The Fleur de Lys
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 in Southampton, Hampshire, England |
| Headquarters | Southampton , England |
Area served | United Kingdom |
| Products | Music recordings (singles, EPs, compilation albums) |
The Fleur de Lys (originally known as Les Fleur de Lys) was a British musical group established in late 1964 in Southampton, Hampshire, England.
History
Beginning their recording career in 1965, the band evolved stylistically from Beat through to psychedelic music and eventually embraced elements of freakbeat. Throughout various personnel changes, drummer Keith Guster was the sole constant member.[1] Their activity ceased in 1969.
Under the management of Frank Fenter from Atlantic Records, who also discovered Sharon Tandy, the group was enlisted by Howard Conder, manager of Sweet Feeling, to produce "Reflections of Charles Brown" under the pseudonym Rupert's People.[1][2] Although this track bore similarities to Procol Harum's "A Whiter Shade of Pale", it did not achieve chart success except in Australia where it reached No. 13 in August 1967; it has since become a sought-after collectible. The final recording with Conder was the B-side titled "Hold On".[2]
Their debut single was produced by Jimmy Page, who also composed its B-side, while their second release, "Circles", was produced by Glyn Johns. In 1966, Chas Chandler contributed Jimi Hendrix's guitar work to their London studio session for the track "Amen". Their recordings have been featured on compilations such as Hip Young Guitar Slinger and other collections highlighting 1960s British rock. A compilation named Reflections, issued in 1996, gathers their recorded material.
Additionally, they provided instrumental support on John Bromley’s only album.
Keyboard player Pete Sears later joined Sam Gopal Dream, participated in four early albums by Rod Stewart, including Every Picture Tells a Story, co-founded Jefferson Starship, performed with Hot Tuna, and worked alongside musicians such as John Lee Hooker, Dr. John, and Harvey Mandel. Bassist Gordon Haskell succeeded Greg Lake in King Crimson before embarking on a solo career. Guitarist Bryn Haworth moved to the United States, recorded an unreleased album titled Wolfgang with bassist Leland Sklar, released solo projects through Island Records and A&M Records, and continued producing music within Contemporary Christian Music labels.
Singles
- 1965 - "Moondreams" (written by Norman Petty) / "Wait For Me" (composed by Jimmy Page) - (Immediate IM 20, credited as Les Fleur De Lys)
- 1966 - "Circles" (by Pete Townshend) / "So Come On" - (Immediate IM 32, credited as The Fleur De Lys)
- 1966 - "Mud in Your Eye" / "I've Been Trying" (originally by Curtis Mayfield) - (Polydor 56124)
- 1967 - "I Can See a Light" / "Prodigal Son" - (Polydor 56200)
- 1968 - "Gong With the Luminous Nose" (written by Gordon Haskell) / "Hammer Head" (Haskell) - (Polydor 56251)
- 1968 - "Stop Crossing the Bridge" (composed by Dee and Potter) / "Brick by Brick (Stone by Stone)" (Dee and Potter) - (Atlantic 584 193)
- 1969 - "(You're Just A) Liar" (written by Haworth and Potter) / "One Girl City" - (Atlantic 584 243)
Compilation albums
- 1991 - Les Fleurs de Lys (FDL 1005)
- 1996 - Reflections (Blueprint/Voiceprint BP256CD)
- 2013 - You've Got To Earn It (Acid Jazz Records AJX 324)
EPs
- 2009 - The Two Sides of the Fleur De Lys EP (Acid Jazz Records AJX225S)