Sixteen in ’75 – How Bandolier by Budgie Shaped My Early Working Life
Hello everyone, Phil Aston here from Now Spinning Magazine, kicking off a brand-new video series called “Sixteen in ’75.” This year, a lot of folks are celebrating albums turning 50, and that includes an incredible batch from 1975. But for me, there’s a personal twist—1975 was the year I turned 16 and left school to start my first job. It was a tough time of transitions, factory dust, and figuring out who I was.
This series is all about the albums that got me through it.
Why Bandolier by Budgie?
Released in September 1975, just as I was starting work at a local factory.
I was already a Budgie fan from their earlier records like Never Turn Your Back on a Friend (1973) and In for the Kill! (1974).
Bandolier arrived right when I needed an energy boost to wash off the grime and monotony of factory life.
The funny thing about Budgie is they never broke massively through the rock mainstream, even though they were a serious underground presence. In the early ’70s, they had a reputation for thunderous riffs and soulful vocals—a bit like a cross between Black Sabbath and a more melodic hard rock band.
Memories of the Old Grey Whistle Test
I first got word that Budgie had a new album on the way when they performed on The Old Grey Whistle Test back in June ’75. They played “Who Do You Want for Your Love,” which begins with a gentle, almost funky intro—unusual for a band known for heavy riffs. But sure enough, the track shifted gears into that classic Budgie stomp, showcasing Burke Shelley’s powerful vocals and Tony Bourge’s imaginative guitar work.
Going from School to the Factory Floor
A lot of my friends didn’t head to college—straight into the workforce, same as me. The novelty of having my own paycheck wore off pretty fast once I realized how exhausting factory life could be. I’d come home covered in dirt, crash for a while, and then hope to snag a few minutes of music before dinner. This is where Bandolier became my lifeline:
“Breaking All the House Rules”
A lengthy, shape-shifting opener that’s brimming with riffs. Budgie were masters at stringing multiple musical ideas into one track—almost like mini-suites.
“Slipway”
Surprising second track, a ballad that proves not every mid-’70s hard rock band was afraid to show a softer side.
“Who Do You Want for Your Love”
The track they performed on The Old Grey Whistle Test. Starts mellow, then bursts into heavy-laden riff territory.
Side Two continues the ride with highlights like “I Can’t See My Feelings,” which blends funk grooves with unstoppable rock energy, and “Napoleon Bona (Part 1 & 2),” a storming finale that gallops along like prime-era Deep Purple.
The Cover Art & Sound
The album’s cover art by Patrick Woodroffe is iconic in its own right, matching the quirky, imaginative music within. It’s a big reason why Bandalier stands out among the countless rock releases of 1975—it had real personality.
Sadly, Bandolier isn’t streaming on many platforms right now, so physical media really is your best bet. The MCA Albums 1973–1975 box set includes Bandolier and sounds fantastic, so if you can track that down, you’ll be well-rewarded.
A Lasting Impact
Even now, when I revisit Bandolier, it reminds me of that pivotal year—16 years old, unsure of my future, but forging a path one guitar riff at a time. Budgie’s mix of heavy rock, balladry, and funk-inflected grooves opened my ears to the fact that rock could be much more than just loud—it could be soulful, inventive, and downright inspiring.
What’s Your Take? I’d love to know:
Have you heard Bandalier?
What was your first encounter with Budgie?
Which album carried you through your own big transition years?
Share your stories in the comments! This is only the first episode of my Sixteen in ’75 series, so stay tuned for more albums that shaped my teenage life.
Remember, music is the healer and the doctor. Keep spinning those discs!
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
