bill Withers' "Lean on Me," which peaked at No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart.[16][17] However, this marked the end of their consistent chart presence as musical tastes shifted toward punk and disco, diminishing the appeal of their polished glam style.[1] In 1977, the band signed with RCA Records in a bid to revitalize their career, releasing singles such as "Just Try (A Little Tenderness)" and "Slow Talking Boy," neither of which charted significantly.[2] Their RCA album Rock On, issued in 1978, featured rock 'n' roll covers and original tracks but failed to recapture commercial momentum, reflecting broader industry challenges for glam acts amid evolving trends. Keyboardist Andy Ball departed that year, replaced by Brian Tatum, as internal tensions grew.[18][2] Lead vocalist Les Gray left the band at the end of 1978, citing frustration with the lack of success and creative direction; he subsequently joined the stage production Oh Boy!.[2] Without Gray, Mud recruited female vocalist Margo Buchanan for their 1979 album As You Like It on the RCA label, attempting a shift toward a more versatile sound, though it too underperformed commercially.[19] The band's final RCA single, "Cut Across Shorty," received some radio play but stalled outside the charts, exacerbating financial strains from mounting debts and tour costs.[2] By 1979, Mud had moved to Carrere Records, releasing "Drop Everything and Run" with Buchanan on lead vocals, which failed to enter the UK charts.[20] A follow-up single, "Rico," issued in 1980 under the temporary name Ring, also flopped, signaling the end of viable recording prospects. Drummer Dave Mount exited in 1980, leaving bassist Ray Stiles and guitarist Rob Davis to briefly attempt continuation with Buchanan, but persistent lack of hits and financial woes led to the original lineup's official disbandment that year.[21][2]1980–2004: Les Gray's Mud
Following the original band's disbandment in 1980, Les Gray reformed Mud under the name Les Gray's Mud, assembling a new lineup drawn primarily from members of the Bristol-based Cherie Beck Band to focus on live performances of the group's 1970s hits.[22] The initial configuration included Gray on lead vocals, Stuart Amesbury on rhythm guitar, Dale Fry on bass, Rob John on drums, Cherie Beck on backing vocals, and Nick Richie on lead guitar.[23] This iteration emphasized nostalgia-driven rock 'n' roll revival shows, capitalizing on Gray's charismatic stage presence and Elvis Presley-inspired delivery to recreate the glam rock energy of tracks like "Tiger Feet" and "Oh Boy."[1] Les Gray's Mud toured extensively across Europe throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with a particular popularity in Germany where the band performed at rock 'n' roll festivals and theaters as part of the growing nostalgia circuit for 1970s British pop acts.[24] Gray served as both frontman and de facto manager, overseeing bookings and lineup adjustments to sustain the group's viability amid shifting musical tastes.[25] The band issued occasional recordings, including the 1983 album Mud Featuring Les Gray on Runaway Records, which compiled covers and hits like "Dynamite" and "The Cat Crept In," though these efforts achieved no significant chart success.[26] Lineup changes occurred periodically to accommodate touring demands; for instance, Tim Fish joined as lead guitarist from 1983 to 1987, alongside Mark Hatwood on drums and Cherie Musialik (formerly Beck) on backing vocals.[27] By the 1990s, further rotations included additions like Syd Twynham on guitar and Wole Rothe on drums, maintaining a core focus on high-energy live sets that drew crowds eager for retro performances.[28] Compilations such as Les Gray's Mud (late 1980s) and various live recordings preserved the era's sound, but the group's output remained secondary to its roadwork.[29] In the early 2000s, Gray's health declined due to throat cancer, attributed to his long-term heavy smoking habit, leading to reduced touring activity by 2003.[30] He continued performing sporadically until his death on February 21, 2004, from a heart attack at age 57 while hospitalized in Portugal, where he had resided since 1992; the illness occurred amid ongoing chemotherapy treatment.[6] Gray's passing marked the end of this version of the band, leaving a legacy of sustained live revivals that kept Mud's music alive for European audiences.[31]2005–2014: Mud II formation and activities
