Return of Brit ProgRockers Flash, Reissues & Video
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Topic: Return of Brit ProgRockers Flash, Reissues & Video
Posted By: sherrynoland
Subject: Return of Brit ProgRockers Flash, Reissues & Video
Date Posted: January 02 2010 at 18:03
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Just thought I'd give a heads-up about British progrockers, "Flash". The band has reformed with original members, Ray Bennett and Colin Carter, and are currently in rehearsals. Here's a video clip from their first session 12/16/09... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jhbb7OI0o8" rel="nofollow - The band has also posted a couple of new tracks on youtube... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSYjnvsiZ0s" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSYjnvsiZ0s%20www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xIEJHRcwVs" rel="nofollow - and a bit of humor... Cheers, Sherry |
Replies:
Posted By: Windhawk
Date Posted: January 02 2010 at 18:28
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Nice timing. Added Peter Banks post-Flash experiment Empire to the database here about a week ago ;-)
------------- Websites I work with: http://www.progressor.net http://www.houseofprog.com My profile on Mixcloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/haukevind/ |
Posted By: Easy Livin
Date Posted: January 03 2010 at 03:49
What are they rehearsing for? A tour, a new album, or both?
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Posted By: The Runaway
Date Posted: January 03 2010 at 07:57
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There's a new album, and I hope they tour too! Please Sherry, you're Ray's wife, make them book a gig July 26th in London! ------------- http://www.formspring.me/Aragorn224" rel="nofollow - Trendsetter win! The search for nonexistent perfection. |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: January 03 2010 at 15:46
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Why July 26th? P.S. No dates set yet, but they're rehearsing to record AND tour. I'll keep you posted... |
Posted By: The Runaway
Date Posted: January 03 2010 at 23:42
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Because July 24th and 25th there's the High Voltage Festival, and a Flash gig afterwards would be the cherry on top. ------------- http://www.formspring.me/Aragorn224" rel="nofollow - Trendsetter win! The search for nonexistent perfection. |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: January 03 2010 at 23:54
| How about seeing Flash at the HV Festival? If it's not all booked up, the boys would love to do it. |
Posted By: The Runaway
Date Posted: January 04 2010 at 08:03
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That would make my day! If this can happen I'll be more than pleased! ------------- http://www.formspring.me/Aragorn224" rel="nofollow - Trendsetter win! The search for nonexistent perfection. |
Posted By: miketheorganist
Date Posted: January 04 2010 at 19:06
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I know they were considered a ripoff of Yes in those days but I didn't care, I love rock with this kind of sound. Reminds me of us. LOL Good to see Colin has still got the pipes. ------------- A spirit with a vision is a dream with a mission! www.facebook.com/kineticelementband |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: January 05 2010 at 01:20
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Yes, some called "Flash" a "Yes" sound-alike, but for those who knew Pete Banks was the original guitarist for Yes - and a true originator and contributor to the Yes sound - it was no surprise to hear Flash and notice similarities. Flash copied no one. This version without Pete will sound different, I'm sure, but Ray and Colin wrote most of Flash's material....so, it'll be interesting. Thanks for your comment. i think Colin sounds better than ever. His voice has grown richer with age and experience. |
Posted By: SouthSideoftheSky
Date Posted: January 05 2010 at 03:05
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This sounds interesting! When will the new album be released?
