HOME

Click on one of the icons below to go to the various chapters of the Quatermass story

The album

The singles

CDs

Radio

TV

Live

Related bands

Chronology

The band

Steve Hammond

Memorabilia

messages & links

STEVE HAMMOND

... anyone can tell - that I'm a Gemini ...

	A former bandmate of Peter Robinson and later a member of Fat Mattress, Steve Hammond wrote three tracks on the Quatermass album, but was never a member of the band. On this page we hope to shed some light on this elusive character. Steve sadly passed away in 1989, shortly after his fiftieth birthday, in Port Hueneme, California. All albums and singles are UK releases unless noted otherwise. Extensive research for this page: Martin Mycock. Please email if you have any additions! Thanks also to Steve Evans, Ed Jackson, Blue Weaver, Rick Jones and Bas M.
		Chris Barber Band photos (above) courtesy of the official Chris Barber site.

	DATE				NOTES
	early 1960s		Steve Hammond moves from Canada to London		"In 1964 I decided to make my fortune in London but actually did 2 gigs and starved for a year, I stayed with a great Canadian guitarist called Steve Hammond who sadly died a few years ago, he had a day job and very kindly let me sleep on the floor of his flat. This was fantastic because in the flat below us lived Zoot Money who had a band called Zoot Money's Big Roll Band. They were one of the best soul bands in London at that time and a very young Andy Summers (Police) was the guitarist." from the website of Blue Weaver (Amen Corner / Strawbs / Bee Gees keyboard player)
	1965 - 1966		TAWNY REED & THE HEATWAVE		Tawny Reed - vocals, Steve Hammond - guitar, Blue Weaver - keyboards + unknown others Steve's involvement in the two Tawny Reed singles 'Needle In A Haystack' / 'I Got A Feeling' (Pye 7N15935 released 1965) and 'You Can't Take It Away' / 'My Heart Cries' (Pye 7N17078 released 1966) is unknown.
	1966		STEVE HAMMOND single A: World Is Wrapped Around My Neck (Hammond) B: It's All Right (Hammond) Pye PN17202 Released October? 1966		A-side also available on 'Quick Before They Catch Us: The Pop Era, Vol. 1' CD released 1990. Steve Hammond - guitar / vocals + unknown others
	1967		STEVE HAMMOND single A: I Think We're Alone Now B: Just Call My Name (Hammond) Pye PN17275 Released March 1967		A-side also available on 'Ripples, Vol. 1 - Look At The Sunshine' and 'Shagadelic 60s Classics' CDs. Steve Hammond - guitar / vocals + unknown others
	1968		CHRIS FARLOWE & THE THUNDERBIRDS single A: Dawn (Hammond / Waddell) B: April Was The Month Immediate IM 074 Released Dec 1968		Both sides were included the following year on the 'Last Goodbye' album (see below). They have subsequently appeared on numerous Chris Farlowe compilation CDs. Chris Farlowe - vocals + unknown others
	1968-1969?		CHRIS FARLOWE album THE LAST GOODBYE 1. The Last Goodbye > 2. Think 3. In The Midnight Hour 4. Mr. Pitiful 5. Satisfaction 6. Who Can I Turn To 7. You're So Good For Me 8. Dawn (Hammond / Waddell) 9. Looking For You 10. It Was Easier To Hurt Her 11. Don't Just Look At Me 12. April Was The Month 13. Handbags And Gladrags 14. Life Is But Nothing Immediate IMLP 021 Released May 1969		Chris Farlowe - vocals + unknown others
	Oct 1968		ERIC BURDON & THE ANIMALS album LOVE IS 1. River Deep-Mountain High 2. I'm An Animal 3. I'm Dying, Or Am I? 4. Ring Of Fire 5. Coloured Rain 6. To Love Somebody 7. As The Years Go Passing By 8. Gemini (Hammond) 9. The Madman MGM 4591 2LP (U.S.) December 1968		The UK release of 'Love Is' (MGM C 8105) was a single LP which omitted tracks 7-9. The double LP version (MGM 2619 002) was belatedly released in the UK in April 1971. After disbanding the original Animals, Eric Burdon formed what most people know as the New Animals. This was a double album in the USA (River Deep - Mountain High) and two single LPs in Europe, later reissued back-to-back as seen here. Due to lengthy excesses it is most fans' least favourite Eric Burdon record, but nevertheless it features an interesting earlier version of Gemini. Eric Burdon - vocals, Zoot Money - organ / piano / bass / vocals, Andy Summers - guitar / vocals, John Weider - bass / guitar / vocals, Barry Jenkins - drums
