The Move

The Move

The Move are a British rock group from Birmingham, active from 1965 to 1972. For most of their career they are led by guitarist, singer and songwriter Roy Wood, who writes all of the group’s UK singles and, from 1968, also sings lead vocals on many tracks. Their early line-up includes four main vocalists: Wood, Carl Wayne, Trevor Burton and Chris “Ace” Kefford, who share the lead singing role.

Formation and early line-up

The Move form out of several Birmingham-based mid-1960s groups, including Carl Wayne & The Vikings, The Nightriders and The Mayfair Set. The name appears to refer to the move made by members of those bands when they come together to form the new group. The original line-up consists of Roy Wood, drummer Bev Bevan, bassist Chris “Ace” Kefford, vocalist Carl Wayne and guitarist Trevor Burton.

Singles and albums

The band’s first single, “Night of Fear”, appears in 1966 and begins a run of notable hits written mainly by Roy Wood. Their best-known songs include “I Can Hear the Grass Grow”, “Blackberry Way” and “Flowers in the Rain”, the latter becoming the first record played on BBC Radio 1. Another well-known single is “Tonight” from 1971. Over time, the group becomes more experimental and innovative, especially on the albums Shazam and Message from the Country.

Later line-up changes

By 1971, the line-up has changed to Roy Wood, Jeff Lynne and Bev Bevan. This version of the group develops into the first incarnation of Electric Light Orchestra, before Wood leaves soon afterwards to form Wizzard.

Style

The Move are associated with British psychedelic rock, and their sound also spans freakbeat, hard rock, pop, pop rock, progressive rock and psychedelic pop.