Average White Band

(b. 6 May 1950, Dundee, Scotland, d. 23 September 1974, Hollywood)

This sextet was the natural culmination of several soul-influenced Scottish beat groups. AWB, also known as the “White Album” in deference to its cover art, was a superb collection and paired the group’s dynamism with Arif Mardin’s complementary production. The highlights included a spellbinding version of the Isley Brothers’ Work To Do, and the rhythmic original instrumental, Pick Up The Pieces, a worthy US number 1 / UK Top 10 single. A euphoric period was abruptly punctured in 1974 by the tragic death of  McIntosh following a fatal ingestion of heroin.  Drummer Robbie McIntosh was accidentally poisoned at a Hollywood Hills party when he was spiked with a lethal amount of heroin, and he died at age 24. This event could have caused the premature end of AWB, until the despairing band were joined by Steve Ferrone, an old friend who had replaced Robbie in Oblivion Express. His presence helped get the band back on the road and into the studio to record the Cut The Cake album, which they dedicated to Robbie.