Earl Johnson of Moxy discusses Tommy Bolin and band revival
Only did I see my father work at a steel plant, but I was also constantly immersed in practicing the guitar. My love for music led me to form my first band, King Biscuit Boy. However, my aspirations exceeded the confines of my blue-collar upbringing, and I eventually found myself yearning for more than just being a mill worker in Canada.
Despite my dreams of becoming a skilled guitarist, the debut album of my band, Moxy, took an unexpected turn. I was the primary songwriter and lead guitarist, yet I only played solos on two tracks. The rest were performed by Tommy Bolin, which, although initially displeasing, eventually became a source of mixed feelings for me. Bolin’s involvement brought both praise and strife to our music.
The success of Moxy was a dual-edged sword for me. On one hand, it was flattering to have Bolin contribute to our songs. However, this eroded some of my artistic control and led to discord between myself and our vocalist, Douglas Buzz Shearman. The dynamic shift within the band caused significant conflict, complicating our working relationship and hindering our artistic process to some extent.
My journey with the guitar began at a young age, sparked by a desire to emulate Chuck Berry and later influenced by the raw tone of Eric Clapton’s guitar in Fresh Cream. The unprocessed, piercing sound of Clapton’s guitar resonated deeply with me and became a touchstone for my musical style. This propelled me towards the blues genre, prompting me to spend countless hours honing my craft and perfecting my sound at home.
In retrospect, my early days in the steel town of Hamilton, akin to Pittsburgh in its industrial nature, shaped my perspective on forging my own path in the music industry. Witnessing the grueling work at the steel plant fueled my determination to pursue a different career, one that aligned with my passion for music and artistic expression. King Biscuit Boy served as a stepping stone towards Moxy, ultimately propelling me into a realm where my musical aspirations could flourish.
Although the involvement of Tommy Bolin in our debut album brought attention and accolades, it also altered the course of Moxy’s artistic trajectory. Striking a delicate balance between admiration for Bolin’s contributions and a desire to maintain creative autonomy proved to be a challenging endeavor. Nevertheless, the legacy of Moxy endures as a testament to our shared artistic vision and the enduring pursuit of musical excellence.