Following the death of Les Gray on 21 February 2004, the core members of his touring band—Syd Twynham (guitar and lead vocals), Chris Savage (keyboards), Marc Michalski (bass), and Phil Wilson (drums)—formed Mud II in 2005 to continue performing the band's classic hits, with approval from Gray's estate and input from original members.[32] This new incarnation positioned itself as a direct successor to Gray's version of Mud, which had maintained a steady presence on the nostalgia circuit since the early 1980s.[33] Twynham, who had joined Gray's lineup in 1987 after earlier stints with bands like Liquid Gold, took on primary leadership duties, ensuring the group honored the glam rock and rock 'n' roll sound that defined Mud's 1970s success.[34] Mud II focused on tribute-style live performances, delivering high-energy renditions of staples such as "Tiger Feet," "Oh Boy," and "Lonely This Christmas" alongside rock 'n' roll covers from the 1950s and 1960s.[32] The band undertook extensive tours across the UK and Europe from 2005 onward, appearing at nostalgia festivals, theaters, concert halls, and holiday camps, with additional outings to the Middle East.[33] These activities emphasized audience engagement through period-accurate costumes and choreography, drawing crowds nostalgic for the glam era while navigating a competitive landscape of revival acts.[34] By the late 2000s, Mud II had completed multiple nationwide UK tours, solidifying its reputation as a reliable purveyor of Mud's repertoire without venturing into new original material.[32] The lineup remained stable through 2014, with Twynham, Savage, Michalski, and Wilson providing continuity amid the challenges of sustaining a low-profile operation in the heritage rock scene.[33] This period marked a shift from Gray's frontman-driven era to a more ensemble-focused approach, prioritizing faithful recreations over innovation to preserve the band's enduring appeal.[32]2015–present: Revival and ongoing tours
In late 2015, surviving original members Rob Davis (guitar and vocals) and Ray Stiles (bass and vocals) reformed Mud for a series of live performances, marking the band's official revival after decades apart. They were joined by Ian Parker on keyboards (formerly of the Hollies), Keith Read on guitar and vocals, and Pete Phipps on drums (previously of the Glitter Band), creating a lineup distinct from the contemporaneous Mud II project led by non-founding members. This reunion emphasized the authentic connection to Mud's 1970s glam rock era, allowing the group to reclaim the original band name while Mud II operated separately with its own touring and recordings.[1] Since the revival, Mud has maintained an active schedule of live shows, focusing on high-energy performances of their classic hits like "Tiger Feet" and "Lonely This Christmas" without releasing new studio material. The band has appeared at UK festivals, theaters, and rock events, including European dates, sustaining fan interest through nostalgic sets that recreate the glam rock spectacle of their peak years. Notable recent activity includes a March 8, 2025, concert featuring the core lineup of Davis, Stiles, Read, Parker, and Phipps, alongside an upcoming performance on December 18, 2025, at The Factory Live in Worthing, England, co-headlining with Slady.[35][36] The coexistence of the revived Mud and Mud II has allowed multiple iterations of the band's legacy to tour simultaneously, with no reported legal disputes over branding as both groups target overlapping audiences interested in 1970s glam rock revival. As of November 2025, Mud shows no signs of disbandment, continuing select bookings that highlight the enduring appeal of Davis and Stiles' contributions, bolstered by Phipps' ties to the era's glitter rock scene.[1][37]Musical style and influences
Early pop and psychedelic phase
