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The Fleur de Lys
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The Fleur de Lys (initially Les Fleur de Lys [sic]) were a British band originally formed in late 1964, in Southampton, Hampshire, England.
Key Information
History
[edit]They recorded singles beginning in 1965 in the transitional Beat to psychedelic music genre, later known as freakbeat. The band had varied line-ups; only drummer Keith Guster was a member throughout their history.[1] The band disbanded in 1969.
Fleur de Lys were managed by Atlantic Records' Frank Fenter, who had also discovered Sharon Tandy, one of few white artists to record for Stax Records. Sweet Feeling's manager Howard Conder recruited the band to record the song "Reflections of Charles Brown", under the name Rupert's People.[1][2] This single, heavily reminiscent of Procol Harum's "A Whiter Shade of Pale", failed to chart (except in Australia where it reached No. 13 in August 1967) despite receiving airplay but became a collectable item according to Record Collector Magazine (Issue c. 1992). The band recorded a B-side, "Hold On" which was their last work with Conder.[2]
Jimmy Page produced their first single (and wrote the b-side). Glyn Johns produced their second release "Circles". In 1966 Chas Chandler added Jimi Hendrix to "Amen", a song they had recorded in London. They are featured on Hip Young Guitar Slinger and other reissues of 1960s British rock. A compilation of their work was issued in 1996 under the name Reflections.
They backed John Bromley on his only album.
Keyboardist Pete Sears went on to play with Sam Gopal Dream, and recorded on four early Rod Stewart albums including Every Picture Tells a Story, and was a founding member of Jefferson Starship, going on to play with Hot Tuna for 10 years, and working with artists such as John Lee Hooker, Dr. John, and Harvey Mandel. Bassist Gordon Haskell replaced Greg Lake in King Crimson before a successful solo career. Guitarist Bryn Haworth would move to the States and record an unreleased album under the name Wolfgang with a band that included acclaimed bassist Leland Sklar. He would record solo albums in the 1970s for Island Records and A&M Records, before continuing his solo career on Contemporary Christian Music labels.
Discography
[edit]Singles
[edit]- 1965 - "Moondreams" (Norman Petty) / "Wait For Me" (Jimmy Page) - (Immediate IM 20, as Les Fleur De Lys)
- 1966 - "Circles" (Townshend) / "So Come On" - (Immediate IM 32, as The Fleur De Lys)
- 1966 - "Mud in Your Eye" / "I've Been Trying" (Mayfield) - (Polydor 56124)
- 1967 - "I Can See a Light" / "Prodigal Son" - (Polydor 56200)
- 1968 - "Gong With the Luminous Nose" (Haskell) / "Hammer Head" (Haskell) - (Polydor 56251)
- 1968 - "Stop Crossing the Bridge" (Dee, Potter) / "Brick by Brick (Stone by Stone)" (Dee, Potter) - (Atlantic 584 193)
- 1969 - "(You're Just A) Liar" (Haworth, Potter) / "One Girl City" - (Atlantic 584 243)
Compilation albums
[edit]- 1991 - Les Fleurs de Lys (FDL 1005)
- 1996 - Reflections (Blueprint/Voiceprint BP256CD)
- 2013 - You've Got To Earn It (Acid Jazz Records AJX 324)
EPs
[edit]- 2009 - The Two Sides of the Fleur De Lys EP (Acid Jazz AJX225S)
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Les Fleur de Lys Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 14 October 2010.
- ^ a b "Rupert's People Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 14 October 2010.
Further reading
[edit]- Paul Anderson, Damian Jones: Circles: The Strange Story of the "Fleur De Lys", Britain's Forgotten Soul Band (Published November 16, 2009 by Acid Jazz Books) ISBN 0-9523935-1-4
External links
[edit]- Keith Gusters' (Fleur de Lys' Drummer) website with full personal historical account, pictures and videos
- Video clip of Fleur de Lys backing Sharon Tandy at the Speakeasy Club in London 1967.
