The Purple Gang

The Purple Gang were originally a songwriting jug band absorbed into the Flower Power, psychedelic, London Underground scene circa 1967. Signed to Transatlantic Records and managed/produced by (the now legendary) Joe Boyd, Purple Gang became known for their seismic stomper and now mini classic 'Granny Takes a Trip'. This became an underground favourite but banned by the BBC. Scheduled TV appearances, radio plays and USA recording deals were all cancelled as the establishment took their revenge on the upstart 'underground' Purple Gang. The music featured piano, mandolin guitar, washboard and Kazoos - yet the 'Gang' appeared alongside the greats of the period, at the best of venues. Syd Barrett wrote the song Boon Tune for the Purple Gang. The Gang argued and split up in frustration at the lack of progress and support caused by the lethal ban. Today this would not happen. In 1968 the record company contract forced the Purple Gang to produce their one and only long player called The Purple Gang Strikes. +++FAST FORWARD TO 2007+++ The Purple Gang have just recorded four new songs at the Cabin Studios in Coventry (three of them are on the Jukebox above) and will be announcing more live dates shortly. Look out, Mamma, the Purple Gang are back.