Musician Arthur Brown's 83rd Birthday
I want to take a moment to wish Arthur Brown a happy birthday. Most of you probably remember his 1967 hit, "Fire", but Arthur was making music before then and has continued releasing albums into this decade and has numerous tour dates well into this year. A shock rocker, Arthur always pushed the envelope and just about never conformed, and he had a great voice, all of which qualities have earned him status as one of my musical heroes.
As taken from Wikipedia, "Arthur Wilton Brown (born 24 June 1942) is an English singer and songwriter best known for his flamboyant and theatrical performances, eclectic (and sometimes experimental) work and his powerful, wide-ranging operatic voice, in particular his high pitched banshee screams. He is also notable for his unique stage persona, featuring extreme facepaint and a burning helmet."
I had the pleasure of seeing him perform in Los Angeles in 2017 with my friend Mark after my brother had gifted me some tickets.
Attached for your enjoyment are two links: first the Top of the Pops video for "Fire", and second, the song "2024" from his 1982 album, "Requiem".
Evangel
Wow! Such a throwback. I'm so curious how you discovered this musician. I remember this song very well but never saw him perform and was stunned to see his facial paint and performance in the first video you shared. I always thought Alice Cooper was the first to do that, and I felt Gene Simmons was a copycat. Arthur Brown was way ahead of this time, almost like from the '80s. Anyhow, great videos, and nice to see some music culture on this platform!
Slipstream
I remember Fire, but I didn't know the artist. This is a great write-up about him. And so cool that you saw him as recently as 2017. I enjoyed reading this this; thanks!
Well Street
Thanks for introducing me to Arthur Brown. Similarly to Evangel, my first thought was of Alice Cooper, who Brown clearly and heavily influenced.
His intro line to Fire, "I am the god of hellfire..." was sampled in a song called Fire Number 9 by Meat Beat Manifesto. I had no idea it was Arthur Brown, and I hope he got due recognition.
Thanks again!
June in December
Thanks, all of you, for your comments which well sum up Arthur's influence on others and his place in the music world.
Fire was his only "hit", but he has gotten due recognition where it matters, I'd say, and he is a cult favorite as you might imagine.
Glad to bring some music culture to this platform. Good recommendation, Slipstream!
Slipstream
I'll look forward to seeing and hearing more musicians spotlighted by you.