ARTIST OF THE MONTH: WAR

In 1969 this band forms from remnants of early 60’s Long Beach, California group “The Creators”, who then became “Night Shift” and were only successful on the local circuit. Also around 1969 Jerry Goldstein was looking for a blues-based black band to accompany former lead singer for “The Animals” Eric Burdon. By June of 1969 the name “WAR” is decided as their new name for the band. By 1970 the band tours the U.S. and then moves to the U.K. and Europe. in July 1970 WAR jams with Jimi Hendrix in a session at Ronnie Scotts jazz club in London. By August 1970 their debut album “Eric Burdon Declares War” reaches #18 in the U.S. and the song “Spill the Wine” is their first hit as it reaches #3 and earns a gold record.
By Febuary of 1971 Eric Burdon drops out exhausted and moves back to California, but the band continues on to complete all contracted dates on it’s own.
By June 30,1971 ”WAR” plays the Hollywood Bowl at a “99 cent spectacular”, a low entry price showcase for all new acts that are under contract with the “United Artist” record label. The bands first solo gold record is “Slippin into Darkness”, and then their second album “The World Is A Ghetto” also goes gold. By 1973 the bands third consecutive million seller is “The Cisco Kid”, which only reaches #18 on the U.S. charts.
On a roll in the mid 70’s on August of 1975 the album “Why Can’t We Be Friends” hits #8 and is the bands fifth gold album. The song “Why Can’t We Be Friends” is beamed into space to U.S. and Russian astronauts during the summer of 1975 link-up in earths orbit.
Find out more on “WAR” as they are featured as artist of the month on KWMC’S, Little Red Rooster Show. And remember that all stories and known facts of artist of the month are by Wendy Johnson and all shows are produced by Javier Martinez.