Flintlock were a East London band who came to public attention in a number of child orientated TV programmes in the seventies but their appearance in seventies Sc Fi series The Tomorrow People; a cross between Doctor Who, X-Men, Summer Holiday and The Wicker man spring boarded them to Top of the pops.. Drummer Mike Holloway was the paranormal Tomorrow people's resident heart throb therefore the band idea was focused around him. the episode they appeared in was about the band's music awakening an ancient demon. Given the programmes psychedelic under tones it's a surprise that the feature band were a bland bunch of popsters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paoJvSjVAb0
hearts of Soggoth
This was way ahead of the era when young Americans blew off half their faces because Judas Priest records played backwards told them to do so.Mind you the insipid racket Flintlock produced would probably raised a few demons in the minds of music lovers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9Ma6PD2-No
TOTP-check the charts
Surprisingly Flintlock went on to chart success, with their banal blend of popcorn and bubblegum. Mike Holloway went on to half a couple of poorly received solo albums and made a career on the pantomime/musical theatre circuit.
Disturbing opening sequence
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Actually flintlock were not bland. And mike did more than a couple of albums. Including several cast albums including Joseph and smike Anonymous
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As the Heading says: “if you want my opinion” If you don’t, fair enough. I welcome any comments: for or against, however I have omitted the patronising element from this anonymous comment
I fully agree with your analysis and bland describes them politely and mildly. I watched vintage You Must Be Joking and Pauline's Quirkes this week and noted all the hype and their elevation to cult pop group. However, this was purely internalised propaganda and never stretched beyond the programmes and an equally biased and sycophantic Look In magazine. I recall being confused by the reality gap at the time.
ReplyDeleteThey got on my nerves and still do. I found and find them embarrassing, and their developing narcissism irritating. Perhaps child performers are especially adept at that as I saw only partly shy rubbish evolve into self-confident rubbish.
I wouldn't detract from abilities to use musical intruments, even though faking and miming were obvious. Singing? Talentless, and annoying drummer boy cannot sing in the first place. Songs? All utterly poor.
Certainly showed that even mass promotion cannot conquer lack of ability and lack of charisma. The pinnacle of damnation would be to make even the Bay City Rollers look good.