Paper money
Warner Bros. Records released Paper Money on the 11th of October 1974. This second studio album marked a turning point for the American hard rock band Montrose. Ted Templeman served as producer, bringing his experience to the sessions. The record became the group's final project with original vocalist Sammy Hagar. New bass player Alan Fitzgerald joined the lineup replacing Bill Church. Fitzgerald brought synthesizer skills to the mix alongside his bass playing. The production team worked within Warner Bros. Records distribution network. Templeman guided the sound while Montrose handled guitar duties.
Paper Money reached number 65 on the Billboard 200 chart in 1974. This peak position made it the band's highest-charting release at that time. Television appearances helped promote sales during the fall season. The Midnight Special show featured live performances of two key tracks. Montrose played "Paper Money" and "I Got the Fire" for national audiences. These broadcasts aimed to boost visibility after the October release date. Critics noted the energy in their television sets compared to studio recordings. Sales figures remained modest despite the chart success. The promotional push did not prevent internal tensions from growing later.
Acrimony between Ronnie Montrose and Sammy Hagar peaked during a European tour. The band traveled across Europe to promote Paper Money throughout late 1974 and early 1975. Arguments escalated until Hagar parted ways with the group in early February 1975. Bob James replaced Hagar as vocalist following the split. The touring schedule intensified existing conflicts among members. No reconciliation occurred before the departure decision was finalized. Montrose continued recording without his former singer. The lineup change marked the end of an era for the original formation.
Ronnie Montrose handled guitar duties while also producing the album. Alan Fitzgerald played bass and added synthesizer textures to several songs. Denny Carmassi provided drums and backing vocals on most tracks. Mark Jordan contributed piano specifically on the song Connection. Nick DeCaro played mellotron on We're Going Home. Charles Faris created special effects for the final mix. These musicians appeared in liner notes alongside main performers. Additional session players filled gaps where needed. The instrumentation combined hard rock elements with studio experimentation. Each member brought distinct skills to the recording process.
Rhino Entertainment released a Deluxe Edition on the 13th of October 2017. This reissue included previously unreleased recordings from a radio session. The bonus disc featured material recorded at KSAN radio studios. Those sessions took place inside the Record Plant facility in Sausalito, California. The specific date of that broadcast was the 26th of December 1974. Listeners heard early versions of songs before official release. The expanded package preserved historical audio quality from the mid-1970s. Rhino's decision honored the band's legacy decades later. Fans gained access to rare performances never available commercially before.
Common questions
When did Warner Bros. Records release the Montrose album Paper Money?
Warner Bros. Records released the Montrose album Paper Money on the 11th of October 1974.
Who replaced Sammy Hagar as vocalist for Montrose after the split in early February 1975?
Bob James replaced Sammy Hagar as vocalist for Montrose following the split that occurred in early February 1975.
What was the peak chart position of Paper Money on the Billboard 200 in 1974?
Paper Money reached number 65 on the Billboard 200 chart in 1974, making it the band's highest-charting release at that time.
Where were the bonus recordings for the Rhino Entertainment Deluxe Edition recorded on the 26th of December 1974?
The bonus recordings for the Rhino Entertainment Deluxe Edition were recorded inside the Record Plant facility in Sausalito, California during a radio session at KSAN studios.