Quiver -

Quiver was an English rustic-rock band from London that made the 1971/72 Warner albums Quiver and Gone in the Morning. They subsequently merged with the folk-pop duo Sutherland Brothers for a five-album run (1973–1977). Bassist Bruce Thomas, who departed one album into the merger, appeared in the 1975 one-off Moonrider with ex-Tomorrow vocalist Keith West. He gained international renown as a member of Elvis Costello‘s backing band, The Attractions.

Members: Tim Renwick (guitar), John “Honk” Lodge (bass), Cal Batchelor (guitar, vocals, keyboards), John ‘Willie’ Wilson (drums), Bruce Thomas (bass)

Background

Quiver formed in 1970 in London when guitarist Tim Renwick and bassist John “Honk” Lodge, both from Junior’s Eyes, assembled the group with Canadian guitarist-songwriter Cal Batchelor. Lodge soon left, and Renwick and Batchelor recruited bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer John “Willie” Wilson.

Renwick was born Aug. 7, 1949, in Cambridge and moved to London after playing in local groups. He worked with Jackie Lomax and joined Junior’s Eyes, which backed David Bowie on six tracks from his 1969 second album. Junior’s Eyes also cut the Regal Zonophone album Battersea Power Station and backed Bowie for an October BBC Radio session and November Scottish tour.

Batchelor was born July 24, 1946, in Victoria, British Columbia, attended Oak Bay High School, and played guitar with local group Take Four.

Wilson was born July 8, 1947, in Cambridge and played first in Jokers Wild, an early band of David Gilmour. He played concurrently in rustic-rocker Cochise.

Thomas was born Aug. 14, 1948, in Middlesbrough and turned professional with The Roadrunners alongside singer Paul Rodgers and guitarist Micky Moody. They moved in 1967 to London, where Thomas worked as a session bassist and joined Peter Bardens in Village and briefly played with Steve Howe in Bodast.

Quiver established a club and college circuit through 1970 and early 1971, with appearances at the Roundhouse, University College London, and other British venues. The group also secured a May 1971 BBC appearance on John Peel’s Sunday Concert and played Crystal Palace Bowl with Pink Floyd and Faces. Warner Bros. signed Quiver, and the quartet prepared a self-produced debut with saxophonist Dick Parry among the additional musicians.

Discography: