Stray (band)
Stray were a British hard rock band formed in London in 1966. The band's initial lineup consisted of Steve Gadd (vocals), Del Bromham (guitar), Gary Giles (bass), and Ritchie Cole (drums). They are considered part of the burgeoning progressive rock and hard rock scene of the early 1970s in the UK.
Stray signed with Transatlantic Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1970. Their early albums, including Suicide (1971) and Saturday Morning Pictures (1972), showcased their blend of heavy riffs, melodic vocals, and occasional progressive elements. They gained a following for their energetic live performances, supporting bands such as Black Sabbath, Kiss, and Status Quo.
Despite critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, Stray did not achieve mainstream commercial success. The band went through several lineup changes throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Del Bromham remained the constant member and driving force behind the band. They released several more albums, exploring different musical directions.
Stray officially disbanded in the late 1990s. However, Del Bromham later resurrected the band with a new lineup, continuing to perform and release music into the 21st century. Their music is often cited as an influence by other hard rock and heavy metal bands.