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{{short description|Scottish progressive rock band}}
{{One source|date=March 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Beggars Opera
| name = Beggars Opera
| image =
| image =
| image_size =
| image_size =
| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption =
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| alias =
| origin =
| origin =
| genre = [[Progressive rock]]
| genre = [[Progressive rock]]
| years_active = {{start date|1969}}–{{end date|1976}}
| years_active = {{start date|1969}}–{{end date|1976}}
| label = [[Vertigo Records]]
| label = [[Vertigo Records]]
| associated_acts =
| associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|http://www.beggarsopera.co.uk}}
| website = {{URL|http://www.beggarsopera.co.uk}}
⚫
| current_members =

⚫
| current_members =
| past_members = {{unbulleted list| [[Ricky Gardiner]] | Alan Park | Raymond Wilson | Martin Griffiths | Marshall Erskine | Gordon Sellar | Pete Scott | Linnie Paterson | Virginia Scott | Mike Travis | Clem Cattini}}
| past_members = {{unbulleted list| [[Ricky Gardiner]] | Alan Park | Raymond Wilson | Martin Griffiths | Marshall Erskine | Gordon Sellar | Pete Scott | Linnie Paterson | Virginia Scott | Mike Travis | Clem Cattini}}
}}
}}

'''Beggars Opera''' were a [[progressive rock]] band from [[Glasgow]], [[Scotland]], formed in 1969 by guitarist [[Ricky Gardiner]], vocalist Martin Griffiths, and bassist Marshall Erskine. The line-up consisted of Ricky Gardiner (guitar/vocals) (born in 1948, [[Edinburgh]], Scotland), Alan Park (keyboards) (born 10 May 1951, [[Glasgow]], Scotland), Martin Griffiths (vocals),(born 8 October 1949,Newcastle upon Tyne) Marshall Erskine (bass/flute) and Raymond Wilson (drums). After working together building parts of the M40 Motorway near Beaconsfield, the lads moved back to Glasgow to look for an organist and drummer and found Alan Park and Ray Wilson. After an intensive time in rehearsal they took up residency at Burns Howff club/pub in West Regent Street in the center of Glasgow. Tours of Europe followed and the band found success in Germany, appearing on German TV’s legendary “[[Beat-Club|Beat Club]]” then at the First British Rock Meeting in [[Speyer]] in September 1971.<ref name="Larkin">Larkin C 'Virgin Encyclopedia of Sixties Music' (Muze UK Ltd, 1997) {{ISBN|0-7535-0149-X}}) p45</ref>
'''Beggars Opera''' was a Scottish [[progressive rock]] band from [[Glasgow]], [[Scotland]], formed in 1969 by guitarist [[Ricky Gardiner]] (born 31 August 1948, [[Edinburgh]], Scotland), vocalist Martin Griffiths (born 8 October 1949, Newcastle upon Tyne), and bassist Marshall Erskine (bass/flute). After working together building parts of the M40 Motorway near Beaconsfield, the three lads moved back to Glasgow to look for an organist and drummer and recruited Alan Park (keyboards) (born 10 May 1951, [[Glasgow]], Scotland) and Raymond Wilson (drums). After an intensive time in rehearsal, they took up residency at Burns Howff club/pub in West Regent Street in the centre of Glasgow. Tours of Europe followed and the band found success in Germany, appearing on German TV's legendary ''[[Beat-Club]]'', then at the first British Rock Meeting in [[Speyer]] in September 1971.<ref name="Larkin">Larkin C ''Virgin Encyclopedia of Sixties Music'' (Muze UK Ltd, 1997) {{ISBN|0-7535-0149-X}}) p45</ref>


==History==
==History==


In 1970, after signing to [[Vertigo Records]], the band recorded their first album ''[[Act One (album)|Act One]]'', and a single "Sarabande", which charted record in several European countries.<ref name="Larkin" /> The following year, for their second album, ''[[Waters of Change]]'', the band were joined by Virginia Scott [mellotron) and Gordon Sellar (bass) (born 13 June 1947, [[Glasgow]], [[Strathclyde]], [[Scotland]]).<ref name="Larkin" /> The single "Time Machine" from that album was successful in Germany, where the band toured extensively.
In 1970, after signing to [[Vertigo Records]], the band recorded their first album ''[[Act One (album)|Act One]]'', and a single "Sarabande", which charted record in several European countries.<ref name="Larkin" /> The following year, for their second album, ''[[Waters of Change]]'', the band were joined by Virginia Scott (mellotron) and Gordon Sellar (bass) (born 13 June 1947, [[Glasgow]], [[Scotland]]).<ref name="Larkin" /> The single "Time Machine" from that album was successful in Germany, where the band toured extensively.


