Twink (musician)
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John Charles Edward Alder (born 29 November 1944), also known as Twink, is an
English English usually refers to: * English language * English people English may also refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * ''English'', an adjective for something of, from, or related to England ** English national ...
drummer A drummer is a percussionist who creates music using drums. Most contemporary western bands that play rock, pop, jazz, or R&B music include a drummer for purposes including timekeeping and embellishing the musical timbre. The drummer's ...
,
actor An actor or actress is a person who portrays a character in a performance. The actor performs "in the flesh" in the traditional medium of the theatre or in modern media such as film, radio, and television. The analogous Greek term is (), lit ...
,
singer Singing is the act of creating musical sounds with the voice. A person who sings is called a singer, artist or vocalist (in jazz and/or popular music). Singers perform music (arias, recitatives, songs, etc.) that can be sung with or withou ...
, and
songwriter A songwriter is a musician who professionally composes musical compositions or writes lyrics for songs, or both. The writer of the music for a song can be called a composer, although this term tends to be used mainly in the classical music ...
who was a central figure in the English
psychedelic Psychedelics are a subclass of hallucinogenic drugs whose primary effect is to trigger non-ordinary states of consciousness (known as psychedelic experiences or "trips").Pollan, Michael (2018). ''How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science o ...
movement. In 2006, Alder converted to
Islam Islam (; ar, ۘالِإسلَام, , ) is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion centred primarily around the Quran, a religious text considered by Muslims to be the direct word of God (or '' Allah'') as it was revealed to Muhammad, the ...
, and changed his name to Mohammed Abdullah. However, he still records under the name Twink.


Biography


Early life and career

Alder was born in
Colchester Colchester ( ) is a city in Essex, in the East of England. It had a population of 122,000 in 2011. The demonym is Colcestrian. Colchester occupies the site of Camulodunum, the first major city in Roman Britain and its first capital. Colch ...
,
Essex Essex () is a Ceremonial counties of England, county in the East of England. One of the home counties, it borders Suffolk and Cambridgeshire to the north, the North Sea to the east, Hertfordshire to the west, Kent across the estuary of the Riv ...
, in the
United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and ...
. Many of his family members were also musicians, including his grandmother, who was a
concert pianist A pianist ( , ) is an individual musician who plays the piano. Since most forms of Western music can make use of the piano, pianists have a wide repertoire and a wide variety of styles to choose from, among them traditional classical music, ja ...
and soloist. Alder was interested in music from a young age. His professional career began in 1963 when he played the drums for Dane Stephens and the Deep Beats, a
rhythm and blues Rhythm and blues, frequently abbreviated as R&B or R'n'B, is a genre of popular music that originated in African-American communities in the 1940s. The term was originally used by record companies to describe recordings marketed predominantly ...
band from
Colchester Colchester ( ) is a city in Essex, in the East of England. It had a population of 122,000 in 2011. The demonym is Colcestrian. Colchester occupies the site of Camulodunum, the first major city in Roman Britain and its first capital. Colch ...
. In 1964, after performing for a year, the band changed its name to The Fairies. Due to the band's growing popularity, its members began receiving regular gifts from their music fans. Alder, who had long curly hair at the time, regularly received bottles of Twink brand home perm lotion. He eventually adopted 'Twink' as his stage name. Twink later reunited with Dane Stephens and Mick Weaver from The Fairies for two tracks on his 1991 album ''Odds & Beginnings''.


