Live from the Hollywood Bowl 1975' and sang "Sister Golden Hair" with the Killers in Australia - Rock Cellar Magazine
Times of discover News: Right out of the gate, America burst into the record charts and the global consciousness with their explosive long-player debut, 1971's America, which included the chart-stomping singles, "A Horse With No Name" and "I Need You." It was a pivotal moment for the band, which at the time consisted of Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell and Dan Peake.
Five years later, they're at the pinnacle of their lives, playing the headline act at the famous Hollywood Bowl, duly recorded for a live album. Because of significant sound problems, which ruined any chance of release at the time, it was shelved and lay there for nearly 50 years.
Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, the group's amazing set, backed by a symphony orchestra conducted by its creator, Sir George Martin, got its long-awaited launch. With America - Live From the Hollywood Bowl 1975 (Primary Wave Music; distributed by Sun Records), fans can finally experience that magical evening.
Rock Cellar: When you look at the cover of the 1975 Live From the Hollywood Bowl album, it lists the band as being in the early 1970s. Five years later, America is headlining the Hollywood Bowl.
Gerry Beckley: Well, let me tell you, there's an interesting detail. This was our second time playing at the Bowl. We had headlined the 1973 Bowl, not with George Martin. We hadn't worked with George yet. So yes, there are some lovely steps that got us there, but it was a rocket ship. By the time we graduated from high school in 1970, we were hanging out at each other's houses, learning three-part harmonies, and showing each other our songs.