Lake - Ouch! (Reissue) (1978/1998)

This multi-national rock band was formed in Hamburg, Germany, in 1973. Initial members included Ian Cussick (b. Scotland; vocals), Geoff Pacey (b. England; keyboards), Bernie Whelan (b. Ireland; trumpet), plus four European partners (three German, one Italian). Despite innumerable line-up shuffles Lake’s harmonic, neo-orchestral approach to rock music remained intact, which led to a glowing and growing international reputation. Their self-titled 1976 debut album enhanced this impression further, and sold over 400, 000 copies in Germany. A fierce retinue of gigs included several open air concerts throughout mainland Europe, dates at the London Marquee in England and a 40-concert tour of the US (where the album charted). After a live album they returned to the studio in 1978 for Lake II, which was promoted by an appearance on the UK’s Old Grey Whistle Test television programme and support slots with Genesis and Bob Dylan. They were also voted the best rock band in several German music polls. The constantly revolving line-ups continued to make their history confusing, and by the late 70s the group’s personnel included James Hopkins-Harrison (d. May 1991; vocals), Alex Conti (guitar) and Detlef Petersen (keyboards). By 1981 the band decided that, having failed to capitalize on their initial success, it was time to go their separate ways. Conti went on to a solo career, while other members became embroiled in session work. There was subsequently a brief and successful reunion of various former members in 1983.