Scottish classical prog rock band Beggars Opera was formed in Glasgow in 1969.
During the 1970s, the band recorded four albums for the legendary Vertigo label – Act One (1970), Waters of Change (1971), Pathfinder (1972) and Get Your Dog Off Me (1973).
The single Time Machine (from Waters of Change) provided the group with a hit in Germany.
Pete Scott replaced Martin Griffiths as vocalist in 1972 but split with the band acrimoniously during the recording of Get Your Dog Off Me. Linnie Paterson stepped in to finish the recording and to perform live with the band until they called it a day in 1974.
In the 1970s, a new version of Beggars Opera recorded two albums for Jupiter Records in Germany – Sagittary and Beggars Can’t Be Choosers.
Ricky Gardiner went on to play for David Bowie on his Low album and with Iggy Pop on Lust for Life. He also co-wrote The Passenger with Iggy Pop. Organist Alan Park worked with Cliff Richard for many years as musical director.
Beggars Opera was reformed briefly in 1981 by Gordon Sellar, with a new album (Lifeline) released on Vertigo Germany.
Gardiner died on 13 May 2022, aged 73, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Martin Griffiths
Vocals Ricky Gardiner
Guitar, vocals Marshall Erskine
Bass, flute Virginia Scott
Mellotron, cello, vocals Alan Park
Organ Gordon Sellar
Bass, guitar, vocals Ray Wilson
Drums Pete Scott
Vocals Linnie Patterson
Vocals
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In the 1970s, a new version of Beggars Opera recorded two albums for Jupiter Records in Germany – Sagittary and Beggars Can’t Be Choosers.
