BIOGRAPHY
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VELVETT FOGG
were formed in 1968 out of a respectable Brum band called Gravy Train. They were fronted by soul singer Ernie Handy and the guitarist at that time was the now late Bob Hewitt. The other band members were drummer Graham Mullett, bass guitarist Mick Pollard, and Londoner Frank Wilson who played Hammond organ. The band were soon off to Germany where they spent most of the year playing at army bases and clubs. Their exciting stage act included a light show and a go-go dancer (who later married Ernie). |
Upon returning to Birmingham, the band, now managed by an agency
called Inter City Artists, was given a record deal
by Jack Dorsey of Pye Records.
Jack Dorsey also produced a band called 'Young Blood' who were friends of Velvett Fogg
and according to Mac Poole a member of that band
it was them who recommended the Fogg to Jack Dorsey
At this time it seemed that the more unusual or controversial a band was,
then the greater chance there would be for success in the record business.
The record label was looking to sign unusual "underground" acts
and Velvett Fogg were told to, in Jack Dorsey's words,
"develop an image that would make people think you would piss on the pope"!
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The initial line-up of Velvett Fogg featured guitarist
Tony Iommi (later to make the big time with Black Sabbath).  Tony stayed in the line-up for only one gig before leaving to be replaced temporarily by Ian Leighton - described as "a great blues guitarist" by his friend Frank Wilson. It was during this time that Pye Records arranged a photo-shoot of the band for the cover of their proposed first album (more about that later). |
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Material for the Velvett Fogg album would be supplied by local songwriter/guitarist Keith Law who became a friend of the band. Keith was a veteran of the West Midlands music scene having played in The Williamsons, Love and Understanding Paint and Jardine. Keith Law takes up the story; "I was in the Rum Runner (Birmingham night club) one night, when someone told me that Velvett Fogg were looking for new material, and they introduced me to them. I arranged to meet them at their rehearsal place, Langley Baths. I went along the next day, and went through the following songs with them: Yellow Cave Woman, Once Among The Trees and Within The Night and that was it! The next couple of days, they were in London recording". |
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Before recording could begin in late 1968, Ian Leighton departed Velvett Fogg and was replaced by guitarist/vocalist Paul Eastment (a cousin of the band's previous guitarist Tony Iommi). Paul Eastment was also to contribute original compositions for the album along with Frank Wilson, Graham Mullet and Mick Pollard. |
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Velvett Fogg recorded the tracks for their debut album
under direction of Pye producer
Jack Dorsey.
Apparently, Dorsey aimed to get the band
onto the then-popular "progressive" band wagon.
"I was a classically trained pianist but we all had to play way
below our capabilities" says Frank Wilson.
The band were also allowed to record covers of a few songs they liked
and these included psychedelic-sounding versions of
New York Mining Disaster 1941 by The Bee Gees,
and Tim Rose's Come Away Melinda.
under direction of Pye producer
Jack Dorsey.
Apparently, Dorsey aimed to get the band
onto the then-popular "progressive" band wagon.
"I was a classically trained pianist but we all had to play way
below our capabilities" says Frank Wilson.
The band were also allowed to record covers of a few songs they liked
and these included psychedelic-sounding versions of
New York Mining Disaster 1941 by The Bee Gees,
and Tim Rose's Come Away Melinda.
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Velvett Fogg's
self-titled album was released on the, Pye label in January of 1969 |
Despite what some may have thought, the album stands up
as a fine example of late 1960s British psychedelia.
As well as the previously mentioned covers,
original compositions such as Yellow Cave Woman
and Once Among The Trees are both hypnotic if not compelling.
By contrast, other tracks like Lady Caroline
and Plastic Man had both homicidal and political overtones respectively.
as a fine example of late 1960s British psychedelia.
As well as the previously mentioned covers,
original compositions such as Yellow Cave Woman
and Once Among The Trees are both hypnotic if not compelling.
By contrast, other tracks like Lady Caroline
and Plastic Man had both homicidal and political overtones respectively.
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By far the most controversial feature of the
Velvett Fogg album was the record cover. It displayed the pre-Paul Eastment line-up inc. Ian Leighton (mid back row) The band wore garish make-up/body-paint and costume but also included two well-endowed young women wearing nothing but strategically applied body paint The girls were friends of the band Graham Mullet, the drummer later married the brunette who was a friend of Mick Pollard's The artwork was designed by Shernette Daly, creator of many covers at that time |
This politically-incorrect package was accompanied
by a typically obscure sleeve note by the late influential U.K. disc jockey.
John Peel, who commented
by a typically obscure sleeve note by the late influential U.K. disc jockey.
John Peel, who commented
"There is a lot of good music on this record.
Remember Velvett Fogg- you will hear the name again."
Remember Velvett Fogg- you will hear the name again."
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"It was in February 1969, that I met John Peel, at 'Mothers'
a club in Birmingham's, Erdington High Street John, who had written the sleeve notes for the 1969 album had been playing tracks off the album constantly on his radio shows. He was in Birmingham, visiting the club, which was renowned for its Progressive music acts. I was there the same evening as John, and I introduced myself. We had a couple of pints, and discussed both his sleeve notes, and my participation in the album. It is a night, I will of course, remember." In memory of the late John Peel Keith Law September 2012 |
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Along with the album, Pye Records Velvett Fogg also released a single by the group. It was a cover of the Tornado's classic instrumental Telstar and was recorded by the band as requested by Jack Dorsey who hoped to cash in on the publicity, surrounding the American moon landings taking place at that time. |
While receiving some radio play, the record did not sell
enough copies to chart and a big advertising campaign
planned by the record company to promote the album
never materialized.
