Big Bertha

Big Bertha originated in 1969 when guitarists Dave Ball, bassist Dennis Ball and drummer Cozy Powell—born Colin Flooks on 29 December 1947 in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England, and deceased on 5 April 1998 in Bristol, England—left the Ace Kefford Stand to launch the new group. Vocalist Pete French and keyboardist Pete Ball rounded out the initial roster. Their first Atlantic Records single appeared that same year; while the A-side “The World’s An Apple” was freshly cut, the instrumental B-side “Gravy Booby Jamm” had already been released under the Ace Kefford Stand’s name. A second 45, “Munich City,” surfaced solely on the Continent, a territory the band visited repeatedly. Powell departed in 1970 for Jeff Beck’s band and French joined Atomic Rooster, their places taken by Mac Poole and Dave McTavish. The ensemble disbanded the following year. Dave Ball then played with Procol Harum through 1972 before rejoining his brother Dennis and Powell in Bedlam.