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The Babys
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The Babys are a British rock group best known for their songs "Isn't It Time" and "Every Time I Think of You". Both songs were composed by Jack Conrad and Ray Kennedy, and each reached No. 13 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 8 on the Cashbox chart in the late 1970s. "Back on My Feet Again" also reached the U.S. Top 40 in 1980. The original Babys line-up consisted of founding member keyboardist/guitarist Michael Corby, and in order of joining the group, vocalist/bassist John Waite, drummer Tony Brock and guitarist Wally Stocker.
Key Information
The group signed a contract with Chrysalis Records that was the highest ever for a new music act at the time. Two studio albums, The Babys and Broken Heart, were well received. After recording their third album, Head First, in 1978, co-founder Michael Corby was replaced by Jonathan Cain as keyboardist and Ricky Phillips took over as bassist.[1] From late 1978 until the breakup in 1981, The Babys line-up consisted of vocalist Waite, drummer Brock, bassist Phillips, guitarist Stocker, and keyboardist Cain.
Origin and name
[edit]Founding member Mike Corby places the origin of the idea for the band at Smalls Café on the Fulham Road in London in 1973, during a chance meeting with Adrian Millar. A management agreement was signed between Corby and Millar on 4 September 1974 and auditions were held in 1974-75 to fill out the remaining members.
Among those who auditioned were Mandrake Paddle Steamer bassist Paul Riordan and drummer Lucas Fox, who would go on to join Motörhead. One of their friends, singer/guitarist Gordon Hawtin (a.k.a. Gordon Rondelle), recommended an acquaintance, John Waite (ex-Graf Spee/Chalk Farm), who’d relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, to play bass with a band called The Boys, but returned to the UK to try out for Corby's new project. Riordin decided to pass and drummer Tony Brock was pursued instead of Fox.[2]
Tony Brock was an established rock drummer, having played with Strider[3] and Spontaneous Combustion.[4] Financial difficulties with Strider, and the opportunity to join a group with sound financial backing, made him decide to take a chance with this group instead.[3] Brock brought in ex-Dream Police/Longdancer keyboardist/guitarist/bassist Matt Irving in late 1975, but Corby left temporarily shortly thereafter.[2] The last member to join the line-up was ex-Joy/Pegasus guitarist Wally Stocker,[3] in January 1976. After Corby then returned, rehearsals began in London’s Tooley Street and ten songs were demoed. These ten songs were later first released on NEMS Records in 1978 as The Babys (and later, in 2006, as The Official Unofficial BABYS Album).[5] But Irving was the next to leave (eventually to join Manfred Mann's Earth Band).[2]
As of late 1975, Adrian Millar's girlfriend suggested The Babys and the unusual spelling stuck. Corby liked it because "it would piss mindless critics off."[citation needed] Another version surfaced in a 1979 Hit Parader interview where Waite claimed
"The name was meant to be a joke. We took the name simply because the record companies wouldn't listen to any bands they thought were rock & roll. I mean, they wanted sure-fire teen bands, pre-teen bands. We couldn't get anybody down to hear us to get a record deal, so we called ourselves The Babys. We thought we'd keep the name just for two weeks. Then, the word got around in London that there was a band playing rock & roll called The Babys and it seemed so off the wall, so completely crazy, that it was worth taking a shot with. It really appealed to everyone's sense of humour."[6]
Music videos were produced by Mike Mansfield for Supersonic, and Chrysalis Records signed the band in July 1976.[7]
Career
[edit]The Babys' eponymous first album (highlighted by the single "If You've Got the Time") was recorded in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with producers Brian Christian and Bob Ezrin and released in December 1976, although it appears that Millar and Corby were unhappy with the production and mix.[8]
In 1977 the band purchased a 24-track mobile unit with which to record their music. They went to a ranch house in the Malibu mountains and laid down the tracks in six weeks. However, the record sleeve says it was recorded at the famous Sound City in Southern California.[3] The influences of the songs came about from their first year in Los Angeles and the culture shock of their relocation there.[3]
Their second album, Broken Heart, (released in September 1977) featured production by Ron Nevison and resulted in gaining the group a Top 20 U.S. hit, "Isn't It Time" (written by Jack Conrad and Ray Kennedy), that peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard chart. The song was a departure from the group's desire to only play their own material. Other writers' material, such as Mike Japp and Chas Sandford's "A Piece of the Action", was included. The album featured unique acoustic openings on "I'm Falling" and "Wrong or Right". Nevison's production techniques enhanced Waite's emerging talent as a vocalist and highlighted Brock's drumming, Stocker's guitar work and Corby's instrumental abilities. The band continued to tour the U.S. successfully with The Babettes, which included singers from Andrae Crouch and the Disciples: Lisa Freeman Roberts, Myrna Matthews and Pat Henderson. The album spent two weeks at number one in Australia and produced a number one single with "Isn't It Time".