The band did a bit of touring after the single came out.
Perhaps discouraged by poor sales of the Velvett Fogg album,
Pye seemed to lose interest in the band
so withdrew their backing.
In the autumn of 1969 the group disbanded with the members
going their seperate ways.
Frank Wilson says
"I personally thought the first line-up in Germany
was the best and most satisfying."
enough copies to chart and a big advertising campaign
planned by the record company to promote the album
never materialized.
The band did a bit of touring after the single came out.
Perhaps discouraged by poor sales of the Velvett Fogg album,
Pye seemed to lose interest in the band
so withdrew their backing.
In the autumn of 1969 the group disbanded with the members
going their seperate ways.
Frank Wilson says
"I personally thought the first line-up in Germany
was the best and most satisfying."
The Band
Frank Wilson
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Frank Wilson
returned to London and joined Riot Squad then The Rumble Band before following in Rick Wakeman's footsteps to join WARHORSE in 1970. |
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Frank Wilson now performs with guitarist friend Jeff as RUN VT one of the most sought after rock duos in the South East |
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Keith Law
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Keith Law has currently 30 records released and has written over 600 songs including his songs for Velvett Fogg He also wrote and performed all the songs on the 2008 LOOK IN THE WINDOW- Jardine and his solo album EYES IN THE WIND released in 2009 His latest albums are VISIONS - 2015 THE PATH- 2015 THE ANSWER-2016 & due in Late 2016 VELVETT MIST His songs have also been recorded by other bands |
Keith is constantly played
and interviewed on radio shows
is still writing and recording
and until semi-retirement
was also a successful entertainer
performing in over 6000 shows
and interviewed on radio shows
is still writing and recording
and until semi-retirement
was also a successful entertainer
performing in over 6000 shows
Paul Eastment
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Paul Eastment started a Brum band called Holy Ghost later to become GHOST with whom he recorded a couple of albums. He later fronted another group called Resurrection as well as recording with local folk singer Shirley Kent. |
Graham Mullet
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In the 1970's Graham Mullett
married the girl who was on the bottom right of the album cover In 1976 he moved to Ayrshire in Scotland and worked as a lighting engineer at the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr they have both, since divorced As far as we are aware he was living in Scotland but now back in Birmingham (Thanks to Ade Mathews & Vanessa Bryan for this information) |
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Mick Pollard
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Currently we do not have any information whatsoever regarding Mick Pollard after the band disbanded or where he is now |
bob hewitt
1947-2015
R.I.P
R.I.P
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Bob (Ugger) Hewitt
the original lead guitarist with Velvett Fogg, passed away February 2015 Sadly missed by his family & friends |
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During the years since Velvett Fogg's demise,
demand amongst collectors for copies of their
(now very rare) album has increased considerably.
Original albums have changed hands for high prices
with bootleg copies also known to be in circulation.
demand amongst collectors for copies of their
(now very rare) album has increased considerably.
Original albums have changed hands for high prices
with bootleg copies also known to be in circulation.
Fortunately, in 2002 the Sanctuary Records Group Ltd.
re-issued the album officially for the first time on CD (CMRCD619)
and it is strongly recommended for those who are fans
of the British psychedelic or early progressive sounds
of the late 1960s
re-issued the album officially for the first time on CD (CMRCD619)
and it is strongly recommended for those who are fans
of the British psychedelic or early progressive sounds
of the late 1960s
Yellow Cave Woman,
"in my opinion it is still
one of THE very best rock songs ever recorded."
Robin S-YouTube
"Probably the best psych/prog song from the late 60's"
camaladonna- YouTube
"This is one of the most druggy songs I've ever heard,
and is an absolute cert in my record collection".
rurig
"in my record cellection....jupp"
Byggavdelningen
awesome!
NWOBHM87
"I do sense a relation to Black Sabbath-
kind of explains the origins of their sound-
even though Iommi is not on this recording-
his influence must've stayed with
Velvet Fogg at this time"
keltyk
"The music and the body painting are both great!"
00RockyAngel00
also see
"in my opinion it is still
one of THE very best rock songs ever recorded."
Robin S-YouTube
"Probably the best psych/prog song from the late 60's"
camaladonna- YouTube
"This is one of the most druggy songs I've ever heard,
and is an absolute cert in my record collection".
rurig
"in my record cellection....jupp"
Byggavdelningen
awesome!
NWOBHM87
"I do sense a relation to Black Sabbath-
kind of explains the origins of their sound-
even though Iommi is not on this recording-
his influence must've stayed with
Velvet Fogg at this time"
keltyk
"The music and the body painting are both great!"
00RockyAngel00
also see
Home of Metal
Velvett Fogg are included in this.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
hosted a Home of Metal exhibition
as its major summer exhibition in 2011.
The exhibition was held in the Gas Hall,
the Museum’s lead exhibition space,
and one of the largest outside of London.,
Keith Law was Interviewed by Rob Horrocks of Birmingham City University
Here is the sound clip.
©Keith Law 2016