Mud formed in early 1966 in the Carshalton area of south London, England, initially as The Mourners before adopting the name Mud, drawing from the local garage rock scene that echoed the raw energy of the mid-1960s British Invasion.[2] The original lineup included vocalist Les Gray, guitarist Rob Davis, drummer Pete Gray, and bassist Nigel Lunt, with Ray Stiles soon replacing Lunt on bass and Dave Mount taking over drums in 1968.[2] Emerging from semi-professional gigs in local clubs and youth scenes, the band experimented with a sound rooted in garage rock, incorporating influences from the psychedelic trends of the era, such as light orchestration and thematic nods to the counterculture.[2] Their debut single, "Flower Power" b/w "You're My Mother," released in October 1967 on CBS Records and written by Davis, captured this early phase with its flower-child themes promoting peace and love, set against harmonized vocals and jangly guitar riffs typical of late-1960s pop experimentation.[38] The track's optimistic lyrics and novelty pop elements reflected the band's youthful perspective, avoiding the rock 'n' roll revival that would define their later work, while the B-side added a more introspective tone with familial motifs.[39] Follow-up singles like "Up the Airey Mountain" (1968) and "Shangri-La" (1969) continued this vein, blending psychedelic pop with structured melodies, though limited by the modest production values of small-label releases that constrained their commercial reach.[2] These efforts garnered some radio airplay but no chart success, highlighting the challenges of breaking through in a competitive scene dominated by established acts.[2] By 1970, with singles such as "Jumping Jehosaphat," Mud had evolved toward more polished pop arrangements, shifting from their garage rock origins to harmonized, optimistic compositions that emphasized vocal interplay over raw instrumentation.[2] This progression marked a refinement of their sound, influenced by the broader British pop landscape, setting the stage for their eventual pivot to glam rock in 1973.[2]Glam rock and rock 'n' roll era
During the mid-1970s, Mud's signature sound emerged through their collaboration with songwriting and production duo Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, who crafted bubblegum-infused glam rock tracks characterized by infectious hooks and energetic arrangements.[2] This partnership yielded hits like "Tiger Feet," which topped the UK charts for four weeks in 1974 and exemplified the era's upbeat pop-rock formula with its manic rhythm guitar riffs and Les Gray's deep, Elvis-inspired vocals.[40] The production emphasized stomping, driving rhythms and layered percussion to create a lively, foot-stomping feel, often enhanced by complex drum tracking that added depth and propulsion.[41] Mud's glam rock phase also involved reviving 1950s rock 'n' roll classics, blending them with contemporary glittery flair to appeal to a new generation. Notable covers included Eddie Cochran's "Cut Across Shorty" and Ritchie Valens' "Come On, Let's Go," which showcased the band's ability to inject rockabilly vigor into their performances while maintaining a polished, radio-friendly edge.[42] Their take on Buddy Holly's "Oh Boy!" reached number one in the UK in 1975, further highlighting this revivalist approach with Gray's charismatic delivery and the group's tight instrumentation.[43] Visually, Mud embodied glam aesthetics through outlandish attire, including platform boots, makeup, and glittery outfits that amplified their stage presence and aligned with the era's flamboyant rock trends.[40] In the studio, Mud's recordings featured innovative techniques that amplified their rock 'n' roll energy, such as multi-tracked guitars—up to 30 layers in tracks like "Tiger Feet"—to build riff-based foundations courtesy of Rob Davis, alongside Dave Mount's robust, driving drum patterns.[41] Gray's vocals were often doubled or layered for a fuller, anthemic quality, contributing to the band's polished yet exuberant sound. This approach peaked in the Mud Rock albums (1974) and Mud Rock Volume II (1975), which fused original pop compositions with rockabilly covers and party-like interludes, creating a seamless blend of nostalgia and modern glam that dominated UK charts and captured the decade's playful spirit.[44]Later rockabilly and revival styles
