Biography
Without Roy Orbison’s unexpected involvement, the Art Movement might have remained just another domestic act like the Tremeloes, confined to English stages. Assembled in the mid- to late 1960s, the original lineup of Billy Dean on guitar, Terry Widlake on bass, Keith Headley on piano, Bob Munday on drums, and John Switters on percussion set out to promote original material. Their first notable success arrived in 1968 when Widlake’s own composition “Loving Touch” climbed into the English Top 30.
Early the following year, circumstances altered their trajectory. Orbison arrived from the United States to headline a British tour yet could not bring his regular backing unit, the Candy Men. Seeking capable local musicians who were established but still flexible enough to accept the offer, he was directed to the Art Movement. The group accompanied the singer throughout the United Kingdom, and the arrangement extended into subsequent engagements across the Far East and Australia.
By the time those additional tours began, Headley and Switters had departed. Their replacements were Alan James on lead guitar, Alan Mayes on trumpet, Gordon Balmforth on keyboards, and Colin First on trumpet. The expanded ensemble was later documented on Orbison’s live recording from the Batley Variety Club during the 1969 dates and on the DVD issue, more than three decades afterward, of his Melbourne concert from October 1972.
The association lasted six years, through the mid-1970s, encompassing hundreds of performances on ten world tours. During that period the musicians grew close to Orbison both personally and professionally; James ultimately relocated to the United States.
Early the following year, circumstances altered their trajectory. Orbison arrived from the United States to headline a British tour yet could not bring his regular backing unit, the Candy Men. Seeking capable local musicians who were established but still flexible enough to accept the offer, he was directed to the Art Movement. The group accompanied the singer throughout the United Kingdom, and the arrangement extended into subsequent engagements across the Far East and Australia.
By the time those additional tours began, Headley and Switters had departed. Their replacements were Alan James on lead guitar, Alan Mayes on trumpet, Gordon Balmforth on keyboards, and Colin First on trumpet. The expanded ensemble was later documented on Orbison’s live recording from the Batley Variety Club during the 1969 dates and on the DVD issue, more than three decades afterward, of his Melbourne concert from October 1972.
The association lasted six years, through the mid-1970s, encompassing hundreds of performances on ten world tours. During that period the musicians grew close to Orbison both personally and professionally; James ultimately relocated to the United States.
Albums
Singles
