Chris Farlowe — Rare Footage & Clips
The year was 1966, a pivotal moment in British music history. The Beatles were at the height of their powers, the Rolling Stones were just beginning to make waves, and Chris Farlowe was about to release an album that would cement his status as one of the UK's leading rock voices. The Art of Chris Farlowe, recorded live at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London, is a masterclass in blues-infused rock 'n' roll, with Farlowe's emotive vocals soaring on tracks like "Out of Time", the song that would soon become his signature hit.
That song, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, was a game-changer for Farlowe. Released as a single in 1966, it shot to number one in the UK Singles Chart, staying at the top spot for two weeks. The clip of Farlowe performing "Out of Time" on Top of the Pops, archived here, captures the raw energy and charisma that made him such a compelling live performer.
But Farlowe's success wasn't limited to his solo work. He was also in high demand as a session singer, lending his voice to tracks by artists like Eric Burdon & The Animals and Georgie Fame. And it was during this period that he began to explore the blues, an influence that would stay with him throughout his career.
In 1967, Farlowe joined forces with guitarist John Cameron, forming the Thunderbirds. This band would go on to become one of the most influential groups in British rock history, laying the groundwork for the likes of Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. And it was during this time that Farlowe's voice became even more distinctive, blending the raw emotion of blues with the swaggering confidence of rock 'n' roll.
The 1970s saw Farlowe continue to explore different musical landscapes, from the jazz-infused soundscapes of From Here to Mama Rosa (1970) to the harder-edged rock of Olympic Rock & Blues Circus (1981). And while he may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of his peers, his influence on British music cannot be overstated.
In recent years, Farlowe has continued to tour and record, releasing a string of albums that showcase his enduring talent. The Soulful Chris Farlowe: The Immediate Collection (1991) is a particular highlight, featuring a selection of his finest soul-infused tracks from the 1960s. And while some may argue that he never quite reached the same level of stardom as some of his contemporaries, it's hard to deny the impact he had on British music.
Farlowe's legacy can be heard in the work of countless other artists, from Rod Stewart to Van Morrison. And yet, despite his significant contributions to rock history, he remains somewhat underappreciated outside of UK music circles. This is a shame, as his voice and style continue to inspire new generations of musicians.
The clip of Farlowe performing with Atomic Rooster in 1970, archived here, captures the raw energy and intensity that made him such a compelling live performer. And it's this energy, combined with his unique vocal style, that continues to make his music so enduring.
Throughout his long and varied career, Chris Farlowe has been driven by a passion for music that knows no boundaries. From blues to rock to soul, he's explored them all with characteristic flair and enthusiasm. And while some may argue that he never quite achieved the same level of stardom as some of his peers, it's hard to deny the impact he's had on British music.
As we delve into Farlowe's extensive discography, it becomes clear that this is an artist who has consistently pushed boundaries and explored new sounds. From The Chris Farlowe Collection (1988) to Waiting in the Wings (1991), his albums are a testament to his enduring talent and creativity. And while some may argue that he never quite reached the same level of commercial success as some of his contemporaries, it's hard to deny the impact he's had on British music.
In short, Chris Farlowe is an artist who has left an indelible mark on British rock history. His unique voice and style have inspired countless other musicians, and his influence can be heard in everything from Led Zeppelin to The Rolling Stones. And while some may argue that he never quite achieved the same level of stardom as some of his peers, it's hard to deny the significance of his contributions to rock music.
The archive contains a wealth of rare and unseen footage of Farlowe performing live, including clips from his 1970 tour with Atomic Rooster. These performances capture the raw energy and charisma that made him such a compelling live performer, and serve as a testament to his enduring talent and creativity.
Curated from public records and music databases.
