Plastic Penny formed in November 1967. Much of their material was psychedelic pop (with hints of encroaching prog rock), often reminiscent of The Who, The Zombies and The Kinks, with gravel-throated lead vocalist Brian Keith superbly complemented by the wonderful harmonies of the band.
Plastic Penny made the UK Top Ten in 1968 with a version of The Box Tops‘ Everything I Am but they had far better songs of their own – amongst them Your Way To Tell Me Go, She Does and the organ-laden instrumental Currency.
Brian Keith left soon after the single release with Paul Raymond taking over lead vocal duties as the group soldiered on, releasing their debut album, Two Sides of a Penny, in April 1968 and appearing at the first Isle of Wight Festival on 31 August 1968.
They released the LP Currency in April 1969 before finally calling it a day in August of that same year.
Brian Keith became the lead vocalist with The Congregation (Softly Whispering I Love You), Guitarist Mick Graham joined Procol Harum in 1973 and Nigel Olsson became Elton John‘s permanent drummer for recording and touring between 1969 and 1974.
Brian Keith
Vocals Mick Graham (Grabham)
Guitar, vocals Tony Murray
Bass, vocals Paul Raymond
Organ, vocals Nigel Olsson
Drums
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Plastic Penny made the UK Top Ten in 1968 with a version of The Box Tops‘ Everything I Am but they had far better songs of their own – amongst them Your Way To Tell Me Go, She Does and the organ-laden instrumental Currency.