Disputes with Chrysalis management resulted in the firing of the band's original manager Adrian Millar in 1977. And Corby too was fired on August 28, 1978 after differences with Waite and Lookout Management, who had taken over from Millar.[2]
Chrysalis had re-teamed the band with Ron Nevison, but there was disagreement on whether to focus on rockers or ballads. Consequently, Head First was recorded in a pressure-cooker environment with the Record Plant 24-track mobile at Hidden Valley Ranch in Malibu. Corby had imagined more of a "progressive rock type" of album, while Waite was moving towards more country-oriented material (evidenced by outtakes "Restless Heart" and "World In A Bottle"). The band had spent $300,000 in six weeks. But the album was rejected by Chrysalis and an irate Corby was shocked to find songs on there he had never played on or heard of before.[2]
Some two weeks later, after Corby had been let go, the remaining trio returned to the studio in an effort to revamp Head First, its release delayed to the end of the year. They re-recorded it in stripped-back form, Corby’s contributions relegated to keyboards only, while they added a swaggering opener, "Love Don’t Prove I’m Right", plus the visceral, gospel-backed Jack Conrad/Ray Kennedy followup, "Every Time I Think Of You", which hit US No 13.[2]
Equipment Manager Ray Sheriff states:
"Almost immediately after Michael's leaving, the remainder of the band went into auditions for a replacement. Jonathan Cain, in fact, became Mike’s successor, but I am sure he had not been selected until after Mike left. The other musician was Ricky Phillips, who played bass. I think from what John, Wally and Tony said that it was they, and not Chrysalis, who selected these two successors, and I think that at about this same time Lookout Management ceased to be the band's managers." [9]
As stated above, two American musicians became a part of the lineup following the release of the third album, Head First. Keyboardist/guitarist/vocalist Jonathan Cain replaced Corby, and bassist Ricky Phillips (of Nasty Habit) joined in the late fall of 1978, making it a five-piece band.[1] The new quintet made their debut at the Whisky a Go Go on 31 December 1978. And the new lineup toured through the winter and spring of 1979 as the opening act for Alice Cooper.[10]
The band's fourth album, Union Jacks, (released in January 1980), produced by Keith Olsen, had a more punchy sound; the single, "Back on My Feet Again," spent a short time in the Top 40. And Anne Marie Leclerc (a.k.a. Anne Bertucci), who guested on Union Jacks, appeared as a backup singer on tour with the band in 1979–1980. During an extensive tour in 1980, The Babys opened for Journey, the band that Jonathan Cain would soon join. And the band's fifth album, On the Edge, was made during the 1980 tour and released in October 1980. The single, "Turn and Walk Away", peaked at No. 42 on the Hot 100.
During a performance in Cincinnati, Ohio on 9 December 1980 (the day after John Lennon had been murdered), John Waite was pulled from the stage by an overzealous fan during an encore and seriously injured his knee. After a final performance by the group in Akron, Ohio with Waite attempting to perform on crutches, the remainder of the tour was cancelled, Cain left for Journey, Waite for a solo career and the rest of the group disbanded in early 1981 after being dropped by Chrysalis. Although different members of the group have given various reasons for the band's demise, the general issue seems to have been disillusionment that the group never really achieved the success they felt they deserved given the quality of their albums and live shows.[7][dead link]
Aftermath
[edit]Jonathan Cain had joined Journey just as that band was on the verge of mainstream success.[1] John Waite embarked on a successful solo career, peaking with a number one American hit in 1984 with Chas Sandford and Mark Leonard's "Missing You" from his second solo album No Brakes."[1] Waite and Cain reunited with Ricky Phillips at the end of the 1980s to form the hard rock/glam rock-infused supergroup Bad English, scoring several hits from their 1989 self-titled album. Tony Brock spent many years drumming for Rod Stewart, as well as drumming and co-producing for Jimmy Barnes and producing for Keith Urban.[citation needed] Wally Stocker went on to join Brock in Rod Stewart's band and briefly joined Air Supply in the mid-1980s, later playing in a reformed version of Humble Pie in the 1990s.[citation needed] Phillips played with Styx for over 20 years, from 2003 to early 2024.[citation needed]
The Babys' original manager, Adrian Millar, died on 10 December 2006 at the age of 58.[citation needed]
Reforming the Babys
[edit]Starting in 2003, there was an attempt by original Babys founder Michael Corby (now living in Scotland) to reunite the classic lineup of himself, John Waite, Tony Brock and Wally Stocker. But that fell through when the other three were not interested.