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The Fleur de Lys
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
The Fleur de Lys (initially Les Fleur de Lys) were a British psychedelic rock and freakbeat band formed in late 1964 in Southampton, Hampshire, England.[1] Active until 1969, they released a series of singles through labels like Immediate Records but no full-length studio album during their existence, though retrospective compilations such as Reflections 1965–1969 (1996) have preserved their work.[2] The band underwent frequent lineup changes, with drummer Keith Guster as the sole constant member; original lineup included Frank Smith (guitar/vocals), Alex Chamberlain (keyboards), and Danny Churchill (bass).[2] Known for their energetic mod-psych sound and session contributions backing artists like Sharon Tandy, members later pursued careers in prominent groups including King Crimson and Jefferson Starship.[3]
History
Formation and early years
The Fleur de Lys, initially known as Les Fleur de Lys, were formed in late 1964 in Southampton, Hampshire, England, emerging from the local beat music scene as a quartet of young musicians seeking to capitalize on the burgeoning British Invasion sound.[4][1] The original lineup consisted of Frank Smith on guitar and vocals, Danny Churchill on bass, Alex Chamberlain on organ, and Keith Guster on drums, with the group drawing initial inspiration from rhythm and blues and early rock influences prevalent in the region's club circuit.[4][5] By early 1965, the band had attracted attention from industry figures, leading to their signing with Immediate Records, the independent label founded by Tony Calder and Andrew Loog Oldham, after a standout performance at a London venue.[1][6] Under Calder's early management guidance, they recorded their debut single in September 1965 at Regent Sound Studios, produced by a then-session guitarist Jimmy Page.[1] The release, "Moondreams" b/w "Wait for Me," arrived in November 1965 on Immediate (IM 020), featuring a cover of Buddy Holly's "Moondreams" on the A-side and Page's original composition on the B-side; it marked their entry into the competitive singles market but achieved modest chart impact.[7][1] The band's early sound began shifting from straightforward beat to the more experimental freakbeat style, incorporating sharper guitar riffs and organ-driven energy that aligned with emerging mod aesthetics.[4] This evolution was evident in their live shows, which gained traction in the UK mod scene through regional tours; they performed at venues like the Royal Pier in Southampton (December 1964), the California Ballroom in Dunstable (March 1965, supporting The Searchers), and the Dreamland Ballroom in Margate (June 1965, with The Hollies), building a dedicated following among sharp-dressed youth crowds before expanding to London spots like the Marquee Club.[4] These performances up to 1966 solidified their reputation as a dynamic live act, laying groundwork for further stylistic explorations into psychedelic rock.[8]Mid-period activity and lineup shifts
In 1967, The Fleur de Lys signed with Polydor Records, where they continued releasing singles, and became the first British band contracted to Atlantic Records, edging out Led Zeppelin for the distinction.[1][9] This deal positioned them as a house band for both labels, enabling extensive session work and a shift toward more experimental sounds.[1] The band's mid-period output included key singles that highlighted their evolving style. Their 1966 cover of The Who's "Circles," released on Immediate Records and produced by Glyn Johns, captured a raw, psychedelic edge with contributions from new members.[10] In 1967, they followed with "I Can See a Light" b/w "Prodigal Son" on Polydor, showcasing tighter arrangements and influences from the burgeoning psychedelic scene.[5] These tracks reflected the group's experimentation with distorted guitars, organ swells, and modal structures, produced under Johns' guidance to emphasize atmospheric depth.[1] A notable side project that year involved recording under the pseudonym Rupert's People for manager Howard Conder. The band cut "Reflections of Charles Brown," a psychedelic reworking of a song originally intended for another act, which was released on Columbia and reached No. 13 on the Australian charts in August 1967.[11][12] Lineup shifts during this era brought fresh energy to their sound. Bassist Gordon Haskell joined in early 1967, replacing Danny Churchill and adding a melodic flair drawn from his prior work with The Dowlands; he contributed to sessions like "Circles" and subsequent Polydor tracks.