Stray

Stray was an English hard-rock band from London that released five albums on Transatlantic Records between 1970 and 1974, followed by three further titles on Pye during 1975 and 1976. They played the annual Reading Rock Festival in 1971 and 1972.

Members: Steve Gadd (harmonica, guitar, vocals, percussion, 1966-74), Del Bromham (lead guitar, vocals, Mellotron, organ, harpsichord), Gary G. Giles (bass), Steve Crutchley (drums, 1966), Ritchie Cole (drums, percussion, 1966-77), Pete Dyer (guitar, vocals, 1974-77)

Stray was formed in 1966 by four teenage classmates at the Christopher Wren School in London: singer Steve Gadd, guitarist Del Bromham, bassist Gary Giles, and drummer Steve Crutchley, all age 14 at the time of inception. In 1968, the jazz-interested Crutchley cleared way for drummer Ritchie Cole.

During 1969, Stray gigged regularly at the Goldhawk Club in Shepherds Bush and the Middle Earth in Covent Garden. After a high-profile opening slot for the Groundhogs at the Southall Farx Club, Stray signed to Transatlantic Records in January 1970.

Discography:

• Stray (1970)
• Suicide (1971)
• Saturday Morning Pictures (1972)
• Mudanzas (1973)
• Move It (1974)
• Stand Up and Be Counted (1975)
• Hearts of Fire (1976)
• Houdini (1976)

Sources:

• Discogs: Stray
• Stray – The Early Years