Following the decline of their glam rock phase in the late 1970s, Mud transitioned under Les Gray's leadership to a more roots-oriented sound, emphasizing rockabilly covers during their brief association with RCA Records in the early 1980s. In 1981, Gray released the single "Rock On Elvis" under his pseudonym Tulsa McLean on RCA, featuring medleys of classic Elvis Presley tracks such as "King Creole," "Blue Suede Shoes," and "All Shook Up," which highlighted a deliberate pivot toward rockabilly revivalism as a homage to 1950s rock 'n' roll pioneers. This release marked a departure from their earlier pop-glam productions, focusing instead on energetic reinterpretations of foundational rockabilly material to appeal to nostalgia-driven audiences.[45] During the 1980s and 2000s, Les Gray's Mud prioritized live performances in Europe, stripping back the glam elements for a more acoustic, rock 'n' roll-infused presentation that emphasized raw energy over studio polish. The band toured extensively at holiday camps and nostalgia venues, delivering spirited renditions of their 1970s hits alongside rockabilly standards, often with simplified arrangements to capture the authentic swing and grit of the genre's origins. This era saw no new original compositions, with the group relying on adapted repertoire from their catalog and classic covers to sustain festival appearances and maintain fan engagement through high-octane live shows. Influences from Elvis Presley and Gene Vincent remained central, as Gray's vocal style and the band's rhythmic drive echoed these icons in their revival sets.[2][46] After Gray's death in 2004, Mud II emerged as a polished tribute act, incorporating modern production techniques while preserving the rockabilly essence of Mud's later work. Featuring members from Gray's touring lineup, the band delivers tight vocal harmonies and gritty guitar riffs on staples like "Oh Boy," blending the original glam hits with contemporary rockabilly flair for a refreshed yet faithful sound. The 2015 revival by surviving founders Rob Davis and Ray Stiles further evolved this approach, combining their classic material with updated rockabilly arrangements for select tours and festivals, and continue to do so as of 2025, including a 50th anniversary tour, ensuring the persistence of Elvis and Gene Vincent's stylistic legacy without introducing new songs.[32][1][47][48]Personnel
Core original members
The core original members of Mud were Les Gray, Rob Davis, Dave Mount, and Ray Stiles, who formed the band in 1966 in Carshalton, Greater London, initially playing as a covers band before achieving international success in the glam rock era.[1] These four provided the band's classic lineup through its peak years from 1973 to 1976, contributing to 14 UK Top 20 hits, including three number ones, with their energetic performances and harmonies defining Mud's sound until the group's disbandment in 1980.[25][49] Les Gray (born Thomas Leslie Gray, 9 April 1946, Carshalton, Surrey – died 21 February 2004, Portugal) served as Mud's charismatic lead vocalist and occasional keyboardist from 1966 to 1978, delivering the distinctive nasal tone on all major hits such as "Tiger Feet" (1974) and "Lonely This Christmas" (1974).[25] As the frontman, Gray's stage presence and Elvis Presley-inspired style were central to the band's appeal, helping Mud transition from pop covers to original glam rock material under producer Mickie Most.[1] After Mud's 1980 disbandment, Gray continued touring with his own versions of the band, performing their classic hits across Europe until health issues sidelined him in 2003; he died of a heart attack at age 57 while battling throat cancer.[25] Rob Davis (born Robert Berkeley Davis, 1 October 1947, Carshalton, Surrey) was Mud's lead guitarist from 1966 to 1980, co-founding the band and providing the signature glam riffs that underpinned tracks like "Dyna-Mite" (1973).[1] He contributed significantly to songwriting, penning over 45 songs for Mud, including the hit "L-L-Lucy" (1976), and his engineering background informed the band's polished studio sound.[50] Post-1980, Davis pivoted to production and songwriting, achieving global success with tracks like Spiller's "Groovejet (If This Ain't Love)" (2000) and Kylie Minogue's "Can't Get You Out of My Head" (2001), earning three Ivor Novello Awards.[51][50] Dave Mount (born David George Mount, 3 March 1947, Carshalton, Surrey – died 2 December 2006, Carshalton) handled drums and percussion for Mud from 1966 to 1980, delivering the driving rhythm section that propelled the band's upbeat glam hits, notably on "Tiger Feet," which topped the UK charts for four weeks in 1974.[52] Mount also contributed B-sides like "Do It All Over Again" and appeared pseudonymously as "Dum" on the band's cover of "In the Mood" (1974).