Killing Floor (band)

Killing Floor
Killing Floor performing at the Dagenham Roundhouse in 1971
Background information
Origin	London, England
Genres	Blues rock, pop rock
Years active	1968–1972; 2002–present
Labels	Spark Records, Penny Farthing Records, Appaloosa Records, 101 Distribution
Associated acts	Rory Gallagher, Fuzzy Duck, Andromeda
Members	Mick Clarke Bill Thorndycraft Stuart McDonald Bazz Smith
Past members	Lou Martin Rod de'Ath Ray Owen Mick Hawksworth

Killing Floor are a British blues rock band, who formed in 1968. They released two albums and four singles before initially disbanding in 1972. They have issued another two albums since their reformation in 2002. The band name came from the title of Howlin' Wolf's 1964 track, "Killing Floor".

Originally performing in a blues band known as The Loop, Killing Floor founder members Mick Clarke (lead guitar) and Bill Thorndycraft (vocals/harmonica) formed the band in 1968 in London, England, after placing an advertisement in Melody Maker. From this, they recruited Lou Martin (piano), Stuart McDonald (bass guitar) and Bazz Smith (drums). After undertaking their maiden gig, former Wonderful Radio London DJ and blues fan, John Edward, offered to manage the fledgling outfit. Edward led them to signing a recording contract with Spark Records and, in 1969, their self-titled debut album was recorded in less than two weeks at the Pye Recording Studios. Edwards was listed as the record's producer, although he had no previous experience in that field. The majority of the tracks were re-workings of older Chicago blues material, although the only true cover version therein was of Willie Dixon's "You Need Love". AllMusic described the set as a " less reverent, and altogether heavier update of The Yardbirds rave-up sound". In the United States, the album was released on the Sire label.

The band were again indebted to Edward, who arranged for them to appear at the California Ballroom in Dunstable, where they supported Ten Years After, Jethro Tull, Chicken Shack, and The Herd. They also played at the Marquee Club in London, supporting Yes and The Nice. In 1969, the band expanded their loyal fan base when undertaking two UK nationwide concert tours with the American bluesman, Freddie King. The band also took the opportunity to back Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup. Following the release of Killing Floor and a couple of BBC Radio 1 sessions, Lou Martin left the band, and they continued for a while as a four piece. In March 1970, the band played at the Easter Festival in Hamburg, Germany. In 1970 and 1971, further line-up changes took place which included the former Juicy Lucy vocalist Ray Owen, drummer Rod de'Ath, and bassist Mick Hawksworth, joining the band. The latter had previously been with Andromeda, and later went on to join Fuzzy Duck.