Unveiling the Evolution
Delving into the annals of rock history, we encounter The Creation, an English rock band that emerged in 1966. This article aims to unravel the layers of their musical journey, exploring their notable songs, career transitions, and the enduring impact they left on the world of rock.
Sonic Masterpieces: “Making Time” and “Painter Man”
The Creation is best remembered for their iconic songs, notably “Making Time,” a groundbreaking track that featured the innovative use of a guitar played with a bow. Another gem in their repertoire is “Painter Man,” a chart-topping hit in the UK and Germany in 1966. Its resonance endured, with a Boney M cover in 1979 reaching the UK’s Top 10.
A Unique Blend: Creation’s Musical Style
Sean Egan, the biographer of The Creation, defined their musical style as “a unique hybrid of pop, rock, psychedelia, and the avant-garde.” This distinctive blend set them apart in the dynamic landscape of 1960s music.
The Creation’s Career Chronology
Pre-history: The Mark Four (1963–1966)
Before becoming The Creation, most members were part of The Mark Four. The initial lineup, featuring Kenny Pickett, Eddie Phillips, Mick “Spud” Thompson, John Dalton, and Jack Jones, played regularly in the UK and Germany. Several lineup changes and non-charting singles marked this early phase.
Initial Success (1966)
In April 1966, guided by manager Tony Stratton Smith, The Creation underwent a transformation. Bob Garner replaced Tony Cooke on bass, and the band adopted a new name based on a reference found in Russian poetry: The Creation. Their debut single, “Making Time,” showcased Phillips’ innovative guitar technique and marked their entry into the music scene.
The subsequent single, “Painter Man,” became a major hit, solidifying The Creation’s place in the musical landscape. The band’s live performances of “Painter Man” featured pop art experimentation, with Pickett spray-painting canvases during concerts, creating a unique visual and auditory experience.
The Bob Garner Era (1967)
“Painter Man” marked the last single of the original lineup. In early 1967, Kim Gardner joined as the new bassist, and Bob Garner took over lead vocals. The band’s sound evolved into mid-1960s psychedelic rock, characterised by a more experimental and avant-garde approach. German success led to the release of the album “We Are Paintermen.”
Pickett Returns, Band Breaks Up (1968)
Despite lineup changes and the release of “Midway Down” in April 1968, internal tensions led to the band’s dissolution by June. Posthumous releases in Germany kept the spirit of The Creation alive.
Post-Creation Careers
Members pursued diverse paths post-dissolution. Eddie Phillips collaborated with Kenny Pickett on songwriting, contributing to the 1980 hit “Teacher, Teacher.” Ronnie Wood joined iconic bands like the Jeff Beck Group, The Faces, and The Rolling Stones. Kim Gardner co-formed Ashton, Gardner & Dyke, while Bob Garner played in various bands and participated in Creation reunions.
Re-formations (1980s–Present)
The Creation experienced re-formations, notably in the mid-1980s. Despite minimal attention to their 1987 single “A Spirit Called Love,” the band continued touring. The original lineup reunited in 1994 to record “Power Surge,” released in 1996. The 1990s saw bands like Ride and The Godfathers cover The Creation’s songs, indicating their enduring influence.
Kenny Pickett’s passing in 1997 marked a transition, but The Creation persisted with Garner as lead vocalist. The 2000s witnessed lineup changes, with Phillips remaining the sole original member. The current lineup includes Eddie Phillips, Simon Tourle, Tony Barber, and Kevin Mann.
In 2004, Cherry Red Records released “Psychedelic Rose,” a compilation of the band’s 1987/88 sessions, offering a glimpse into their unfinished project.
Legacy and Influence
Despite early dissolution and limited chart success, The Creation became highly influential in the rock realm. Icons like Paul Weller, Ride, Pete Townshend, The Sex Pistols, and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin acknowledged their impact. Alan McGee even named his record label, Creation, in homage to the band. Their influence extended into the 1990s UK indie scene, solidifying their status as unsung heroes of rock.
Epilogue
As the current lineup continues to captivate audiences, The Creation’s legacy lives on, reminding us that true artistry transcends time.
Fashionably late to the scene, I’ve wholeheartedly embraced the Mod spirit, resonating with Rhythm and Blues and Soul. For over five decades, my life has been an impassioned odyssey, where football and music unite in a heartfelt journey through the realms of Rock and Roll, Soul, Ska, and Brit Pop.
