Rolling Home Again

The song Rolling Home Again by Budgie from their 1972 album Squawk is a brief, under-two-minute acoustic gem that stands out amid the band’s heavier tracks. Described as a purely acoustic ballad with vocal harmonies reminiscent of The Beatles, it features delicate electric organ and vibraphone, creating a serene, almost pastoral vibe. According to a review on Rate Your Music, the song’s gentle arrangement and Burke Shelley’s vocals give it a pretty, though not particularly groundbreaking, charm. Fans on Prog Archives have noted its contrast to the album’s proto-metal energy, with one reviewer highlighting the Fender Rhodes keyboard work by Shelley as a subtle highlight. While no specific interviews or social media posts from the band directly address this track, its inclusion on Squawk—an album praised for blending hard rock with lighter interludes—suggests it was a deliberate nod to versatility, possibly inspired by the era’s folk-rock influences.

Budgie formed in Cardiff, Wales, in 1967, founded by bassist and vocalist Burke Shelley, guitarist Tony Bourge, and drummer Ray Phillips. The trio chose the name “Budgie” as an ironic contrast to their thunderous hard rock sound, as a budgerigar is a small, sweet-sounding bird. According to their bio on Last.fm, the band aimed to carve out a niche in the burgeoning heavy metal scene, drawing comparisons to Black Sabbath for their heavy riffs and to Rush for Shelley’s high-pitched vocals. Their debut album, Budgie (1971), laid the groundwork, but it was Squawk (1972) and Never Turn Your Back on a Friend (1973) that solidified their cult status. Despite numerous lineup changes over the decades, Shelley remained the constant, driving the band’s legacy. Budgie’s influence is notable, with bands like Metallica and Iron Maiden citing them as inspiration, though they never achieved mainstream fame.

Tracking down Budgie’s current online presence is a bit tricky, as the band has been less active in recent years following Burke Shelley’s passing in 2022. Their official website, budgieband.com, serves as a hub for discography and historical info but lacks recent updates. Their Facebook page remains active, with fans sharing memories and tributes, especially after Shelley’s death. The band’s Instagram account is sparse but occasionally posts nostalgic photos or album art. On X, the account is similarly quiet, with sporadic posts about reissues or fan events. For fan communities, the Budgie Fan Club on Facebook is a lively space where enthusiasts discuss rare recordings and share concert stories. Another fan-driven site, Prog Archives, hosts detailed reviews and forums for Budgie aficionados, keeping the band’s legacy alive among Zoo Freaks and beyond.