"Flash" - 1971 to Present

In 1980 I met Ray Bennett at "The Rainbow", a musician's hang-out on the Sunset Strip in L.A.  I had never heard of his Brit progrock band "Flash", even though a few years earlier I lived only a few blocks from the Strip and must have driven past the huge billboard on the side of the Whiskey-A-Go-Go displaying their infamous first album cover - a 'flash' of panties artfully designed by Hipgnosis. 

The band had broken up abruptly several year earlier, in spite of a whirlwind two and a half years of successful touring, three notable albums and a Top Forty single.

I liked the man - very much - so I listened to the music.  I liked it.  I was very impressed.  I learned the Flash story, met the band members, who were all living in L.A. at the time, and encouraged them to reunite.  A couple of rehearsals took place, but it all ended badly when a drunken Peter Banks started a punch-up with Ray at a weekly jam session at The Central, the club on Sunset Blvd. now known as The Viper Room.

I've lived with Ray ever since, following his career and what now seems like the inevitable road that led to Flash's reunion in 2010.  It's been a long and winding road!

I'm starting this thread as a dedicated spot on PA to share all things Flash.  I'd love to hear from any of you who have stories to tell, or questions or comments for the band.

I'll start the thread by posting a very up-close and personal conversation/interview with Ray and lead singer, Colin Carter, recorded at Ray's home (and mine) in Las Vegas.  Colin and Ray talk publicly for the first time about Peter Banks, the "Flash" break-up, their reunion, progressive rock and much more.  Hope you enjoy it...





Update:  Since this interview was recorded, Flash was warmly received at their reunion debut headlining the 2010 ProgDay Festival, and a good time was had by all.  They played a mix of their classic repertoire and new tunes as well as a cover of the Nine Inch Nails song, "Hurt" which one reviewer called the "surprise" of the festival.  Ray and Colin like the Flash version of the song so much, they decided to include it on the new album, which has delayed the release date, but should be well worth the wait.


Edited by sherrynoland - August 24 2013 at 00:42

Saw Flash as support to Beck Bogert Appice at Loughborough Uni 1973 - one of the best double gigs I ever witnessed - and Pete Banks was definitely flash that night wrt his playing.

Edited by Dick Heath - November 22 2010 at 11:17

I was fortunate to see Flash back up Wishbone Ash at the Chicago Auditorium Theater in 1973!  Ray called it the "Wishbone Flash" tour, the band was brilliant!!  

Hi,

Flash's reunion debut headlining at ProgDay 2010...

Happy Christmas to all...Flash style!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKNbvh91pJg




Edited by sherrynoland - March 02 2015 at 14:53

sherrynoland wrote: Nothing definite or official yet, but... Stan Whitaker - HTM/Oblivion Sun, and Ray Bennett - Flash, are discussing a joint tour.  Both bands have a new release scheduled for early 2011.  Should be interesting....

I'm sorry Sherry. I was up in the ether with that statement. I meant Ray's history of the Flash band. His history on Peter Banks and the direction of the band. All is fascinating! Sometimes band members dread talking about the history of the band and it's change of members, transition from one style to another, etc.  But, to the fans it's like reading an important book in prog history. For me personally, a discussion on the history of a band regarding the change of members has to do with being part of a business as well. Where some musicians may decide on a different musical direction which affects business and style of a band in the long term relationship. This may be the way I personally look upon things. In point I must add that Ray is an interesting guy and I love his history on the Flash band, current events or past activities, and just hearing Ray and Colin having a conversation with you has inspired me to purchase the Flash collection. I wish there were more people like you Sherry, doing this sort of thing, where it has a direct influence on fans to buy the band's music. What you are doing has a better affect on fans than the boring internet search into a band's history. Making this interview available to us all is a kind and thoughtful idea. I really appreciate the fact that Ray and Colin would participate and that you have gone the distance. This is the best way to get into FLASH! .....reading and watching the interview on this thread! thanks Sherry

I read your interesting interview with Flash member Ray Bennett, I genuinely enjoyed it, but was a bit puzzled to read that he said he had never heard of 1-2-3 or Clouds. This is from Marmalade skies:-

http://www.marmalade-skies.co.uk/june1971.htm

 

Ex-Yes guitarist Peter Banks rehearses with Clouds but does not join the group.

I guess Ray and Peter don't talk to each other much!


PS Sorry I mistakenly sent this by private message first, apologies for the repetition, being a newbie is my excuse!