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Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: January 05 2010 at 17:51
| ASAP!!!!! It's nearly done, but there are still questions about label, financing and distribution, so no date set yet. It may be released on iTunes first. I'll keep you posted. |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: January 06 2010 at 19:35
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In August '08 Gibson Guitars compiled a list of 10 classic progrock albums. Recently reunited "Flash" is on that list with their second album, "In the Can". The good news..... Flash is back! http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/Features/10-classic-prog-rock-albums/ - http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/Features/10-classic-prog-rock-albums/ |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: January 06 2010 at 19:38
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All the latest news and music from Flash.... http://reverbnation.com/flashbennettcarter" rel="nofollow - http://reverbnation.com/flashbennettcarter http://myspace.com/flashbennettcarter" rel="nofollow - http://myspace.com/flashbennettcarter |
Posted By: progkidjoel
Date Posted: January 06 2010 at 19:56
God this is awesome! Great to see another awesome 70's group working together again  ------------- 
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Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: January 20 2010 at 21:50
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Thanks for your comment, Joel. Your profile says you're 16. I love it!! You might enjoy reading something that just surfaced on the web about Flash's Ray Bennett and Yes' Bill Bruford when they were about your age. Their first band - "The Original Breed Blues Band" was banned from playing at a local hall. The article has pictures imbedded, too, but I can't figure out how to cut and paste them. I'll have to see if there's a way to post them here. They're terrific! Bruford’s old band banned Posted by Sid; 23 November, 2009 Having had a rummage about in an old biscuit tin up the attic recently, Bill has emerged with an article from the Sevenoaks Chronicle. Dated September 15th, 1966, it sheds light on a previously undocumented band that Bill used to belong to before joining Yes. Getting into trouble with officialdom is always a godsend to the edgy, street-cred reputation of any young group. Although it didn't grab the sensational national headlines which The Rolling Stones managed when they famously took a leak against the wall of the Romford service station in 1965, The Original Breed Blues Band, probably did their public profile no end of good when they fell foul of the local Urban District Council, when trying to book the local youth club at Knole Paddock for a gig. The band used to offer up a variety covers from the likes of Herbie Hancock and Cannonball Adderley through to the earthy blues of Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters. However, this seemingly agreeable musical combination was deemed to be too incendiary a mix to be heard, falling foul of bureaucratic regulations. In what must surely be his first interview with the press, Bill is quoted in the article as saying “We’re not a load of yobos trying to break up a youth club.” The front page piece records the other members of The Breed as Doug Kennard (guitar, piano, harmonica and vocals), Mike Freeman (alto sax), Ray Bennett (bass and vocals), Pete Skinner (percussion) and Stu Murray (guitar, vocals and harmonica). Interestingly, BB is credited as playing drums and vibes. The Sevenoaks Chronicle (the same publication where BB had spotted an advert that lead him to his first kit for 17 guineas) notes that the band “have been playing together for two years, developing a unique style, which has made them popular in and out of Sevenoaks. ‘We have been practising for weeks, specially for this dance,” said Bill. “But if we don’t find another hall, then we’re finished in Sevenoaks, anyway”. |
Posted By: The Runaway
Date Posted: January 20 2010 at 23:50
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Thanks for the fantastic story! It's probably fun for your husband, knowing that he played with Bruford and all. ------------- http://www.formspring.me/Aragorn224" rel="nofollow - Trendsetter win! The search for nonexistent perfection. |
Posted By: progkidjoel
Date Posted: January 21 2010 at 01:25
Thats hilarious!  -------------
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Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: January 21 2010 at 02:58
Yes, they had a great time. And Ray's happy for Bill's fame and all the other "Yes" lads...and Phil Collins, and the rest of that superb group of musicians who played together and honed their skills at a very creative time for music. if you asked Bill, he's probably happy to have played with Ray, too.  Lots of talent all around. Here's a link to Bill's web site and a picture of "The Breed Blues Band" -- Ray is center front... http://www.billbruford.com/news.asp?DoAction=ViewArticle&EntryID=165 - http://www.billbruford.com/news.asp?DoAction=ViewArticle&EntryID=165 |
Posted By: The Runaway
Date Posted: January 21 2010 at 11:23
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Also, how's it going with the Flash-on-HVF thing, is it gonna happen? ------------- http://www.formspring.me/Aragorn224" rel="nofollow - Trendsetter win! The search for nonexistent perfection. |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: January 21 2010 at 15:03
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Regarding the High Voltage Fest., I don't know yet. They've been contacted and we're waiting to hear if there's still an available slot and if they're interested. Anyone who'd like to hear Flash play live, go to their youtube "1st Flash Rehearsal" video and make a comment! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jhbb7OI0o8%20 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jhbb7OI0o8%20 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jhbb7OI0o8 |
Posted By: The Runaway
Date Posted: January 21 2010 at 23:36
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If they've been contacted, it must be good right? ------------- http://www.formspring.me/Aragorn224" rel="nofollow - Trendsetter win! The search for nonexistent perfection. |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: January 22 2010 at 00:05
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The festival has been contacted. No reply yet. Let me try that link again - it doesn't seem to work in my earlier post... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jhbb7OI0o8 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jhbb7OI0o8 |
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: January 25 2010 at 20:03
Hi Sherry! That link works just fine! I hope you can keep uploading more of those!!
