Rainbow Ffolly

Rainbow Ffolly

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1960s
Headquarters	Farnham Common , England
Products	Music albums and singles

Rainbow Ffolly was an English psychedelic pop ensemble that produced a single album, Sallies Fforth, released in 1968. Their only single from that year, titled "Drive My Car" (distinct from the Lennon–McCartney composition), did not achieve chart success, resulting in the group dissolving soon afterward. They were signed under EMI's Parlophone label, which also represented The Beatles. The band came together again in 2015 to create a sequel album named Rainbow Ffolly – FFollow Up!.

Originating from Farnham Common, brothers Jonathan (John) and Richard Dunsterville initially formed a band called the Force Four, inspired by Everly Brothers-style harmonies. John met drummer Stewart Osborn during college, who then introduced bassist Roger Newell, completing the lineup for Rainbow Ffolly. Vocals were shared among all four members, with Jon Dunsterville serving as the chief songwriter. By early 1967, managed by John Sparrowhawk, they sought a recording deal and recorded a demo at Jackson Recording Studio.

Motivated by encouragement from studio proprietors Malcolm and John Jackson, the group composed seven more tracks to complete a full demo tape. The Jackson brothers submitted this recording to EMI, which promptly acquired the rights as presented. The cover artwork for Sallies Fforth was designed by Jon Dunsterville and his wife Jane.

To promote their album, the band performed live shows including a month-long stint at Hamburg's Star Club and appearances at London's Playboy Club—venues that increased their exposure. The album was chosen as BBC's Saturday Club Record of the Week, attracting media attention but failing to translate into significant sales or chart placement. Due to financial difficulties, all members exited the music scene by the end of 1968.

In 1998, See for Miles Records re-released Sallies Fforth on CD format, adding the B-side "Go Girl" as an extra track.

Roger Newell (born 1948), the band's bassist who later joined Rick Wakeman's group, died on 10 September 2021.

Track listing on Sallies FForth

1. "She's Alright" – 3:35
2. "I'm So Happy" – 2:44
3. "Montgolfier" – 2:35
4. "Drive My Car" – 2:15
5. "Goodbye" – 3:42
6. "Hey You" – 2:20
7. "Sun Sing" – 4:00
8. "Sun & Sand" – 3:32
9. "Labour Exchange" – 2:26
10. "They'm" – 1:55
11. "No" – 3:11
12. "Sighing Game" – 2:49
13. "Come on Go" – 3:02

Track Listing on FFollow Up

1. "Single Cell Amoeba"
2. "Postcard"
3. "My Love has Gone"
4. "Cars"
5. "Sky Angels"
6. "Noah"
7. "Slow Down Zone"
8. "Countdown"
9. "Shoes"
10. "Is it Over"
11. "Tour de FForce"
12. "Bathers of the Lost Ark"

Personnel

• Jonathan Dunsterville – vocals, guitar
• Richard Dunsterville – guitar, vocals
• Roger Newell – vocals, bass
• Stewart Osborn – vocals, drums

External links

• iTunes artist profile
• Official website