[52] A family friend of producer Mickie Most's wife, he helped secure Mud's RAK Records deal in 1973; after leaving music in the early 1980s, Mount worked in insurance and as a postman until his death at age 59.[1][52] Ray Stiles (born Raymond John Stiles, 20 November 1946, Guildford, Surrey) played bass guitar and provided harmonic backing vocals for Mud from 1966 to 1980, offering a stable foundation to the band's rock 'n' roll energy and contributing to their nationwide tours and chart success.[1] Influenced by 1960s beat groups, Stiles turned professional with Mud in 1968 after working at the London Electricity Board.[49][53] Following the 1980 split, he joined the Hollies in 1986 as bassist, where he remains active, while also performing with his family band Taboo.[49][53] In 2015, Stiles reunited with Davis for Mud's revival tours.[1]Les Gray's era additions and changes
Following the original band's decline and disbandment in 1980, Les Gray reformed Mud under the name Les Gray's Mud, assembling a new lineup to focus on nostalgia tours across Europe and the UK, emphasizing faithful recreations of their 1970s glam rock hits. Keyboardist Andy Ball, who had briefly served in the original lineup from 1975 to 1977, contributed to albums like the 1982 release Mud Featuring Les Gray where he handled keyboards and helped bridge the sound from the band's classic era to the revival performances.[24] Brian Tatum, a keyboardist who joined in 1977 and continued into the reformation period, played a pivotal role in the early tours by providing the rhythmic and melodic foundation essential for live renditions of hits like "Tiger Feet" and "Oh Boy." His involvement extended through the late 1970s and into the 1980s, supporting Gray's efforts to maintain the band's upbeat, rock 'n' roll energy without introducing new original material.[54][55] Vocalist Margo Buchanan was added in late 1979 during a transitional overlap before the full 1980 reformation, bringing lead and backing vocals to select singles and live sets, including bootleg recordings that captured the band's shift toward cabaret-style nostalgia acts. Her tenure was short-lived, ending around 1980, but it marked an early experiment in diversifying the vocal dynamics amid the original members' departures.[21][54] By the late 1980s and into the 1990s, as tours increasingly targeted European audiences, guitarist Syd Twynham joined in 1987, replacing earlier guitar roles and stabilizing the rhythm section alongside bassist John Berry and drummer Wole Rothe (formerly Wally Rothe), who also came onboard around the same time. This lineup, documented on releases like the 1993 album Les Gray's Mud, focused on high-fidelity covers and medleys, with Twynham's guitar work ensuring the energetic, guitar-driven sound of Mud's glam rock phase was preserved in live settings.[56][32] Throughout these changes, the added musicians prioritized replicating the original hits' arrangements for nostalgia-driven shows, contributing to Gray's sustained touring career without significant songwriting input that could alter the band's established repertoire.[1]Current lineups in Mud and Mud II
The revived Mud, reformed in 2015 by surviving original members Rob Davis and Ray Stiles, maintains a lineup dedicated to performing the band's classic hits with a focus on authenticity derived from its founders' direct involvement. This iteration emphasizes the original glam rock sound and has been touring consistently into 2025.| Member | Role | Join Date |
|---|---|---|
| Rob Davis | Lead guitar | Original (1966), reformed 2015 |
| Ray Stiles | Bass, vocals | Original (1966), reformed 2015 |
| Ian Parker | Keyboards | 2015–present |
| Keith Read | Rhythm guitar | 2015–present |
| Pete Phipps | Drums | 2015–present |
| Member | Role | Join Date |
|---|---|---|
| Syd Twynham | Guitar, vocals | 2005–present (with Les Gray's Mud from early 1980s) |
| Chris Savage | Keyboards | 2005–present (with Les Gray's Mud from 2004) |
| Marc Michalski | Bass | 2005–present |
| Chris Millward | Drums | 2023–present |
Discography
Studio albums
