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Biography
Originally formed by lead vocalist and guitarist Peter Beckett, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist John Charles “J.C” Crowley, bassist Ronn Moss, and drummer John Friesen, Player was born following the demise of Beckett and Crowley’s former band Bandana in 1976. The same year Player signed with RSO Records and invited keyboardist and live musician Wayne Cook to fill-out the band’s live sound. With the stadium rock era enjoying its reign, Player also enjoyed success for their soft rock approach, making their touring debut in 1977 opening for Gino Vannelli and Boz Scaggs.
Towards the tail-end of 1977 Player released the smash hit single “Baby, Come Back” which landed atop the Billboard 200 in early 1978. The single also enjoyed success internationally, introducing the group’s melodic soft rock to New Zealand, the UK, and the Netherlands. Player’s sophomore single “This Time I’m in it For Love” was subsequently released in 1978, peaking at No. 10 on the Bilboard 200, after which the group were invited by Eric Clapton to open on his North American tour. The band’s debut, self-titled album rose to No. 26 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart, and was followed by “Danger Zone” in late 1978.
Following the release, guitarist/keyboardist Crowley departed the group and went on to enjoy a successful country music career. Player’s first album without Crowley was 1980’s “Room With A View” released on Casablanca Records, and was succeeded by “Spies of Life” in 1981, without bassist Ronn Moss. The band continued to perform live until 1982 when the members called it quits with Peter Beckett becoming a member of the Little River Band from 1989-1997.
Despite no longer touring, Beckett and Crowley remained close and continued to collaborate, which culminated in the Japanese release “Electric Shadow” in 1995. The record earned a U.S. released a year later with the name “Lost in Reality”, following which Player performed a reunion show at the Hollywood Palladium in December 1997. In 2013 after a significant hiatus from Player releases, the band issued their sixth studio album “Too Many Reasons”.
Live reviews
What an awesome show last night! Saint Rocke is a great venue and Peter Beckett is timeless and ageless. His voice is still amazing and he can still hit that high note in his #yachtrock classic #babycomeback. They did a lot of great rockers including songs he wrote for movies. The current musicians in his #playertheband are awesome: Buster Akrey on keyboard, Mark Winley on bass, long-time Player guitarist Rob Math and guest drummer Burleigh Drummond who is also a founding member and drummer for Ambrosia. The crowd was great and we all danced the night away.
PedenBeckett
I saw player at the corner hotel in Richmond one week ago... it was amazing the band sounded brilliant and the guys were the nicest group of people I have met. They were on stage for over 2 hrs and gave their all... The 50 mins we had with ron moss was amazing very candid and honest and a lovely lovely man. wish I could go again. At the end of the night they all lined up had pics taken chatted no rush ...ten outta ten
gaye-griffiths
Player always delivers. Peter Beckett (originally from Liverpool) is one of those singer/songwriters with amazing natural talent. His voice is still strong after all these years. Whether he and fellow band mate Ronn Moss are performing with Ambrosia, Yacht Rock Revue or their own backing band, they are fun to see live and their latest CD Too Many Reasons is full of great tunes.
PedenBeckett
