The Move
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 in Birmingham, England |
| Headquarters | Birmingham , England |
| Products | Studio albums, compilation albums, singles, live EPs |
The Move was a British rock ensemble originating from Birmingham in 1965. The founding members consisted of lead guitarist and principal songwriter Roy Wood, vocalist Carl Wayne, rhythm guitarist Trevor Burton, bassist Ace Kefford, and drummer Bev Bevan. By 1971, the group had condensed into a trio featuring Wood, Bevan, and guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Jeff Lynne (previously with the Idle Race). Over five years, The Move secured nine UK Top 20 singles but failed to achieve significant commercial impact in the United States.
The band emerged from several mid-1960s Birmingham outfits such as Carl Wayne & the Vikings, the Nightriders, and the Mayfair Set, with their name symbolizing the transition from these earlier projects. Throughout their career, The Move produced four studio albums, two compilation albums, one live EP, and eighteen singles. Their early hits "Night of Fear" and "I Can Hear the Grass Grow" climbed to number 2 and number 5 on the UK charts respectively. Their self-titled debut album released in 1968 reached number 15 on the UK Official Albums Chart and yielded two additional Top 10 singles: "Flowers in the Rain" and "Fire Brigade". Other Top 10 successes included the chart-topping single "Blackberry Way". Subsequent albums encompassed Shazam, Looking On, and Message from the Country before their split in 1972.
In later years, Wood, Lynne, and Bevan initiated a side project called Electric Light Orchestra, which went on to attain widespread international acclaim following The Move's disbandment. Wood eventually departed ELO to establish Wizzard.
The Move briefly came together again in 1981 for a charity event featuring Bevan, Wood, and Kefford. In 2004, Bevan launched the "Bev Bevan Band" with former ELO Part II members Phil Bates and Neil Lockwood; this group was later renamed "Bev Bevan's Move." Between 2007 and 2014, Burton joined as a full-time member, with performances occurring sporadically under the banner "The Move featuring Bev Bevan and Trevor Burton." Their most recent reunion took place in 2016 as "Bev Bevan's Zing Band," combining Bevan with former members and new collaborators.
Initial singles and debut album
The Move was established in December 1965 and made their first appearance at the Belfry in Wishaw on 23 January 1966. Founders Trevor Burton, Ace Kefford, and Roy Wood sought to form Birmingham’s premier band, enlisting Carl Wayne as lead singer and Bev Bevan on drums. Under the management of Tony Secunda—also managing Moody Blues—they secured a weekly residency at London's prestigious Marquee Club during 1966. Their early performances included covers of American West Coast groups alongside Motown classics. Secunda’s promotional tactics, such as Wayne smashing televisions on stage, attracted considerable media coverage despite resulting in some promoter restrictions. During breaks between shows, Wood began composing songs that culminated in their debut single "Night of Fear", which reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart in January 1967; this track was notable for integrating a musical motif from Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. Their follow-up single "I Can Hear the Grass Grow" also achieved a Top 5 position in the UK charts.
In April 1967, master tapes containing ten tracks intended for their first album were stolen but subsequently recovered in damaged condition. This incident postponed the album’s release from late 1967 until March 1968. Their third single "Flowers in the Rain" holds distinction as the inaugural chart single broadcast on BBC Radio 1 at its launch in September 1967; it peaked at number 2 on UK charts. This song featured woodwind and string arrangements by Tony Visconti and was issued under the newly revived Regal Zonophone label.
Legal complications
Manager Tony Secunda, acting without the band's approval, created a satirical postcard for "Flowers in the Rain" depicting Prime Minister Harold Wilson in bed with his secretary, Marcia Williams. Wilson initiated a libel lawsuit against The Move and emerged victorious; consequently, the band was responsible for all legal expenses, and all song royalties were redirected to charities selected by Wilson. This legal decision remained effective even after Wilson's passing in 1995. In the Family Trees documentary focusing on Birmingham's music scene, Wood remarked that although the entire band forfeited royalties, the loss was most significant to him as the composer of the track.
The Move intended to release "Cherry Blossom Clinic," a whimsical song portraying the imaginative escapades of a mental institution patient, accompanied by the satirical "Vote For Me." However, due to their ongoing legal troubles, both the band and their record label considered the single too risky and ultimately shelved it. While "Vote For Me" did not see release until it appeared on retrospective compilations starting in 1997, "Cherry Blossom Clinic" was featured on their debut album, Move.
In response to the lawsuit, The Move terminated Secunda’s management and appointed Don Arden, who had recently been dismissed from managing the Small Faces. In a 2000 interview, Wayne disclosed internal disagreements regarding Secunda’s confrontational methods: "[Secunda] had those who complied with his demands—Trevor, Ace, and me—the energetic core of the stage act. I believe Roy felt somewhat uneasy about the image and antics—but the rest of us did not. We were always ready to be Secunda’s puppets."
