The term ‘Gravy Train’ by definition is Northern Slang for –‘An occupation or other source of income that requires little effort while yielding considerable profit’. As regards the closely related term ‘ to ride the gravy train’, it is said to be of American origin, but it did not reach common usage in the UK until the middle 1970s.

  Ironically, the band of the same name Gravy Train also emerged in the early to middle 1970s. While they garnered a commendable live reputation on the British Progressive Rock scene and recorded four albums, their success rate did not befit their choice of name. ‘The Past Times book of Slang’ refers to the Gravy Train as being ‘Synonymous with easy money –especially from a well paid but undemanding job in politics, commerce or industry’, it is true to say that the band of the same name never quite equaled the fate of their illustrious moniker.

  While they did not break the bank commercially, Gravy Train gathered a considerable following among British Progressive Rock audiences with incendiary live performances. Gravy Train recorded four albums their debut ‘Gravy Train’ from 1970 and its follow up effort ‘Ballad of A Simple Man’ emerged on Vertigo, while a switch to Dawn Records yielded two further albums ‘Second Birth’ and ‘Staircase to the Day’. Musically Gravy Train played melodic Progressive rock with the accent on hard rock riffing alternating with quieter moments with the flute high in the mix topped with solid personable vocals from singer/guitarist/chief songwriter Norman Barratt. Gravy Train eventually foundered in 1975 through a combination of bad luck, poor business decisions and lack of success. So much for quick fame and easy riches!

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Gravy Train on Progarchives