In 2013, the Babys re-formed with originals Brock and Stocker, and two new members - American John Bisaha on vocals and bass, along with American guitarist Joey Sykes, who replaced J. P. Cervoni after his brief tenure. The new look Babys debuted in the summer of 2013 at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California and included new Babettes, Holly Bisaha and Elisa Chadbourne.
In June 2014 their latest album, I'll Have Some of That!, was released[11] and since that time, the reunion has continued with the group playing at least a handful of dates in the U.S. each year, with a revolving door of keyboardists, Francesco Saglietti (2013–2015, 2016–2018), Eric Ragno (2015), Brian Johnson (2015–2016), Louis Middleton (2018–2019) and Walter Ino (2019–present).[citation needed] Since 2022, singer Bisaha has also been playing with Firefall.[citation needed]
Band members
[edit]- John Bisaha - lead vocals, bass (2013–present)
- Wally Stocker - lead guitar (1975–1981, 2013–present)
- Joey Sykes - rhythm guitar, backing vocals, mandolin (2013–present)
- Tony Brock - drums, occasional piano (1975–1981, 2013–present), backing and occasional lead vocals (1975–78)
Touring members
[edit]- Holly Bisaha - backing vocals (2013–present)
- Elisa Chadbourne - backing vocals (2013–present)
- Francesco Saglietti - keyboards (2013–2015, 2016–2018)
- Eric Ragno - keyboards (2015)
- Brian Johnson - keyboards (2015–2016)
- Louis Middleton - keyboards (2018–2019)
- Walter Ino - keyboards (2019–present)
Former members
[edit]- John Waite - lead vocals (1975–1981), bass (1975–1979)
- Michael Corby - keyboards, rhythm guitar (1975–1978)
- Matt Irving - guitar, bass, keyboards, backing vocals (1975-1976)
- Jonathan Cain - keyboards, backing and occasional lead vocals (1979–1980), rhythm guitar (1980)
- Ricky Phillips - bass guitar, backing vocals (1979–1981)
- J. P. Cervoni - rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2013)
| 1975-1976 | 1976-1978 | 1978-1979 | 1979-1980 |
|---|---|---|---|
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|
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| 1980-2012 | 2013 | 2013-2015 | 2015 |
| disbanded |
|
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| 2015-2016 | 2016-2018 | 2018-2019 | 2019–present |
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Timeline
[edit]
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]| Year | Album | AUS[12] | US | Record label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | The Babys | — | 133 | Chrysalis |
| 1977 | Broken Heart | 9 | 34 | |
| 1978 | Head First | 18 | 22 | |
| 1980 | Union Jacks | 58 | 42 | |
| On the Edge | 98 | 71 | ||
| 1981 | Anthology (compilation album) | 73 | 138 | |
| 2001 | Valentine Babys (live album) | — | — | EMI |
| 2008 | Live in America (remastered expanded reissue of Valentine Babys) |
— | — | Indie Europe/Zoom |
| 2014 | I'll Have Some of That! | — | — | Indie - All in Time Records (iTunes/Amazon/Stores) |
Singles
[edit]| Year | Single | Peak chart positions | Certification | Album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | CAN | UK | AUS[12] | ||||
| 1977 | "If You've Got the Time" | 88 | — | — | — | The Babys | |
| "Isn't It Time" | 13 | 8 | 45 | 1 |
|
Broken Heart | |
| 1978 | "Silver Dreams" | 53 | 53 | — | — | ||
| "Every Time I Think of You" | 13 | 8 | — | 6 | Head First | ||
| 1979 | "Head First" | 77 | — | — | |||
| "True Love True Confessions" | — | — | — | Union Jacks | |||
| "Back on My Feet Again" | 33 | 29 | — | 92 | |||
| 1980 | "Midnight Rendezvous" | 72 | — | — | |||
| "Turn and Walk Away" | 42 | 15 | — | — | On the Edge | ||
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Colin Larkin, ed. (1997). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music (Concise ed.). Virgin Books. pp. 73/4. ISBN 1-85227-745-9.
- ^ a b c d e f "ISN'T IT TIME?". Recordcollectormag.com.
- ^ a b c d e Pop Scene - Australia's International Pop Magazine, issue No 2, Gordon and Gotch, 1977.
