Larry Wallis facts for kids

Larry Wallis (born May 19, 1949 – died September 19, 2019) was an English guitarist, songwriter, and producer. He was well-known for being a member of the band Pink Fairies and one of the first members of Motörhead.

Larry Wallis: A Rock Guitar Legend

Early Musical Adventures

Larry Wallis started his music journey in 1968. He formed a band called The Entire Sioux Nation. They played together for about a year before splitting up in late 1969.

Joining Shagrat

In 1970, Larry joined a new band called Shagrat. He played alongside Steve Peregrin Took and Mick Farren. After Farren left, Shagrat became Took's band. They recorded a few songs and even played at a festival called Phun City in July 1970. These early recordings were later released on albums like Lone Star.

Time with UFO and Other Projects

Larry Wallis also played with other bands. In 1971, he joined a band called Blodwyn Pig, which later changed its name to Lancaster. They toured with the famous band Yes.

In February 1972, Larry became a member of the band UFO. He toured with them in Europe, but he left in October 1972. Even though he didn't record any studio albums with UFO, some live recordings of his performances with them still exist.

During 1972, Larry also worked on music sessions with Steve Peregrin Took. These casual recordings included other musicians like Twink and Syd Barrett. Some of this music was released years later as The Missing Link To Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Becoming a Pink Fairy

In November 1972, Larry Wallis joined Pink Fairies. He helped create their album Kings of Oblivion, writing most of the songs on it. The band also played a special live show in July 1975, which was later released as the album Live at the Roundhouse 1975.

Starting Motörhead

While still with Pink Fairies, Larry Wallis joined a brand new band called Motörhead in May 1975. He played with Lemmy and Lucas Fox. Soon, Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor joined as the new drummer. Larry recorded an album with Motörhead called On Parole. This album wasn't released until 1979, after Motörhead had become very famous. Larry left Motörhead in February 1976.

Working at Stiff Records

After leaving Motörhead, Larry Wallis continued to play with Pink Fairies for a while. In 1976, they released a single on Stiff Records.

Larry then became a producer for Stiff Records. This meant he helped other artists record their music. He also released his own solo song, "Police Car," which was produced by Nick Lowe. Larry produced albums for artists like Wreckless Eric and The Adverts. His song "As Long As The Price is Right" was even covered by the band Dr. Feelgood.

New Bands and Collaborations

Larry Wallis kept busy forming new bands and working with other musicians. In 1978, he joined Mick Farren & The Good Guys. In 1979, he played live shows with Wayne Kramer from the band MC5.

In 1982, Larry started his own band called Larry Wallis & The Death Commandos of Love. This band changed its name many times, often playing as The Love Pirates of Doom. They played many gigs, especially at a famous venue called Dingwalls.

In 1984, Larry worked with Mick Farren again to record a live album for The Deviants called Human Garbage.

Pink Fairies Returns

The Pink Fairies band got back together in 1987. Larry Wallis played guitar and sang. They released a new album called Kill 'Em and Eat 'Em. The band continued to play shows, even in Germany and France, before Larry eventually left.

Later Years and Legacy

Around 1991, Larry Wallis worked with members of Dr. Feelgood on a recording. This led to his new band, The Redbirds. They released an EP called Truth, Justice and a Wholesome Packed Lunch. Larry also wrote many songs that Dr. Feelgood later performed.

In 2001, Larry released his first solo album, Death in the Guitarfternoon. Larry Wallis passed away on September 19, 2019, at the age of 70. He is remembered as an important guitarist and producer in the rock and punk music scene.

Discography

Albums with the Pink Fairies, The Deviants and Mick Farren

• Pink Fairies – Kings of Oblivion – June 1973
• Mick Farren and the Deviants – Screwed Up – November 1977 (EP produced by Wallis)
• Mick Farren – Vampires Stole My Lunch Money – August 1978 (produced by Wallis)
• Pink Fairies – Live at the Roundhouse 1975 – June 1982
• The Deviants – Human Garbage – 1984
• Pink Fairies – Kill 'Em and Eat 'Em – 1987

As a member of Motörhead

• On Parole – 1979

Solo singles

• "Police Car"/"On Parole" - 1977

12 inch EP as Larry Wallis and the Redbyrds

• Truth, Justice and a Wholesome Packed Lunch – 1991

Solo Albums

• Death in the Guitarfternoon - 2001
• The Sound of Speed (Rare and unreleased) - 2017

Albums produced by Larry Wallis

• Wreckless Eric – A Louder Silence – 1977
• Wreckless Eric – Wreckless Eric – 1978 (Wallis also plays guitar on this one)

See also

In Spanish: Larry Wallis para niños