Pete writes:
I've been in the music biz now since 1966, as lyricist, singer and producer.
Included in this event are many musicians I've met along the way, both new and old. They're all people whose talents I love, and have been involved with creatively.The leaders will be supported by many of my favourite players.
ARTHUR BROWN
He has been a significant influence on a wide range of musicians due to his operatic vocal style, wild stage persona and concepts. He is considered a pioneer of shock rock and progressive rock and influential on heavy metal music.
Brown has been lead singer of various groups, most notably the Crazy World of Arthur Brown and Kingdom Come, followed by a varied solo career. Including associations with Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Frank Zappa, Hawkwind, Klaus Schultze, Alice Cooper. A cameo appearance in the cult film “Tommy”, his dramatic vocals backed by Eric Clapton and The Who. A vast amount of collaborations, including The Alan Parsons Project first album, The Stranglers and The Prodigy to name a few.
He is best known for his 1968 single “Fire”, reaching number 1 in the UK singles chart and Canada, and a number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The album “The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown” enjoyed top ten success on both sides of the Atlantic. Following the success of the single “Fire”, the press would often refer to Brown as “The God of Hellfire”, in reference to the opening shouted line of the song, a moniker that exists to this day.
Arthur’s connection with Soul music goes way back to the beginnings of his professional career. He shared the lead vocal spot and did duets with Clem Curtis in the foundations. He left them to concentrate on “The crazy World of Arthur Brown”. Six months later, The Foundations had a massive international hit with “Baby now that I’ve found you”. Never mind - A year later Arthur was No 1 in the charts.
But one of his true musical loves will always remain Soul music – He sang the hits of the greats in that style, James Brown, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Wilson Picket, and Ray Charles to name a few, and wrote some of his own.
Arthur and his extensive back catalogue are signed to Cherry Red Records. 2020 Saw Arthur sign to Prophecy records and a unique new album and art box set is due for release this year 2021. A fun and entertaining album will also be released with Cleopatra records. As you see – Arthur shows no signs of stopping or slowing down. Or for that matter conforming.
Regarding performance – 2021/2, sees the launch of his new multi- media show “A Human Perspective”. It encompasses his iconic tracks, dance, poetry, visuals and a subliminal soundtrack of new electronic music. Plus, as is now expected, costume and theatricality, he so uniquely owns, in his own style. His travels through life, reflections…A unique, yet universal story of life, being human, in this ‘Crazy World”. What it was that ‘The God of Hellfire’ was truly trying to represent is imaginatively, but clearly shown. However, the over-riding theme aims to get to the heart of the matter…..life, love and being human.
MALCOLM BRUCE is the son of Jack, with whom I wrote for 48 years. I knew him as a baby! Inheriting his father's talents, he is one of the most versatile musicians I know. Like his father, he is also a great composer. We've worked together a lot, including on the Cream Acoustic project, on which he either plays bass, guitar or piano on every track. He has toured in the US a lot and also worked there as a recording engineer.
