Ya Ya (originally known as "The Lea Hart Band") was founded by the original band's namesake, who had previously been the frontman for "The Roll Ups" in the United Kingdom. As a solo artist previous to that, Hart had supported Judas Priest on their 1978 British tour. Ya Ya, feautred guitarist Ray Callcut, as well as ex-Panache members, Terry Stevens and Graham Garrett, on bass and drums respectively. This band was formed out of The Lea Hart Band, which opted for a name change following a tour of India and the far east.