[1] Guitarist Phil Sawyer also integrated in 1966, bringing songwriting prowess—he co-wrote material such as "Mud in Your Eye" and infused the band's live sets with sharper riffs—before departing for The Shotgun Express.[1][4] Vocalist Sharon Tandy joined in mid-1967. These additions stabilized the core alongside drummer Keith Guster, fostering a period of heightened creativity amid frequent touring.[1] The Fleur de Lys embraced psychedelic experimentation through production techniques and collaborations, often under Glyn Johns, who layered reverb and feedback to evoke the era's countercultural vibe.[1] Their tours across the UK club circuit included backing gigs for artists like John Bromley in 1967, providing instrumental support on his early recordings and live performances that blended mod energy with emerging psych elements.[13] These activities solidified their reputation as versatile session players during 1967–1968.[8]Disbandment and final recordings
By 1968, the Fleur de Lys had undergone significant lineup instability, culminating in the addition of guitarist Bryn Haworth to the core group featuring drummer Keith Guster—the band's only constant member from its formation in 1964—and bassist Tago Byers.[1] Earlier shifts had seen contributions from multi-instrumentalist Pete Sears, who played bass and keyboards during mid-1960s lineups before departing amid reliability concerns.[6] Haworth's arrival brought a fresh blues-inflected edge to their psychedelic sound, evident in sessions that produced some of their final output. The band also provided backing for Donnie Elbert's recordings that year.[14] The band's last singles reflected this transitional phase, with "Stop Crossing the Bridge"/"Brick by Brick" released in 1968 on Atlantic Records, followed by "(You're Just a) Liar"/"One City Girl" in 1969, marking their final commercial efforts.[5] These tracks built on the experimental mod-psych style of mid-period releases like "Circles" (1966), incorporating heavier guitar work and introspective lyrics amid growing commercial frustrations.[2] Despite recording additional material, including potential album tracks, the group never issued a full studio LP during its active years, leaving much of their output as singles or session work.[1] Internal conflicts accelerated the decline, particularly vocalist Sharon Tandy's struggles with drug addiction, which led to frequent gig cancellations and strained relationships within the band.[1] Guster later recalled Haworth's growing disillusionment after singles like "Two Can Make It Together" (1968) failed to chart, exacerbating tensions: "Bryn started getting disillusioned about things... She [Tandy] was also letting us down on gigs, sometimes minutes before we were due on."[1] Management issues compounded these problems, as Atlantic Records pushed aggressive changes.[1] The Fleur de Lys disbanded in 1969 following a series of failed attempts to stabilize. Haworth departed on July 23 to join the American band Silver Metre, prompted by the ongoing chaos.[1] Brief efforts to reform with guitarist Graham Maitland faltered when bassist Byers quit due to exhaustion from relentless touring across the UK and Europe.[1] Unreleased recordings from this period, possibly intended for a debut album, remain archived, with Guster noting that collector Damian Jones believes some tapes are "locked away in a country mansion up in Scotland somewhere."[1] This lack of a cohesive album release underscored the band's unrealized potential, closing a chapter defined by prolific session work but elusive mainstream success.[8]Musical style and session work
Core style and influences
The Fleur de Lys's primary genres encompassed psychedelic rock and freakbeat, drawing from mod roots and incorporating elements of R&B and soul music.[15][16] Their sound evolved within the British mod-psychedelic scene of the mid-1960s, blending energetic rhythms with emerging experimental tendencies that characterized the transitional period from beat to psychedelia.[17] This stylistic foundation positioned them as a dynamic act in the freakbeat movement, where soul-infused grooves met innovative rock structures.[16] Signature elements of their music included harmonic vocal arrangements, an organ-driven sound, and distorted guitar lines that added a layer of intensity and sparkle.[15][16] Tracks often featured gutsy, blue-eyed soul vocals alongside unusual tune constructions that fused soul and psychedelia, creating a distinctive mod-psych identity.[15][16] Experimental production played a key role, with producer Jimmy Page contributing to several Immediate Records singles, emphasizing fluid yet slightly crazed guitar work and overall sonic innovation.