			JOHNNY ALMOND MUSIC MACHINE album PATENT PENDING 1. Ensingle 2. Before Dawn 3. Voodoo Forest 4. Solar Level 5. To R. K. 6. Reversed For Two Horns 7. Pequeno Nova 8. Tales of Junior Deram SML 1043 Released 1969		John Almond - keyboards / mellophonium / saxophone / vibraphone / organ / clarinet / flute, Roger Sutton - bass, Jimmy Crawford - guitar, Alan White - drums / congas / bells, with: John Wiggins - keyboards, Jeff Condon - trumpet / flugelhorn / horn, Steve Hammond - guitar, Zoot Money - keyboards?
	1969		THE HILL single A: Sylvie (Hammond) B: The Fourth Annual Convention Of The Battery Hen Farmers' Association Part II Immediate ZS7 5016 (U.S. & Canada only) Released June 1969		Both tracks are also on the 'Immediate Singles Collection' 6CD (Sequel NXTCD324) set released 2000. unconfirmed lineup: Peter Robinson - keyboards, Bruce Waddell - bass, Paul Buckmaster - cello, Colin Davy - drums, Steve Hammond - guitar / vocals (?).
	Jul 1969 - Jan 1971		CHRIS BARBER'S TRAVELLING BAND album GET ROLLING 1. Get Rolling (Hammond) (recorded 08/10/69) 2. Shoeman The Human (07/07/69) 3. Bone And Bread (Barber / Hammond) (08/10/69) 4. Long Time Travellin' (08/07/69) 5. Everybody Knows (10/06/70) 6. Spanish Castle (30/07/69) 7. London Blues (10/06/70) 8. I'm Gonna Sit Myself Right Down And Write Myself A Fiver (07/01/71) 9. Cortina Run (18/06/70) 10. New York Town Blues (26/11/68) 11. Shout 'Em Aunt Tillie (26/11/68) 12. Sweet As Bear Meat (05/04/70) 13. Jeeps Blues (26/11/68) 14. Ubava Zabava (05/04/70) Polydor 2683001 (2LP) Released 1971		Tracks 1-4 : Chris Barber - trombone / vocal , Pat Halcox - trumpet, John Crocker - sax / clarinet, Peter Robinson - keyboards, John Slaughter - guitar (all except track 3.), Steve Hammond - guitar (tracks 1. & 3.), Paul Buckmaster - cello (track 2), Colin Davy - drums (all except track 2.), Colin Allen - drums/ percussion (track 2). Tracks 5-14 Chris Barber - trombone / vocal , Pat Halcox - trumpet, John Crocker - sax / clarinet, John Slaughter - guitar, Jackie Flavelle - bass, Stu Morrison - banjo / vocal, Graham Burbridge - drums. Tracks 1-8 produced by Steve Hammond All the tracks on this album plus those on 'Drat That Fratle Rat' are also on the 'Outstanding Album' Germany only 3CD set (Maximal 575 - released 1987, later reissued on Bell Records BLR 89 300 - released 1993).
	Dec 1969		MICK FARREN album MONA (THE CARNIVEROUS CIRCUS) 1. Mona (A Fragment) 2. Carnivorous Circus Pt. 1 3. Summertime Blues 4. Carnivorous Circus Pt. 2 5. Mona (The Whole Trip) Transatlantic TRA212 Released March 1970		Mick Farren - vocals, Steve Hammond - guitar / vocals, Steve Took - vocals / percussion, Twink - drums / percussion / vocals, John Gustafson - bass, Pete Robinson - keyboards, Paul Buckmaster - cello, Raul - congas Farren relates in his book 'Give The Anarchist A Cigarette' how he met Steve at a party, and told him that he was planing a solo album but didn't have a band. Steve told Farren he was a guitarist, and would willingly act as musical director for the project. Steve suggested John Gustafson be brought in as bassist, and also said he would probably be able to persuade Paul Buckmaster to contribute as well. Farren apparently expected to hear no more, putting the offer of help down to 'the wine talking'. However the very next day Farren received a phone call from Steve reiterating his willingness to get involved. All the tracks from this album plus six others (previously released) are available on Mick Farren & The Deviants 'Partial Recall' CD (Transatlantic / Drop Out DOCD 1989) released 1992.
