The Album & the American Tour had been in full swing by March 1975. It is 50 years since the release of “Mad Dog” The American Tour. Entwistle’s OX Tour went through the USA, playing with acts such as” Humble Pie”, “J. Giles Band”, “Joe Walsh”, “Frampton’s Camel” & “Roy Buchanan”. The Who were on tour at the same time. “Tommy” Entwistle’s OX Band performed at movie premiere parties in New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Robert Johnson moved to London, England in August 1974, at the invitation from legendary British guitarist Chris Spedding. He had just finished a tour with R&B Legend Ann Peebles. Chris Spedding asked Johnson to be a part of his Sharks band, which included Snips parsons. Johnson refused the offer because Spedding asked Johnson to play bass guitar. Johnson had been sitting in on Sharks’ American Tour when their bass player did not turn up. Johnson, upon arrival in England, ended up writing two songs with Snips. Johnson met Sharks’ producer John Alcock at The Who’s Rempart Studio, Battersea. Alcock surprised Johnson by asking him to enter the lounge to meet the co-producer, who was John Entwistle. Chris Spedding told Entwistle that Johnson was a good choice for Entwistle’s solo project. Entwistle & Alcock, who were also responsible for Entwistle’s Mad Dog Album, invited Johnson to Shepperton to audition with John Entwistle’s OX Band. Alcock told Johnson that they have been testing dozens of guitar players for four months, but no one has come close to Entwistle. Alcock asked Entwistle after a loud audition by Entwistle and The OX Band. What did you think about Robert’s performance?” Entwistle responded, “I don’t think I heard him. Entwistle’s music was extremely loud. Alcock suggested they go to Entwistle’s London house & have a private jam session. Entwistle dropped six of his basses when he reached to grab the bass guitar hanging on the wall. Entwistle replied, “No big deal. The Who have a history of smashing equipment.” Alcock & Entwistle decided on that evening that Johnson would be the new guitarist for John Entwistle’s OX.
John Entwistle’s OX completed their sold-out tour in England, Scotland, and Wales by December 1974. Johnson was in the Wessex Recording Studio by mid-December to record with Alice Cooper and Leo Sayer. Also present were Bill Bruford (John Entwistle), Nicky Hopkins, Elkie, Brooks, & Keith Moon. This project involved a music score and LP, entitled “Flash Fearless” & The Zorg Women for Chrysalis Records. Nicky Hopkins told Mick Jagger that Johnson was a guitar player and Jagger received Johnson’s number during these sessions as Mick Taylor just left the Rolling Stones. Jagger personally invited Johnson to Rotterdam, Holland to take part in the Black & Blues Sessions January 31st-March 4th 1975. Johnson and Jeff Beck are featured in the January 31st and February 1st session. Jagger invited Johnson and Keith Richards invited Jeff Beck, & both told the other. Bill Wyman also notes this.
Johnson returned to London after the Stones Rotterdam session to get ready for John Entwistle’s “Mad Dog”, which featured Johnson in the singles “Cell Number 7” and “Mad Dog”, as well as the album “Jungle Bunny”.
The album and the American Tour were in full motion by March 1975. The release of Mad Dog & the American Tour is 50 years old. Entwistle played with acts such as on his OX Tour across the USA.Giles Band”, “Joe Walsh”, “Frampton’s Camel” & “Roy Buchanan”. Giles Band”, Joe Walsh, Frampton’s Camel & Roy Buchanan. The Who premiered their “Tommy” movie in New York City, Chicago & Los Angeles. Entwistle and his OX Band were invited to perform at these parties.
Entwistle’s Ox appeared on BBC Old Grey Whistle Test on February 17, 1975, as well as the King Biscuit Flower Hour in Philadelphia with Humble pie & Frampton’s Camel.
Tiven recalls, “I attended the New York City concert, which was at the Academy of Music. The band was outstanding and very loud. Mick Jagger came into the Plaza Hotel after-party as I chatted with Phil May from the Pretty Things. “We all enjoyed a pleasant chat with John Entwistle and Robert Johnson.”
Jon Tiven Interview
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