The original line-up of May Blitz, formed in 1969, contained guitarist/vocalist Jamie Black and ex-Bakerloo bassist Terry Poole. However, before any recording took place, Poole left for a career in session work (Graham Bond, Vinegar Joe). Reid Hudson therefore took over the bass duties whilst ex-Sounds Incorporated/Jeff Beck Group stickman Tony Newman took over the drum stool.
The trio's aggressive out'n'out hard rock style brought them to the attention of progressive label Vertigo Records who saw May Blitz as being in the same vein as Black Sabbath and Uriah Heep, both of whom were signed to the label. Their debut self-titled LP (Vertigo 6360 007) was released in mid-1970 and contained seven lengthy self-composed tracks, distinguished by the use of echoed feedback guitar playing from Black. Though not a chart success, original vinyl copies of the album complete with gatefold sleeve and Vertigo's famous 'swirl' logo, now command prices of 50 British Pounds and up on the collectors' market. Just over six months later, in early 1971, they released their second LP, "The 2nd of May" (Vertigo 6360 037) which again came in a highly collectable gatefold sleeve. However, the eight tracks, again, mostly written by all three members, failed to live up to the power and excitement of the first album and so shortly after its release they disbanded.
Tony Newman joined Three Man Army and appeared on the LPs, "Three Man Army" and "Two" before forming Boxer with Mike Patto and releasing "Below the Belt" and "Bloodletting" albums. He also worked with the likes of David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Mick Ronson, Whitesnake and Chris Spedding and has remained an in-demand session musician. As for Jamie Black and Reid Hudson, it would seem they disappeared form music altogether.
May Blitz were formed in England during the early part of 1969. Tony Newman ex Jeff Beck Group actually formed the band recruiting James Black & Reid Hudson. Black and Hudson were Canadians from Victoria, British Columbia who pioneered Canadian West Coast music prior to moving to England. The band played extensively on the UK college circuit in 1969 before signing to Vertigo. Their debut album 'May Blitz' in 1970 was heavy and featured a grotesque cartoon cover. The first album sold moderately and a follow up 'The 2nd Of May' was recorded in 1971. Unfortunately despite being an excellent album full of heavy original numbers the album flopped. The band were dropped by Vertigo shortly after. Black and Hudson disappeared into oblivion (They actually returned to Canada after the break up of May Blitz) but Newman played with many bands throughout the 70's including Three Man Army, Marc Bolan, David Bowie & Mick Ronson, Chris Spedding and David Coverdale's Whitesnake.
Both of their albums are in high demand on the collectors market. In 1992 both of the albums were remastered onto CD. Sadly one of the UK's lost treasures. Their music lives on through collectors and fans worldwide.
1. Smoking the Day Away
2. I Don't Know?
3. Dreaming
4. Squeet
5. Tomorrow May Come
6. Fire Queen
7. Virgin Waters
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