Family

Family are a British rock band from Leicester, active from 1967 to 1973. They are known for a style that combines art rock, progressive rock and psychedelic rock, with blues rock elements also described in accounts of their work. The group’s line-up includes Roger Chapman, Charlie Whitney, Ric Grech, Rob Townsend, Jim King and, in later periods, members such as John “Poli” Palmer, John Wetton, Tony Ashton, Jim Cregan, John Weider and others linked to the band.

Early releases and debut album

The band’s first single, Scene Through The Eye Of A Lens/Gypsy Woman, appears in 1967 on Liberty. It attracts critical praise but little radio play because of its complex, uncompromising sound. Their debut album, Music in a Doll’s House, follows in 1968 and is produced by Traffic’s Dave Mason and Jimmy Miller at Olympic Studios in London on a four-track machine. The album includes contributions from bandleader Tubby Hayes and his brass section on “Old Songs New Songs”. It reaches number 35 in the UK album charts and receives substantial support from John Peel.

Development through the late 1960s and early 1970s

Family’s 1969 album, Family Entertainment, moves away from some of the earlier psychedelic emphasis and includes their first UK hit, “The Weaver’s Answer”. In 1970, A Song For Me brings a more forceful sound and helps them build a larger European following. That year they also appear at major festivals including the Isle of Wight festival and Holland’s Kralingen Festival, both later featured in documentary films.

Anyway combines a live side recorded at Fairfield Hall in Croydon, England, with a side of new studio material. Fearless follows in 1971, and Bandstand in 1972 becomes their biggest commercial success, with the singles “Burlesque” and “My Friend the Sun”. Their final album, It’s Only a Movie, features Tony Ashton on piano and reflects the band’s later sound.

Split and later activity of members

Family disband in 1973. After the split, former members go on to perform with King Crimson, the Streetwalkers and Stud.