Copperhead

After departing Quicksilver Messenger Service in 1970, guitarist John Cipollina formed Copperhead. A founding member whose lead guitar had defined the group’s sound from the start, Cipollina grew frustrated once Dino Valenti rejoined following his prison sentence, as the band expanded and left him fewer chances to stretch out. His mounting desire to pursue session work, which Quicksilver frowned upon, added to the tension. At first Copperhead functioned loosely, drawing in various musicians for informal gigs alongside Cipollina. The lineup later settled into a quartet with Cipollina on lead guitar, Gary Philippet supplying vocals, second guitar, and organ, Jim McPherson handling vocals, bass, and piano, and David Weber on drums. Michael Lang, one of Woodstock’s organizers and head of the Just Sunshine label, gave the band its initial contract. Columbia then secured them in 1972 through Clive Davis, resulting in the self-titled debut album Copperhead, issued in spring 1973. Davis’s abrupt dismissal from the label soon afterward left acts signed under his watch without support. The record failed to register, Columbia declined to issue a second album, and Copperhead dissolved. Cipollina went on to perform with numerous groups until his death in 1989.