THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

This London-based octet – OZZIE LANE (vocals), GARTH WATT-ROY (guitar, vocals), MICK DEACON (keyboards), IAN AITCHESON (saxophone), TEX PHILPOTTS (saxophone), DICK HANSON (trumpet), NORMAN WATT-ROY (bass) and RON PRUDENCE (drums) - was formed in 1968 as a soul band. LANE, born in New Orleans, later returned to America, leaving his former colleagues to forge a more progressive direction with new singer COLIN HORTON-JENNINGS. The group completed two albums that showcased strong songwriting ability as well as an imaginative use of horns. They enjoyed brief popularity in Europe after the success of the single, "Real cool world", but THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH met with little reception at home and disbanded in 1971. NORMAN WATT-ROY then formed GLENCOE and, later became a member of IAN DURY's BLOCKHEADS.