In late 1971, a Melody Maker article inspired the formation of Flash, a collaboration between Peter Banks, ex-Yes guitarist, and Colin Carter, previously of Mushroom. The duo’s chemistry sparked on their first track, “Small Beginnings,” leading to the band’s formation. Banks, reminiscing about their sound, said, “Of course, we did [sound like Yes]. I was one of the founding members.” Their lineup was completed by bassist Ray Bennett and drummer Mike Hough, creating a potent musical force.
Peter Banks’ decision to lead without a keyboardist, focusing on his guitar, set Flash apart. Tony Kaye, formerly of Yes, played keyboards on the debut album sessions at De Lane Lea; asked to join the band, he declined, and Flash toured as a four-piece. Their debut self-titled album resonated in the USA, with Bennett noting, “We had a brand new hit single and a hit album, and they were going up the [US] charts as we arrived in the summer of ‘72.” Carter adds “That was the key that opened the door. That was it. That’s what got us [in] America.” Their innovative style blended fast-paced rhythms with complex compositions.
Touring the US and the world, Flash shared stages with renowned bands, gaining a dedicated following. Despite their burgeoning fame, mainstream success eluded them, their style perhaps too progressive for the era. Internal dynamics also posed challenges, with band members navigating the complexities of their newfound fame and creative differences.
They rapidly produced three albums within two years, but by November 1973, the stress of touring and internal conflicts led to the band’s disbanding. Banks, reflecting on this period, admitted, “I was having a nervous breakdown… We sort of flew apart for all the wrong reasons.” The breakup marked the end of a brief yet impactful chapter in progressive rock. However, their paths occasionally crossed in various collaborations, keeping the spirit of the band alive.
Original line-up
Peter Banks | Colin Carter | Ray Bennett | Mike Hough
DISCOGRAPHY
CHRONOLOGY
The gig-by-gig chronology is divided by year.
- 1971–72: the formation of the band, the recording of the debut album at DeLane Lea Studios, and the 1972 tours.
- 1973–74: the 1973 tours, the break-up after the final show in November 1973, and the aftermath in 1974.
PHOTO GALLERY
David Robinson
I saw Flash in Peterborough, I do remember how great the sound was and a great atmosphere.
Was it really in 1973…?
Paul Stephenson
Hello
I have a photo of the gig advert Bolton 20.05.72 from a film reel at the library if anyone interested-quality so so
Regards paul
George
Would love to see this and maybe use it in a documentary
Dale Boyer
Flash opened for Wishbone Ash in Ocean City on August 10, 1973. We were right up front and it was an amazing show. I remember this night vividly. Good times!
Ralph
Flash’s 14 Sep 1972 gig was at Radford College, Radford VA, with “The Divots” opening and “Blue Oyster Cult” headlining.
Link:
http://www.hotrails.co.uk/history/1972.htm#720914
I know of two other gigs Flash played with BOC:
02 Dec 1972: Teaneck NJ [BOC opened]
22 Dec 1972: Detroit MI [Mom’s Apple Pie opened, BOC played second]
Links:
http://www.hotrails.co.uk/history/1972.htm#721202
http://www.hotrails.co.uk/history/1972.htm#721222
p.cialfi
Where did Peter Banks go and what did he do when he left the band ?
Keith monteiro
I knew nothing about this band,l’m liking what l’m hearing,this is my second day of exposure,and looking foward to hearing all that peter banks has done
Bill
A good buddy and I saw them at the Springfield, Mo. concert. Venue was a ‘had been’ or was ‘soon to be’ a bowling alley on Glenstone, can’t remember which one. Sadly, very few people attended but Flash put on a good show. A local band called Aqua Fox opened. Didn’t realize till now that was 6 days before they disbanded.
Jim
The photo with Peter banks jumping in mid-air. is labeled,
“Date: November 8-21 Location: London, UK Venue: DeLane Lea Studios Notes: recording debut album Flash”
Are you certain this is the correct caption for this picture?
Pete Cornish built the first guitar pedalboard for Peter Banks in ’72. Either Banks was using a homemade pedalboard in this photo during ’71, Cornish recalled the date incorrectly (unlikely), or this photo is actually from ’72.
Great site by the way! Thanks for making the resource available to everyone!
Pete Shales
The venue for the 18th May 1973 gig, was the Skegness Festival Pavilion. My mate and I attended. He had the nerve to chat to Pete Banks. They were exciting times .
John Williams
Flash did not play the Sept. 16 Kansas City, MO show. Nazareth, Rare Earth, and Quicksilver did play. I was there… Brownsville Station may have played, but I’m doubtful.
Mick S
I was at the Isleworth Poly gig, I introduced the band over the PA from up in the control room! Can’t confirm the date, would have been college year 1972 -73, when the Student’s Union Social Secretary and the Marketing Officer were both in my class so I got in free, so probably saved 50p…
I remember being impressed, but too poor to buy the album.
Karl Speck
Flash did not perform in Huntsville, Alabama on November 4, 1973. On that night they were with Three Dog Night at Philharmonic Hall in New York City… 4 & 8pm shows
Flash did not perform in Valdosta, Georgia on November 7, 1973. On that night
they were with Three Dog Night at Academy of Music, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
There was a Three Dog Night show with Flash on November 3, 1973 at JFK Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC.
Karl Speck
Flash performed at Shippensburg State College, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania on September 17, 1972…. Source …. Slate student newspaper…September 19, 1972…. Page 5.
Flash performed at Fairleigh Dickinson University… Florham / Madison branch
Dreyfuss College Auditorium ? Madison, New Jersey September 10, 1972.
Source ….The Record newspaper… Hackensack, New Jersey….. Sunday September 17, 1972…. Page 39.
Keith monteiro
I knew nothing about this band,l’m liking what l’m hearing,this is my second day of exposure,and looking foward to hearing all that peter banks has done