The In-Crowd and Tomorrow

In 1965, Twink moved to
London London is the capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a estuary dow ...
, living in the
Chelsea Chelsea or Chelsey may refer to: Places Australia * Chelsea, Victoria Canada * Chelsea, Nova Scotia * Chelsea, Quebec United Kingdom * Chelsea, London, an area of London, bounded to the south by the River Thames ** Chelsea (UK Parliament consti ...
area. When the Fairies broke up in August 1966, he joined a
rhythm and blues Rhythm and blues, frequently abbreviated as R&B or R'n'B, is a genre of popular music that originated in African-American communities in the 1940s. The term was originally used by record companies to describe recordings marketed predominantly ...
/
soul music Soul music is a popular music genre that originated in the African American community throughout the United States in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It has its roots in African-American gospel music and rhythm and blues. Soul music became ...
band called the In-Crowd whose previous drummer had left. Other members of the In-Crowd included
Steve Howe Stephen James Howe (born 8 April 1947) is an English musician, best known as the guitarist in the progressive rock band Yes across three stints since 1970. Born in Holloway, North London, Howe developed an interest in the guitar and began to le ...
(
guitar The guitar is a fretted musical instrument that typically has six strings. It is usually held flat against the player's body and played by strumming or plucking the strings with the dominant hand, while simultaneously pressing selected string ...
; later of
Yes Yes or YES may refer to: * An affirmative particle in the English language; see yes and no Education * YES Prep Public Schools, Houston, Texas, US * YES (Your Extraordinary Saturday), a learning program from the Minnesota Institute for Talent ...
fame), singer Keith West, and
bassist A bassist (also known as a bass player or bass guitarist) is a musician who plays a bass instrument such as a double bass (upright bass, contrabass, wood bass), bass guitar (electric bass, acoustic bass), synthbass, keyboard bass or a low b ...
John 'Junior' Wood. A few months later, the band decided to change their name to Tomorrow. The success of West's solo recording, "
Excerpt from A Teenage Opera "Excerpt from 'A Teenage Opera'" (also known as "Grocer Jack") is a 1967 single by Keith West, produced by Mark Wirtz. It was a big hit in Europe, peaking at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. The single was part of a bigger "A Teenage Opera" pro ...
", resulted in the band's breakup and led to a one-off single by the short-lived band 'Aquarian Age' (Twink & Junior). In his book ''White Bicycles,''
Joe Boyd Joe Boyd (born August 5, 1942) is an American record producer and writer. He formerly owned Hannibal Records. Boyd has worked on recordings of Pink Floyd, Fairport Convention, Sandy Denny, Richard Thompson, Nick Drake, The Incredible String Ba ...
cites a Tomorrow show at the
UFO Club The UFO Club ( ') was a short-lived British counter-culture nightclub in London in the 1960s. The club was established by Joe Boyd and John "Hoppy" Hopkins. It featured light shows, poetry readings, well-known rock acts such as Jimi Hendrix, ...
in London's Camden borough--and Twink's performance in particular--as the zenith of 60's pop culture. Tomorrow also played with guitarist
Jimi Hendrix James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942September 18, 1970) was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. Although his mainstream career spanned only four years, he is widely regarded as one of the most ...
at UFO. In 1967, Twink completed a recording session with a group called Santa Barbara Machine Head. It featured two former members of the
beat group Beat music, British beat, or Merseybeat is a British popular music genre that developed, particularly in and around Liverpool, in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The genre melded influences from American rock and roll, rhythm and blues, skiffl ...
the Birds:
Ron Wood Ron is a shortening of the name Ronald. Ron or RON may also refer to: Arts and media * Big Ron (''EastEnders''), a TV character * Ron (''King of Fighters''), a video game character *Ron Douglas, the protagonist in '' Lucky Stiff'' played by Joe ...
(later of ' The Creation',
The Faces Faces are an English rock band formed in 1969 by members of Small Faces after lead singer and guitarist Steve Marriott left to form Humble Pie. The remaining Small Faces—Ian McLagan (keyboards), Ronnie Lane (electric bass, vocals), and Kenn ...
and
The Rolling Stones The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962. Active for six decades, they are one of the most popular and enduring bands of the rock era. In the early 1960s, the Rolling Stones pioneered the gritty, rhythmically dr ...
) and Kim Gardner (later also of ' The Creation' and
Ashton, Gardner & Dyke Ashton, Gardner and Dyke were a British rock trio, most popular in the early 1970s. They are best remembered for their song, "Resurrection Shuffle", a transatlantic Top 40 one-hit wonder in 1971. History Founding band member Tony Ashton first ...
), and keyboardist
Jon Lord John Douglas Lord (9 June 194116 July 2012) was an English orchestral and rock composer, pianist, and Hammond organ player known for his pioneering work in fusing rock with classical or baroque forms, especially with the British rock band Deep ...
(later of
Deep Purple Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in London in 1968. They are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock music, but their musical style has changed over the course of its existence. Originally formed as ...
).


Pretty Things

Twink replaced
Skip Alan Skip or Skips may refer to: Acronyms * SKIP (Skeletal muscle and kidney enriched inositol phosphatase), a human gene * Simple Key-Management for Internet Protocol * SKIP of New York (Sick Kids need Involved People), a non-profit agency aidin ...
in the band
the Pretty Things ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the ...
, joining Phil May, Dick Taylor,
Wally Allen Wally may refer to: Music * Wally (band), British prog rock band ** ''Wally'' (album), a 1974 album by Wally * ''La Wally'', an opera by Alfredo Catalani Other uses *Wally (given name), a list of people and fictional characters *WALLY, a propose ...
, and Jon Povey. He participated the making of their classic album ''
S.F. Sorrow ''S. F. Sorrow'' is the fourth album by the English rock band Pretty Things. Released in 1968, it is known as one of the first rock operas ever released. Based on a short story by singer Phil May, the album is structured as a song cycle tell ...
''. He was also a member of this group when it appeared in the
Norman Wisdom Sir Norman Joseph Wisdom, (4 February 1915 – 4 October 2010) was an English actor, comedian, musician and singer best known for a series of comedy films produced between 1953 and 1966 featuring a hapless onscreen character often called Norman ...
film ''
What's Good for the Goose ''What's Good For The Goose'', also known as ''Girl Trouble'', is a 1969 British comedy film directed by Menahem Golan and starring Norman Wisdom.John Hamilton, ''Beasts in the Cellar: The Exploitation Film Career of Tony Tenser'', Fab Press, 20 ...
''. Twink became famous for his outrageous behaviour such as climbing the speaker stacks and diving into the audience when the band performed at a free open-air concert in London's Hyde Park.


