The Strawbs have gone through many formations over the years, but have continued to produce albums for a period of almost thirty years.
First formed in 1969 by Dave Cousins and Tony Hooper, the band, initially know as The Strawberry Hill Boys, began life as a three-piece acoustic folk
and bluegrass band. The band's folk orientated first album, Strawbs, was recorded by the three original members: Dave Cousins - vocals & guitars, Tony Hooper -
vocals & guitars, & Ron Chesterman - double bass. However, by 1970, The Strawbs had transformed themselves into their more familiar format of an electic progressive
band.
1970 Line-up
Dave Cousins - Vocals, guitars & dulcimer
Tony Hooper - Vocals & guitars
Rick Wakeman - Keyboards, harpsichord & celeste
John Ford - Electric bass
Richard Hudson - Drums, percussion & sitar
The Strawbs has undergone numerous personnel changes between inception and today. Some of the more notable changes are:
In 1972, Rick Wakeman left the band to join Yes and was replaced firstly by Blue Weaver, formerly of Amen Corner, and later by John Hawken,
also of The Nashville Teens & Vinegar Joe. Also, the addition of Sandy Denny (later of Fairport Convention & Fotheringay) on vocals and
acoustic guitar for the band's 1973 release - All Our Own Work.
Today's Line-up
Dave Cousins - Vocals, acoustic guitar
Dave Lambert - Vocals & electric guitar
John Hawken - Keyboards
Chas Cronk - Bass
Rod Coombes - Drums & percussion
The Strawbs continue to the present day, recording and touring in two distinct formats: as an acoustic band with Cousins, Lambert & Cronk,
and as an elecric band with Cousins, Lambert, Hawken, Cronk, & Coombes.