- ^ "Spontaneous Combustion | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ^ "The Babys – The Babys". Discogs.com. 1978. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ "John Waite FAQ--The Babys". 10 May 2008. Archived from the original on 10 May 2008. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Life Story of John Waite - The Babys". 4 July 2008. Archived from the original on 4 July 2008. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ "The Babys Official Unofficial Archives and Chronological History - Introduction". Archived from the original on 24 May 2007. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
- ^ "The Babys Official Archives and Chronological History - Bio". 4 June 2007. Archived from the original on 4 June 2007. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ "The Babys Concert & Tour History". Concertarchives.org.
- ^ "I'll Have Some of That - The Babys | Album". AllMusic. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- ^ a b Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 23. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
- ^ "Cash Box Newspaper" (PDF). Cash Box. 20 May 1978. p. 20. Retrieved 13 November 2021 – via World Radio History.
External links
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| International | |
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| National | |
| Artists | |
The Babys
View on GrokipediaHistory
Formation and Early Years (1975–1977)
The Babys were formed in London in 1975 by guitarist and keyboardist Michael Corby, who sought to create a rock group that blended elements of hard rock and pop.[4] Corby, previously involved in the band Strider, partnered with aspiring manager Adrian Millar to assemble the lineup after meeting at a café in Chelsea.[16] In 1976, the band recruited vocalist and bassist John Waite through auditions, followed by drummer Tony Brock and lead guitarist Wally Stocker, solidifying the original quartet.[17] The band's name, "The Babys," was suggested by Millar as a playful, intentionally misspelled choice to appeal to American audiences and provoke critics, initially intended as temporary but retained after gaining local buzz in London.[9] That July, The Babys secured a groundbreaking $1 million recording contract with Chrysalis Records—the largest ever for a new act at the time—based on a promotional video demo, marking an innovative use of the medium for artist signings.[16][6] The group recorded their self-titled debut album, The Babys, with producer Roy Thomas Baker at London's Morgan Studios, releasing it in late 1976 on Chrysalis.[17] The album featured tracks such as "Looking for Love," "If You've Got the Time," and "I Believe in Love," showcasing their melodic rock sound, though it achieved no major chart success and struggled commercially.[18] To build a fanbase, The Babys toured extensively in the UK and US during 1976–1977, often opening for established acts like Foghat on their North American dates, including shows in venues such as the Amarillo Civic Center.[19] These performances helped establish their live presence despite the debut's modest reception.[4]Rise to Prominence and Lineup Shifts (1978–1980)
The Babys achieved their first significant commercial breakthrough in the United States with the release of their second album, Broken Heart, in September 1977. The album, produced by Ron Nevison, peaked at number 34 on the Billboard 200 chart. Its lead single, "Isn't It Time," written by Jack Conrad and Ray Kennedy, marked the band's initial major hit, reaching number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in late 1977 and establishing their presence in the American rock market.[20][21] Building on this momentum, the band released their third album, Head First, in December 1978, also produced by Nevison. The record climbed to number 22 on the Billboard 200, reflecting growing popularity amid internal strife. Singles from the album included "Every Time I Think of You," another Conrad-Kennedy composition that peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979, and "Head First," which reached number 77. However, tensions within the group escalated during recording, culminating in the departure of founding guitarist and keyboardist Michael Corby in August 1978; Corby, who had contributed to the band's early sound, was ousted by management at Chrysalis Records due to creative and personal conflicts.[21][9][22] In 1979, keyboardist Jonathan Cain joined The Babys, bringing a more polished, melodic sensibility influenced by his prior work in Prism. This lineup shift infused the band's music with richer keyboard arrangements, steering their hard rock roots toward arena-friendly pop-rock. The new configuration debuted on the fourth album, Union Jacks, released in January 1980 and produced by Keith Olsen, which peaked at number 42 on the Billboard 200. Key tracks included "Back on My Feet Again," reaching number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, and "Midnight Rendezvous," which charted at number 72.[23][21] As Union Jacks promoted extensive touring, further changes occurred; bassist Ricky Phillips was recruited in late 1979 to handle bass duties, allowing frontman John Waite to concentrate on vocals and harmonica. Phillips' addition stabilized the rhythm section alongside drummer Tony Brock and guitarist Wally Stocker. The band recorded their fifth album, On the Edge, in 1980 under Olsen's production, capturing a tense yet energetic phase amid ongoing frictions. During this period, The Babys supported major acts on the road, including REO Speedwagon in 1978 and Journey in 1980, honing their live performance and solidifying their status as a rising arena rock outfit.[24][25][26]Disbandment (1981)