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sherrynoland wrote:Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: January 26 2010 at 00:26
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Colin's coming back to town this week for more rehearsals. I'll see what I can do.... |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: January 26 2010 at 00:35
| P.S. Did you see the picture of Bill Bruford's and Ray's first band, "The Breed", on another thread, Chuck? |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: February 09 2010 at 00:29
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I posted another rehearsal video on youtube...the band in early stages of working on "Small Beginnings". |
Posted By: progkidjoel
Date Posted: February 09 2010 at 01:41
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Just watched the last video (and left it a comment), the boys sounded great Sherry!
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Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: February 09 2010 at 01:53
| Thanks for commenting, Joel. Much appreciated. |
Posted By: The Runaway
Date Posted: February 09 2010 at 10:14
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The line-up for the HVF has been posted and Flash are not on there, does this mean we will have no small beginnings for a big festival? ------------- http://www.formspring.me/Aragorn224" rel="nofollow - Trendsetter win! The search for nonexistent perfection. |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: February 09 2010 at 16:45
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Dunno, Blowin Free. The HV site says, "line up to be confirmed". Don't think the bookings are complete yet. But it's a bit late to book it for this year... |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: February 27 2010 at 16:40
| There's a possibility that Flash may play the CalProg festival in So. California in the fall 2010. Details to be worked out. |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: March 03 2010 at 20:50
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I found this Flash reissue announcement from Esoteric Recordings on the web today....... Flash eclec2166 Released on 23/11/09. Upon his departure from YES following the release of the album Time and a Word , guitarist PETER BANKS formed this excellent Progressive outfit featuring RAY BENNETT (bass, guitar), COLIN CARTER (vocals) and MIKE HOUGH (drums). Signing to the Sovereign label in the UK, FLASH recorded their eponymous debut album in 1972 and were joined by another ex-YES member, Keyboard player TONY KAYE whose skill graced the entire album. This Esoteric Recordings re-mastered reissue includes the rare single version of Small Beginnings as a bonus track and is certain to appeal to the legions of YES fans and lovers of Classic and Progressive rock. http://www.cherryred.co.uk/crzone/audio/eclec2166.m3u -
Small Beginnings / Morning Haze / Children Of The
Universe / Dreams Of Heaven / The Time It Takes / Bonus Track - Small
Beginnings (Single Version) http://www.cherryred.co.uk/esoteric/artists/flash.php# - http://www.cherryred.co.uk/esoteric/artists/flash.php# http://www.cherryred.co.uk/esoteric/artists/flash.php# -
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Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: March 05 2010 at 03:12
= Flash=Lightning strikes again for Yes founder Where one branch of 70s prog was rooted in a mulch of dark portent
and spiritual unease (King Crimson, Van Der Graaf Generator), there was
another which instinctively grew towards the light. The early Yes
albums are often derided for their simplistic hippy sentiments, but
they radiate a fierce, heart-bursting euphoria. One of the
chief architects of that sound was guitarist Peter Banks, who formed
Flash in 1971 following his contentious departure from Yes. Comparisons
are tiresome but inevitable: Flash is a riot of fervid
extrapolations-on-a-theme, cockily juggled time signatures, rattling
Rickenbacker bass and Gordian Knotted guitar runs. With two very
significant fifths of the original Yes on board – keyboardist Tony Kaye
guests throughout – there’s no reason why anyone should have any
problem with that. Furthermore, the band’s contagious joie
de
vivre and we-set- sail vigour – particularly prevalent on the glorious
cartwheel of Small Beginnings and Children Of The Universe – renders
criticism meaningless. This album hoses fresh hope lesserand unforced
goodwill directly into your synapses. Buy it right now – but don’t play
it until the first bright sunny morning thereafter, so as to fix it in
your mind with the appropriate setting. Alternatively, play it anytime
to banish the clouds within.
Esoteric | ECLEC 2166
Reviewed by Marco Rossi
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Posted By: GentleGiant
Date Posted: March 05 2010 at 03:41
Ordered 3 weeks ago from Esoteric and not
even been sent 
------------- BeGiantForADay "This British band is just the cup of tea for aficionados who demand virtuosity,progress and originality in their mix." http://rateyourmusic.com/~GentleG |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: March 05 2010 at 13:15
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Uh-oh! Let's hope it's because they sold out! Have you had an explanation? |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: March 12 2010 at 02:00
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Posted By: Harry Hood
Date Posted: March 13 2010 at 00:43
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Good for them and all, but did anyone ask for a Flash reunion? Really? This more pointless than that The Syn reunion a few years ago. People don't really care about these "Friends of Yes" bands as much as they don't care what Trevor Rabin and Igor Korochev are up to these days. Are they gonna include "Survival" and "Astral Traveler" in their sets? Or maybe get really bold and throw in "Your Move" as well? "Remember us? we're the guys that played on these songs! we were there too! Love us!". It sickens me. For God's sake these are the guys Yes kicked out so they would stop sucking and get to working on something serious.
