Procol Harum: The Ghosts of a Whiter Shade of Pale

Description

Formed in the 1960s, 'Prog Rock' British group Procol Harum are best known for their multi million selling single A Whiter Shade of Pale which is the most played record by a British artist of the last 70 years. Features exclusive interviews with band members Gary Brooker, Keith Reid, Matthew Fisher, Robin Trower, Dave Ball, Mick Grabham, Geoff Whitehorn, Chris Copping and Dave Bronze. Also includes interviews with Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, film director Alan Parker, as well as former managers, DJs and many others. Tells the story of their formation in Essex in the 1960s, their split on their tenth anniversary in 1977 and their reforming in 1991. Gives details of one of the costliest court cases in British music history whereby a judge awarded a 40% share in the copyright of A Whiter Shade of Pale, to a former organist of the band. Lead singer Gary Brooker and lyricist Keith Reid always claimed credit for the hit, which became part of the soundtrack of 1967. But in his ruling, the judge decided that organist Matthew Fisher was entitled to both credit and royalties. Brings the story right up to date with detail of their album releases and tours over the last decade.

Henry Scott-Irvine first saw Procol Harum in 1973 and has known the band since 1979. He co-ordinated 'Procol Harum Live In Concert with The LSO' at London's Barbican Theatre in 1996, and co-hosted the band's 30th Anniversary concert at The Redhill Theatre in 1997. He has been writing, researching, and developing TV programming for over 25 years. This is his first book.