Posted on 02/28/2021 7:52:25 PM PST by nickcarraway
Bob James, who replaced Sammy Hagar in Montrose and fronted the band for two albums, died at the age of 68, his publicist confirmed.
He joined Ronnie Montrose’s group in 1975 and was heard on Warner Bros. Presents… Montrose later that year, then on Jump On It the following year. Despite critical acclaim neither LP charted well, which led Montrose to split the band after releasing the instrumental album Open Fire in 1978.
James went on to join Magnet, a project overseen by Peter Frampton which featured former Humble Pie drummer Jerry Shirley. The group released one album, Worldwide Attraction, in 1979. After that, he formed Private Army with future Quiet Riot members Rudy Sarzo and Frankie Banali. He wrote the song “Reach Out” with a later group, USSA, which was recorded by Cheap Trick. Before and after that period of his career he’d been associated with the band Shatterminx, also known as Swan. A number of their previously unreleased tracks from the ‘70s were recently made available via social media.
James spent much of the ‘80s singing with Los Angeles group Elements, and continued writing and performing throughout his life. In 2017 he took part in the Ronnie Montrose Remembered concert, performing material he’d performed and co-written during his time with the guitarist.
James is survived by his son, musician Brendan Willing James.
Not to be confused with the guy who did the theme to “Taxi”.
That’s the first one I thought of.
Space Station #5... the best ;)
Love that, and Bad Motor Scooter. Most all of their songs are good. RIP.
I had the pleasure of seeing Montrose in 1973 in small venue.
Eddie Money was the warm up.
It was The California Ballroom in Modesto CA.
Space Station #5, live, was quite the experience.
Space Station #5.
With the original band.
Live
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIyt0ulyd4c
Sammy Hagar was the singer.
That is not music but pure noise. No melody, no words worth remembering, no nothing. Fine by me despite that. Freedom allows everything, good bad and indifferent. Remember what happened in the garden of Eden.
Didn't know many other people even even knew Montrose existed.
Good rock and roll back in the day. Still have their album (the one with Hagar)
RIP.
♫♪
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