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Procol Harum

From Alfawiki
Procol Harum
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1967 in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England
Headquarters
Southend-on-Sea
,
England
ProductsMusic albums, singles

Procol Harum () was a British rock ensemble established in 1967 in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. Their most famous track, the 1967 single "A Whiter Shade of Pale", stands as one of the rare singles to have surpassed 10 million sales globally. While their sound is often associated with baroque and classical influences, Procol Harum's music is typically categorized as psychedelic rock and proto-prog, incorporating elements of blues, R&B, and soul.

In 2018, the band received recognition from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame when "A Whiter Shade of Pale" was inducted into their newly created Singles category. Previously, they had been nominated as performers in 2012.

Formation

Following the disbandment of The Paramounts, a group based in Southend-on-Sea that failed to replicate the success of their UK top 40 hit "Poison Ivy" in 1966, lead singer Gary Brooker stepped back from performing to concentrate on songwriting. His acquaintance Guy Stevens introduced him to lyricist Keith Reid. After several months spent crafting songs without finding suitable performers, Brooker and Reid decided in April 1967 to form a band specifically to present their compositions. Brooker contributed vocals along with piano, organ, trombone, cornet, piano accordion, and Bengal flute.

Drummer Barrie "B. J." Wilson, formerly of The Paramounts, initially joined the group. Auditions brought in bassist David Knights and two musicians from George Bean and the Runners: guitarist Richard Brown and organist Alan Morris. However, financial difficulties caused this lineup to dissolve before rehearsals concluded, leaving only Knights remaining.

Subsequently, organist Matthew Fisher, previously with The Savages and selected by Reid for his compatibility with the band’s direction, was added. Guitarist Ray Royer was chosen from many candidates for his appropriate attitude. Reid also appreciated bassist David Knights for his character and unique approach. After extensive auditions, drummer Bobby Harrison completed the ensemble; his humor provided balance to the group's otherwise serious demeanor. Stevens took on managerial duties.

The band’s name originated from a male blue Burmese cat owned by a friend. Stevens proposed the name based on the cat's pedigree title, Procul Harun; however, a clerical error during registration resulted in "Procol Harum." Contrary to popular belief that the name translates to "beyond these things" in Latin, this is inaccurate—the correct Latin phrase would be procul hīs.

"A Whiter Shade of Pale" and debut album (1967–1968)

In April 1967, Procol Harum recorded their first single, "A Whiter Shade of Pale", at London's Olympic Studios, featuring session drummer Bill Eyden standing in for Harrison. The track’s Baroque-inspired arrangement includes a countermelody derived from J. S. Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, performed by Fisher on Hammond organ. Following enthusiastic airplay on pirate station Radio London, Deram Records expedited the single’s release on 12 May 1967. It swiftly became an international sensation, claiming the top spot on the UK Singles Chart for six weeks and reaching number one across eleven countries. At that time, it was the fastest-selling debut record by a new act and peaked at number five on the US charts, ultimately selling over 10 million copies worldwide.

Producer Denny Cordell recommended adding Jonathan Weston as co-manager alongside Stevens during this period.

The band's inaugural live show coincided with the single’s release date at London's Speakeasy club on 12 May 1967. Their setlist featured original songs alongside covers from artists such as Bob Dylan and Tim Rose. Notably, Jimi Hendrix attended this performance and briefly joined them on stage.

After June 18, Procol Harum ceased live performances within the UK until the following year.

On 15 July 1967, both Royer and Harrison departed from the band; concurrently, they ended their association with manager Weston. Fisher attributed this split to Weston's premature arrangement of a UK tour that offered them significantly reduced fees—£60 per night instead of £500. Guitarist Robin Trower replaced Royer while drummer B. J. Wilson returned; management transitioned to Tony Secunda. These personnel changes led to costly legal disputes involving Royer, Harrison, Weston, and session drummer Eyden. Approximately three months after Secunda took over management duties, Procol Harum appointed US managers Bennett Glotzer and Ronnie Lyons.