By late 1980, escalating internal conflicts within The Babys had strained the band's cohesion, particularly between vocalist John Waite and keyboardist Jonathan Cain over creative direction. Waite rejected several of Cain's song proposals, including the ballad "Open Arms," which he dismissed as "total crap," highlighting their differing visions for the band's sound amid the promotion of their final studio album, On the Edge (released October 1980). These tensions were compounded by management issues with their handler Ron Stone, who had overseen significant promotional spending—estimated at $600,000—that was recouped from the band's earnings by Chrysalis Records, exacerbating financial pressures.[27][9] Financial strains further eroded the group's stability, with high touring costs and moderate album sales leaving the band in debt to the label by approximately one million dollars after years of relentless roadwork.[28] Waite's physical injury during a December 1980 concert in Akron, Ohio—where he tore ligaments in his knee—proved to be the breaking point; he performed the set on crutches, but the remainder of the tour was canceled, leading to his departure and the full band's dissolution announcement in early 1981.[16] The news of John Lennon's assassination on December 8, 1980, while the band was touring in the American Midwest, added emotional devastation, with Waite later recalling it as the event that "broke up The Babys," as the group grappled with grief amid their unraveling.[29] In the immediate aftermath, Chrysalis released the compilation album Anthology in October 1981, featuring live recordings and earlier hits like "Isn't It Time" and "Every Time I Think of You" to capitalize on the band's catalog despite the breakup.[30] Waite quickly pivoted to solo work, announcing his debut album Rough & Ready for 1982, which marked his transition from band frontman to independent artist.[28]Reformation and Recent Developments (2013–present)
In 2013, original members Tony Brock (drums) and Wally Stocker (lead guitar) reformed The Babys, driven by persistent fan demand and the growing popularity of 1970s rock nostalgia tours. The duo initiated a nationwide talent search to assemble a new lineup, selecting vocalist and bassist John Bisaha and guitarist Joey Sykes to join them, marking the band's return after a 32-year hiatus. This revival was not without controversy, as original singer John Waite and other former members initiated legal disputes over the use of the band name, claiming rights to its legacy; the reforming group proceeded under the name despite the challenges.[11][31][32] The reformed lineup debuted with live performances, including a benefit concert in July 2013, and quickly moved into new music production. In June 2014, they released the album I'll Have Some of That!, their first collection of original material in over three decades, featuring 12 tracks that blended the band's classic hard rock sound with contemporary edges. The album included singles like the title track and "Every Side of You," produced to capture the energy of their live shows. Following this, the band issued Timeless: Anthology I and Timeless: Anthology II in 2018, remastered compilations of re-recorded hits and deep cuts from their original catalog, accompanied by new liner notes reflecting on the band's history and the reunion's impact. These releases were crowdfunded via PledgeMusic, engaging fans directly in the process.[31][33][34][35] The band has maintained an active touring schedule since 2013, performing at festivals, theaters, and as special guests on larger bills, with a focus on delivering high-energy renditions of their 1970s hits alongside newer songs. Notable appearances include opening slots for acts in the classic rock circuit and headlining events that highlight their enduring appeal. In 2025, The Babys celebrated their 50th anniversary with a series of special events, including a commemorative show at Nashville's Third and Lindsley venue in June and performances at the Wanstock festival in Australia, where they shared the stage with acts like Baby Animals. These milestones have included discussions of potential new recordings to mark the occasion, underscoring the band's continued vitality. The current lineup remains Brock, Stocker, Bisaha, Sykes, and keyboardist/vocalist Holly Bisaha, who joined later to round out the sound.[36][37][38][39]Musical Style and Legacy
Genre Characteristics and Influences
