Who doesn’t love a good supergroup? Back in the day, it seemed like supergroups, particularly in rock music, were popping up everywhere. And nobody was complaining. So many of those bands really were the sum of their parts. Their famous, talented members worked together to make really great tunes.
Videos by American Songwriter
One fine example of such a classic rock supergroup is the hard rock jazz fusion outfit Captain Beyond. This group formed way back in 1971. Surprisingly, I had never heard of them before. And to my surprise again, I found out that they’re still together today.
Captain Beyond Was Packed With Classic Rock Supergroup Talent (And Still Is Today)
This classic rock supergroup is made up of quite a few famous members, both past and current. The “classic” lineup consisted of former Deep Purple vocalist Rod Evans, former Iron Butterfly shredder Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt and bassist Lee Dorman, and former Johnny Winter drummer Bobby Caldwell.
Today, Caldwell still drums for the band, along with members Jeff Artabasy, Don Bonzi, Jamie Holka, and Simon Lind. Previously, the band also featured a few famous members here and there, including Double Trouble keyboardist Reese Wynans and The Gods and The Motels drummer Brian Glascock. There were even more members through the years, too. That’s not exactly surprising for a band that’s been together, off and on, for over half a century.
Their music was solid, too. Their blend of prog-rock, jazz, and space rock worked gloriously, and their three albums from the 1970s are essential listening for any fan of the era.
Sadly, though, Captain Beyond had a lot of trouble going on in the background from the start. They dealt with everything from lawsuits to disputes over musical style with their label, Capricorn Records. The relationships between the members of the OG lineup were quite strained as well.
Thankfully, the band has more or less survived the ever-changing music industry. They broke up several times, though. Their first breakup was in 1973, then again in 1978. Captain Beyond rose from the ashes on more than one occasion for reunions, and they’re still together as of 2025, though with a very different lineup. Most of the current members joined around 2013, and the only original member of the band left is Bobby Caldwell.
It’s great that Captain Beyond is still kicking. But, man, you just can’t beat their 70s era. Their 1972 self-titled record is essential listening.
Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.