''Think Pink''

Twink recorded his first solo album, ''
Think Pink In their most common sense, the terms thought and thinking refer to conscious cognitive processes that can happen independently of sensory stimulation. Their most paradigmatic forms are judging, reasoning, concept formation, problem solving, an ...
'', toward the end of his tenure with the Pretty Things. Supporting musicians included the Deviants, including
Mick Farren Michael Anthony Farren (3 September 1943 – 27 July 2013) was an English rock musician, singer, journalist, and author associated with counterculture and the UK underground. Early life Farren was born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, and aft ...
(who produced the album), Paul Rudolph (guitar), Duncan 'Sandy' Sanderson, and
Steve Peregrin Took Steve Peregrin Took (born Stephen Ross Porter; 28 July 1949 – 27 October 1980) was an English musician and songwriter, best known for his membership of the duo Tyrannosaurus Rex with Marc Bolan. After breaking with Bolan, he concentrated on ...
(of
Tyrannosaurus Rex ''Tyrannosaurus'' is a genus of large theropod dinosaur. The species ''Tyrannosaurus rex'' (''rex'' meaning "king" in Latin), often called ''T. rex'' or colloquially ''T-Rex'', is one of the best represented theropods. ''Tyrannosaurus'' live ...
, who contributed two of the songs). It also included May, Povey, Waller, and Victor Unitt of Pretty Things,
Viv Prince Vivian Martin Prince (born 9 August 1941) is an English drummer. He played in a variety of bands during the 1960s, including Pretty Things. He was noted for his wild and eccentric behaviour, which garnered a lot of publicity for the group and i ...
(ex-Pretty Things), John 'The Honk' Lodge ( Junior's Eyes,
Quiver A quiver is a container for holding arrows, bolts, ammo, projectiles, darts, or javelins. It can be carried on an archer's body, the bow, or the ground, depending on the type of shooting and the archer's personal preference. Quivers were trad ...
), 'Junior' Wood, and the enigmatic 'Pink Fairies Motorcycle Club and All-Star Rock and Roll Band'. The name "Pink Fairies" was derived from a story by Deviants manager Jamie Mandelkau, who may not have been aware of Twink's former band.


Pink Fairies

The lineup of the
Pink Fairies Pink Fairies are an English rock band initially active in the London (Ladbroke Grove) underground and psychedelic scene of the early 1970s. They promoted free music, drug use, and anarchy, and often performed impromptu gigs and other stunts, ...
(Mark 1) featured ''Think Pink'' musicians Twink, Took, and Farren–-all three having left their respective bands-–and was named after the 'Pink Fairies Rock 'n' Roll Club', a loose group of affiliated musicians including Took, Farren, the Deviants,
Syd Barrett Roger Keith "Syd" Barrett (6 January 1946 – 7 July 2006) was an English singer, songwriter, and musician who co-founded the rock band Pink Floyd in 1965. Barrett was their original frontman and primary songwriter, becoming known for his ...
(formerly of
Pink Floyd Pink Floyd are an English rock band formed in London in 1965. Gaining an early following as one of the first British psychedelic groups, they were distinguished by their extended compositions, sonic experimentation, philosophical lyrics an ...
), and the Pretty Things. They played in
Ladbroke Grove Ladbroke Grove () is an area and a road in West London in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, passing through Kensal Green and Notting Hill, running north–south between Harrow Road and Holland Park Avenue. It is also a name given to ...
, home of the UK underground. The Mark 1 lineup--including Twink's girlfriend Sally "Silver Darling" Melzer on keyboards--performed one shambolic gig in Manchester and recorded Farren's solo album, ''
Mona – The Carnivorous Circus ''Mona—The Carnivorous Circus'' is a 1970 album by the UK underground artist Mick Farren. The album was recorded to fulfill contractual obligations. Farren had recently returned from a tour of the west coast of North America without his band ...
'', in late 1969 before falling apart. Took, Farren, former Entire Sioux Nation guitarist and bassist
Larry Wallis Larry Wallis (19 May 1949 – 19 September 2019) was an English guitarist, songwriter and producer. He was best known as a member of the Pink Fairies and an early member of Motörhead. Biography and career Early bands In 1968, he formed a ban ...
, and Tim Taylor then assembled the band that became Shagrat, with Farren departing before any recordings were made and drummer Phil Lenoir joining to complete the line-up. Pink Fairies (Mark 2) was formed in early 1970 by Twink with Mick Farren's former bandmates, the Deviants. The two-drummer Pink Fairies line-up recorded a single called ''The Snake'' / ''Do It'' followed by the ''Never Never Land'' album before Twink left in 1971 (although he would periodically return).