The Babys' core sound blended melodic hard rock with power pop elements, drawing from album rock and arena rock traditions while incorporating contemporary pop/rock sensibilities. This style was marked by strong, hook-driven song structures and anthemic qualities suited for large venues, as seen in their late-1970s AOR hits.[4][40] Central to their identity were John Waite's emotive, soul-inflected vocals, which provided a dynamic range from raw power to tender balladry, paired with Wally Stocker's soaring lead guitar lines and Tony Brock's propulsive, technically adept drumming that drove the rhythm section. The band's arrangements often featured layered guitars and tight rhythms, creating a polished yet energetic feel that balanced hard-edged riffs with accessible melodies. For instance, tracks like "Isn't It Time" exemplified their emphasis on infectious choruses and radio-friendly hooks.[41][36][4] Influences on The Babys included the arena rock swagger of Bad Company, evident in their hard-rocking tracks and bluesy undertones, alongside Bruce Springsteen-inspired narrative songwriting and percussive energy. Their melodic approach also echoed power pop's catchy, Beatles-derived harmonies, though adapted to a more robust rock framework. Later, with keyboardist Jonathan Cain's addition, subtle new wave influences emerged, adding synth textures and a brighter pop sheen.[41][9][42] Production played a key role in refining their sound, with early albums showcasing a raw, live-wire energy that evolved into more sophisticated arrangements. By their 1980 album Union Jacks, producer Keith Olsen imparted a glossy finish, highlighting keyboard integration and pop accessibility that foreshadowed 1980s AOR trends. This shift from debut-era grit to keyboard-driven polish broadened their appeal while maintaining core rock foundations.[43][4][44]Critical Reception and Cultural Impact
The Babys received mixed critical reception during their initial run in the late 1970s, often praised for their catchy, radio-friendly singles and melodic rock hooks but critiqued for relying on formulaic structures typical of the era's arena rock. Their 1977 album Broken Heart marked a breakthrough, with reviewers highlighting its polished production and the standout track "Isn't It Time," which blended anthemic choruses with emotional depth, earning acclaim as a highlight of their catalog.[9] By contrast, later efforts like Union Jacks (1980) continued their commercial success, lauded for energetic tracks such as "Back on My Feet Again" that captured the band's live-wire stage presence, though some critics noted a shift toward more predictable AOR conventions.[16] Overall, outlets positioned the group as a British contender against American heavyweights like Boston and Journey, appreciating their sophisticated songcraft but lamenting a lack of innovation amid the punk and new wave surge.[45] In terms of chart performance, The Babys achieved modest success primarily in the United States, with three singles reaching the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100: "Isn't It Time" peaking at No. 13 in 1977, "Every Time I Think of You" at No. 13 in 1979, and "Back on My Feet Again" at No. 33 in 1980.[2] Their albums fared similarly, with Head First (1979) climbing to No. 22 on the Billboard 200, their highest placement, while Broken Heart reached No. 34. Despite their British origins, the band saw no comparable UK chart traction, underscoring their status as an export act tailored for American audiences.[46] The band's legacy endures as a launchpad for key members' subsequent successes, notably keyboardist Jonathan Cain, whose time with The Babys honed his songwriting skills before joining Journey in 1980, where he co-wrote the iconic "Don't Stop Believin'." Their songs have maintained visibility through covers, including renditions of "Isn't It Time" by artists like Robin Trower and John Waite (in his solo career), which have introduced the material to new generations. In the 2010s, the reformed lineup received nods in fan-voted halls of fame and contributed to the revival of 1970s AOR sounds, influencing acts blending classic rock with modern production. The 2025 50th anniversary celebrations, including tours and festival appearances like Wanstock, highlight their role in sustaining interest in pre-MTV era rock, with early promotional videos for tracks like "Midnight Rendezvous" exemplifying pioneering visual efforts in music promotion. As of November 2025, the band continues to tour extensively in celebration of their 50th anniversary and has reissued compilation albums to mark the milestone.[47][48][37][49][36]Band Members
Current Members
The Babys' current lineup, active as of 2025 in celebration of the band's 50th anniversary, features a core group that has maintained stability since the 2013 reformation, blending original members with key additions to deliver energetic live performances and new material.[36] John Bisaha serves as lead vocalist and bassist, having joined in 2013 after a rigorous audition process that highlighted his ability to channel the band's classic sound while infusing fresh energy into live shows.[50] His contributions include co-writing tracks on the 2014 reunion album I'll Have Some of That!, such as "All I Wanna Do," which helped revitalize the group's catalog with contemporary rock elements.[50] Bisaha's bass work and vocal delivery have been praised for sustaining the band's power-pop drive during extensive touring.[14] Wally Stocker, the original lead guitarist from 1976, provides essential continuity in the reformed band through his return in 2013, recreating the signature riffs from 1970s hits like "Isn't It Time."[51] His guitar contributions extend to new compositions, including co-writing "Not Ready to Say Goodbye" for the 2014 album, ensuring the reformed sound aligns with the band's foundational style while adapting to modern stages.[51] Joey Sykes joined as rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist in 2014, bringing dynamic interplay to the guitar section alongside Stocker.