Greasy Bear formed in Manchester in 1969 as a folk/rock outfit and were christened "Manchester's answer to The Grateful Dead." Managed by Roger Eagle, the band soon gained a reputation as a tight and eccentric live act due to the on stage antics of C.P. Lee (vocals) and Bruce Mitchell (Drums). Other band members were Ian Wilson (vocals/guitar), Steve Whalley (Guitar) and John Gibson (Bass). In 1970, with a collection of songs penned by Lee and Wilson, Greasy Bear recorded 9 tracks, hoping to secure a deal with the now highly collectable Philips/Vertigo label. They worked with producer Terry Brown,who had recently produced the work of Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick. The deal with Philips fell through and the band soon went their separate ways. C.P. Lee and Bruce Mitchell formed Manchester anarchic-satirical rock band Alberto Y Los Trios Paranoias. Bruce was also the other half of Factory records duo The Durutti Column.