Stars

After a spell living in
Morocco Morocco (),, ) officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is the westernmost country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and has land borders with Algeria to A ...
, Twink moved to
Cambridge Cambridge ( ) is a university city and the county town in Cambridgeshire, England. It is located on the River Cam approximately north of London. As of the 2021 United Kingdom census, the population of Cambridge was 145,700. Cambridge bec ...
and worked with the 'Last Minute Put Together Boogie Band', which initially included vocalist/guitarist Bruce Michael Paine (ex-
Apple Pie An apple pie is a fruit pie in which the principal filling ingredient is apples. The earliest printed recipe is from England. Apple pie is often served with whipped cream, ice cream ("apple pie à la mode"), or cheddar cheese. It is gene ...
and star of the
San Francisco San Francisco (; Spanish for " Saint Francis"), officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the commercial, financial, and cultural center of Northern California. The city proper is the fourth most populous in California and 17t ...
production of ''
Hair Hair is a protein filament that grows from follicles found in the dermis. Hair is one of the defining characteristics of mammals. The human body, apart from areas of glabrous skin, is covered in follicles which produce thick terminal and fi ...
'') and 'The Honk' playing
bass Bass or Basses may refer to: Fish * Bass (fish), various saltwater and freshwater species Music * Bass (sound), describing low-frequency sound or one of several instruments in the bass range: ** Bass (instrument), including: ** Acoustic bass gui ...
. He also played in a band named ZZZ with Alan Lee Shaw and Rod Latter, who later reunited as the Rings. The Last Minute Put Together Boogie Band, now with ex- Delivery bass player Jack Monck, backed American blues guitarist
Eddie "Guitar" Burns Eddie "Guitar" Burns (February 8, 1928 – December 12, 2012) was an American Detroit blues guitarist, harmonica player, singer and songwriter. His career spanned seven decades. Among Detroit bluesmen, Burns was deemed to have been exceeded in ...
at King's College Cellar in January 1972. Jack's wife Jenny Spires, an old friend of Twink and former girlfriend of
Syd Barrett Roger Keith "Syd" Barrett (6 January 1946 – 7 July 2006) was an English singer, songwriter, and musician who co-founded the rock band Pink Floyd in 1965. Barrett was their original frontman and primary songwriter, becoming known for his ...
(ex-
Pink Floyd Pink Floyd are an English rock band formed in London in 1965. Gaining an early following as one of the first British psychedelic groups, they were distinguished by their extended compositions, sonic experimentation, philosophical lyrics an ...
) went with Syd to the gig and brought his guitar along, and even jammed with them at one point.
The next day, the Last Minute Put Together Boogie Band, with guests
Fred Frith Jeremy Webster "Fred" Frith (born 17 February 1949) is an English multi-instrumentalist, composer, and improviser. Probably best known for his guitar work, Frith first came to attention as one of the founding members of the English avant-rock ...
and Syd Barrett, played on a bill with
Hawkwind Hawkwind are an English rock band known as one of the earliest space rock groups. Since their formation in November 1969, Hawkwind have gone through many incarnations and have incorporated many different styles into their music, including hard ...
and the Pink Fairies. In the next two days, Twink formed the short-lived trio
Stars A star is an astronomical object comprising a luminous spheroid of plasma held together by its gravity. The nearest star to Earth is the Sun. Many other stars are visible to the naked eye at night, but their immense distances from Earth ma ...
with Barrett and Monck. Stars played a handful of well-received shows. However, Syd, who was mentally fragile, quit after reading a negative review by Roy Hollingworth in ''
Melody Maker ''Melody Maker'' was a British weekly music magazine, one of the world's earliest music weeklies; according to its publisher, IPC Media, the earliest. It was founded in 1926, largely as a magazine for dance band musicians, by Leicester-born ...
.'' After Stars disbanded, Twink moved back to London.


1972–1975

From 1972 to 1975, Twink periodically performed with fellow Ladbroke Grove community band
Hawkwind Hawkwind are an English rock band known as one of the earliest space rock groups. Since their formation in November 1969, Hawkwind have gone through many incarnations and have incorporated many different styles into their music, including hard ...
during the transition from the band's original drummer to its replacement Simon King. Twink also played with the band Glider but did not release recordings.


1975 Pink Fairies reunion

In July 1975, the Pink Fairies staged a reunion gig at the Roundhouse, featuring the then-current line-up of Russell Hunter, Duncan Sanderson, and Larry Wallis, joined by former members Twink and Paul Rudolph. They released the recorded show as a live album in 1982.


The Rings and punk

Twink formed the Fallen Angels in August 1976 with
Steve Marriott Stephen Peter Marriott (30 January 1947 – 20 April 1991) was an English guitarist, singer and songwriter. He co-founded and played in the rock bands Small Faces and Humble Pie, in a career spanning over two decades. Marriott was inducted pos ...
and former Allstars band members
Greg Ridley Alfred Gregory Ridley (23 October 1941 – 19 November 2003) was an English bassist who was the bassist and a founding member of the rock band Humble Pie and Spooky Tooth. Career Ridley was born in Carlisle, Cumberland, England. Early in hi ...
and Mickey Finn. On the way to the band's first gig, a car accident left Twink hospitalised, after which this line-up disintegrated. The Fallen Angels wound up backing Phil May on a solo album. Twink then worked as a vocalist with the Rings in early 1977, releasing one of the first punk rock singles, "I Wanna Be Free", produced by former Sparks member Martin Gordon. Other members of the band included Alan Lee Shaw and Rod Latter of
the Adverts The Adverts were an English punk band who formed in 1976 and broke up in late 1979. They were one of the first punk bands to enjoy chart success in the UK; their 1977 single "Gary Gilmore's Eyes" reached No. 18 in the UK Singles Chart. ''Th ...
. After Twink left, the other members of the Rings formed the Maniacs. Twink coined the term "
acid punk Neo-psychedelia is a diverse genre of psychedelic music that draws inspiration from the sounds of 1960s psychedelia, either updating or copying the approaches from that era. Originating in the 1970s, it has occasionally seen mainstream pop succ ...
" to describe his music and went on to release an EP called ''Do It '77'' in February 1978. It included the songs "Psychedelic Punkeroo" (about Syd Barrett and songwriting credited to 'A. Syd') and "Enter The Diamonds", both of which featured a band comprising Twink (drums/lead vocals), Kid Rogers (of Kid Rogers and the Henchmen; guitars/vocals), Fingers Falkner (keyboards), and Chris Chesney (lead guitar). According to Twink, "It was the ''Psychedelic Punkaroo'' project, but Chiswick Records didn't like the track and I jammed "Do It" with the
Lightning Raiders Lightning Raiders were an English pub rock band, with Johnny Hodge being the most prominent member of the group. During their lifetime, they released two singles, an EP, and recorded an album that was not released until 2013. Career The Ligh ...
, which they preferred." According to Duncan 'Danger Sun' Sanderson (bass, Lightning Raiders & ex-Pink Fairies), "Twink came round my house and dragged me down the studio while I was still asleep one morning, and Little John Hodge (lead guitar, Lightning Raiders) just came along to deliver a guitar. Twink had us jam through "Do It", so we did it. Kid and John hadn't even heard the flaming song before. In the end, he jumps up and shouts 'That's it, thanks, lads!' We didn't even know it was being taped!" Twink responded that "A second take of "Do It" was a contradiction". The EP was credited to Twink and the Fairies. Twink next moved to
Belgium Belgium, ; french: Belgique ; german: Belgien officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country in Northwestern Europe. The country is bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, France to ...
, where he played drums on the recording of British punk
Elton Motello Elton Motello were an English punk rock and new wave band. Elton Motello is both the moniker of Alan Ward, the lead singer and songwriter, and the name of the band itself.Strong, Martin C. (2003) "Elton Motello", in ''The Great Indie Discograp ...
's ''Victims of Time'' album (1978, Pinball).