[16] Key influences on the band included The Who, reflected in their 1966 cover of "Circles," which showcased pounding mod guitar and a thudding, malign edge akin to the mod rock pioneers.[15][16][18] The group's evolution traced a clear progression: starting with straightforward R&B and soul standards in their early setlists around 1964-1965, they shifted toward trippy, effects-heavy psychedelic tracks by 1966-1967, incorporating psych elements like wild distorted solos and organ-drenched arrangements.[15] By 1969, their style had leaned further into club soul, marking a maturation influenced by lineup changes and the broader psychedelic landscape.[15] Production techniques highlighted the band's experimental ethos, utilizing studio effects, multi-tracking, and demo-style recordings to achieve a raw yet layered sound in singles such as "Circles" and "Hold On."[16][15] These methods, overseen by figures like Page, amplified their freakbeat energy into more immersive psychedelic experiences, distinguishing them within the era's mod-psych continuum.[16]Notable session contributions
In 1967, The Fleur de Lys were hired by Atlantic Records as a full-time session band, providing backing for various artists and contributing to recordings across genres including soul and psychedelia.[1] This role showcased their versatility, stemming from their foundational psychedelic style, as they supported high-profile acts like Sharon Tandy, Aretha Franklin, and Isaac Hayes during tours and studio sessions.[19] Their uncredited contributions to numerous tracks in the UK psychedelic scene further amplified their influence, often blending mod and freakbeat elements into other artists' work without formal billing.[9] A key example of their session prowess was backing John Bromley on his 1969 album Sing, where they provided instrumentation for tracks emphasizing pop-sike arrangements, including the soul-inflected "Melody Fayre."[13] Production involvement added to their legacy; Jimmy Page produced their debut single "Moondreams" b/w "Wait for Me" in 1965, while Glyn Johns handled their follow-up "Circles" b/w "You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby" in 1966, both releases highlighting their tight rhythm section and harmonic adaptability.[10] Additionally, in 1966, Jimi Hendrix contributed guitar overdubs to their unreleased cover of The Impressions' "Amen," arranged by Chas Chandler shortly after Hendrix's arrival in the UK.[20] The band also operated under pseudonyms for session projects, most notably as Rupert's People for the 1967 single "Reflections of Charles Brown" b/w "Hold On," a psychedelic reworking that achieved moderate success in Europe and became a cult favorite in the UK psych underground.[21] This track, originally derived from band member material, demonstrated their ability to elevate external compositions through layered organ and guitar effects, underscoring their broader impact on the era's experimental sound.[22]Band members
Original and core lineup
The Fleur de Lys were formed in late 1964 in Southampton, England, initially as Les Fleur de Lys, by a group of local musicians assembled by manager Dave Jay to capitalize on the burgeoning British beat scene. The original lineup featured Keith Guster on drums, Frank Smith on guitar and lead vocals, Danny Churchill on bass and backing vocals, and Alex Chamberlain on organ, establishing the band's early mod-influenced sound through covers of R&B and pop material at local venues.[4][8][9] This core group recorded the band's debut single, "Moondreams" b/w "Wait for Me," released on Immediate Records in 1965 and produced by a young Jimmy Page, marking their transition from regional gigs to label-backed releases.[1][5] Keith Guster, a Southampton native born in the area, was the band's founding drummer and its only constant member, spanning their entire active period from 1964 to 1969. As the rhythmic anchor, Guster provided stability amid frequent lineup changes and contributed to the driving beat that underpinned the group's energetic performances and recordings, including the debut single where his precise drumming supported the track's upbeat tempo.[1][4][23] Frank Smith served as guitarist and lead vocalist from 1964 to 1966, emerging as the primary songwriter during the band's formative phase. His compositions, such as co-authoring the B-side "Wait for Me" with Danny Churchill for the debut single, added original flair to their setlists, blending soulful melodies with the group's beat roots and helping secure their Immediate deal after standout live shows.