Touring and personnel shifts
Towards the end of 1967, The Move embarked on a UK tour as part of a prominent lineup that included the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Pink Floyd. By March 1968, they re-entered the charts with "Fire Brigade," which reached the UK Top 3 and featured Wood as lead vocalist. Around the time their album was released, bassist Ace Kefford was dismissed due to personal problems and substance abuse issues, reducing the band to a quartet with Burton and occasionally Wayne taking on bass responsibilities during live shows.
The Move appeared at the first Isle of Wight Festival in August 1968. Although their fifth single, "Wild Tiger Woman," failed to achieve commercial success, they bounced back with "Blackberry Way" in February 1969, which secured the number one spot on UK charts. This shift toward a more pop-oriented sound conflicted with Burton’s preference for hard rock and blues styles, resulting in his departure following an onstage altercation in Sweden.
Jeff Lynne declined an offer to join The Move as he was committed to his band, the Idle Race. Speculation about Hank Marvin joining was later revealed as promotional tactics; however, Marvin confirmed he was approached but declined due to scheduling conflicts. In 1969, Burton was temporarily replaced by Rick Price, completing a lineup consisting of Wayne (vocals), Wood (guitar and vocals), Bevan (drums), and Price (bass and vocals).
After leaving The Move, Kefford formed the short-lived Ace Kefford Stand and recorded a solo album that was released only in 2003. Burton went on to join the Steve Gibbons Band, collaborated in Balls alongside Denny Laine and Alan White, and subsequently led his own blues ensemble as guitarist.
Shazam
In October 1969, The Move embarked on their sole US tour, opening for the Stooges in Detroit and performing in Los Angeles as well as at San Francisco's Fillmore West. Due to minimal backing from their American label and promoters—the band even managed their own logistics—the planned New York shows were cancelled, prompting their return to the UK. During this period, Arden transferred The Move's management to promoter Peter Walsh, known for his work with cabaret performers, who began booking the group into cabaret venues. This shift exacerbated tensions between Wayne and Wood.[1] Bevan later remarked that the band felt prematurely aged by the cabaret circuit. Concurrently, Wood was openly exploring the idea of forming a new band that fused hard rock with classical instrumentation, which would later be known as "The Electric Light Orchestra".
The Move’s sophomore album, 1970’s Shazam, maintained their penchant for musical quotations and intricate arrangements. The track "Hello Susie," penned by Wood and previously a Top 5 hit for Amen Corner in 1969, incorporated elements from Booker T. Jones' and Eddie Floyd's "Big Bird." The album also featured a slower rendition of "Cherry Blossom Clinic," an instrumental medley of traditional tunes, and a cover of Tom Paxton’s "The Last Thing on My Mind". Although bearing some resemblance to earlier releases, the record marked a transition from pop toward a more aggressive underground style.[1] Burton contributed bass parts on some tracks recorded before his exit but was not credited at the time.
Aware of Wood’s orchestral rock ambitions, Wayne proposed that Wood concentrate on this new project while continuing to write for The Move. Wayne suggested reorganizing the band around Burton and Kefford; however, this idea was rejected by Wood, Bevan, and Price. After witnessing an altercation between Wood and an intoxicated audience member in Sheffield, Wayne resigned in January 1970, just one month prior to Shazam's release.[2] Subsequently, Wayne pursued various music projects and media roles. In 2000, he replaced Allan Clarke as lead vocalist of the Hollies, remaining until his death from cancer in 2004.
1970–1971: Jeff Lynne and Looking On
Following Wayne’s departure, The Move dismissed Walsh as manager and reinstated Arden. Jeff Lynne joined as second guitarist and keyboardist, drawn by Wood’s ELO concept and the opportunity to collaborate on songwriting. Their first recording with Lynne was the single "Brontosaurus". Prior to a television appearance, Wood crafted the "Wizzard" persona by styling his hair wildly and applying black-and-white face paint with a star emblazoned on his forehead—establishing The Move's distinctive visual identity.
The group toured Ireland and Germany, headlining the Knighton Rock Festival in August 1970. In a radio interview, Bevan noted that The Move had largely abandoned earlier hits in favor of original compositions and reimagined covers such as "She's a Woman", signaling a shift from pop toward progressive rock.
For the remainder of 1970, they focused on studio work to fulfill their contract with Essex Music (David Platz), which planned to launch Fly Records. Wood and Lynne overdubbed numerous instruments—including piano, woodwinds, sitar, and Chinese cello—to support their evolving sound. Prior to completing their third album Looking On, Arden secured a three-album deal with EMI’s Harvest Records for the Wood-Lynne-Bevan lineup (excluding Price), including a £25,000 advance—exceeding previous earnings despite prior successes.