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Posted By: WalterDigsTunes
Date Posted: March 13 2010 at 00:49
| Haha, I think you're just bitter to see real prog on this site after having andy wk rejected by the RIO team. |
Posted By: Harry Hood
Date Posted: March 13 2010 at 00:54
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Flash were Prog Related at best. At their worst they were an exploitation band riding on the coatails of the success of their more talented friends. It's not unlike these reunions of Mothers of Invention that continue to happen in Zappa's absence.
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Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: March 13 2010 at 01:14
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"Good for them and all, but did anyone ask for a Flash reunion?" Yes. P.S. These aren't the guys Yes kicked out. Tony Kaye and Peter Banks aren't in the band. P.P.S. More or less talented? It's all about the music. Either you like it, or you don't... |
Posted By: WalterDigsTunes
Date Posted: March 13 2010 at 01:25
So by this sick logic you'd keep people who play real progressive music from performing because they're not at the core of a band? Hilarious, like the time you suggested andy wk for RIO. |
Posted By: Harry Hood
Date Posted: March 13 2010 at 01:45
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wait, Tony Kaye and Peter Banks aren't even involved? Whats everyone so excited about then? -------------
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Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: March 13 2010 at 01:50
Must be the music. |
Posted By: SouthSideoftheSky
Date Posted: March 13 2010 at 04:29
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Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: March 14 2010 at 15:39
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@ SouthSide - Long live "Prock!!" Has anyone ever called it that, or did I just invent it? 
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Posted By: SouthSideoftheSky
Date Posted: March 14 2010 at 17:40
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http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=57864&KW=come+backs&PN=1 -
I started this thread a while ago about old bands coming back from the dead:
http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=57864&KW=come+backs&PN=1
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Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: March 21 2010 at 17:05
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@SouthSideoftheSky - Interesting thread. Thanks. Maybe Flash should be added to the list. They broke up in '73! Playing together again for the first time as we speak. New Cd in the works. Their albums have been reissued a number of times - the most recent, their debut, "Flash" in Nov. 2009 for the FOURTH time! Very nice... |
Posted By: The Doctor
Date Posted: March 21 2010 at 17:19
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Have to say that Esoteric did a great job at remastering the album, even if their customer service and shipping leave much to be desired when ordering from their site.
A new album in the works?  Can't remember, I know Banks isn't there, but is Hough back in the fold, or just Bennett and Carter? Either way, looking forward to some new Flash material after 37 years. ------------- I can understand your anger at me, but what did the horse I rode in on ever do to you? |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: March 22 2010 at 00:36
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@The Doctor - Mike Hough was initially interested when talks began, but in the end declined. Mark Pardy is the new drummer. Mark also played on Ray Bennett's 2001 solo CDs "Whatever Falls" and "Angels & Ghosts". Pardy played on all the tracks on Ray's myspace page with the exception of "Don't Miss a Beat", and "Indian Food". He's hot.... http://www.myspace.com/raybennettmusic - http://www.myspace.com/raybennettmusic http://music.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=music.popupplayer&sindex=-1.1&shuffle=false&amix=false&pmix=false&plid=24592&artid=4424303&profid=227745197&friendid=227745197&sseed=0&ptype=3&stime=0&ap=1&rpeat=false - |
Posted By: progkidjoel
Date Posted: March 22 2010 at 00:37
I ordered a copy of the Flash debut reissue from Amazon about 3 minutes ago, I'll let you know what I think after it arrived -------------
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Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: March 22 2010 at 00:42
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The new line-up.... |
Posted By: esotericarts
Date Posted: March 29 2010 at 11:04
In my defence I do have to say thats out of my personal control as I dont have stock here. We dont do our own mail order. The only mail order i do myself is for members of my CD club and I respond very promptly to members. |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: April 18 2010 at 03:16
| @ esotericarts - Who IS responsible for customer service and shipping? Who do we contact if there's a problem? |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: May 03 2010 at 00:37
Hey Joel, Did you get your FLASH CD yet? |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: May 18 2010 at 00:29
| Joel says he bought the "Flash" CD on Ebay. Still don't know how anyone is doing with Esoteric orders of Flash CDs. Esoteric hasn't answered any of my queries... |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: June 05 2010 at 16:12
