The Kursaal Flyers bridged the gap between
pub rock and
power pop, turning out a handful of fine albums and great singles in their brief two-year career. Comprised of
Paul Shuttleworth (vocals),
Graeme Douglas (guitar),
Vic Collins (guitar, steel guitar, vocals),
Riche Bull (bass, vocals), and
Will Birch (drums), the band released their first album, Chocs Away, in 1975; it was followed soon afterward by The Great Artiste. Both records showed a grasp of
country and
roots rock, as well as pure
pop. They would begin to emphasize their
pop elements with 1976's Golden Mile, released by CBS Records. The union with the major label helped the single "Little Does She Know" reach the British Top 20.
Douglas left to join
Eddie & the Hot Rods before the recording of their final album, Five Live Kursaals (1977); he was replaced by
Barry Martin. The band broke up after the release of
punk- and
power pop-injected Five Live Kursaals. Out of the members, only
Will Birch and
John Wicks stayed active -- they formed
the Records immediately after the Kursaal Flyers' disbandment.
The Kursaal Flyers reunited in 1988, recording A Former Tour de Force Is Forced to Tour, which picks up right where they left off in 1977. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
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Mixed Up Shook Up Girl: The Solo Sessions 1977-1980