Mud's studio discography primarily consists of releases from the 1970s, reflecting their evolution from glam rock anthems to rock 'n' roll revivals and later transitional efforts. The band's output during this period was produced mainly under the guidance of songwriters Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman for RAK Records, before shifting labels amid declining commercial success. These albums captured Mud's energetic style, blending original pop tracks with covers of classic rock standards. The debut studio album, Mud Rock, was released in 1974 by RAK Records and peaked at No. 8 on the UK Albums Chart. It featured the hit single "Tiger Feet" alongside rock 'n' roll covers such as "The Hippy Hippy Shake" and "Do You Love Me," establishing the band's playful, high-energy sound rooted in 1950s influences.[44][11] Following its success, Mud Rock Volume 2 arrived in 1975, also on RAK, reaching No. 6 in the UK. This release continued the revival theme with tracks like the chart-topping "Oh Boy" and originals such as "The Secrets That You Keep," showcasing Mud's ability to infuse vintage rock with glam-era production polish.[12] Later in 1975, Use Your Imagination marked a slight shift toward more original material on RAK, peaking at No. 33 in the UK. It included singles like "L-L-Lucy" and experimented with pop structures, though it received mixed reception for departing from the band's earlier formula.[57] By 1976, It's Better Than Working was issued on Private Stock Records, reflecting a transitional phase with weaker commercial performance. The album blended rockabilly elements and tracks such as "Shake It Down," but failed to replicate prior hits, signaling the band's fading glam prominence.[58] Mud's 1978 effort, Rock On, released on RCA Victor, leaned further into rock 'n' roll covers and originals, though it did not chart significantly. It represented an attempt to revitalize their sound amid lineup changes and shifting musical trends.[59] The final original-era studio album, As You Like It, came in 1979 on RCA Records. Featuring tracks like "That's the Way It Is" derived from singles, it encapsulated the band's late-1970s style but saw limited sales and marked the end of their initial run. Post-1970s, after the original band's breakup, vocalist Les Gray fronted Les Gray's Mud, releasing limited material including the 1982 album Mud Featuring Les Gray on Runaway Records in Germany, which re-recorded earlier hits with a rock 'n' roll focus. Subsequent Mud II lineups produced no major studio albums, prioritizing live performances and tours instead.[24]Singles and chart hits
Mud's early singles struggled to gain traction on the charts. Their debut release, "Flower Power," issued on CBS in October 1967, failed to enter the UK Singles Chart, marking an initial flop for the band. Subsequent efforts like "Up the Airy Mountain" in 1968 and "Shangri-La" in 1969 also did not chart, reflecting their pre-glam rock phase with limited commercial success.[21][45] The band's breakthrough arrived in 1973 after signing with RAK Records, when "Crazy" peaked at No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart, introducing their glam rock sound to a wider audience. This momentum built with "Dyna-Mite" in late 1973, reaching No. 4, and exploded in 1974 with "Tiger Feet," their first No. 1 hit, which topped the UK chart for four weeks and became a defining glam anthem.[3][60] Mud secured two additional UK No. 1 singles in quick succession: "Lonely This Christmas" in December 1974, a festive cover that held the top spot over the holiday period, and "Oh Boy," a rock 'n' roll revival track that reached No. 1 in March 1975. These hits solidified their dominance in the mid-1970s British pop scene.[3][61][62] As their popularity waned later in the decade, "Lean on Me" in 1976 provided a Top 10 return at No. 7, while non-charting releases like the 1976 EP track "Do It Right Now" highlighted a shift toward less commercial material. By 1976, Mud had accumulated 14 UK Top 20 singles, a remarkable tally for their glam era.[3][45][8] Internationally, Mud's singles saw varied success, particularly in Germany, where "Oh Boy" reached No. 2 in 1975, "Lonely This Christmas" reached No. 4, and "Tiger Feet" hit No. 6, demonstrating their appeal beyond the UK market.[8][63]| Single Title | UK Peak | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crazy | 12 | 1973 | Breakthrough hit |
| Dyna-Mite | 4 | 1973 | Glam rock staple |
| Tiger Feet | 1 | 1974 | First No. 1 |
| Lonely This Christmas | 1 | 1974 | Christmas No. 1 |
| Oh Boy | 1 | 1975 | Rock 'n' roll cover |
| Lean on Me | 7 | 1976 | Later Top 10 |