Created in 1973 by Chris "C.P." Lee, with Jimmy Hibbert (vocals, bass) and Bob Harding (vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards), the comedy sketch outfit became a musical group in 1974 and was joined by drummer Bruce Mitchell (drums), with Les Prior (vocals), Simon White (steel guitar, guitar) and Tony Bowers (vocals, bass, guitar). They became a popular support act, supporting Hawkwind on their 1975 tour. The group mercilessly parodied the major rock names of the 1970s – "Anadin" was a sendup of Lou Reed's "Heroin". By 1976 they were topping the bill in their own right and were supported by such acts as The Police, The Cure, The Stranglers and Blondie. As with many comedy ensembles, the Albertos belied their comic aspirations by their exemplary musicianship, and they released four albums and a variety of spoof discs, culminating in the musical play, "Snuff Rock".