Average White Band

The Average White Band was formed in 1972 in Scotland and made a major break-though in 1975 when their classic single ‘Pick Up the Pieces’ hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The AWB album, with its classic logo, was also a number one.

A series of successful albums and singles continued until 1983, when the band initially disbanded. Originals members Alan Gorie, Roger Ball and Onnie McIntyre, reunited in 1989 and the band has been touring and recording with various line-ups since, with Roger being replaced by Freddie Vigdor in 1996.

As kindred soul and funk spirits, Kokomo made natural touring buddies for AWB, in both USA (Jun-Aug 1975) and UK (May-Jun 1976).

Wind forward forty years, and the two bands shared a stage at the Soul Summit at a sold-out Royal Festival Hall.

AWB/Kokomo passes, Santa Barbara County Bowl

Thanks to Keith Trussell

‘Kokomotion’ ad for 1975 US tour with AWB

Thanks to Ivor O’Brien