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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZMOVE, TheUK pop group formed '66 by members of Birmingham groups: guitarist/ vocalist Roy Wood from Mike Sheridan and the Nightriders; lead guitarist Trevor Burton (b 9 March '49, Birmingham), vocalist Carl Wayne (b 18 Aug. '44, Birmingham), Chistopher 'Ace' Kefford on bass (b 10 Dec. '46) and drummer Bev Bevan. Manager Tony Secunda steered them from soul covers to West Coast sound based on Wood's songwriting. 'Night Of Fear' was no. 2 hit early '67, promoted by a TV- smashing set at London's Marquee that made headlines; the band dressed in gangster suits, psychedelic threads, anything Seconda came up with, Wood writing to suit. 'I Can Hear The Grass Grow' and 'Flowers In The Rain' (on EMI's newly revived Regal Zonophone label) were suitable top five hits for the 'Summer of Love' '67; Wood's interest in classical music, rock'n'roll, country and even hymns made an amusing musical m‚lange. Secunda's use of Prime Minister Harold Wilson naked in his bath as an advertising image backfired and the image was toned down. 'Fire Brigade' was no. 3 but 'Wild Tiger Woman' flopped; Beatle-infl. 'Blackberry Way' used harpsichord, cello and strings for no. 1 hit '68, but underscored the fact that they had no identity of their own. Lineup changes were thick and fast: Kefford was replaced mid-'68 by Burton, switched to bass; Burton left '69 to join the Uglys, replaced by Rick Price (b 10 June '44); Wayne left to pursue cabaret career '69; Idle Race mastermind guitarist Jeff Lynne was recruited, lured by promise of new group pursuing pseudo-classical direction in newly-important album market. As Wood, Lynn and Bevan prepared Electric Light Orchestra, Move remained a vehicle for catchy single hits until fizzling out '72, Price jumping ship '71 to join Mongrel. |