Their subsequent single "Homburg", released in September 1967, reached number six in the UK and number thirty-four in the US charts. The debut album Procol Harum, recorded between these two singles, was released in America that month but was delayed until December for UK release due to lineup changes, legal matters, and management shifts. Brooker remarked that this postponement caused them to lose momentum among their British audience.

Subsequent albums and disbandment (1968–1977)

Following their debut, the band released Shine on Brightly in 1968, which delved further into progressive rock and climbed to number 24 on the US charts, although it did not chart in the UK. Despite being considered one-hit wonders domestically, Procol Harum's live performances gained considerable acclaim in the United States, prompting extensive touring across America.

Their third studio effort, A Salty Dog (1969), marked their initial commercial breakthrough in the UK. The album's title track enjoyed substantial airplay on US FM radio stations, and today the album is regarded as a rock classic with appeal to enthusiasts of The Beatles, The Moody Blues, and Pink Floyd. Although invited to appear at Woodstock in 1969, the band declined due to personal circumstances.

Later that year, Matthew Fisher departed amid disagreements over songwriting credits and artistic direction. Bassist David Knights also left, with both musicians replaced by Chris Copping, who assumed responsibilities on organ and bass. The reconfigured lineup produced Home (1970) and performed at the Isle of Wight Festival that same year.

By 1971, creative differences resulted in Robin Trower's exit; he went on to establish his own power trio. Dave Ball took over guitar duties, while Alan Cartwright replaced Copping on bass, with Copping continuing on organ.

Midway through 1971, Procol Harum ended their management relationship with Glotzer and Lyons following a financial dispute resolved privately. Subsequently, they signed with Chrysalis Records and supported Jethro Tull during a UK tour.

During this 1971 tour, the band recorded a live performance with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, which was released in April 1972 as Procol Harum Live: In Concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. The album reached No. 5 in the US charts, achieved gold status for selling 500,000 copies, and included a top-20 US hit single with "Conquistador."

After Dave Ball's departure, Mick Grabham joined as guitarist from 1972 until 1977. Embracing a symphonic rock style, they released Grand Hotel in 1973. Although it did not chart in the UK, it attained No. 21 in the US and received silver certification there.

In an effort to return to their hard rock origins, Exotic Birds and Fruit (1974) sought to shed their symphonic reputation. The band played significant concerts such as the final night at London's Rainbow Theatre before its renovation.

Personnel shifts contributed to diminishing commercial success later in the decade. Their single "Pandora's Box" was their last UK Top 20 entry in 1975. The album Procol's Ninth marked a reunion with producers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.

In 1976, they recorded Something Magic, which coincided with Cartwright's departure and Pete Solley's addition on keyboards. This album featured an extended composition titled "The Worm and the Tree," developed spontaneously during studio sessions. Released in March 1977, it peaked at No. 147 on US charts.

To mark their tenth anniversary, Procol Harum held a concert at New York's Palladium Theatre in May 1977.

During the April 1977 tour supporting Something Magic, Copping left to join Frankie Miller's band and was succeeded by former Elton John bassist Dee Murray. The tour concluded in May; shortly thereafter Mick Grabham resigned due to dissatisfaction with his role. The band’s final performance occurred in October when "A Whiter Shade of Pale" shared Single of the Year honors at the 1977 Brit Awards. This event featured Brooker, Wilson, returning members Cartwright and Copping, alongside guitarist Tim Renwick.

Reformation and the 1990s

Following the reunion of Reid and Brooker in late 1989, Procol Harum officially regrouped in 1991, featuring Brooker, Fisher, Trower, and Reid (after Wilson’s death in 1990). They released the album The Prodigal Stranger, which achieved only modest commercial success. Subsequently, a refreshed lineup with Brooker and Fisher embarked on an international tour during the early 1990s. Later that year, guitarist Tim Renwick was succeeded by Geoff Whitehorn.

