the nearly men

As one of the hottest Mod/R&B bands, they rubbed shoulders with Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix and were the first British band to sign to Atlantic Records. Today their old records sell for hundreds of pounds. Yet they never had a hit. Ian Shirley tells the strange 60s saga of FLEUR DE LYS . . .

On 11th November the 100 Club in London will be hosting the reunion of one of the most neglected bands of the 60s, The Fleur De Lys. Along with artists like Wimple Witch and the Eyes, the Fleur De Lys remain one of the most collectable of the talented but obscure bands of this era.

According, to Damian Jones who in collaboration with Paul ‘Smiler’ Anderson has written Circles, the first biography on the band, it remains a mystery why they were not successful: “They were everywhere they should have been. They were associated with the right people. To be associated with Immediate records a month after it was launched was really something.” They were the first British band to be signed to Atlantic Records before Led Zeppelin and Yes. Sadly, despite releasing a clutch of singles whose grooves delight the ear, the band never made it. In fact, original bass player Danny Churchill probably earned more money from winning an episode of Come Dine With Me than he did from making music with the Fleur De Lys!

As well as interviewing all surviving members of the band and known associates, Anderson and Jones have put together the 100 Club re-union in association with Dave Edwards, the legendary 100 Club DJ. Jones is also keen to place their musical achievements in their proper context.

“They were really into soul but they are always …

by Ian Shirley
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