1980s

After a long period of inactivity, Twink released a solo single in 1986 called "Apocalipstic," which inaugurated his new, self-titled
record label A record label, or record company, is a brand or trademark of music recordings and music videos, or the company that owns it. Sometimes, a record label is also a publishing company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the pr ...
and a run of new solo releases up to the early 1990s. In 1987, he rejoined the Pink Fairies for a reunion album. During the subsequent Pink Fairies tour, Twink met members of
Plasticland Plasticland is an American Neo-Psychedelic and Garage rock (revival) band, formed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1980 with two members of Arousing Polaris, Glenn Rehse and John Frankovic. Career Several guitarists and drummers would rotate in and ...
, which resulted in the collaboration '' You Need a Fairy Godmother'', released in 1989 on Midnight Records. He also joined a brief lineup of 'Magic Muscle' in 1988 for a tour and a live album, and he released a collaborative album with
The Bevis Frond The Bevis Frond is an English rock band formed in 1986 in Walthamstow, London, England. The band is fronted by Nick Saloman and has recorded many singles and albums on various independent labels. Information Saloman was originally in a band kno ...
in 1990.


1990s

In 1990, Twink released his second solo album, ''Mr. Rainbow'', with
Robbie Gladwell Robert "Robbie" Gladwell (born 16 June 1950), also known as Dr Robert, is an English rock and blues guitarist from London. He has been described as "one of Suffolk's most renowned musicians. Music career Gladwell has played with numerous band ...
on guitar and Andy Dowding on drums. Later in the decade, he collaborated with Hawkwind founder
Nik Turner Nicholas Robert Turner (26 August 1940 – 10 November 2022) was an English musician, best known as a member of space rock pioneers Hawkwind. Turner played saxophone and flute, as well as being a vocalist and composer. While with Hawkwind, T ...
in the band PinkWind, writing about the semi-legendary Hawkwind/Pink Fairies jam sessions of the early 1970s. Turner brought in the Wind, and Twink provided the Pink. PinkWind released two albums (one credited to the HawkFairies). Some lineups also featured
Judge Trev Thoms Trevor Thoms (30 October 1950 – 8 December 2010), known as Judge Trev Thoms and Judge Trev, was a British guitarist, best known for being a member of Inner City Unit, Atomgods, and The Steve Gibbons Band. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, he ...
of
Inner City Unit Inner City Unit were a London based popular music group active from 1979 through to 1985, their music style encompassing psychedelia and punk rock. They recorded four studio albums, one studio EP and one compilation album of previously unrele ...
and Steve Took's Horns. The ''Out of the Pink into the Blues'' album by 'Mouse & Twink: Fairies' was released around 1996 and "was recorded at the Pink Bridge
rom the Rom, or ROM may refer to: Biomechanics and medicine * Risk of mortality, a medical classification to estimate the likelihood of death for a patient * Rupture of membranes, a term used during pregnancy to describe a rupture of the amniotic sac * ...
mid-'70s till he'80s" by Twink and P. 'Mouse' Pracowik (Peter Pracownik of Astralasia) who were on guitar, Andrew Doran (vocals), Matthew Bailey (bass) and Chris Pinkerton (drums). The 'Get Back' label released some archive collections from the Pink Fairies era. Twink's record label then released two 'Pink Fairies' albums recorded by Twink and Paul Rudolph in 1996/1997.