	1970		QUATERMASS album 1. Entropy 2. Black Sheep Of The Family (Hammond) 3. Post War Saturday Echo 4. Good Lord Knows 5. Up On The Ground 6. Gemini (Hammond) 7. Make Up Your Mind (Hammond) 8. Laughin Tackle 9. Entropy Harvest SHVL775 Released May 1970		Pete Robinson - keyboards, John Gustafson - bass / vocals, Mick Underwood - drums + orchestra Quatermass performed the three Hammond compositions on several radio and TV broadcasts during 1970-71. See the Quatermass chronology for details.
	1970		QUATERMASS single A: Black Sheep Of The Family (Hammond) B: Good Lord Knows Harvest 1C 006-91 667 (German) Released 1970
	1971		QUATERMASS single A: Gemini (Hammond) B: Black Sheep Of The Family (Hammond) Harvest 3C 006-92 382 (Italian) Released 1971
	1970		CHRIS FARLOWE with THE HILL album FROM HERE TO MAMA ROSA 1. Travelling Into Make Believe 2. Fifty Years 3. Where Do We Go From Here (Hammond / Waddell / Mackay) 4. Questions 5. Head In The Clouds (Hammond / Waddell) 6. Are You Sleeping (Hammond / Mackay / Waddell) 7. Black Sheep (Hammond) 8. Winter Of My Life (Waddell / Hammond) 9. Mama Rosa (Mackay / Hammond / Waddell) Polydor 2425 029 Released September 1970		Chris Farlowe - vocals, Peter Robinson - keyboards, Bruce Waddell - bass, Paul Buckmaster - cello, Colin Davy - drums, Steve Hammond - guitar, Stuart Mackay - producer The Hill were formed by ex-members of Chris Farlowe's backing band, The Thunderbirds, when he left the U.K. and based himself in the U.S. Waddell, Davey and Robinson are then said to have recruited Steve Hammond and Paul Buckmaster, and after amassing enough songs for an album began recording. However the vocals were not deemed strong enough, but with Farlowe having just returned from the States (after a nine month stay) he was played the recordings, liked what he heard, and added his lead vocals. The band appear to have split up when Farlowe left to join Colosseum in September 1970. Peter Robinson was a member of Quatermass from September 1969 and therefore may have played on the album as a session player rather than as a full band member. 'Black Sheep Of The Family' was listed as 'Black Sheep' on the album but on the single the full title was used. The CD release (Out Of Time Records CDEC 6 - released 1996) contains the otherwise unavailable single A-side - Put Out the Lights (see below)
	1970		CHRIS FARLOWE with THE HILL single A: Black Sheep Of The Family (Hammond) B: Fifty Years Polydor 2066 017 Released 1970
	1970		CHRIS FARLOWE with THE HILL single A: Put Out The Light B: Questions Polydor 2066 046 Released 1970
	1970		FAT MATTRESS single A: Highway B: Black Sheep Of The Family (Hammond) Polydor 2058 053 Released September 1970		The single was released in a picture sleeve in some Continental European countries. The Danish sleeve is shown opposite. The B side is now also available on the 'Black Sheep Of The Family - The Anthology' (below). Neil Lander - lead vocals, Eric Dillon - drums, Jim Leverton - bass / vocals, Steve Hammond - guitar / vocals, Mick (Blue Weaver) Weaver - keyboards
	1970s		FAT MATTRESS CD anthology The Black Sheep Of The Family - The Anthology Castle ESDCD 865 Released 2001
	1970		FAT MATTRESS album FAT MATTRESS II 1. The Storm 2. Anyway You Want 3. Leafy Lane 4. Naturally 5. Roamin' 6. Happy My Love 7. Childhood Dream 8. She 9. Highway 10. At The Ball 11. People extra tracks on CD release: 12. Hall Of Kings 13. Long Red 14. Words 15. The River Polydor 238025 (LP) - released October 1970 Sequel NEXCD197 (CD) - released 1992		All of the tracks on the CD version of the album are included on the 'Black Sheep Of The Family - The Anthology' (ESDCD 865) 2CD released 2001. Also included on this 2CD set is the otherwise unavailable single B-side 'Black Sheep Of The Family' (see above). Despite the claim in the CD liner notes that this version is 'previously unreleased' it is in fact identical to the single version, apart from fading a few seconds earlier. Tracks 12 to 15 were intended for the unreleased third Fat Mattress album. Neil Lander - lead vocals, Eric Dillon - drums, Jim Leverton - bass / vocals, Steve Hammond - guitar / vocals, Mick Weaver - keyboards, Noel Redding - guitar / vocals (tracks 2,4,5,6,10,11).
