“Having Tommy Bolin play on my songs was a compliment, but artistically it ruined it for me. It led to a lot of conflict”: Moxy’s Earl Johnson lost control of his band as they tracked their debut album. After decades away, he might have got it back

Earl Johnson in 2025 and Tommy Bolin in 1975.

Born in a blue-collar region of Canada, Earl Johnson dreamed of more than working in a steel mill. His dream came true with Moxy, whose 1976 self-titled debut album has gained a cult following over the years.

Despite being the primary songwriter and lead guitarist, he only played lead on two tracks, with Tommy Bolin appearing on the remaining six. When it happened Johnson wasn’t happy – but time healed his wounds. “Tommy Bolin played on my songs,” he says. “That’s not such a bad thing!”