Flaming Youth (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Defunct | 1970 |
Key people | Phil Collins, Brian Chatton, Gordon "Flash" Smith, Ronnie Caryl, John Walker |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Flaming Youth was a British rock ensemble active during the late 1960s, notably recognized as the initial recording group featuring Phil Collins.
Career
In 1969, American vocalist John Walker from the Walker Brothers toured the United Kingdom accompanied by keyboardist Brian Chatton, bassist Gordon "Flash" Smith, guitarist Ronnie Caryl, and drummer Phil Collins. Following this tour, they formed the band Hickory and released the single "Green Light/The Key" in the same year.
The band later collaborated with songwriters Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, who were searching for performers to record an album project. Under the new name Flaming Youth, they issued the concept album Ark 2 in 1969 via Fontana Records. Although the album attracted critical notice and was showcased in a one-hour television special filmed in the Netherlands, it did not achieve commercial success. They also released a subsequent single titled "Man, Woman, and Child." The group faced difficulties booking performances; organist Rod Mayall joined briefly before the band dissolved in early 1970.
Aftermath
In 1970, Collins and Caryl auditioned for Genesis; Collins was accepted into the band, whereas Caryl did not pass the audition but still played with them during a concert prior to Steve Hackett joining. Subsequently, Caryl toured as rhythm guitarist alongside Collins during his solo career.
Following Flaming Youth's disbandment, Chatton became a member of Jackson Heights with Lee Jackson from The Nice, contributing to three albums. Chatton's solo record Playing for Time featured Collins on drums.