Big Bertha

Big Bertha was formed in 1969 by Dave Ball (guitar), Dennis Ball (bass) and Cozy Powell (b. Colin Flooks, 29 December 1947, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England, d. 5 April 1998, Bristol, England; drums), three ex-members of the Ace Kefford Stand. Pete French (vocals) and Pete Ball (keyboards) completed the original line-up. In 1969 the band made a single for Atlantic Records. Although the a-side, ‘The World’s An Apple’, was a new recording, its instrumental coupling, ‘Gravy Booby Jamm’, was previously issued as being by the Ace Kefford Stand. A further single, ‘Munich City’, was only issued in Europe, where Big Bertha often toured. In 1970 Powell left to join Jeff Beck, while French opted for Atomic Rooster. They were replaced, respectively, by Mac Poole and Dave McTavish. Big Bertha split up in 1971. Dave Ball became a member of Procol Harum until 1972, before being reunited with brother Dennis and former colleague Powell in Bedlam.