"Wildlife"
"Wildlife"
Steve Overland and brother Chris formed the rock-band Wildlife in 1980.
Steve Overland (FM, Overland, Shadowman, The Ladder) - lead & backing vocals, guitar
Chris Overland (FM) - lead guitar
Simon Kirke (Free, Bad Company) - drums, percussion, sax on "Charity"
Philip Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne, Steve Lukather, Billy Idol, MSG, Beggars and Thieves) - bass, backing vocals
Mark Booty - keyboards, backing vocals
Background
This was a shortlived band from London who went onto to bigger and better things later on. Initially a project which saw the lineup of the Overland brothers, Booty, Soussan and original drummer Pete Jupp. Highly melodic in nature, the band's style of polished but typically british melodic rock saw them swing a deal with the Chrysalis label. Wildlife released their debut 'Burning' in 1980, with some heavy influence from Bad Company guitarist Mick Ralphs as producer. After this album, Jupp left to hook up with the band Samson, while his replacement was Ralphs bandmate Simon Kirke. This time around they cut an arrangement with Led Zeppelin's label Swansong for the release of their sophomore effort 'Wildlife'. And it makes for a very good listen too.
In Summary
The bands life was relatively short, and they packed it in a year later. Of course most of these guys went elsewhere. The Overland brothers moved on to form the wonderful FM, where they reunited with drummer Pete Jupp. Soussan joined up with Ozzy Osbourne, for the 'Ultimate Sin' gig, and then later on with Beggars And Thieves, while Kirke rejoined Bad Company. I'm sure this is lying around in many bargain bins on vinyl. You'd be wise to investigate it, especially if you are FM fans.
