The Flying Hat Band
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Defunct | 1974 |
| Headquarters | Birmingham , England |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
The Flying Hat Band emerged as a notable rock group from Birmingham, England, in the early 1970s. Alongside Judas Priest, they were regarded as one of the Midlands' leading prospects for success. Although they never released a full album, the band gained recognition as a popular live act and had the opportunity to support Deep Purple during a European tour.
In April 1974, the group dissolved following Glenn Tipton's departure to join Judas Priest as co-guitarist after that band secured a deal with Gull Records. The bassist, Peter "Mars" Cowling, went on to collaborate with Canadian musician Pat Travers in 1975, remaining part of his ensemble for several years. Meanwhile, drummer Trevor Foster became involved with folk rock outfits The Albion Band and Little Johnny England.
Personnel
- Last lineup
- Glenn Tipton – guitar, vocals
- Peter "Mars" Cowling – bass guitar (deceased 2018)
- Steve Palmer – drums
- Previous members
- Trevor Foster – drums
- Andy Wheeler – bass guitar
- Pete Hughes – vocals (deceased 2023)
- Steve Burton – vocals
- Frank Walker – bass guitar
- Dave Shelton – bass and guitars
Discography
Although signed with Vertigo, the trio recorded a studio album in 1973 that was never officially released.
In 1992, the German label SPM International issued a split CD entitled "Buried Together", which paired Scottish rock band Iron Claw (incorrectly credited as Antrobus) with four demo tracks recorded by The Flying Hat Band in 1973:
- Seventh Plain – 2:55
- Coming of the Lords – 6:46
- Reaching for the Stars – 4:36
- Lost Time – 2:39
Trivia
Steve Palmer, who played drums for the band, is the sibling of Carl Palmer from Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
Founding members Dave Shelton and Pete Hughes previously performed in Glenn Tipton's earlier projects Merlin and Shave'Em Dry; the latter also featured Barry Scrannage, who would later join both Starfighters and play drums for Ozzy Osbourne.