	14 Sep 1970		FAT MATTRESS radio session BBC RADIO SESSION 1. Highway 2. Black Sheep (Hammond) 3. Lookout Cleveland Broadcast 2-6/11/70		'Lookout Cleveland' is assumed to be the Band song written by Robbie Robertson originally found on the 'The Band' album released in 1970. Neil Lander - lead vocals, Eric Dillon - drums, Jim Leverton - bass / vocals, Steve Hammond - guitar / vocals, Mick (Blue) Weaver - keyboards
	1970-71?		JONATHAN album INTROVERT 1. Last Year 2. Clever Head Spell 3. Love For You 4. Who Is Who 5. My Best Friend 6. Blue Eyes 7. What a Day It's Been 8. Beggar Boy 9. I Won't Let You Down (Hammond) CBS 64412 Released 1971		Jonathan Swift - acoustic guitars, Steve Hammond - electric guitar, Colin Davey - drums, Jack Brand - bass, Pete Kelly - piano/organ + orchestra
	May & Jul 1971		CHRIS BARBER album DRAT THAT FRATLE RAT 1. Drat That Fratle Rat (Hammond / Barber) (recorded 09/07/71) 2. The Falling Song (01/07/71) 3. Fegalemic Pegaloomer (Hammond) (01/07/71) 4. Earth Abides (25/05/71) 5. Sleepy Louie (Hammond / Barber) (09/07/71) 6. O'Reilly (19/05/71) Polydor 2460208 Released 1974		Steve played banjo & guitar in Chris Barber's band from March 1971 to March 1973. All the tracks on this album plus those on 'Get Rolling' are also on the 'Outstanding Album' 3CD Germany only set (Maximal 575 - released 1987, later reissued on Bell Records BLR 89 300 - released 1993). Chris Barber - trombone, Martin Roke - piano, John Slaughter - guitar, Ann Odell - piano, Colin Allen - drums, Tony Ashton - vocals / piano, Paul Buckmaster - cello, Graham Burbridge - drums, John Crocker - sax, Roy Dyke -drums, Jack Flavelle - bass, Kim Gardner - bass, Mick Lieber - guitar, Rory Gallagher - guitar, Patrick Halcox - trumpet. Produced & arranged by Steve Hammond
	1971		VAUGHAN THOMAS single A: Black Sheep Of The Family (Hammond) B: Julie Julie DJM / DJS 258 1971
	1971		VAUGHAN THOMAS album VAUGHAN THOMAS 1. Say That I'm On Your Mind 2. Cry Baby, Cry 3. Let's Spend The Night Together 4. Blue Movie Man 5. One More Time Around 6. I Wanna Be Famous Like My Dad 7. Woman In The West 8. We Are The People 9. Black Sheep Of The Family (Hammond) 10. Summer Song 11. Pictures Of Summer Gone 12. Too Far Down JAM / JAL 101 Released 1972		Produced by Mike 'The Wombles' Batt Vaughan Thomas - vocals, Chris Spedding - guitar + unknown others.
	1971?		RUPERT HINE album PICK UP A BONE 1. Landscape 2. Ass All 3. Me You Mine 4. Scarecrow 5. Kerosene 6. Running Away 7. Medicine Monday 8. More Than One, Less Than Five 9. Boo Boo's Faux Pas 10. Pick Up A Bone 11. Instant Muse Purple Records TPSA7502 Released 1971		Rupert Hine - vocals / guitar / harmonics, David MacIver - guitar; together with: Paul Buckmaster - cello, Terry Cox - drums, Eric Ford - guitar, Roger Glover - tambourine, Steve Hammond - guitar / banjo, Clive Hicks - guitar, Simon Jeffes - guitar, Raoul Mayora - congas, Eddie Mordue - sax, Joe Moretti - guitar, Pete Morgan - bass, Peter Robinson - piano, Barry de Sousa - drums, Roy Willox - flute
	1972?		ODIN album ODIN 1. Life Is Only 2. Tribute To Frank 3. Turnpike Lane 4. Be The Man You Are 5. Gemini (Hammond) 6. Eucalyptus 7. Clown Vertigo 6360 608 (German) Released 1972		Jeff Beer - keyboards / percussion / vocals, Ray Brown - bass / vocals, Stuart Fordham - drums / percussion, Rob Terstall - guitar / vocals
	1972		AL BANO album 1. Mezzanotte D'Amore 2. Prima Di Dormire 3. Il Prato Dell'Amore 4. Umiltà 5. La Zappa Picca Pane Pappa 6. Il Somaro 7. E Il Sole Dorme Tra Le Braccia Della Notte 8. Evie 9. Mezzo Cuore 11. Vogliamoci Tanto Bene 12. Mamma Rosa (Mackay/ Waddell/ Hammond/ Pallavicini/ Caravati) 13. Storia D'Oggi EMI label (Italian) Released 1972		A cover version by an Italian singer (a big name in his homeland) of the 'From Here To Mama Rosa' track. The additional writing credits may be for alternate Italian lyrics.