Erskine left the band before they recorded their third album, ''Pathfinder'' (1972), which included a cover version of [[Richard Harris]]' hit "[[MacArthur Park (song)|MacArthur Park]]".<ref name="Larkin" /> Several other personnel changes ensued, with Pete Scott replacing Martin Griffiths in 1972, and Linnie Paterson replacing Pete Scott in 1973. By 1973's final album, ''Get Your Dog Off Me'', Beggars Opera were reduced to a trio of Gardiner, Park and Sellar.<ref name="Larkin" />
Erskine left the band before they recorded their third album, ''[[Pathfinder (album)|Pathfinder]]'' (1972), which included a cover version of [[Richard Harris]]' hit "[[MacArthur Park (song)|MacArthur Park]]".<ref name="Larkin" /> Several other personnel changes ensued, with Pete Scott replacing Griffiths in 1972, and Linnie Paterson replacing Pete Scott in 1973. By 1973's final album, ''Get Your Dog Off Me'', Beggars Opera were reduced to a trio of Gardiner, Park and Sellar.<ref name="Larkin" />


In 1974/76 a new version of Beggars Opera recorded two albums for Jupiter Records in [[Germany]]; "Sagittary", featuring Ricky Gardiner (guitar), Pete Scott (vocals), Virginia Scott ([[Mellotron]]) (born in 1948, [[Glasgow]], [[Strathclyde]], [[Scotland]]) and Mike Travis (drums), and "Beggars Can't Be Choosers" with [[Clem Cattini]] replacing Mike Travis on drums.
In 1974/76 a new version of Beggars Opera recorded two albums for Jupiter Records in [[Germany]]: ''Sagittary'', featuring Gardiner (guitar), Pete Scott (vocals), Virginia Scott ([[Mellotron]]) (born 1948, Glasgow,Scotland) and Mike Travis (drums), and ''Beggars Can't Be Choosers'' with [[Clem Cattini]] replacing Travis on drums.


Ricky Gardiner went on to play for [[David Bowie]] on the ''[[Low (David Bowie album)|Low]]'' album, and with [[Iggy Pop]] on the ''[[Lust for Life (Iggy Pop album)|Lust for Life]]'' album as well as his ''[[The Idiot (album)|Idiot]]'' tour of 1976. He co-wrote "[[The Passenger (song)|The Passenger]]" with Iggy Pop.
Gardiner went on to play for [[David Bowie]] on the ''[[Low (David Bowie album)|Low]]'' album, and with [[Iggy Pop]] on the ''[[Lust for Life (Iggy Pop album)|Lust for Life]]'' album as well as his ''[[The Idiot (album)|Idiot]]'' tour of 1976. He co-wrote "[[The Passenger (song)|The Passenger]]" with Iggy Pop.


Alan Park (organist) worked with [[Cliff Richard|Sir Cliff Richard]] for many years as musical director.
Alan Park (organist) worked with [[Cliff Richard]] for many years as musical director.


Martin Griffiths (vocals) sang and was compere in the working men’s clubs in and around Manchester until he left for Germany in 1974. He went on tour and worked with [[Brian Auger]], [[Osibisa]], [[Ekseption]], [[Klaus Doldinger]], [[Ange]] and [[Can (band) |Can]] before signing a recording contract with Jupiter Records (Ralph Siegel) releasing three singles “I’ll Be Coming Home”,”Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay” and “Israelites” which reached number 3 in the German Disco Charts in 1977.
Griffiths sang and was compere in the working men's clubs in and around Manchester until he left for Germany in 1974. He went on tour and worked with [[Brian Auger]], [[Osibisa]], [[Ekseption]], [[Klaus Doldinger]], [[Ange (band)|Ange]] and [[Can (band)|Can]] before signing a recording contract with Jupiter Records (Ralph Siegel) releasing three singles: "I’ll Be Coming Home", ”Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" and "Israelites", which reached number 3 in the German Disco Charts in 1977.


