This Houston group formed in 1968 and was initially named United Gas. Original members included Richard Avitts (guitar), Doug Tull (drums) and Leon Rudnicki (vocals, bass). In 1969, Doug Walden (vocals, bass, keyboards) took over for Rudnicki and soon began writing songs for the group. A name change was suggested when they landed a contract with Metromedia to avoid confusion with another band named Pacific Gas And Electric. The name was inspired by St. Christopher since Walden and Avits liked to write songs of a spiritual nature.
They released one self titled LP in 1970, but before it was completed, Tull developed a severe drug problem and attempted suicide. This caused his prompt departure from the group and the album was actually finished using session musicians. One stand-out song on the record, 'Beautiful Lady', has an outstanding, laid back melody.
Artist information sources include: The book, 'Fuzz, Acid, and Flowers Revisited' by Vernon Joynson.
Christopher
Original LP/EP Label: Metromedia MD 1024
Released: 1970
This Houston group formed in 1968 and was initially named United Gas. Original members included Richard Avitts (guitar), Doug Tull (drums) and Leon Rudnicki (vocals, bass). In 1969, Doug Walden (vocals, bass, keyboards) took over for Rudnicki and soon began writing songs for the group. A name change was suggested when they landed a contract with Metromedia to avoid confusion with another band named Pacific Gas And Electric. The name was inspired by St. Christopher since Walden and Avits liked to write songs of a spiritual nature.
