Chilli Willi and the Red Hot Peppers

Emerging as a leading force in Britain's early-'70s pub-rock circuit, Chilli Willi and the Red Hot Peppers delivered an unhurried yet vigorous blend of rock & roll, R&B, country, and folk. The ensemble grew from a folk-rock pairing assembled by Martin Stone (vocals, guitar, mandolin) and Phil "Snakefinger" Lithman (vocals, guitar, piano, lap steel, fiddle), both alumni of Junior's Blues Band. In the late '60s Lithman relocated to San Francisco, prompting Stone to join Savoy Brown and Mighty Baby. The pair reconvened in the early '70s and cut Kings of Robot Rhythm alongside vocalist Jo-Ann Kelly and several Brinsley Schwarz members; the album appeared in 1972. That year the duo expanded into a full band with the addition of Paul "Dice Man" Bailey (guitar, banjo, saxophone), Paul Riley (bass), and drummer Pete Thomas. Over the ensuing two years Chilli Willi and the Red Hot Peppers established themselves as a favored concert draw across Britain. The complete lineup issued Bongos Over Balham in 1974, but weak sales led to the group's dissolution in February 1975. Thomas later drummed for Elvis Costello's backing band the Attractions, Riley worked with Graham Parker, Bailey launched Bontemps Roulez, and Stone performed with the Pink Fairies before leaving the music industry. Lithman returned to San Francisco and resumed collaboration with his earlier associates the Residents, adopting the name Snakefinger.