Description

Major Hooples’s Boarding House, the legendary club band from southern Ontario that toured for over 20 years from the late 60s to the 80s. Original members were Rocky Howell (lead vocal), Gail Selkirk (keyboards & vocals), Rick Riddell (drums), David Lodge (bass & vocals) and Peter Padalino (guitar & vocals). The group name derives from the famous syndicated newspaper comic strip ‘Our Boarding House’ (1936-1984) depicting Amos B. Hoople & his wife, Martha – used by permission of the creator Gene Ahern.

After recording with several producers without success; in 1975, bass player David Lodge brought a song he wrote to producer Greg Hambleton. After signing the band, their first Axe Records single “I’m Running After You” was recorded with Rocky, David and band members Keith Stahlbaum, Dave Gooding, Peter (Moss) Beacock, David Gregg and Ed Miller.

It became an instant hit on radio and was released several months later in the States on Larry Uttal’s Private Stock label. This was followed by “You Girl” and “I’ve Got You On My Mind”. After a few years off the road, the original band members re-united and recorded “Someone” (1980), “Loving You”, “Easy For Me” and several more songs to complete The Hooples Album. Through all the changes, there is no mistaking Hooples unique vocal blend featuring Rocky Howell’s distinctive lead vocals.

Production: Greg Hambleton
Engineers: Terry Brown, Steve Morris & Jim Frank
Cover Design & illustration: Michael Baldwin
All songs published by Axe Music (except “I’ve Got You On My Mind” Cookaway Music)

Read their story: Major Hoople’s – The Secret To Their Long-Time Success

ⓟ & © 1980 & 2013 Greg Hambleton
Axe Records A535

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