Wally released their debut album, titled Wally, on Atlantic records in 1973, produced by Rick Wakeman and Bob Harris with their follow-up album titled Valley Gardens released on the same label in 1975.

The band was formed in the early 70s by singer-songwriter and lead vocals Roy Webber. The original line-up included Pete Cosker (electric and acoustic guitars), Paul Gerrett (Fender Rhodes, harmonium, grand piano, harpsichord, mellotron, Hammond organ and vocals) Paul Middleton (Steel guitar and bass), Roger Narraway on drums and Pete Sage on electric violin, bass and mandolin. Paul Gerrett and Roy Webber were childhood friends going way back to primary school days in London.

Album

The first album features Paul Gerret and features the excellent The Martyr, penned by Paul, and the 12-minute epic To the Urban Man with a great Mellotron sound.

Before they released their second album Paul Gerrett left the band to be replaced by Nick Glennie-Smith.

Paul went on to work as a concert promoter under the name of PG promotions and then to open his own live music venue on Beulah Street, also called PG's, before moving to Brighton and finally to Thailand.

Friend

Roy Webber said: "It was a great personal shock to hear of Paul's passing and I am deeply saddened to lose a life-long friend."

While lead guitarist Pete Cosker died in 1990 the remaining members of Wally are hoping to hold a reunion memorial gig early in the new year to both celebrate the re-release of the first album available now on Amazon and as tribute to Paul Gerrett.

Wally appeared twice on The Old Grey Whistle Test performing tracks The Martyr and Sunday Walking Lady, both of which can be viewed on YouTube.