The Scaffold

The Scaffold arose from an encounter between Michael McCartney—who performed under the name Mike McGear to sidestep charges of riding his brother Paul’s coattails—and Post Office engineer John Gorman. Joined by Roger McGough and Adrian Henri, the ensemble carried a mix of nonsensical comedy and memorable tunes to the top of the charts across the 1960s. For a short spell the quartet billed itself as the Liverpool One Fat Lady All Electric Show, much to the dismay of onlookers, before Henri exited. Following the subsequent name adjustment, the group built a following as one of the era’s most entertaining acts, holding a regular slot at Peter Cook’s Establishment Club, the same venue where the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band appeared.

Its strongest commercial achievements came via lighthearted singles, beginning with “Thank U Very Much,” then “Lily the Pink”—a cleaned-up version of a traditional rugby anthem that included Jack Bruce on bass—and the rather cryptic “Gin Gan Goolie.” Each displayed an uncanny ability to lodge in listeners’ heads through constant repetition while remaining inoffensive. Those three tracks continued to be recalled fondly as the 1990s ended.

In 1973 the Scaffold formally disbanded, its members absorbed into the sprawling theatrical productions of Grimms together with several ex-Bonzos and numerous additional performers. Three Grimms albums appeared afterward. The Scaffold reconvened sporadically for assorted projects. Throughout the 1970s Michael McCartney resumed using his given surname, although he retained the McGear alias for his occasional releases. Away from music he turned to photography and writing books for children.