==Discography==
==Discography==
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*2009 ''Touching the Edge''
*2009 ''Touching the Edge''
*2010 ''All Tomorrows Thinking''
*2010 ''All Tomorrows Thinking''
*2010 ''Suddenly Ahead Ahead''
*2011 ''Lose a Life'' ([[Extended play|EP]])
*2011 ''Lose a Life'' ([[Extended play|EP]])
*2011 ''Promise in Motion''
*2011 ''Promise in Motion''
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==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.beggarsopera.co.uk Beggars Opera website]
* [http://www.beggarsopera.co.uk Beggars Opera website]
* {{discogs artist|Beggars Opera}}
* {{IMDb name|7195454}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:British progressive rock groups]]
[[Category:Scottish progressive rock groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1969]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1969]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Glasgow]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 1976]]
[[Category:1969 establishments in Scotland]]
[[Category:1976 disestablishments in Scotland]]
[[Category:Rock music groups from Glasgow]]
[[Category:Scottish rock music groups]]
[[Category:Scottish rock music groups]]
[[Category:Vertigo Records artists]]
[[Category:Vertigo Records artists]]

Latest revision as of 12:26, 19 July 2024

Beggars Opera
GenresProgressive rock
Years active1969 (1969)–1976 (1976)
LabelsVertigo Records
Past members
  • Ricky Gardiner
  • Alan Park
  • Raymond Wilson
  • Martin Griffiths
  • Marshall Erskine
  • Gordon Sellar
  • Pete Scott
  • Linnie Paterson
  • Virginia Scott
  • Mike Travis
  • Clem Cattini
Websitewww.beggarsopera.co.uk

Beggars Opera was a Scottish progressive rock band from Glasgow, Scotland, formed in 1969 by guitarist Ricky Gardiner (born 31 August 1948, Edinburgh, Scotland), vocalist Martin Griffiths (born 8 October 1949, Newcastle upon Tyne), and bassist Marshall Erskine (bass/flute). After working together building parts of the M40 Motorway near Beaconsfield, the three lads moved back to Glasgow to look for an organist and drummer and recruited Alan Park (keyboards) (born 10 May 1951, Glasgow, Scotland) and Raymond Wilson (drums). After an intensive time in rehearsal, they took up residency at Burns Howff club/pub in West Regent Street in the centre of Glasgow. Tours of Europe followed and the band found success in Germany, appearing on German TV's legendary Beat-Club, then at the first British Rock Meeting in Speyer in September 1971.[1]

History

[edit]

In 1970, after signing to Vertigo Records, the band recorded their first album Act One, and a single "Sarabande", which charted record in several European countries.[1] The following year, for their second album, Waters of Change, the band were joined by Virginia Scott (mellotron) and Gordon Sellar (bass) (born 13 June 1947, Glasgow, Scotland).[1] The single "Time Machine" from that album was successful in Germany, where the band toured extensively.

Erskine left the band before they recorded their third album, Pathfinder (1972), which included a cover version of Richard Harris' hit "MacArthur Park".[1] Several other personnel changes ensued, with Pete Scott replacing Griffiths in 1972, and Linnie Paterson replacing Pete Scott in 1973. By 1973's final album, Get Your Dog Off Me, Beggars Opera were reduced to a trio of Gardiner, Park and Sellar.[1]

In 1974/76 a new version of Beggars Opera recorded two albums for Jupiter Records in Germany: Sagittary, featuring Gardiner (guitar), Pete Scott (vocals), Virginia Scott (Mellotron) (born 1948, Glasgow,Scotland) and Mike Travis (drums), and Beggars Can't Be Choosers with Clem Cattini replacing Travis on drums.

Gardiner went on to play for David Bowie on the Low album, and with Iggy Pop on the Lust for Life album as well as his Idiot tour of 1976. He co-wrote "The Passenger" with Iggy Pop.

Alan Park (organist) worked with Cliff Richard for many years as musical director.

Griffiths sang and was compere in the working men's clubs in and around Manchester until he left for Germany in 1974. He went on tour and worked with Brian Auger, Osibisa, Ekseption, Klaus Doldinger, Ange and Can before signing a recording contract with Jupiter Records (Ralph Siegel) releasing three singles: "I’ll Be Coming Home", ”Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" and "Israelites", which reached number 3 in the German Disco Charts in 1977.

Discography

[edit]
  • 1970 Act One
  • 1971 Waters of Change
  • 1972 Pathfinder
  • 1973 Get Your Dog Off Me!
  • 1974 Sagittary
  • 1975 Beggars Can't Be Choosers
  • 1980 Lifeline
  • 1996 The Final Curtain (compilation)
  • 2007 Close to My Heart
  • 2009 Touching the Edge
  • 2010 All Tomorrows Thinking
  • 2010 Suddenly Ahead Ahead
  • 2011 Lose a Life (EP)
  • 2011 Promise in Motion
  • 2012 Mrs. Calagari's Lighter

References

[edit]
Notes
  1. ^ a b c d e Larkin C Virgin Encyclopedia of Sixties Music (Muze UK Ltd, 1997) ISBN 0-7535-0149-X) p45
Bibliography
  • Big Noise: The History of Scottish Rock 'n' Roll as Told by the People Who Made It by Martin Keilty.
[edit]
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