There is more than one band/artist using the name Wally. One may be a French comedian (?) — and one is a UK band. There is also a rapper from Portlaoise, co. Laois, Republic Of Ireland called Wally.

Led by singer songwriter Roy Webber, Wally came out of Harrogate, England in the early 70s and after playing the usual northern pub rock circuit that included venues in Manchester, Harrogate, Leeds, Bradford, they entered a Melody Maker competition and made it through to the finals at London's Roundhouse in 1972. They didn't win with that honour going to a Prog Rock band named Druid.

They caught the eye of one of the judges, Bob Harris of The Old Grey Whistle Test fame. He took the band under his wing and obtained a recording contract with Atlantic Records. Their debut album, Wally, was produced by Bob Harris and Rick Wakeman and released in 1974.
After its release the band, managed by Brian Lane, famous for managing Yes, took off on a series of tours that took in most of Britain, Japan and the USA. Before their second album, Valley Gardens, was recorded they changed keyboard players with Nick Glennie‑Smith replacing Paul Gerrett. However by now touring had taken its toll and by 1976 the band had begun to fall apart to eventually split sometime around 1976–78.

Wally made an appearance on The Old Grey Whistle Test in 1974.


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