Average white band

The Average White Band (frequently nicknamed AWB ) is a group of Scottish funk with hits in soul rock and disco between 1974 and 1980. The group continues to perform in 2008 , with Gorrie and McIntyre as the only original members.

The AWB group was formed in 1971 under the leadership of Alan Gorrie> and Malcolm "Molly" Duncan, joined first by Owen "Onnie" McIntyre>, Hamish Stuart>, Roger Ball and Robbie McIntosh> Duncan and Ball, nicknamed the Dundee Horns ("Dundee horns" as saxophone players), studied at the Duncan of Jordanstone Art College (now merged into Dundee University) and are former members of Mogul Thrash.

The group made a breakthrough with its performance at the return concert of Eric Clapton in 1973. MCA produced his first album, Show Your Hand, which sold little. Bruce McCaskill, manager of the Clapton tour, enjoyed the band's music and agreed to become his manager. He made a loan to bring it to the United States and promote it. McCaskill had signed many contracts when he was manager of Clapton, and he managed to sign the group at Atlantic Records. The band moved to New York and produced their second album, AWB, better known as The White Album. This album was the first in a long series with well-known producer Arif Mardin, and was first in the US charts.

In 1974, McIntosh died of an overdose of heroin. Gorrie also had an overdose, but Cher kept him conscious until help arrived. McIntosh was replaced by Steve Ferrone, former Bloodstone and Oblivion Express Brian Auger (as McIntosh), becoming the only black member of the group.