Released in December 1970, Looking On contained five tracks by Wood and two by Lynne. Although Fly Records showed waning interest despite spawning the No. 7 hit "Brontosaurus," this was The Move’s final release on Regal Zonophone. The follow-up single "When Alice Comes Back to the Farm" failed to chart.
The planned B-side "10538 Overture" was held back for Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), with Wood re-recording Price’s bass parts since Price was excluded from the new ensemble. Unaware of these changes until early 1971, Price pursued other projects including Mongrel before reuniting with Wood in Wizzard and the Wizzo Band. He later shifted into artist management and formed the duo Price and Lee with his wife Dianne Lee of Peters and Lee.
1971–1972: Message from the Country and dissolution
Although Wood, Lynne, and Bevan intended for Looking On to be The Move’s concluding album, Harvest demanded another record to recoup their advance before transitioning focus to ELO. As a result, The Move recorded their final album simultaneously with ELO’s debut, featuring extensive overdubs by Wood and Lynne. Released in summer 1971, Message from the Country included Wood’s "Ben Crawley Steel Company" with Bevan delivering lead vocals inspired by Johnny Cash; Bevan’s "Don't Mess Me Up," sung by Wood, paid tribute to Elvis Presley. Despite critical praise, Bevan later cited it as his least favorite Move album. This release was followed by two successful singles written by Wood: "Tonight" and "Chinatown". To promote these tracks on television, The Move incorporated Bill Hunt (horns, woodwinds, piano) and Richard Tandy (guitar, bass), who would become founding members of ELO.
In 1972, following ELO’s debut album launch, The Move released a farewell maxi single featuring "California Man", "Ella James" (from Message from the Country), and "Do Ya". "California Man," reaching No. 7 in the UK charts, honored Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard with shared vocals between Lynne and Wood. Lynne’s composition "Do Ya" became The Move’s sole entry on the US Billboard Hot 100 at No. 93; ELO’s subsequent remake achieved greater American success in 1977. After these releases, The Move made television appearances promoting both their final single and ELO’s debut track "10538 Overture." Early sessions for ELO 2, ELO's last album under Harvest Records, saw departures of Wood and Hunt. Wood then spearheaded glam rock outfit Wizzard and released his solo effort Boulders in 1973; meanwhile Lynne, Bevan, and Tandy continued touring as ELO with growing international acclaim. Notably, Boulders was recorded during Wood's tenure with The Move but its release was delayed to avoid competition with band albums.
1981, 2004–2014, 2016: Reunion phases
On 28 April 1981 at Birmingham's Locarno venue, a one-off reunion occurred featuring Wood, Bevan, and Kefford alongside other reunited Birmingham bands for a charity event. No further reunions took place until 2004.
Following Wayne’s passing in 2004, Bevan established the Bev Bevan Band—soon renamed 'Bev Bevan's Move'—to capitalize on The Move's lasting legacy. He enlisted former ELO Part II members guitarist Phil Bates and keyboardist Neil Lockwood plus bassist Phil Tree to perform primarily classic Move material. This move drew strong criticism from Wood.
Burton occasionally joined starting in 2006 before becoming permanent in 2007; prior to his death Wayne had attempted to facilitate a reunion between Bevan and Burton. Bates departed in July 2007 to rejoin ELO Part II (later known as The Orchestra) and was succeeded by Gordon Healer. Their Autumn 2007 tour was promoted as "the Move featuring Trevor Burton and Bev Bevan."
In 2014 the band toured under The Move name featuring Bevan, Burton, Tree along with keyboardist/vocalist Abby Brant and guitarist/vocalist Tony Kelsey. On 2 May that year Bevan announced via Facebook that The Move had disbanded again; he and Burton would continue performing separately as "the Bev Bevan Band" and "the Trevor Burton Band." In December 2014 Bev Bevan’s group completed nearly fifty dates on their "Stand Up And Rock" tour alongside longtime friend Jasper Carrott; guest appearances included Trevor Burton, Geoff Turton, and Joy Strachan-Brain.
In 2016 plans were announced for a reunion performance at The Core Theatre in Solihull featuring Bevan, Burton, Tree, and Kelsey; however this event was later billed as 'Bev Bevan's Zing Band' without Burton. This lineup comprised Bevan, Tree, Kelsey alongside returning Abby Brant plus Geoff Turton handling lead vocals.
Personnel
Members
Last lineup
- Bev Bevan – drums, percussion, vocals (1965–1972; 2004–2014)
- Trevor Burton – guitar, bass guitar, vocals (1965–1969; unofficially 2004–2007; officially 2007–2014)
- Phil Tree – bass guitar, vocals (2004–2014)
- Abby Brant – keyboards, vocals (2014)
- Tony Kelsey – guitar, vocals (2014)
Discography
- Move (1968)
- Shazam (1970)
- Looking On (1970)
- Message from the Country (1971)