This year, 2025, will be the 60th anniversary of the FLAMIN’ GROOVIES!!
They are the rarest of rare. A band from the sixties, who changed course in the seventies, never bowed to any then-current trends, avoided great commercial success, took a break for twenty years, survived it all, and have been going strong for the past twelve. Their audience is an amazing mix of young and old, many of whom may have only recently discovered them.
Over the course of the band’s extensive history, they have been described as legendary Fillmore era San Francisco band, as classic rock, power pop, punk rock, garage rock, and a few other categorizations (which are actually all correct).
Originating in San Francisco in 1965, the Groovies have been touring and performing (in)consistently for nearly six decades, exceeding all expectations, presenting their own unique and infectious style of rock ‘n’ roll with such cult classics as “Slow Death,” “Teenage Head,” and of course, “Shake Some Action.” The current lineup features Cyril Jordan, Tony Sales on drums, Atom Ellis on bass, and a couple newer, younger members Sean Fitzsimmons and Miki Rogulj on guitars.
Their live show features a repertoire that spans the band’s career, emphasizing both 1971’s “Teenage Head” album (associated with more old time rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly, Stones and Yardbirds influences), as well as the power pop period (Beatles and Byrds influenced) more associated with the band’s three albums on Sire Records in the late 70s. Their place in history is well established as one of the all-time greatest bands from San Francisco (and the world) and as progenitors of real rock ‘n’ roll.
Some newcomers are asking, “Why haven’t I ever heard of this group?” It’s hard to say just why the group hasn’t got the attention they deserve (at least in the USA) but they’re back to give everyone another chance at hearing and seeing just why those in the know consider them one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll bands ever.
