.jpg)
The Gladiators started out as Nero & the Gladiators and managed two chart records during the British instrumental boom of the early 1960s -- In the Hall of the Mountain King and Entry of the Gladiators.
The group was fronted by pianist Mike O'Neill, who billed himself as Nero and wore a toga on stage. The rest of the group (guitar, bass and drums) wore Roman legionnaire costumes.
Their two hit singles were recorded for Decca and after a third unsuccessful 45 for that label, the group switched to HMV for what proved to be their final outing, Bleak House/Tovarich (1963). Although O'Neill still led the group, the "Nero" billing had disappeared. No keyboards are evident on Tovarich, a stomper fronted by guitarist Colin Green.
Tovarich
Tovarich has appeared on several CD compilations over the years. One that's still available is Les Geants de la Guitares, a four-CD box from Magic Records in France. Guitar instrumental hits and obscurities from both Europe and the U.S. are included in this first-rate set.
I can't find any evidence that Tovarich is available as a legal download, although the title is frequently misspelled as "Tovaritch," so that may help you track it down.
In the meantime here's the "A" side of the Tovarich single by The Gladiators, featuring the piano of Mike O'Neill.
For a full account of the career of Nero & the Gladiators, visit the Obscure Bands of the 50's and 60's blog.
No comments:
Post a Comment