Biography

The FLYING PICKETS was formed in 1982 by members of 7:84, a socialist theatre group who used acappella singing in a production called One Big Blow, the story of the 1972/74 UK miner's strikes. They started working the pubs and clubs of London, and found immediate success. Their first single, "Only You", went straight to Number 1 in the UK charts and stayed there for 5 weeks over Christmas 1983. Almost 40 years later, 'Only You' is still the only acappella track to remain at No.1 for more than one week. In 1989 the group were commissioned to write a musical theatre production for Theatre Royal Stratford in London, based on songs about the working life, which they performed for a highly successful season. The group also performed the musical score on the BBC TV series Porterhouse Blue, which won a BAFTA award for Best Original Music. Over the following 30 years, the band continued touring and recording a raft of albums; and regular personnel changes have developed and matured their sound without losing it’s energy or accessibility. Their latest album, 'Only Human' came out just as the Pandemic hit. This was the first time since 1982 that the Pickets hadn't been on the road. As soon as it became possible again they went straight back out, touring the 'Only Human' show throughout 2021/22.This year marks the 40th Anniversary of 'Only You' hitting No.1, and the FLYING PICKETS are marking this major milestone with the 40th Anniversary Tour, which will run throughout 2023/24.