CHAMPION evolved out of ROUGH DIAMOND, the act fronted by ex-URIAH HEEP singer DAVID BYRON, indeed CHAMPION is comprised of the same personnel excepting vocalist Garry Bell. Before CHAMPION fell apart drummer Geoff Britton had been replaced by Jeff Rich, latterly of STATUS QUO.

ROUGH DIAMOND and CHAMPION guitarist Clem Clempson had come to the fore with BAKERLOO, COLOSSEUM and HUMBLE PIE. There were even moves to get him in as a possible replacement for TOMMY BOLIN in DEEP PURPLE such was his reputation. Immediately after CHAMPION Clempson joined the last incarnation of SNAFU. He is now back with COLOSSEUM.