Stray (UK band)

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Stray were formed in 1966. Vocalist Steve Gadd (born 27.2.1952, Shepherd's Bush, West London), guitarist Del Bromham (born 25.5.1951, in Acton, West London) (ex Tradera), bass player Gary Giles (born Gary G Giles, 23.2.1952, in London) and drummer Steve Crutchley (born c 1952) formed the band whilst all were attending the local Christopher Wren School in London. They signed to Transatlantic Records in January 1970. Richie Cole (born Richard Cole, 10.11.1951, in London) replaced Crutchley in 1968.

The group's brand of melodic, hook-laden hard rock proved to be a popular draw on the local club scene during the early 1970s. However, lack of interest and support by Transatlantic and subsequent labels Dawn and Pye kept Stray from the big commercial breakthrough that would have made them an established name. Gadd left the band in 1975 due to artistic differences and was replaced on vocals by Pete Dyer.

The original Stray finally dissolved in 1977, although Bromham later continued to play in various resurrected versions of the project well into the 2000s.

From late 2006 until early 2007, the band's back catalog of eight studio albums issued originally during the 1970s were re-released by the UK-based Sanctuary Records in compact disc format. The new releases are remastered and add bonus tracks culled from single B-sides, studio outtakes and BBC broadcast sessions.