The Open Mind (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Founder | Tim du Feu, Mike Brancaccio, Philip Fox, Ray Nye |
| Defunct | 1973 |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Psychedelic rock music |
The Open Mind was a London-based English psychedelic rock ensemble active throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Overview
Originating in 1963, the band was founded by four musicians from Putney, South West London: Tim du Feu, Mike Brancaccio, Philip Fox, and Ray Nye. Initially, they performed under the name The Apaches. Following Nye's exit in 1965, Terry Schindler joined their ranks, prompting a name change to The Drag Set. Under this moniker, they released the single "Day and Night" / "Get Out of My Way" in February 1967. Shortly thereafter, they adopted the name The Open Mind and launched a self-titled LP in July 1969, which has since become a highly prized collector’s item. The album’s artwork depicted the band members emerging from the head of the ancient Greek sculpture known as the Charioteer of Delphi.
Their most notable release is the August 1969 single "Magic Potion," a track absent from their LP. Terry Schindler has indicated that this song was banned by the BBC due to its drug-related content.
The Open Mind dissolved in 1973 when members aimed to explore jazz-inspired music but encountered challenges due to their established psychedelic image. All members except Phil Fox went on to form Armada, which existed for approximately three years but did not produce any recorded works.
Though their discography is limited, The Open Mind left a mark on psychedelic rock; "Magic Potion" has been interpreted by groups such as The Seers, Sun Dial, and The Damned.
Band members
- Mike Bran (Mike Brancaccio) – lead guitar, vocals, piano (born 17 April 1946, Rome, Italy; deceased 2022)
- Timothy du Feu – bass guitar (born 31 May 1944, Malvern, Worcestershire, England)
- Philip Fox – drums (born 26 August 1946, Westminster, South West London)
- Ray Nye – guitar, vocals
- Terry Martin (Terry Schindler) – guitar, vocals (born 26 August 1945, Holborn, West Central London)
Singles
- "Horses and Chariots" b/w "Before My Time" (Philips BF 1790) May 1969
- "Magic Potion" b/w "Cast a Spell" (Philips BF 1805) August 1969
- As The Drag Set
- "Day and Night" b/w "Get Out of My Way" (Go AJ 11405) May 1967
Album
- The Open Mind LP (Philips 7893) July 1969
The Open Mind was later reissued on CD by Acme Records and Second Battle, featuring the two singles not included on the original LP as bonus tracks.
External links
- [ Allmusic entry for the Open Mind]
- June 2001 interview with bassist Timothy du Feu