[1][24][23] Danny Churchill handled bass and backing vocals from 1964 to 1966, with family ties to later bassist Gary Churchill who joined in subsequent phases. His solid low-end playing and vocal harmonies were integral to the original quartet's cohesive sound on early recordings like "Moondreams," where he also co-wrote the flip side, reflecting the collaborative creativity within the group during their Southampton origins.[4][1][5] Alex Chamberlain played organ from 1964 to 1966, his Hammond contributions central to the band's distinctive early freakbeat texture that fused mod energy with psychedelic edges in live sets and the debut single. Chamberlain's keyboard work, drawing from R&B influences, elevated tracks like "Moondreams" with swirling, atmospheric layers that set the Fleur de Lys apart in the competitive 1960s British scene.[25][23][1]Later and guest members
In the later years of The Fleur de Lys, spanning 1966 to 1969, the band underwent significant lineup transitions that introduced new members and guests, shaping their shift toward psychedelic and blues-infused sounds while supporting their final recordings on labels like Polydor and Atlantic. Building briefly on the original core of Frank Smith, Danny Churchill, Alex Chamberlain, and Keith Guster, these additions emphasized sporadic contributions during a period of instability.[26] Gordon Haskell joined as bassist and vocalist in 1966, forming part of the Mk4 lineup and contributing to the single "Circles / So Come On," as well as pseudonym-based recordings under Rupert’s People, including the 1967 track "Hold On." His tenure through 1968 added harmonic depth to the band's evolving mod-psych style before his departure for other commitments.[26][1] Phil Sawyer arrived on guitar in 1966, injecting a psychedelic edge into the band's sound; he co-wrote and performed on the 1966 Polydor single "Mud In Your Eye / I've Been Trying," with his contributions helping bridge their earlier beat influences to more experimental territory.[1][26] Pete Sears served as bassist and keyboardist from 1967 to early 1968, integral to the Mk5 lineup alongside Haskell and Sawyer; he participated in sessions for "Mud In Your Eye" and remained involved in the band's activities leading into their final Atlantic recordings before exiting in May 1968 to join Sam Gopal's Dream.[26][9] Bryn Haworth joined on guitar in 1967, bringing prominent blues influences to the band's late-period tracks; as part of the Mk6 and Mk7 lineups, he provided lead vocals and guitar for the 1967 Polydor single "I Can See the Light / Prodigal Son" and contributed to 1967 releases like "Hold On / Daughter of the Sun" with Sharon Tandy.[26][19] Guest contributors further enriched these years, with Chris Andrews (also known as Tim Andrews or Kris Ryder) providing guitar and vocals for the 1967 Rupert’s People single "Reflections of Charles Brown / Hold On," adding a distinctive frontman presence during transitional sessions.[5] Following Haskell's exit, Tago Byers stepped in on bass around 1968, supporting the band's final efforts, while Tony Head joined as a guest vocalist; together, they appeared on the 1969 Atlantic singles "Liar / One Girl City" and the collaborative "Two Can Make It Together" with Sharon Tandy, marking the group's concluding commercial output.[1][27]Discography
Singles
The Fleur de Lys released a series of singles between 1965 and 1969 on labels including Immediate, Polydor, and Atlantic, often showcasing their mod and psychedelic influences through covers and originals, though none achieved significant commercial success in the UK despite radio play on pirate stations. These recordings, produced in part by Jimmy Page for the early Immediate releases, highlighted the band's evolving lineup and session contributions, with no full-length albums issued during their active period. Several tracks were later included in retrospective compilations.[28] The band's singles under their name and pseudonyms are detailed below:| Year | A-Side | B-Side | Label | Catalog Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Moondreams | Wait For Me | Immediate | IM 020 | Cover of Buddy Holly track; B-side written and produced by Jimmy Page.[7][29] |
| 1966 | Circles | So Come On | Immediate | IM 032 | Cover of The Who song; produced by Jimmy Page; popular on pirate radio but did not chart in the UK.[28][30][31] |
| 1966 | Mud In Your Eye | I've Been Trying | Polydor | NH 56124 | Original material; limited airplay, no UK chart entry.[28][32] |
| 1967 | I Can See A Light | Prodigal Son | Polydor | NH 56200 | Psychedelic-leaning single; no notable chart performance.[28] |
