Although it’s also the name of a 1954 play by James Baldwin, Amen Corner took their name from a weekly soul night at Cardiff’s Victoria Ballroom when they formed in 1966.
The Welshmen quickly gained a reputation as a strong live R&B band, with the twin saxes providing a fatter, more American sound than most British beat groups of the time.
In 1967 the band signed with Decca and a debut single on the label (Gin House Blues) reached #24 on the UK charts.
In November the band undertook a package tour with Jimi Hendrix, The Move, Pink Floyd and The Nice.
A cover version of Bend Me Shape Me hit #3 in February 1968, and while the band continued to tour with artists such as Gene Pitney, Status Quo and Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, their debut album (Round Amen Corner) was released and reached #26.
In February 1969, more than 300 fans were injured at an Amen Corner/Love Affair concert at the Ice Rink in Paisley, Scotland.
Shortly thereafter, If Paradise Is Half As Nice topped the UK singles chart and the group appeared in the Christopher Lee, Vincent Price and Peter Cushing horror film, Scream and Scream Again (1970).
After many months of rumours that Fairweather-Low was leaving the band to pursue a solo career, Amen Corner played their final gig in Boston, Lincolnshire in October 1969. Their final single was a cover of The Beatles‘ Get Back.
Blue Weaver and Dennis Bryon went on to become the rhythm section for The Bee Gees, staying with the trio throughout its glory days in the late 70s and early 80s.
Andy Fairweather-Low
Vocals, Guitar
Blue Weaver
Organ
Neil Jones
Guitar
Clive Taylor
Bass
Mike Smith
Tenor Sax
Alan Jones
Baritone Sax
Dennis Bryon
Drums