[52] His role enhances stage presence during tours, with raw energy that complements the band's high-octane performances, as demonstrated in early Vegas gigs and ongoing anniversary events.[52] Sykes also contributed songwriting to I'll Have Some of That!, including the title track, bolstering the group's live setlists with fresh material.[52] Tony Brock, the original drummer since 1976, rejoined in 2013 and remains a driving force, delivering his renowned feel and timing that defined the band's hits and now powers anniversary tours in 2025.[53] His percussion work provides the rhythmic backbone for both classic reproductions and new songs, maintaining the "sleazy, greasy" backbeat synonymous with The Babys' sound.[54] Holly Bisaha, John's wife, acts as the Babette (backing vocalist) since 2013, adding vocal harmonies and touring extensively to enrich the band's live dynamics and recreate the supportive vocal layer from the original era.[36]Former Members
The Babys' former members include several musicians who played pivotal roles in the band's evolution during its original run from 1976 to 1981, as well as in the 2013 reformation. These individuals contributed to the group's hard rock sound before pursuing high-profile solo and collaborative endeavors.[9] Michael Corby served as the founding guitarist and keyboardist from 1975 to 1978, helping shape the band's initial lineup and early recordings before departing amid internal tensions.[11] After leaving The Babys, Corby maintained a low-profile presence in music, occasionally reflecting on his contributions through personal writings and interviews.[55] John Waite was the lead vocalist and bassist from 1976 to 1981, providing the band's signature emotive vocals on hits like "Isn't It Time" and "Every Time I Think of You."[9] Following the band's disbandment, Waite launched a successful solo career, achieving international fame with his 1984 single "Missing You," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[56] He later co-founded the supergroup Bad English in 1988 with former Babys bandmates Jonathan Cain and Ricky Phillips, alongside Journey's Neal Schon, yielding the chart-topping "When I See You Smile."[9] Jonathan Cain joined as keyboardist in 1979 and remained until 1981, adding melodic depth to the band's later albums like Union Jacks.[23] Shortly after, in 1980, he transitioned to Journey, where he has been a core member (until a planned departure after a 2026-2027 tour), co-writing iconic hits including "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Open Arms" from the blockbuster Escape (1981) album.[23][57] Ricky Phillips played bass from 1979 to 1981, stabilizing the rhythm section during the band's final years.[58] After The Babys, Phillips joined Bad English in 1988, then collaborated with David Coverdale and Jimmy Page on their 1993 self-titled album, and later became a longtime member of Styx from 2003 to 2024, contributing to tours and albums like The Mission (2017).[58]Timeline
The Babys experienced several lineup changes throughout their history, as summarized in the following chronological overview:| Period | Key Lineup Change | Active Members |
|---|---|---|
| 1975–1976 | Formation in London | Michael Corby (guitar, keyboards), John Waite (lead vocals, bass), Tony Brock (drums), Wally Stocker (lead guitar)[6] |
| 1978 | Michael Corby exits the band | John Waite (lead vocals, bass), Tony Brock (drums), Wally Stocker (lead guitar)[11] |
| 1979 | Jonathan Cain and Ricky Phillips join; Waite shifts to lead vocals only | John Waite (lead vocals), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ricky Phillips (bass), Tony Brock (drums), Wally Stocker (lead guitar)[11] |
| 1981 | Full disbandment | N/A[6] |
| 2013 | Reformation with original members Brock and Stocker, plus new additions | Tony Brock (drums), Wally Stocker (lead guitar), John Bisaha (lead vocals, bass), JP Cervoni (guitar)[11] |
| 2014 | Joey Sykes joins as guitarist, replacing JP Cervoni; Francesco Saglietti added on keyboards | John Bisaha (lead vocals, bass), Joey Sykes (guitar), Francesco Saglietti (keyboards), Tony Brock (drums), Wally Stocker (lead guitar), The Babettes (backing vocals)[52][33] |
| 2019–2025 | Continued activity with core members and occasional session support for tours and 50th anniversary events | John Bisaha (lead vocals, bass), Joey Sykes (guitar), Wally Stocker (lead guitar), Tony Brock (drums), Holly Bisaha (backing vocals), with session musicians as needed[36] |
Discography
Studio Albums
The Babys released five studio albums during their original tenure from 1976 to 1980 on Chrysalis Records, each contributing to their development as a hard rock and AOR band with melodic hooks and guitar-driven energy. These releases captured the band's evolution from raw, energetic rock to more polished, hit-oriented material, often produced by notable figures in the industry. Following a long hiatus, the band issued a sixth studio effort in 2014 as part of their reformation. New music is planned for release in 2026.[36] The Babys (1977), the band's debut, consisted of 10 tracks produced by Bob Ezrin and emphasized a raw rock sound influenced by British pub rock and American hard rock. It peaked at #133 on the US Billboard 200 chart.[21][59] Broken Heart (1977), also featuring 10 tracks, marked the band's breakthrough, peaking at #34 on the Billboard 200 and including the hit single "Isn't It Time," which helped establish their commercial presence in the US.