Albums Of The Week: Big Brother And The Holding Company | Live At The Grande Ballroom, Detroit, March 2 1968

THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Big Brother And The Holding Company were formed at the end of 1965.

The initial lineup of the group was Sam Andrew, James Gurley, Peter Albin and Chuck Jones. Jones was replaced by David Getz in early 1966. Janis Joplin joined the group later in 1966. This lineup recorded and performed widely — including this blazing, high-energy performance captured at Detroit’s iconic venue The Grande Ballroom in March 1968. The first two tracks on the LP will already be familiar to fans, as they appeared on the band’s legendary Cheap Thrills album. This version — which first appeared on Record Store Day — is the first official release of the entire concert.

This version of the group split up in December 1968, when Joplin and Andrew left. Andrew, Gurley, Albin and Getz reformed the band in late 1969 with new members Nick Gravenites, Dave Schallock and McDonald said. This version of the group split up in 1972. Andrew, Gurley, Albin and Getz reformed the band again 1987 since when the group has continued to perform with various lineups to the present day.”