Member-only story

Keep It Together : Cosmic Boogie With The Deviants And The Pink Fairies: Cosmic Boogie With The Deviants And Pink Fairies

Federico García Lorca

·14.2k Followers· Follow

Published in Rich Deakin

4 min read

344 View Claps

52 Respond

Save

Listen

In the kaleidoscopic realm of 1960s psychedelic rock, The Deviants and The Pink Fairies emerged as two quintessential bands that defied categorization and pushed the boundaries of musical expression. Their collective journey, marked by a relentless pursuit of sonic experimentation, radical aesthetics, and a spirit of communal rebellion, left an enduring legacy that continues to resonate today.

The Deviants: Breaking Boundaries with Experimental Psychedelia

The Deviants, formed in London in 1967, were a motley crew of musical misfits led by the enigmatic Mickey Finn. Their music was a potent blend of fuzzed-out guitars, throbbing bass, and Mick Farren's raspy, confrontational vocals. Influenced by the likes of The Velvet Underground and The 13th Floor Elevators, The Deviants embraced a raw and uncompromising approach that defied commercial expectations.

Their performances, often held in underground clubs and communes, were legendary for their chaotic energy and boundary-pushing improvisations. The band reveled in sonic experimentation, incorporating feedback, tape loops, and unconventional instruments into their live sets. Their album "Ptooff!" (1969) captured the essence of their live experience, with its raw energy, extended jams, and the haunting track "The Madman."

Keep It Together!: Cosmic Boogie with the Deviants and the Pink Fairies: Cosmic Boogie with the "Deviants" and "Pink Fairies"

by Rich Deakin

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7684 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	192 pages

The Pink Fairies: Psychedelic Glam and Underground Roots

The Pink Fairies emerged from the ashes of The Deviants in 1970, spearheaded by the charismatic Larry Wallis. Their music blended the psychedelic sensibilities of their predecessors with a glam rock aesthetic, creating a unique and captivating sound.

The Pink Fairies' debut album, "Never Never Land" (1971),became an instant cult classic. Its songs, such as "Do It!" and "Uncle Harry's Last Freak Out," showcased their raw energy and edgy lyrics. Wallis's guitar playing, characterized by its distorted, fuzzed-out tone, became a signature of the band's sound.

But beneath the surface glamour, The Pink Fairies remained firmly rooted in the underground culture that birthed them. They toured relentlessly, performing at squats, communes, and biker rallies, gaining a devoted following among like-minded counterculture enthusiasts.

Cosmic Boogie: Collaborations and Counterculture Cross-Pollination

The paths of The Deviants and The Pink Fairies intertwined throughout their careers, resulting in a series of collaborations and cross-pollinations that left a lasting impact on psychedelic rock.

After Mickey Finn's departure from The Deviants, he joined The Pink Fairies for a brief but influential period, contributing his distinctive vocals and songwriting to their second album, "What a Bunch of Sweeties" (1971).

In 1973, The Pink Fairies and The Deviants embarked on a joint tour, capturing the energy of their live performances on the album "Deviants vs. Pink Fairies: Live at the Roundhouse." This historic recording showcases the raw power and improvisational spirit of both bands.

Legacy: Underground Icons and Psych Rock Pioneers

The Deviants and The Pink Fairies remain underground icons, their influence extending far beyond their initial era. Their music continues to inspire and intrigue generations of musicians and fans alike.

Their relentless experimentation with sound, their uncompromising attitude towards music, and their embodiment of the counterculture ethos have cemented their place in rock and roll history. They paved the way for countless other artists to explore the boundaries of psychedelic rock and to challenge the norms of mainstream music.

Cosmic Boogie With The Deviants And The Pink Fairies is a testament to the power and enduring legacy of psychedelic rock. Through their innovative music, boundary-pushing performances, and unwavering commitment to underground culture, these two bands left an indelible mark on the genre. Their journey is a tale of artistic rebellion, sonic exploration, and the transformative power of counterculture.

Keep It Together!: Cosmic Boogie with the Deviants and the Pink Fairies: Cosmic Boogie with the "Deviants" and "Pink Fairies"

by Rich Deakin

4.5 out of 5