During the One More Time: Live in Utrecht 1992 tour, Fisher temporarily stepped away to pursue studies, with Don Snow stepping in for a summer series of shows. On occasion, bassist Dave Bronze was replaced by Laurence Cottle.

By mid-1993, Procol Harum performed several concerts with Josh Phillips standing in for Fisher and ex-King Crimson drummer Ian Wallace substituting for Brzezicki. Fisher returned by July, while Matt Pegg took over bass duties from Bronze. Throughout the decade, the band continued touring sporadically, with drummers Graham Broad and Henry Spinetti joining for select performances.

In August 1995, Procol Harum appeared as special guests at the Cropredy Music Festival alongside Fairport Convention and conducted tours across both the United States and the United Kingdom.

July 1997 saw a notable 30th-anniversary event commemorating "A Whiter Shade of Pale" held in Redhill, Surrey. This concert featured the current lineup as well as former members Mick Grabham, Peter Solley, Alan Cartwright, Dave Bronze, and Chris Copping.

Toward the end of 1999, Brooker confirmed plans for the band to perform in 2000, culminating in an open-air show with the New London Sinfonia in Guildford that September.

2000s

Procol Harum experienced renewed interest in 2000 when "In Held Twas in I" was included on Transatlantic's debut album.

Throughout the early 2000s, the group—comprising Brooker, Fisher, Geoff Whitehorn on guitar, Matt Pegg on bass, and Mark Brzezicki on drums—primarily toured Europe, Japan, and the United States. A concert recorded in Copenhagen in 2001 was subsequently released on DVD in 2002. In 2003, they issued the studio album The Well's on Fire and performed at Seattle’s Progman Cometh festival. Their December 2003 London performance focusing on material from this album was later made available as the DVD Live at the Union Chapel in 2004.

Long-standing organist Matthew Fisher departed in June 2004 due to "unresolved matters," with Josh Phillips taking over Hammond organ duties; this left Brooker as the only original member remaining. These "matters" referred to a legal dispute initiated by Fisher concerning songwriting credits and royalties for "A Whiter Shade of Pale," which he ultimately won in December 2006.

The band resumed limited touring activities in 2005. In June 2006, they performed at the Isle of Wight Festival and held two concerts alongside the Danish Radio Orchestra at Ledreborg Castle; an edited version was broadcast on Danish television in 2008 while a full concert DVD was released in 2009, including bonus tracks from a 1974 Danish TV appearance.

Later that year, Procol Harum toured Switzerland, Norway, and Denmark with Geoff Dunn replacing Brzezicki on drums due to his commitments with Casbah Club and The Who. Dunn then became the permanent drummer for their European tour in 2007. Live recordings from Italy were issued as One Eye to the Future – Live in Italy 2007. Additionally, they performed with the Gävle Symphony Orchestra at Dalhalla in Sweden.

On July 20–21, 2007, fans organized a celebration marking the 40th anniversary of "A Whiter Shade of Pale" with two concerts at St John's, Smith Square in London. The first night featured Procol Harum performing early works alongside new songs such as "Sister Mary" and "Missing Persons." The following evening showcased 'Gary Brooker and Guests' presenting rare compositions co-written by Brooker and Reid.

Although inactive as a band during 2008, manager Chris Cooke revealed intentions to release a live DVD, produce a new album slated for 2009, and appear at festivals in Norway and Finland. Prior to their Finnish appearance, Brooker sustained broken ribs but still delivered a performance despite limited vocal capacity.

By October 2009, fully recovered Brooker led four concerts across Germany, Norway, Moscow, and St Petersburg. That autumn also saw the release of All This and More, a comprehensive four-disc retrospective comprising three CDs plus a DVD accompanied by historical commentary. Salvo additionally remastered and reissued all previous albums featuring bonus tracks including some previously unreleased material.

2010s

In June 2010, Procol Harum embarked on a North American tour, primarily serving as the opening act for Jethro Tull, with stops in the US and Toronto. On 22 July, they headlined the Keitelejazz Festival held in Äänekoski, Finland, delivering a distinctive rendition of "A Whiter Shade of Pale" that included three verses and showcased Geoff Whitehorn’s guitar solo. Two days later, the band performed a complimentary concert at the Palace of the Province of Bergamo in Italy.