	Apr 1972 - Feb 1973		CHRIS BARBER album LIVE IN BERLIN - JUBILEE ALBUM VOLUME 3 1. It's Tight Like That (recorded 02/04/72) 2. Oro (recorded 07/11/72) 3. Give Me An Old Fashioned Swing In The Evening (07/11/72) 4. New Orleans Wiggle (Basel 10/02/73) 5. I Think It's Going To Rain Today (Basel 10/02/73) 6. Muskrat Ramble (14/03/74) 7. Goodbye, Goodbye (14/03/74) Black Lion Records 121289 (German) Released 1975		lineup on tracks 1-5: Chris Barber - trombone, John Slaughter - guitar, Graham Burbridge - drums, John Crocker - clarinet / sax / vocals, Jackie Flavelle - bass / vocal, Pat Halcox - trumpet, Steve Hammond - guitar / banjo
	1972?		JACKIE FLAVELLE album ADMISSION FREE 1. Spectrum 2. Sam 3. Belfast Town 4. It's Graceful Crowing Old 5. Lullaby To Noni 6. Isle Of Rab 7. Admission Free 8. Spring Morning 9. Lady Turn Around 10. Backstage York FYK 408 Released 1972		Jackie Flavelle - vocals / guitar / bass, Wooden Horse - backing vocals, John Slaughter - guitar, Steve Jukes - guitar, Hugh Grundy - drums, Martin Roke - piano, Henry McCullough - guitar / backing vocals, Mick Weaver - piano, Barry De Souza - drums, Steve Hammond - guitar, Chris Barber - trombone, Pat Halcox - trumpet, John Crocker - sax.
	Nov 1972 - Feb 1973		CHRIS BARBER album CHRIS BARBER'S JAZZ BAND AND THE ALL AMERICAN RAMBLERS 1. The Martinique 2. Saratoge Swing 3. Majorca 4. Just A Closer Walk With Thee 5. Pontiac Blues 6. Jazz Me Blues (recorded 10/02/73) 7. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone (07/11/72) 8. Savoy Blues 9. Ice Cream Recorded 1959 - 1974 Jazz Colours 874722-2 (German) Released ?		lineup on tracks 6 & 7 only: Chris Barber - trombone, John Slaughter - guitar, Graham Burbridge - drums, John Crocker - clarinet / sax / vocals, Jackie Flavelle - bass / vocal, Pat Halcox - trumpet, Steve Hammond - guitar / banjo.
	Feb 1973		LOUIS JORDAN & CHRIS BARBER album LOUIS JORDAN & CHRIS BARBER 1. Fifty Cents 2. A Man Ain't A Man 3. No Chance Blues 4. I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town 5. Don't Worry 'Bout The Mule 6. Choo Choo Ch' Boogie 7. I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate 8. Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby 9. Indiana 10. Messe Blues 11. Jazz Lips 12. Black And Tan Fantasy 13. I'm Slapping Seventh Avenue With The Sole Of My Shoe (recorded 10/02/73) 14. Whatcha Gonna Do Recorded 1962 - 1974 Black Lion Records BLCD760156 (German) Released 1991		lineup on track 13 only: Chris Barber - trombone, John Slaughter - guitar, Graham Burbridge - drums, John Crocker - clarinet / sax / vocals, Jackie Flavelle - bass / vocal, Pat Halcox - trumpet, Steve Hammond - guitar / banjo
	Oct-Dec 1974		VARIOUS ARTISTS album FLASH FEARLESS VERSUS THE ZORG WOMEN PARTS 5 & 6 1. Trapped (Hammond / Pierce) 2. I'm Flash (Hammond / Pierce / B.Pierce) 3. Country Cooking (Hammond / Pierce / Jones) 4. What's Happening? (Hammond / Pierce / Jones) 5. Space Pirates (Hammond / Pierce) 6. Sacrifice 7. To The Chop (Hammond / Pierce) 8. Georgia Syncopator 9. Blast Off (Hammond / B.Pierce) 10. Trapped (Reprise) (Hammond / Pierce) Chrysalis Records LP: CHR 1072 Released February 1975 (US), May 1975 (UK)		'Flash Fearless...' was a sci-fi rock musical written by Steve (the music) and fellow Canadian and London resident Dave Pierce (the lyrics). Another Canadian - Rick Jones - also assisted on three of the songs. The musical was never produced in this form but was eventually staged in Los Angels in 1981 under the revised tittle of 'Captain Crash Versus The Zzorg Women Chapters 5 & 6' (see below). A promo only single of 'I'm Flash' / 'Trapped' (Chrysalis CHS 2069) was issued. On the U.S. pressing 'Georgia Syncopator' was replaced by 'Supersnatch' (written by Rick Jones). On the RPM CD release (RPM 147 rel. 1995) both tracks are included. Elkie Brooks - lead vocals, John Entwistle - bass / lead vocals, Mick Grabham - guitar, Carmine Appice - drums, Nicky Hopkins - keyboards, Mike Deacon - piano, Graham Deakin - percussion, Thunderthighs - back up vocals, Alice Cooper - lead vocals, Robert A. Johnson - guitar, Johnny Weider - guitar, Bill Bruford - drums, Jim Dandy - lead vocals, James Dewar - lead vocals, Kenny Jones - drums, Justin Hayward - guitar, Jim Frank - mouth harp, Eddie Jobson - keyboards, Keith Moon - Long John Silver / tympani, Steve Pettican - slide guitar, Chick Churchill - organ, Howie Casey - saxophone, Leslie Duncan - background vocals, Doreen Chanter - background vocals, Jill Mackintosh - background vocals, Frankie Miller - lead vocals, Kay Garner - background vocals. Rick Jones went on to form the band Meal Ticket for which Steve and Dave Pierce contributed to the song writing (see below). Jones, who had been a regular participant in children's TV shows such as 'Play School' and 'Fingerbobs', also wrote two sci-fi plays for the BBC ('The Flipside of Dominick Hide' - 1980 & 'Another Flip for Dominick' - 1982). for which Meal Ticket provided the music. Rick is currently colaborating with Roger Penycate in: Laughing Daughter, a musical which incorporates "most of the the old Meal Ticket songs", premiering on stage in September 2009.
Feb - Mar 1975	RITCHIE BLACKMORE'S RAINBOW album RITCHIE BLACKMORE'S RAINBOW 1. Man On The Silver Mountain 2. Self Portrait 3. Black Sheep Of The Family (Hammond) 4. Catch The Rainbow 5. Snake Charmer 6. The Temple Of The King 7. If You Don't Like Rock 'N' Roll 8. Sixteenth Century Greensleeves 9. Still I'm Sad Oyster OYA 2001 Released April 1975	Ronnie James Dio - vocals, Ritchie Blackmore - guitar, Mickey Lee Soule - keyboard, Craig Gruber - bass, Gary Driscoll - drums, Shoshana - backing vocals. This is the record which has undoubtedly spurred the most posthumous interest in Quatermass. Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore wished to record Black Sheep Of The Family but his bandmates reputedly demurred as they had not committed any non-self penned songs to vinyl since their first few albums and felt that they had more than enough material of their own. It is rumoured that this ultimately precipitated his departure from Deep Purple. Having formed Rainbow he was free to record the song for their first album, prompting curious fans to seek out the original version of the song. Black Sheep Of The Family was also released on several singles / EPs in Thailand in 1975.
1975	CHOPYN album GRAND SLAM 1. In The Midnight Hour 2. Non-commercial Blues 3. Backstage 4. Space Nativity 5. Wasting Time 6. Girl At The Top Of The Stairs (Hammond) 7. Insomniac Arrest 8. Laughing Tackle * 9. Somebody Gotta Go 10. You Never Told Me Your Last Name Jet Records LP8 Released April 1975	* Laughing Tackle is a cover of the Quatermass song Ann Odell - keyboards / vocals / percussion, Simon Phillips - drums / tabla, Ray Russell - guitar / sitar, Denny McCaffrey - vocals, Klyde McMullin - bass
1976?	SHAWN PHILLIPS album RUMPLESTILTSKIN'S RESOLVE 1. Early Morning Hours 2. Spiteful 3. Today 4. Wailing Wall 5. Hide Away 6. Serendipity Peace 7. Rumplestiltskin's Resolve A&M AMLH 64582 Released 1976	Shawn Phillips - vocals / guitar / chimes / sitar, Mike Miller - guitar / bass, John Pullen - oboe / organ, Caleb Quaye - guitar, Peter Robinson - keyboards, Albert Wing - sax, Bobby Lichtig - bass, Mike Clark - drums, Paul Buckmaster - keyboards, Barry DeSouza -drums, John Gustafson - bass, Steve Hammond - guitar (on 1. only), Paul Jackson - bass, Robert Lichtig - bass
Jan 1977	MEAL TICKET album CODE OF THE ROAD 1. Out Of The Blue (Jones / Pierce / Hammond) 2. Keepin The Faith (Jones / Pierce / Hammond) 3. OK Bar (Same Old Story) (Jones / Pierce / Hammond) 4. Last One To Know (Hammond / Jones / Pierce) 5. Day Job (Jones / Pierce / Hammond) 6. The Man From Mexico 7. Snow 8. Golden Girl (Jones / Pierce / Hammond) 9. Standing On The Wrong Corner 10. Georgia Syncopator 11. The Code Of The Road EMI 3008 Released 1977	'Georgia Syncopator' is a re-recording of the same song that appeared on the 'Flash Fearless...' album. Ray Flacke - guitar / vocals, Chris Hunt - percussion / drums, Jack Brand - bass / vocals, Willy Finlayson - guitar / keyboards / vocals, Rick Jones - keyboards / vocals, Steve Simpson - guitar / violin / vocals.
