Box of Frogs

Box of Frogs was a band formed in 1983 by former members of The Yardbirds, who released their first album in 1984. The core group comsisted of Chris Dreja, Paul Samwell-Smith, and Jim McCarty. Vocals on their eponymous album were done by John Fiddler, formerly of Medicine Head and British Lions; on the second album Fiddler sang on five tracks with guests including Graham Parker, Ian Dury and Roger Chapman singing lead on the others. Many musicians guested on their albums (including Rory Gallagher, Earl Slick and Mark Feltham), with several tracks featuring Steve Hackett. Former Yardbirds guitarists Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page guested on their first and second albums respectively.

Contents

• Box of frogs heart full of soul the yardbirds cover
• Box of frogs back where i started from
• Box of Frogs 1984
• Strange Land 1986
• Personnel
• Singles
• Transcription discs
• Songs
• References

The group formation and name were explained on the sticker affixed to original LP releases:

"On June 23, 1983, as part of London's historic Marquee Club's 25th Anniversary celebrations, three original Yardbirds -- Paul Samwell-Smith, Chris Dreja and Jim McCarty -- found themselves together on stage again. This same venue had been a regular nightspot for the legendary guitar-based blues-rock band that was the springboard for the likes of Clapton, Beck and Page. For Paul, Chris and Jim, the reunion made them realize they had to make more music in the Yardbirds' tradition. They added Medicine Head John Fiddler on vocals to form the nucleus of the band. On Christmas Eve 1983, Jeff Beck joined them at a recording session at a farmhouse south of London and added his unique touch to four of the tracks. As other old friends jumped into the sessions the idea for the group's new name came about. Now with a fresh spirit and basic rock and roll roots there is a new band from across the pond."

The group showed promise on the first album of rock radio friendly tunes, featuring Jeff Beck. "Back Where I Started" was in the top ten in the U.S., and the album was a featured number one on college campuses. Plans were made for a U.S. tour, but it is alleged that Samwell-Smith, Dreja, and McCarty nixed the idea of the tour, much to John Fiddler's dismay. Jeff Beck, who along with Dzal Martin was considered as the lead guitarist for such a tour, was reportedly disgusted at his ex-bandmates' refusal to tour America. He took no part on the second album, "Strange Land" (1986) and Fiddler barely chose to do so before walking out. "Asylum" is one of the few songs Fiddler sang on, and was the only one featuring Page.

The track Back Where I Started is regularly included in the set-list of the revived Yardbirds.