Trapeze

The Profile

Trapeze are an English rock band formed in 1969 in the West Midlands. Initially a five-piece, they became a power trio with Glenn Hughes (bass, vocals), Mel Galley (guitar), and Dave Holland (drums). Their sound fused hard rock and blues rock with strong funk and soul elements, yielding key albums like Medusa (1970) and You Are the Music... We’re Just the Band (1972). Members later worked with Deep Purple, Whitesnake, and Judas Priest; the band continued with albums such as Hot Wire (1974) and staged reunions in the early 1990s.

Formed in England in 1969; early lineup included Glenn Hughes, Mel Galley, Dave Holland, Terry Rowley, and John Jones. The 1970 debut was produced by John Lodge of The Moody Blues. Notable albums include Medusa (1970) and You Are the Music... We’re Just the Band (1972). Members later joined Deep Purple (Hughes), Whitesnake (Galley), and Judas Priest (Holland).

Three DeBaser reviews chart Trapeze’s evolution from the progressive-tinged 1970 debut to the hard rock/funk-soul blend of Medusa and the acclaimed You Are the Music... We’re Just the Band. Reviewers highlight Glenn Hughes’s standout vocals and bass, Mel Galley’s 70s guitar bite, and Dave Holland’s tight drumming. The debut’s John Lodge production and early five-piece lineup get a nod, while later records are praised for energy, groove, and ahead-of-its-time soul-funk infusion.