May 1977	MEAL TICKET single A: Out Of the Blue (Jones / Pierce / Hammond) B: Day Job (Jones / Pierce / Hammond) EMI INT533 Released May 1977
Jul - Aug 1977	MEAL TICKET album THREE TIMES A DAY 1. This Could Be The Town 2. Oh Sister 3. Last Port Of Call 4. Comes The Dawn 5. River Man 6. Yesterday's Music 7. Rural Routes (Jones / Pierce / Hammond) 8. I Wish. I Wish 9. Laughing Daughter 10. This Dream I Have Of You EMI 3010 Released 1978	'This Dream I Have Of You' is a Jones / Pierce / Hammond composition according to the BMI Repertoire publishing website, but is credited to Jones / Pierce on the LP. 'Rural Routes' however is not listed on this site as a Steve Hammond composition or co-composition, and therefore it's possible that the credits for these two songs have been mixed up. Ray Flacke - guitar / vocals, Chris Hunt - percussion / drums, Jack Brand - bass / vocals, Willy Finlayson - guitar / keyboards / vocals, Rick Jones - keyboards / vocals, Keith Nelson - banjo, Steve Simpson - guitar / violin / vocals, Don Weller - saxophone.
1978	MEAL TICKET album TAKE AWAY 1. Why In The World (Pierce / Jones / Hammond) 2. Down On My Knees After Memphis 3. Lucy 4. Lonestar Motel (Pierce / Jones / Finlayson / Hammond) 5. The Shape I'm In 6. Blame 7. Simple 8. Bonnie Lee's Dinette Pierce / Jones / Hammond) 9. At The Funny Farm 10. Get On Board Logo 1008 Released 1978	Willy Finlayson - guitar / vocals, Rick Jones - keyboards / vocals, Steve Simpson - guitar / mandolin / harmonica / vocals, Alan Coulter - drums, Rod Demick - bass / vocals, Keith Nelson - banjo.
1978	MEAL TICKET single A: Shape I'm In B: Why In The World (Pierce / Jones / Hammond) Logo GO342 Released March 1979
March 1981	CAPTAIN CRASH VERSUS THE ZZORG WOMEN PARTS 5 & 6 stage show	Under this revised title (presumably due to copyright problems) 'Flash Fearless...' was finally staged at Richmond's on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles. Steve was Musical Director, in-house guitarist and narrator. Dave Pierce played 'Swede', while Rick Jones took the role of 'Zilch'. Dave Pierce was credited as sole lyricist, with the music credited to Steve Hammond, Rick Jones and Weston Gavin (who played Captain Crash). The song list had been revised and expanded to almost twice its original length. The song list was as follows: PART 5: I'm Crash (Crash) Trapped (A.S.S. Crew) Heart Shaped Box Of Chocolates (Dulla) A.S.S. Anthem (The Crew) Hi Fellas, What A Nice Surprise (The King) It Takes All Kinds To Make A Galaxy (Zoftik) I Could Love You So Good (Zilch) PART 6: I'm Crash (Crash) Beaver Fever (Zuk) Raspberry Lipstick (Crash) The Georgia Syncopator (Dulla) Let's Go To The Chop (Zzorgs) Goodbye Is Putting It Mildly (Zilch) Sacrifice (Zzorgs).
1981	VARIOUS ARTISTS album CAPTAIN CRASH VERSUS THE ZZORG WOMEN PARTS 5 & 6 Web OC103 (U.S.) Released 1981	Original cast recording from the stage show.
early 1980s	writing with Marsha Hunt	In her autobiography 'Real Life' Marsha says that she wrote some songs with Steve in the early 80s. These may include the two titles listed in the 'UNKNOWN RECORDINGS' section below. She also mentions that Steve (stepping in at short notice) accompanied her on acoustic guitar at her audition for the 'Hair' stage musical in London in 1968.
1980s	transcribing movie scores in Hollywood
1989	proposed solo 'lounge' act	Rick Jones: "In Port Hueneme there at the end, Steve was working on a 'Lounge Lizard' act - something rather like Rod Stewart has just done - all suited up and playing dimly-lighted bars. He always needed to perform. He'd constructed backing-tracks on his computer, I think it was a Commodore, and a couple of synths and rhythm machines. It would have been very good had he managed to live."