| 1967 | Reflections of Charles Brown | Hold On | Columbia | DB 8226 | Released as Rupert's People (band pseudonym); reached No. 13 on Australian charts.[28][33] |
| 1967 | Tick Tock | That's a Hoe Down | Polydor | NH 56202 | Released as Shyster (band pseudonym); experimental sound, no charts.[28] |
| 1968 | Gong With The Luminous Nose | Hammer Head | Polydor | NH 56251 | Freakbeat style; failed to chart.[28] |
| 1968 | Stop Crossing The Bridge | Brick By Brick (Stone by Stone) | Atlantic | 584 193 | Atlantic debut; limited success.[28] |
| 1968 | Butchers and Bakers | I Forgive You | Atlantic | 584 207 | Released as Chocolate Frog (band pseudonym); no chart entry.[28] |
| 1969 | (You're Just A) Liar | One Girl City | Atlantic | 584 243 | Final single, released February 1969; did not chart.[28] |
Compilation albums
The Fleur de Lys, active primarily in the 1960s, saw their material compiled in retrospective albums following their disbandment in 1969, drawing from their singles and session work to highlight their contributions to freakbeat and psychedelic rock. These compilations emerged during the 1990s resurgence of interest in British mod and psych scenes, often remastering rare tracks for modern audiences and including contributions from related projects like Rupert's People.[34] One early effort was Les Fleurs de Lys (1991, FDL 1005), a vinyl compilation focusing on the band's initial singles from their formative years, such as "Circles" and "Moondreams," presented without official label backing but capturing their raw R&B-inflected sound. This release, though unofficial in distribution, contributed to the underground revival of 1960s psych obscurities by making early cuts accessible to collectors.[35] Reflections (1996, Blueprint/Voiceprint BP256CD) offered a broader retrospective spanning 1965–1969, compiling 24 tracks including core Fleur de Lys singles like "Mud in Your Eye" and "Gong with the Luminous Nose," alongside session contributions such as Sharon Tandy's "Hold On" and Rupert's People's "Reflections of Charlie Brown." Issued on CD with no explicit remastering notes, it emphasized the band's versatility in backing other artists and played a key role in the 1990s wave of psych reissues, introducing their work to new listeners through its inclusive curation of affiliated material.[12][34] Acid Jazz Records spearheaded more polished later compilations, beginning with You've Got to Earn It (2013, Acid Jazz AJXLP324 / AJXCD324), a 18-track collection centered on the band's singles era, featuring highlights like "Daughter of the Sun" and "Liar" alongside the title track, all remastered for vinyl and CD formats to underscore their soulful mod roots. This album marked the label's commitment to the band's legacy, reviving interest through high-fidelity audio and liner notes from surviving member Keith Guster.[36][37] I Can See the Light: The Fleur De Lys Singles Box Set (2017, Acid Jazz AJX388B) is a limited-edition 7x7-inch box set compiling 14 tracks from the band's early singles, including "Moondreams," "Circles," and "Mud in Your Eye," presented as individual 7" replicas for collectors.[38] The most comprehensive to date, Circles: The Ultimate Fleur de Lys (2021, Acid Jazz / Countdown Records), expands to 25 tracks across double vinyl and CD, encompassing over 50 minutes of material from Immediate, Polydor, and Atlantic singles, with exemplars including "Prodigal Son," "One Girl City," and remastered rarities like "I've Been Trying." Produced in collaboration with Guster and featuring previously unreleased photos, it serves as a definitive overview, further fueling the band's cult status in the ongoing psych revival by highlighting their evolution from R&B to psychedelia in high-resolution 16-bit/44.1kHz audio.[39][40]EPs
The Fleur de Lys did not release any original EPs during their active period from 1964 to 1969, with their output consisting primarily of singles and session contributions. Their EP releases are limited to retrospective compilations drawing from 1960s material, reflecting renewed interest in the band's mod and psychedelic-adjacent sound.[5] In 2009, Acid Jazz Records issued The Two Sides of the Fleur de Lys as a 7-inch vinyl EP in their Rare Mod Series, a limited-edition archival release featuring four tracks from the band's early demos and live performances.[41] This EP highlights rare versions of songs originally associated with their singles, such as the Pete Townshend-composed "Circles," captured live in Southampton in 1966.[41] The tracklist comprises:- A1: "Gotta Get Enough Time (Demo)" (featuring Sharon Tandy)
- A2: "Yeah, I Do Love You (Demo)"
- B1: "Wait For Me"
- B2: "Circles (Live, Southampton - 1966)" [41]