Anyway, I was looking at my scribbles and what I had started to write about was supergroups and what this means. I think someone was talking about it a while ago and I have been bouncing the idea around in my head for a bit and doing a bit of research on it.
So, what is a supergroup? Well, let's refer to the great Wikipedia. Here it tells us that its "a music group whose members are already successful as solo artists or as part of other groups. Supergroups are often short lived, producing only an album or two. They are sometimes formed as side projects and thus not intended to be permanent, while other times can become the primary project of the members careers". Does this sound like anyone you recognise?
I think there may be a difference of opinion on what makes a supergroup. In the news recently McFly and Busted have joined together and formed McBusted. They are being referred to as a supergroup, but I don't really agree. They are just 2 bands that have joined together. Yes, they have each had success separately, but I think you require more that the input of 2 bands to be classed as a supergroup. Let's look at some of the big named supergroups to see if you agree.
For me the original supergroup and still one of the best is Cream. Formed in 1966 and featuring Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. They took their name from Eric Clapton's boast "we are the cream" and they regarded themselves as equals who had already enjoyed success elsewhere. Eric Clapton had been in The Yardbirds whilst Jack Bruce came from Manfred Mann and Ginger Baker was the drummer in Graham Bond's Organisation. They lasted until 1968 and released 4 albums including 'Disraeli Gears' in 1967 which includes the wonderful 'Sunshine of Your Love'. They were a great example of individuals coming together and making some amazing music.
From the late 60s onwards there were lots of supergroups appearing such as Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young / Emerson, Lake and Palmer / Bad Company who all feature artists from other successful bands. Cut to 1984 when another mentionable group appeared.
The Power Station featured Robert Palmer, Tony Thompson from Chic and John and Andy Taylor from Duran Duran. I'm old enough to remember when this band appeared and the song 'Some Like it Hot' is still a favouite of mine. Robert Palmer's voice is so distinct that I thought for many years that it was one of his solo songs. They didn't last long, as appears to be the way of supergroups and Robert Palmer left to release some solo work,
More 80's mentionable bands include Mike and the Mechanics / Electronic and perhaps the ultimate supergroup - The Traveling Wilburys. Now the reason why they are the ultimate is because of the amazing line up of musicians in the group. I mean, come on. George Harrison (the Beatles), Bob Dylan, Tom Petty (the Heartbreakers), Jeff Lynne (ELO) and Rob Orbison. You couldn't get any more talent in a band. These are big hitters who enjoyed enormous success as solo artists or in bands and they are totally what the term supergroup means.
Formed in 1988, they had already worked together before and when they got together and jammed they found they enjoyed each others company so much that they decided to write some songs. They released 2 albums with the second coming out after the death of Roy Orbison in 1988. The one track I remember is 'Handle with Care' which came out in 1988 and I think I can vaguely remember seeing them on Top of the Pops.
Continuing onwards we have lots of other bands who could be classed as supergroups. I mean The Foo Fighters were formed out of the untimely demise of Nirvana so they could be included. Audioslave features members of various heavy rock bands as does Velvet Revolver. The list could go on.
I guess it's your own opinion on what forms a supergroup. For me, all the members should be equal, all should have had respective success elsewhere and the end product should be amazing and if it reaches a whole new audience then that's an added bonus. There aren't any real rules on this as it's each to their own on what you like. I'm sure a lot of people will not like the Wilburys, but I find that knowing that those individual people have each released great music elsewhere means I get 5 for the price of 1. A whole pool of great talent mixed to form something new where the elements that makes them so good are brought together. What more could you ask for?