		UNKNOWN RECORDINGS		NOTES
		I Sing A Song		Written by Steve and Bruce Waddell, and published by the same company as the Chris Farlowe material which suggests this is from the '68-'70 period.
		Life Goes On		Written by Marsh Ahunt (Marsha Hunt) and Steve. This is probably one of the early '80s collaborations referred to above. It may also be a song from Marsha's 'Man To Woman' stage show.
		Million Tears Ago		See above. A song by this title was released on Marsha's 'Man To Woman' (Virgin VS499) E.P. in 1982, however the song is credited to Marsha and her husband Mike Ratledge (formerly of Soft Machine).
		Mr Summertime		Written by Steve. Publishing company details suggest this is from the '68-'70 period.
		Take It Slow		Written by Steve - no other info known.
		You		Written by Steve - no other info known.

Miscellaneous notes

* There are at least three other guitar playing Steve Hammonds. These are: an acoustic solo finger style guitarist from the Kentucky area (two albums released since 2000 - 'Vortex' and 'Acoustic Landscapes'); an Australian singer/ songwriter and a guitarist in Lawrence (Canada) indie band Filthy Jim (formed in 1997). ** Yngwie Malmsteen's 'Black Sheep Of The Family', which appears as a bonus track on the US pressing of his 'War To End All Wars' album (released 2000), is not the Steve Hammond song, despite his slavish tendency to copy Ritchie Blackmore!

This website was originally designed and conceived by: Bas Möllenkramer, Soesterberg, the Netherlands  ♠  Redesign by Carol Hynson © 2009-10