pilgrims

In August, they were back at Greenbelt, and provided backing for a set by Ishmeal on the Saturday night, and playing material from Ishmeal's new album.

ATF backing Ishmeal at gb76

The previous twelve months since the last festival had proved tough, with the band making slow progress. They were determined as a band to meet high standards, and expected the same of other people, in the hope that this determination would bring about results. They had done session work as individuals, and had given their support to the Koinonia Community in Suffolk, as well as Banks side-line, building and hiring PA equipment through Epicentrum. They occasionally provided backing for Ishmael, who provided bible study courses for them to do. Nevertheless, despite all the gigging in colleges and clubs, they were all hoping that something would happen soon. But, here at Greenbelt, they were back among friends. They had been due to headline the Sunday night, but the programme was running so late, that they had to be moved to the following day, for a special lunchtime show. This turned out to be a good move, and allowed a more comfortable audience to enjoy some magnificent, fast-flowing and creative music. Even the appalling weather didn't dampen their spirits, and as the rain fell out of the sky, and as Andy sang, 'Here on my island, it's nice when the sun shines', he earned a loud cheer from a wet crowd, damped in body but not, apparently, in spirit.

ATF at gb76

To further promote the band, they demoed some tracks at ICC Studios and began to distribute the recordings to interested parties. The resulting reel included just three songs: Dance Of The Marionette, Back To The Light, and Dreamaway.

In November 76, the band set out on a 15 date tour, starting at Brunel University on the 1st, and ending at Fordes Green, Leeds on the 27th, playing mostly colleges and clubs. In Buzz magazine, readers vote ATF an equal second with Adrian Snell and Chuck Girard as the most appreciated group or artist of 1976.

Another short tour, just four dates, began in January '77, taking them from the Drill Hall, Lincoln on the 20th to The Principle, Bradford on the 27th. After the tour, Adamson retires as bassist, and is replaced by 20 year old Nick Battle.

Johnathan Cook, John Kuzda and ATF at the Tramp offices

In February, Johnathan Cooke - the bands manager, and Greenbelt Festival orginiser - began operating Tramp Promotions from the third floor at 7 Denmark Street, London, above the Tin Pan Alley Club in Soho, with business partner John Kuzda. Later in the year, Cooke, and subsequently ATF, are featured in a Telegraph Sunday Magazine article. Explaining his management philosophy, Cooke explained:

"It is firmly believed by the partners in this firm that entertainment is one of God's many gifts given to man for his relaxation."

Asked about the aims of his company, he responded:

"To apply Christian principles of honesty, fair and just dealing to our business."

The writer remarked that, though ATF shared Cooke's Christian belief's, they actually looked much like any other roving rock band, and consume a similar amount of Newcastle Brown Ale. Cooke went on:

"But when people listen they know there is 'something' different about them. They are miles away from the old bang-bang headache rock. There is a feeling of positiveness about them. They use words like 'brightness' and 'hope' in their lyrics instead of grinding away about being stoned to the eyeballs and missing my baby tonight. A lot of people are beginning to respond."

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