The Flamin' Groovies: Exclusive Paul Slattery Photographs from their Storm Studio Rehearsal Session

The Flamin' Groovies rehearse, London June 2013 - Photo by Paul Slattery

Last Friday, Rock Photographer Paul Slattery went along to see The Flamin' Groovies rehearse for their long awaited UK gigs, and has kindly contributed a few words about the experience and some exclusive photos of the session. Paul hadn't seen the band since taking some of their photos back in 1978, you can see a selection of some of his rare and unseen photos on the Blog here.  

"It was a real privilege to be at Storm Rehearsal Studios in north London on Friday afternoon where the Flamin' Groovies have been preparing for their first UK gigs in over thirty years. Racing through their set list of classic songs like "Shake Some Action", "I Can't Hide" and "Slow Death", they sounded like they had just stepped off the plane in the spring of '78 let alone 35 years later in 2013. Cyril Jordan playing his vintage Dan Armstong Plexiglas guitar - the same one that's on the cover of "Teenage Head" - is a true guitar hero if ever there was one, together with Chris Wilson brilliantly producing that famed Groovies' "wall of sound". George Alexander bopping around the room picking out those mighty bass lines and drummer Victor Penalosa create what might be the best Groovies' rhythm section ever."

Matthew Fisher, London June 2013 - Photo by Paul Slattery

"A real highlight is the appearance of Matthew Fisher, the Procol Harum keyboard legend who has recently been collaborating with the band and whose subtle nuances on his Hammond organ add another superb layer to The Groovies sound.  His appearance at The Scala this Tuesday night cannot but help add to what is sure to be a great show, and after recent sold out tours in both the USA and Japan, the Groovies will be sure to make this a night to remember for Rock and Roll fans. This is one of the greatest live bands I have ever seen and if their superb performance at Hard Rock Calling festival on Sunday is anything to go by, Tuesday's show may be one of the gigs of the year." 

- Paul Slattery.

Cyril Jordan, London June 2013 - Photo by Paul Slattery

All Photos Copyright Paul Slattery 2013. 

The Flamin' Groovies will follow their appearance at yesterday's Hard Rock Calling Festival at The Olympic Park with a gig tomorrow, Tuesday July 02nd, at the Scala Kings Cross, which will be a gig that all Groovies fans will not want to miss. With many thanks to Paul Slattery.