German band LUCIFER’S FRIEND released their 2nd album in 1972 (’75 in the US & Canada). The band’s self-titled debut is often hailed as a proto-metal classic, lumped in alongside albums from Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and Uriah Heep in that year, 1970. But, despite being not quite as ‘heavy’ or early metal, the band’s follow up album, with the odd title of Where The Groupies Killed The Blues is pretty impressive as well. Lucifer’s Friend would expand their sound, adding more piano, acoustic guitars, ballads, while using more instruments, such as keyboardist Peter Hecht on electric piano, moog, Hammond organ, mellotron, as well as being credited with string arrangements. Engineered by the legendary Conny Plank, and produced by the band and Herbert Hildebrandt (The Rattles, Randy Pie). Songs written by the band, along with some lyrics from another English musician – John O’Brian Docker (who also wrote for Randy Pie). An interesting cover by Klaus Witt (Witt Studio, Hamburg), with a strange photo of band members in some hippy party-type feast (or something! Anyone?); with the original German press coming in a gatefold cover, lyrics inside, and other prints being a single sleeve with a printed inner sleeve. Tracklist order also changed from Germany to North America editions.
The album itself featured the single “Hobo”, released in Germany & Spain, but more so it included such classics as the heavy “Prince Of Darkness” (highlighted by Peter Hesslein’s guitar soloing & Peter Hecht’s piano), as well as more proggy epics like “Mother”, the title song, and “Rose On The Vine”. Best known track here though has to be the ballad “Burning Ships” (nicely covered a few years back by Jason Kane & The Jive!). Hard to believe this wasn’t the single, just a great song and performance. Singer John Lawton stood out again throughout this album.
A shame this album never got a better deal or is seen by casual rock fans as a great album alongside the debut, but those of us who know the band dig this one. As the band went on making regular albums throughout the 70s they covered many other styles from jazz rock, fusion, prog, and pop. But Where The Groupies Killed The Blues remains a favorite for me.
John Lawton – lead vocals RIP, Peter Hesslein – lead guitar, acoustic guitar, percussion, vocals, Peter Hecht – piano, Hammond organ, electric piano, moog, mellotron, Dieter Horns – fender bass, bass-fiddle RIP, Joachim Rietenbach – drums, percussion RIP
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