WIDOWMAKER too late to cry GP-546

Hard Rock Supergroup Legacy: Widowmaker ‘Too Late To Cry’ Japanese Promo (GP-546)

This 1977 release represents the second and final studio album by the British hard rock group Widowmaker. Released in Japan on the United Artists Records label (in association with Jet Records) and manufactured by King Record Co. Ltd, the album features a lineup of seasoned musicians including Ariel Bender (ex Mott the Hoople), Huw Lloyd-Langton (Hawkwind), and Bob Daisley (later of Rainbow and Ozzy Osbourne). Recorded at the legendary Olympic Studios and produced by Chris Kimsey, Too Late To Cry captures a refined yet powerful hard rock sound that blends bluesy undertones with the technical proficiency of its members.

Rare White Label Promo Specifications

This specific copy is a highly prized promotional issue, distinguished by its white labels—a classic characteristic of Japanese promo pressings from the 1970s. These labels typically feature the Japanese characters for “Sample” (見本盤) to indicate its status as a non-retail item intended for radio stations and music critics. Promotional copies from this era are particularly sought after by collectors for their historical significance and the fact that they were often sourced from the earliest available stampers, ensuring a high level of audio fidelity.

High Fidelity Production and Historical Context

The production of this LP reflects the premium manufacturing standards of King Record Co. Ltd, known for producing quiet vinyl surfaces and dynamic soundscapes. The album serves as an important bridge in the careers of its members, particularly Bob Daisley and Huw Lloyd-Langton, before they moved on to define other major acts in the rock world. This Japanese edition, with its specific catalog number GP-546, remains a definitive way to experience the band’s sophisticated approach to the hard rock genre during the late 1970s.