Eccentric pop visionary Ulysses Adrian "Roy" Wood assembled the Electric Light Orchestra from the ranks of the Move, one of many standout British groups during a golden period for UK rock. A falling-out with Jeff Lynne prompted Wood to exit ELO following the release of its first album, No Answer, and launch Wizzard instead. The eccentric eight-piece made its bow at the 1972 Wembley Rock & Roll Festival before seizing radio play with “Ball Park Incident.” Overseas, the outfit scored two number-one hits, “See My Baby Jive” and “Angel Fingers.” Wood, favoring melodic chaos, constructed his own Wall of Sound for these tracks and additional favorites such as “Rock and Roll Winter” along with the enduring seasonal staple “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day.” The group even took a playful swipe at the rising ELO via “Bend Over Beethoven.”
Amid the surrounding spectacle, Wood appeared with a multicolored beard and flowing hair, a star affixed to his forehead, and his features adorned—perhaps influencing admirer Paul Stanley—with warpaint, glitter, and countless other flourishes. Although Wizzard thrived primarily on 45s, its sole long-player, Introducing Eddie & the Falcons, offered a salute to early rock figures including Del Shannon, Gene Vincent, and Cliff Richard and marked the band’s last recording. Manager Don Arden secured arena-level success stateside, yet the ensemble dissolved once funding was not increased. Wood retained bassist Rick Price and saxophonist Mike Burney for the Wizzo Band, whose jazz-funk excursions found limited commercial traction on the lone release Super Active Wizzo. The project ended in 1978. Wood maintained his parallel solo path before largely withdrawing from view, surfacing now and then for performances alongside disciples Cheap Trick. Wizzard bassist Rick Price passed away on May 17, 2022, at age 77.
