1977 - THE BABYS - BROKEN HEART

Meanwhile settled down in Los Angeles, the second BABYS album „Broken Heart“ (October 1977), produced by Ron Nevison leads them to the top and „Isn´t It Time“ becomes an international hit. In December ´77 it climbs the US charts up to #5 and reaches the British Top 50. THE BABYS extensively tour through the USA and they perform at the „Top of the Pops“ in Great Britain. Particularly John, who´s deeply bound to his native country is very pleased about the success in his home and the British quartet heads for a promotion tour to Holland.

In Europe it seems to be star-crossed. Being registered though, THE BABYS can´t continue their American success here. Their name proves to be an insurmountable obstacle. „People that hear the name only lose interest because they think we´re a teen band. They don´t even give us a chance. I admit, it´s a problem being not regarded as a teen band with such a name. If you have created an image first, it is damned hard to fight it. However, this image was never the thought. If you hang around in London, waiting for the big chance and suddenly get a record deal offered, you don´t care about image. You put your strength into your work, into your music. At that point you´re not interested in things like that.“ Well, THE BABYS might consider image care as nonrelevant, record companies usually have a different view...

Fortunately there are those who approach the subject THE BABYS unprejudiced and don´t measure their music to profanatory things like name or outfit only. Ascribed similarities to rock virtuosos like Bad Company or the general opinion that „Isn´t It Time“ brings back the good old Small-Faces-60´s feeling, is, of course, an honour to
THE BABYS, but regarding their statement they go their own, individual way. Wally Stocker says: „It´s a compliment being compared to bands like Free (predecessor of Bad Company), Yardbirds (predecessor of Led Zeppelin) or Humble Pie (successor of Small Faces). But there are enough other songs, that prove our own style. On ‚Isn´t It Time’ you can hear that we vary our stuff and that John is one of the best rock singer of these days.“