2000 – present

In the early 2000s, Twink spent time in
Los Angeles Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world ...
before settling in
Marrakesh Marrakesh or Marrakech ( or ; ar, مراكش, murrākuš, ; ber, ⵎⵕⵕⴰⴽⵛ, translit=mṛṛakc}) is the fourth largest city in the Kingdom of Morocco. It is one of the four Imperial cities of Morocco and is the capital of the Marrakes ...
, Morocco. 2013 saw the re-release of ''Think Pink'' on the Sunbeam label in CD,
vinyl Vinyl may refer to: Chemistry * Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a particular vinyl polymer * Vinyl cation, a type of carbocation * Vinyl group, a broad class of organic molecules in chemistry * Vinyl polymer, a group of polymers derived from vinyl ...
, and digital formats. It predated a new release called ''You Reached for the Stars.'' It also included a collaboration with the Italian group the Technicolour Dream, featuring guest guitarist
Brian Godding Brian Godding (born 19 August 1945, Monmouth, South Wales) is a pop, rock and jazz rock guitarist. Reviews Regarding his 1988 solo album ''Slaughter on Shaftesbury Avenue'', Dave Wayne in the ''New Gibraltar Encyclopedia of Progressive Rock'', ...
from
Blossom Toes Blossom Toes were a British psychedelic pop band active between 1966 and 1970. Initially known as The Ingoes, they were renamed and signed to the Marmalade record label of manager Giorgio Gomelsky. The original line-up comprised Brian Godding ( ...
. The album was recorded in
Rome , established_title = Founded , established_date = 753 BC , founder = King Romulus ( legendary) , image_map = Map of comune of Rome (metropolitan city of Capital Rome, region Lazio, Italy).svg , map_caption ...
and mastered at
Abbey Road Studios Abbey Road Studios (formerly EMI Recording Studios) is a recording studio at 3 Abbey Road, St John's Wood, City of Westminster, London, England. It was established in November 1931 by the Gramophone Company, a predecessor of British music ...
by
sound engineer An audio engineer (also known as a sound engineer or recording engineer) helps to produce a recording or a live performance, balancing and adjusting sound sources using equalization, dynamics processing and audio effects, mixing, reproductio ...
Peter Mew Peter Mew is a retired British music audio engineer. He worked at Abbey Road Studios, where he was the senior mastering engineer. He came to Abbey Road in 1965 as a tape operator and has since worked with many artists at the studio. Kevin Ayers of ...
, who also worked on Pretty Things and Tomorrow recordings in the 1960s. In 2014, Twink started recording a new album, ''Think Pink II'', with a similar concept of recording, featuring as many guests as on the original. The album was finished in 2015 and released in August the same year. In spring 2018, under the band name Star Sponge Vision, Twink and Jon Povey released a
concept album A concept album is an album whose tracks hold a larger purpose or meaning collectively than they do individually. This is typically achieved through a single central narrative or theme, which can be instrumental, compositional, or lyrical. Some ...
of music inspired by the poetry of
Aleister Crowley Aleister Crowley (; born Edward Alexander Crowley; 12 October 1875 – 1 December 1947) was an English occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, painter, novelist, and mountaineer. He founded the religion of Thelema, identifying himself as the pr ...
, titled ''Crowley and Me''.


Acting career

Twink appeared in the 1960s film ''
Smashing Time ''Smashing Time'' is a 1967 British satirical comedy film starring Rita Tushingham and Lynn Redgrave. It is a satire on the 1960s media-influenced phenomenon of ''Swinging London''. It was written by George Melly and directed by Desmond Davis ...
'' with the other members of Tomorrow as the fictional band the Snarks. Tomorrow was also due to feature in ''
Blowup ''Blowup'' (sometimes styled as ''Blow-up'' or ''Blow Up'') is a 1966 mystery drama thriller film directed by Michelangelo Antonioni and produced by Carlo Ponti. It was Antonioni's first entirely English-language film, and stars David Hemming ...
'', and even recorded a title song for the film, but was ultimately replaced by
the Yardbirds The Yardbirds are an English rock band, formed in London in 1963. The band's core lineup featured vocalist and harmonica player Keith Relf, drummer Jim McCarty, rhythm guitarist and later bassist Chris Dreja and bassist/producer Paul Samwe ...
. Similarly, Twink appeared with the Pretty Things under their
pseudonym A pseudonym (; ) or alias () is a fictitious name that a person or group assumes for a particular purpose, which differs from their original or true name ( orthonym). This also differs from a new name that entirely or legally replaces an individu ...
"Electric Banana" in the film ''
What's Good for the Goose ''What's Good For The Goose'', also known as ''Girl Trouble'', is a 1969 British comedy film directed by Menahem Golan and starring Norman Wisdom.John Hamilton, ''Beasts in the Cellar: The Exploitation Film Career of Tony Tenser'', Fab Press, 20 ...
''. Twink also worked as an actor during the late 1980s, appearing in several United Kingdom television series, including: * ''
'Allo 'Allo! ''Allo 'Allo!'' is a British sitcom television series, created by David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd, starring Gorden Kaye, Carmen Silvera, Guy Siner and Richard Gibson. Originally broadcast on BBC1, the series focuses on the life of a Fre ...
'' a
BBC1 BBC One is a British free-to-air public broadcast television network owned and operated by the BBC. It is the corporation's flagship network and is known for broadcasting mainstream programming, which includes BBC News television bulletins, ...
British sitcom A British sitcom or a Britcom is a situational comedy programme produced for British television. Most British sitcoms are recorded on studio sets, while some have an element of location filming. A handful are made almost exclusively on location ...
. * ''
David Copperfield ''David Copperfield'' Dickens invented over 14 variations of the title for this work, see is a novel in the bildungsroman genre by Charles Dickens, narrated by the eponymous David Copperfield, detailing his adventures in his journey from inf ...
'', a 10-part serial adaptation of the
Charles Dickens Charles John Huffam Dickens (; 7 February 1812 – 9 June 1870) was an English writer and social critic. He created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian er ...
novel A novel is a relatively long work of narrative fiction, typically written in prose and published as a book. The present English word for a long work of prose fiction derives from the for "new", "news", or "short story of something new", itself ...
. *''
Chocky's Challenge ''Chocky'' is a 1984 children's six-part television drama based on the 1968 novel of the same name by John Wyndham. It was first broadcast on ITV in the United Kingdom from 9 January to 13 February 1984. Two six-part sequels—''Chocky's Child ...
'', which was based on ''
Chocky ''Chocky'' is a science fiction novel by British writer John Wyndham. It was first published as a novelette in the March 1963 issue of ''Amazing Stories'' and later developed into a novel in 1968, published by Michael Joseph. The BBC produce ...
'', a science fiction novel by
John Wyndham John Wyndham Parkes Lucas Beynon Harris (; 10 July 1903 – 11 March 1969) was an English science fiction writer best known for his works published under the pen name John Wyndham, although he also used other combinations of his names ...
. The three Chocky series were produced by
Thames Television Thames Television, commonly simplified to just Thames, was a franchise holder for a region of the British ITV television network serving London and surrounding areas from 30 July 1968 until the night of 31 December 1992. Thames Television broa ...
. * ''
Lovejoy ''Lovejoy'' is a British television comedy-drama mystery series, based on the novels by John Grant under the pen name Jonathan Gash. The show, which ran to 71 episodes over six series, was originally broadcast on BBC1 between 10 January 19 ...
'', a BBC series