[60] Head First (1978), with 10 tracks produced by Ron Nevison, was a hit single-driven effort that reached #22 on the Billboard 200, showcasing tighter songwriting and anthemic choruses that appealed to arena rock audiences. Union Jacks (1980), the fourth album with 10 tracks produced by Keith Olsen, introduced keyboardist Jonathan Cain to the lineup and peaked at #42 on the Billboard 200, blending rock edge with emerging pop sensibilities.[61] On the Edge (1980), comprising 9 tracks and produced by Keith Olsen, served as the final original-run album, reaching #71 on the Billboard 200 amid internal tensions that led to the band's initial disbandment.[62] Following the band's 2013 reformation, I'll Have Some of That (2014) emerged as a post-reunion mini-album with 4 tracks, reviving their classic sound through the core members Wally Stocker and Tony Brock alongside new collaborators.[33][63]Live and Compilation Albums
The Babys' live and compilation releases capture the band's energetic performances and provide retrospective overviews of their career highlights. One notable live recording is Babys' Live in America, initially circulated as unofficial bootlegs from their 1979–1980 tours before an official release in 2007 via Indie Europe/Zoom as a CD featuring 12 tracks recorded during North American shows. A remastered and expanded version appeared in 2007 via Indie Europe/Zoom, including performances from a February 14, 1980, concert at the Rainbow Music Hall in Denver, emphasizing the band's arena rock sound with extended versions of hits like "Isn't It Time" and "Every Time I Think of You."[64][65] In 2024, Live at the Bottom Line, 1979 was released on Omnivore Recordings, featuring highlights from a March 23, 1979, performance in New York, including hits and unreleased tracks like "Crystal Ball" and "Stick to Your Guns."[15] Following the band's initial breakup, Anthology was issued in 1981 by Chrysalis Records as a post-breakup compilation blending live and studio tracks from their 1976–1980 output, serving as an early greatest hits collection with 10 selections including "Head First" and "Midnight Rendezvous."[66] This album highlighted their commercial successes, such as the top-20 Billboard singles "Isn't It Time" and "Every Time I Think of You," and was later reissued in expanded formats, including a 2000 remastered edition with additional bonus tracks.[67] In 2018, Timeless: Anthology I & II was released as a two-volume remastered set on CD, compiling hits alongside unreleased tracks and featuring liner notes contributed by band members like John Waite, offering deeper insights into their songwriting and evolution.[34] Volume I focuses on early material from albums like The Babys and Broken Heart, while Volume II covers later works up to On the Edge, with rarities such as live demos and B-sides that underscore their pop-rock influences.[68] Other compilations include Greatest Hits from 1990, a budget-line collection via EMI-Capitol Special Markets that gathered key singles for casual listeners, and the 2019 Silver Dreams: Complete Albums 1975–1980 box set, which assembled rare recordings and live cuts in a multi-disc format to chronicle their touring era. These releases, alongside later retrospectives like the 2019 Silver Dreams: Complete Albums 1975–1980 box set, have helped sustain the band's legacy by making their catalog more accessible to new audiences.[69]Singles
The Babys achieved their greatest commercial success through a series of singles released between 1977 and 1980, primarily on the Chrysalis label, which highlighted the band's melodic hard rock sound and John Waite's distinctive vocals. These tracks, drawn from their early studio albums, frequently featured songwriting contributions from external collaborators like Jack Conrad and Ray Kennedy, and several cracked the upper echelons of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. B-sides often pulled from album cuts, providing additional exposure to deeper tracks. Following the band's initial disbandment, a 2014 reunion yielded a limited-release single tied to their comeback album.| Year | Single | Album | Peak Chart Position (US Billboard Hot 100) | B-Side | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | "Isn't It Time" | Broken Heart | #13 | "Give Me Your Love" | Written by Jack Conrad and Ray Kennedy; the band's breakthrough hit, also reaching #8 on Cash Box.[21][70] |
| 1979 | "Every Time I Think of You" | Head First | #13 | "Head First" (initial release) | Also written by Conrad and Kennedy; later covered by Bad English on their 1989 self-titled debut album, though not issued as a single by the supergroup.[21] |
| 1979 | "Head First" | Head First | #77 | "Please Don't Leave Me Here" | Title track serving as follow-up single; emphasized the band's pop-rock accessibility.[21] |
| 1980 | "Back on My Feet Again" | Union Jacks | #33 | "Midnight Rendezvous" | Co-written by John Waite and Jonathan Cain; marked the band's final Top 40 entry during their original run.[21][71] |
| 1980 | "Midnight Rendezvous" | Union Jacks | #72 | "Union Jacks" | Written by Waite and Cain; a minor hit capturing the era's arena rock energy.[21] |
| 2014 | "I'll Have Some of That" | I'll Have Some of That! | N/A (limited release) | N/A | Title track from reunion album featuring original members Wally Stocker and Tony Brock; promoted via digital platforms without major chart impact.[33] |