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Latest news: Colin Carter is returning to Vegas tomorrow (6/6) to help with the final mixes on the new Flash CD. |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: July 09 2010 at 00:50
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Greetings! Ray and Colin are still hard at work mixing the new Flash CD (between stints in the pool - it's HOT here in Vegas!). Ray is learning some new computer tricks, and it all takes time. But he says it's progressing nicely and he's very pleased - says it gonna be "brilliant"! "Flash 4" is on it's way.... I'm working on getting some new photos, and trying to get the boys to sit down with me long enough for an in-depth interview. After hearing the "Peter Banks Story" - Pete's version of Flash events - it'll be interesting to hear from Ray and Colin. They've been a bit circumspect talking publicly about the break-up and Pete, but I'll see if I can get them to resolve some conflicting accounts! If you have questions for Ray and Colin, submit them to me and I'll try to include them. Cheers, Sherry  |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: July 17 2010 at 00:15
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Flash has been asked to headline at the ProgDay Festival, Sept. 4th in Chapel Hill, NC. Details are still being worked out, but it looks like they'll be there! |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: August 19 2010 at 19:26
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Flash will make their debut reunion performance at ProgDay 2010 on Sept. 4th. http://www.progday.net/Bands-Flash.html - http://www.progday.net/Bands-Flash.html |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: August 30 2010 at 20:12
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For Vegas fans, FLASH will be making a surprise warm-up appearance Tuesday, Aug. 31st before heading out to the ProgDay Festival Labor Day weekend. Time and place - E String Bar & Grill 2031 W. Sunset Rd Henderson, NV August 31st 10pm - 12am No cover |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: September 15 2010 at 05:21
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Flash live @ ProgDay 2010 |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: January 03 2011 at 01:26
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As someone once said, "Life is what happens while you're busy making plans." After playing the Flash version of the Nine Inch Nails song, "Hurt" at ProgDay 2010, Ray and Colin liked it so much, they decided to include it on the new CD. Good choice lads, I agree, but it's delaying the release date. Going to take just a bit longer, but well worth the wait, I'm sure. Shooting for a February or March release date... |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: February 10 2011 at 17:41
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NEWS!!! A Flash fan, George Mizer, posted the only known surviving live footage of Flash performing in 1972 on a TV show called "Superstars of Rock"! This was a real treat for the band to see, and me, too. Unfortunately, George hasn't posted it on youtube, so I can't post it directly here. It's best viewed on the Flash or George Mizer facebook pages (don't know if you have to be 'friends' to see it - let me know) - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Flash/173818025979663#%21/video/video.php?v=10150184972439129&comments" rel="nofollow - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Flash/173818025979663#!/video/video.php?v=10150184972439129&comments It's also available on the Flash fan site, psychosync.info, but the already poor sound quality is even more muffled and the picture can't be enlarged - http://psychosync.info/flash/superstars-of-rock/" rel="nofollow - http://psychosync.info/flash/superstars-of-rock/ Fun to see this pioneering band in the early days of Prog! Cheers, Sherry |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: March 31 2011 at 00:55
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Ray tells me he's very close to finishing the new CD. Of course, he had Rick, the keyboard player, in the studio this week RECORDING new bits (which means more mixing!), so...... I do believe that he's almost done, however. The February issue of Goldmine Mag....nice write-up...  |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: April 02 2011 at 17:17
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Here's that youtube link - Flash on TV - "Superstars of Rock" in 1972 - |
Posted By: miketheorganist
Date Posted: April 03 2011 at 09:14
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Nice video ... except the organist is missing. Looks like they synched it to the track, as there was no wireless guitar connection in 1972, and Kaye must have already departed when they made this vid. Correct me if I'm wrong on this. I was in a band in Florida in 1975 covering this tune! ------------- A spirit with a vision is a dream with a mission! www.facebook.com/kineticelementband |
Posted By: sherrynoland
Date Posted: April 03 2011 at 14:08
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Yep...they were lip-synching, like most TV shows at the time. I'd love to see one of their live performances like Midnight Special, but no one has come forth with it, and I haven't been able to find any. Tony Kaye was never a member of the band. He was a guest artist on the first album, was invited to join but didn't. Flash toured and recorded thereafter with guitar, bass and drums only. They've added keyboards for the reunion - a phenomenal player - Rick Daugherty. Sounds great. P.S. If you managed to pull off this song (Children of the Universe), you must have been a pretty good band! |