Discography


Studio albums

*''
Think Pink In their most common sense, the terms thought and thinking refer to conscious cognitive processes that can happen independently of sensory stimulation. Their most paradigmatic forms are judging, reasoning, concept formation, problem solving, an ...
'' (
Polydor Records Polydor Records Ltd. is a German-British record label that operates as part of Universal Music Group. It has a close relationship with Universal's Interscope Geffen A&M Records label, which distributes Polydor's releases in the United States. ...
/
Sire Records Sire Records (formerly Sire Records Company) is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group and distributed by Warner Records. History Beginnings The label was founded in 1966 as Sire Productions by Seymour Stein and Richard Gottehre ...
; LP; 1970) *''Mr. Rainbow'' (Twink Records; CD/LP; 1990) *''Magic Eye'' (Woronzow; LP; 1990) (with
the Bevis Frond The Bevis Frond is an English rock band formed in 1986 in Walthamstow, London, England. The band is fronted by Nick Saloman and has recorded many singles and albums on various independent labels. Information Saloman was originally in a band kno ...
) *''You Reached for the Stars'' (Sunbeam Records; CD/LP; 2013) (with the Technicolour Dream) *''Think Pink II'' (Sunbeam Records; CD; 2015) *''Think Pink III'' (VE Recordings; CD/LP; 2018) *''Sympathy for the Beast: Songs from the Poems of Aleister Crowley'' (Sunbeam Records; CD/LP; 2019) (with the Technicolour Dream) *''Think Pink IV: Return to Deep Space'' (Noiseagonymayhem Records; CD/LP; 2019) (with Moths & Locusts and Heavy Friends)


Live albums

*''You Need a Fairy Godmother'' (Midnight Records; LP; 1989) (with
Plasticland Plasticland is an American Neo-Psychedelic and Garage rock (revival) band, formed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1980 with two members of Arousing Polaris, Glenn Rehse and John Frankovic. Career Several guitarists and drummers would rotate in and ...
) *''Out of the Pink and Into the Blues'' (HTD Records; CD; 1995) (with Peter Pracownik as Mouse & Twink: Fairies)


Other solo albums

*''Odds and Beginnings'' (Twink Records; LP; 1991) (primarily archival recordings, including outtakes and interviews. Featuring former Fairies colleagues Dane Stephens and Mick Weaver) *''From the Vaults (a.k.a. Odds & Beginnings Volume 2)'' (Get Back; LP; 1999) (primarily archival recordings. Includes some
Pink Fairies Pink Fairies are an English rock band initially active in the London (Ladbroke Grove) underground and psychedelic scene of the early 1970s. They promoted free music, drug use, and anarchy, and often performed impromptu gigs and other stunts, ...
tracks) *''The Lost Experimental Recordings 1970'' (Get Back; CD/LP; 1999) (archival recordings) *''The Never Never Land and Think Pink Demos'' (Get Back; CD/LP; 2000) (archival recordings) *''Sound of Silk: Demos and Rarities'' (Twink Pink 50th; CD; 2017) (archival recordings) *''Psychedelic Electrician: 1969 Synthesizer Recordings'' (Think Pink 50th; CD; 2018) (archival recordings)


EPs and Singles

*''Do It '77'' (
Chiswick Records Chiswick Records was a British independent record label. Established in 1975, Chiswick was the "first true ' indie' label to be established in Britain for nearly a decade". The label has been described as "significant" in the " punk era". It re ...
; 12" EP; 1978) (as Twink and The Fairies) *''Apocalipstic / He's Crying'' (Twink Records; 7" single; 1986) (with Elton Motello) *''Space Lover'' (Twink Records; 12" EP; 1986) (as Twink and The Fairies) *''Driving My Car / Wargirl'' (Twink Records; 7" single; 1987) *''Psychedelic Punkeroo / Seize the Time'' (Twink Records; 7" single; 1990) *''Brand New Morning / Dreams Turn Into Rainbows'' (Gare De Nord Records; 7" single; 2019) *''10,000 Words in a Cardboard Box / Geraldine'' (Misty Lane Records; 7" single; 2019) (split with Zion De Gallier, recorded 1999)