During August 2010, Procol Harum appeared in Germany and participated in the Rock Legends event in Poland. Following a Halloween performance in Leamington Spa—their first UK appearance in three years—they returned to North America in November to present orchestral concerts alongside the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, as well as shows in Tallinn and Wilmington, Delaware. In January 2011, they played eight New Year’s concerts across Denmark with the Danish Radio Orchestra, attracting an audience exceeding 13,000.

On 29 May 2012, Gary Brooker sustained a severe skull fracture following a fall in Cape Town, which led to his hospitalization and absence from upcoming performances with 10cc and The Moody Blues. The group resumed live appearances at Denmark’s Kløften Festival on 25 June and embarked on a 27-date U.S. tour supporting Yes.

In 2012, Japanese singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya collaborated with Procol Harum in London to record a new version of "A Whiter Shade of Pale." This duet with Brooker featured three verses and incorporated Whitehorn’s guitar solo. They toured major Japanese cities that December, with one concert broadcast on television in March 2013.

That same year, Henry Scott-Irvine released Procol Harum – The Ghosts of A Whiter Shade of Pale and organized a film screening event attended by members of the band. Procol Harum was also nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2013 but ultimately was not inducted.

In early 2013, the band performed orchestral concerts across Denmark and Germany before conducting band-only shows later that year in Sweden and Finland.

The 2014 itinerary included performances throughout France, Switzerland, Germany, Canada—featuring an orchestra-accompanied concert in Ottawa—and the Eastern United States. They also took part in Kenney Jones’ Rock'n'Horsepower charity event alongside artists such as Alvin Stardust and The Who. That year marked the release of Inside & Outside, a double CD containing studio recordings from their Chrysalis period alongside live tracks with new material.

On 24 November 2014, Procol Harum appeared at London’s Dominion Theatre accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra and Crouch End Festival Chorus for a BBC Radio 2 broadcast. During rehearsals, guitarist Geoff Whitehorn was hospitalized; Dave Colquhoun filled in while on crutches. The performance featured an orchestrated rendition of Keith Reid’s "Blink of an Eye," dedicated to New York firefighters.

Their thirteenth studio album, Novum, was launched on 21 April 2017 and supported by a 36-date tour across the UK and Europe. A notable moment was an orchestral concert at London’s Royal Festival Hall where Brooker sustained injuries but completed the show.

In 2018, Procol Harum toured Europe once more, including an orchestral presentation at the London Palladium on 9 October. They commenced 2019 with a Caribbean cruise hosted by Justin Hayward that included prominent rock performers, followed by plans for a U.S. tour.

Passing of Brooker

Gary Brooker, the band's only continuous member and principal composer, passed away on 19 February 2022. The official Procol Harum website described him as "an irreplaceable and radiant presence within the music world." After his death, "A Whiter Shade of Pale" surged back onto the UK Official Singles Sales Chart, reaching number 38 on 25 February 2022. Subsequently, Procol Harum ceased all activities permanently.

Legal dispute over songwriting credits

In July 2009, Matthew Fisher secured a legal victory in a British court, granting him 40% of the music royalties for "A Whiter Shade of Pale" from 2005 onward. Prior to this ruling, the song's royalties had been divided equally—50% credited to Brooker for the music and 50% to Keith Reid for the lyrics.

Albums

Studio releases

General references

  • Johansen, Claes (2000). Procol Harum: Beyond the Pale. London: SAF Publishing Ltd. ISBN 0-946719-28-4.
  • Scott-Irvine, Henry (2012). Procol Harum: The Ghosts Of A Whiter Shade of Pale. Omnibus. ISBN 978-0-85712-802-7.
  • Steensma, Frans (2024). Gary Brooker and Procol Harum: Day By Day. Amsterdam: Procoholic Media. ISBN 9789090378756.

External links

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