In June 1973, a little trio from Cardiff in Wales called Budgie released their third album Never Turn Your Back on a Friend. Recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios, this album firmly cemented their legacy as a dynamic force to be reckoned within the hard rock movement of the early seventies. With their music being covered by the likes of Van Halen, Iron Maiden and Metallica, it is clear that Budgie have left an enduring mark upon the music world as we know it.
Never Turn Your Back on a Friend built upon the hard rocking and progressive elements of their first two records, helped along nicely by the now legendary opening song Breadfan.
Tragically in 2022, their lead singer, bassist and founding member Burke Shelley passed away at the age of 71. Now on June 30 2023, fifty years after its original release, Pale Wizard Records plan to pay tribute to this awesome album.
Pale Wizard Records intend for the 50 Years Later series to continue paying tribute to amazing albums that deserve attention. They enlist a fantastic roster of hard-working bands from the underground heavy rock scene. Some of which they’ve shared the stage with themselves, and others of which they’ve previously admired from afar.
The seven original songs are brought to life here by some of the absolute best the modern hard rock, stoner and psych underground has to offer. Additionally, Pale Wizard have enlisted some great artists to provide bonus tracks for this release.
The lead single for this album, which premiered on May 15 2023 is Birmingham’s very own Alunah tackling Breadfan which represents a fantastic contemporary, hard-rocking version of an all-time classic. Budgie’s music lends itself well to a female-led vocal, which is a tribute to the underappreciated high octane voice of Burke Shelley.