With the Fairies

*'' Don't Think Twice It's Alright / Anytime at All'' (
Decca Records Decca Records is a British record label established in 1929 by Edward Lewis. Its U.S. label was established in late 1934 by Lewis, Jack Kapp, American Decca's first president, and Milton Rackmil, who later became American Decca's president. ...
; 7" single; 1964) *''Get Yourself Home / I'll Dance'' ( HMV; 7" single; 1964) *''Don't Mind / Baby Don't'' ( HMV; 7" single; 1965) *''Get Yourself Home (The Early Years)'' (Think Pink 50th; CD; 2018) (archival recordings)


With Santa Barbara Machine Head

*'' Blues Anytime Vol. 3'' ( Immediate Records; LP; 1968)


With Tomorrow

*'' My White Bicycle / Claramount Lake'' (
Parlophone Records Parlophone Records Limited (also known as Parlophone Records and Parlophone) is a German–British record label founded in Germany in 1896 by the Carl Lindström Company as Parlophon. The British branch of the label was founded on 8 August 1 ...
; 7" single; 1967) *'' Tomorrow'' (Parlophone Records/
Sire Records Sire Records (formerly Sire Records Company) is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group and distributed by Warner Records. History Beginnings The label was founded in 1966 as Sire Productions by Seymour Stein and Richard Gottehre ...
; LP; 1968) *'' 50 Minute Technicolor Dream'' ( RPM Records; CD; 1998)


With the Pretty Things

*''
S.F. Sorrow ''S. F. Sorrow'' is the fourth album by the English rock band Pretty Things. Released in 1968, it is known as one of the first rock operas ever released. Based on a short story by singer Phil May, the album is structured as a song cycle tell ...
'' (
Columbia Records Columbia Records is an American record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, the North American division of Japanese conglomerate Sony. It was founded on January 15, 1889, evolving from the A ...
/ Rare Earth Records; LP; 1968) *'' The Pretty Things/Philippe DeBarge'' (Ugly Things Records; LP/CD; 2009) (recorded 1969)


With the Aquarian Age

*''10,000 Words in a Cardboard Box / Good Wizard Meets Naughty Wizard'' (Parlophone Records; 7" single; 1968)


With Pink Fairies

*''The Snake / Do It'' (Polydor Records; 7" single; 1971) *''
Never Never Land Neverland is a fictional island featured in the works of J. M. Barrie and those based on them. It is an imaginary faraway place where Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, the Lost Boys, and some other imaginary beings and creatures live. Altho ...
(Polydor Records; LP; 1971) *''
Live at the Roundhouse 1975 ''Live at the Roundhouse 1975'' is a 1982 album of a 1975 concert by the UK underground group Pink Fairies. A one-off reunion concert featuring all five previous members of the group was organised by Ted Carroll, head of Chiswick Records. At t ...
'' (Big Beat; LP; 1982) *''
Kill 'Em and Eat 'Em ''Kill 'Em and Eat 'Em'' is a 1987 album by the UK underground group Pink Fairies. This is a reformed Pink Fairies, prompted by an offer from Jake Riviera, head of Demon Records. Of the five original group members, Paul Rudolph wasn't involve ...
'' (
Demon Records Demon Music Group (DMG) is a record company owned by BBC Studios that is mainly concerned with back-catalogue rights and re-issuing recordings as compilations on physical media (CDs and vinyl) via supermarkets and specialist stores. History DM ...
; LP/CD; 1987) *''Pleasure Island'' (Twink Records; CD; 1996) *''No Picture'' (Twink Records; CD; 1997) *''The Golden Years: 1969-1971'' (
Cleopatra Records Cleopatra Records is an American independent record label based in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 1992 by Brian Perera. The record label has since grown into a family of labels, including Hypnotic Records, Purple Pyramid Records, ...
; CD; 1998) *''Mescaline and Mandies Round at Uncle Harry's'' (NMC; CD; 1998) *''Do It!'' (Total Energy; CD; 1999) *''Chinese Cowboys: Live 1987'' (
Captain Trip Records Captain Trip Records is a Japanese music label founded and run by musician Ken Matsutani. The label specializes in experimental music and various subgenres of rock, particularly psychedelic rock and progressive rock. In addition to the publication ...
; LP; 2005)


With the Rings

*''I Wanna Be Free / Automobile'' (Chiswick Records; 7" single; 1977) *''The Rings'' (NDN Records; 10" EP; 2017) (archival recordings)


Other collaborative albums

*''
Mona – The Carnivorous Circus ''Mona—The Carnivorous Circus'' is a 1970 album by the UK underground artist Mick Farren. The album was recorded to fulfill contractual obligations. Farren had recently returned from a tour of the west coast of North America without his band ...
'' ( Transatlantic Records; LP; 1970) (with Mick Farren) *''One Hundred Miles Below'' (Big One Guitar; LP; 1989) (with Magic Muscle) *''Crowley and Me'' (Mega Dodo; LP; 2018) (with Star Sponge Vision)


References


External links

* By Ivor Trueman, Opel No. 11, 5 December 1985
Twink
– interview (Ptolemaic Terrascope No. 3 1990) * includes a photo of the Rings.
Pinkwind
at Isle of Wight Festival 1970 {{DEFAULTSORT:Twink 1944 births Living people People from Colchester English rock drummers English male singers English songwriters Pink Fairies members English Muslims Converts to Islam Pretty Things members