RPM45

We’re going back to the heyday of the 45 rpm record -- the little records with the big holes.We’re talking about the '60s '70s and '80s. We'll talk to some of the artists that had big hits back then.

All Episodes

RPM45

Philip Wright of Paper Lace

January 13, 2021 • Philip Wright of Paper Lace • Season 1 • Episode 30

Philip Wright is lead singer and drummer of Paper Lace – famous for its 1974 #1 hit “The Night Chicago Died.” But right before then, Paper Lace had another #1 hit– “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” -- in the U.K. and Australia. (It was covered by Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods here.)

In this episode, we talk with Phil about...

How he and Paper Lace got started.
The band's big break on the TV show "Opportunity Knocks," which led to...
Connecting with the hit songwriting team of Mitch Murray and Peter Callander, which led to...
The band's big hits "Billy Don't Be a Hero" and "The Night Chicago Died."
Chicago Mayor Daley's negative reaction to the song (and the band).
What happened after the hits.
What he's up to now, including membership in three bands!