The Attack

The Attack

The Attack are an English freakbeat and psychedelic rock group from London, active between 1966 and 1968. They are associated with mod, psychedelic pop and psychedelic rock, and are led by singer Richard Shirman, with the band forming around him in 1966.

Formation and line-up

The first line-up includes Shirman on vocals, Alan Whitehead on drums, David O’List on guitar and trumpet, Bob Hodges on piano and organ, and Gerry Henderson on bass. O’List later leaves and John Du Cann takes his place on guitar. The group also includes musicians such as Jim Avery, Brian Davison, Micky Jones, Glen LeFleur, Len Tuckey and Steve Waller across its history.

Recordings and related acts

The Attack release the single “Try It”, a song that also appears in versions by The Standells and Ohio Express. They also record “Hi Ho Silver Lining”, issuing their version a few days before Jeff Beck’s. Shirman is later invited to join Andromeda as singer but declines. O’List later becomes associated with The Nice, while Du Cann later plays with Andromeda and Atomic Rooster.

Later activity

Shirman reunites The Attack in 1979. Two years later he forms Hershey and the 12 Bars, who release the album Greatest Hits Volume II on A New Day Records.