Writing on the Wall

Scottish heavy rock band Writing On The Wall made it big on the underground rock scene in the late 1960s through a highly dramatic stage act. They regularly played the Middle Earth club, went on tour with the likes of Ten Years After, held a lengthy residency at the Marquee where they were supported by up-and-coming acts such as Wishbone Ash. As others retreated to 'be-denimed slothfulness' Writing On The Wall became more theatrical, featuring choreographed fights, dressing up as a caveman, a high priest, a monk and a witchfinder, and the destruction of a bubble car in support of the recently introduced breathalyzer test. Melody Maker felt sufficiently disturbed to comment that the band had 'the reputation of being violent to frightening extremes.' However John Peel was suitably impressed and the band recorded two Top Gear sessions for Radio 1. The Middle Earth club launched a label with this maniacal rock band as lead off act, releasing a single and LP in 1969. Both items today are rare, and highly collectable, holding their worth in the price guides. The band continued to record demos but a second LP deal failed to materialize with any label. ~forcedexposure.com