The Beards of Prog Rock
The world of prog rock has never shied away from the important things in life. Such as social comment; some spaced out, acid-soaked wierdness; a prolonged guitar solo; and the ability to grow a beard of note. Here are some of prog rock’s illuminati, who have taken it upon themselves to demonstrate that man is not judged by razor alone.
The Edgar Broughton Band
An absolute barnstormer of a band, sporting barnstorming beards. Warwick’s own The Edgar Broughton Band set out to prove there was legs in that old adage: “Why settle for one beard, when you can just as easily have three?” Or four, dependant on the line-up. Rob and Steve Broughton, HFoS salutes thee.
Barclay James Harvest – Les Holroyd
Despite Barclay James Harvest boasting a member going by the name of Stuart ‘Woolly’ Wolstenholme, it was bassist Les Holroyd who took it upon himself to aquire the ‘woolly’ look. With beard and flowing locks he upheld the prog tradition of being both hairy and carefree.
Hawkwind
Even if they have been through more line-ups than a Turkish lady of the night, during the 70s Hawkwind could always be relied upon to knock out a cracking album and deliver an assortment of beards. Beards that would not only frighten small children, but also double as a handy stash for illicet substances the next time the old Bill kicked the doors in on your Ladbroke Grove squat.
Aphrodite’s Child
As everybody knows, the Greeks invented the beard, and in celebration of this fact Aphrodite’s Child ensured its members never left home without a substantial growth of facial furniture. Boasting Demis Roussos and Vangelis amongst the ranks, their progressive sound may have been forgotten in the intervening years, the beards however, remain eternal.
Van Der Graaf Generator – Dave ‘Jaxon’ Jackson
Time for a quick game of spot the beard, featuring Van Der Graaf Generator. I can only give a couple of clues as to where the beard is located so listen (or read) carefully. It is an unorthodox, ‘two-way’ beard – some say the holy grail of beard cultivation. It is attached to the face of Dave ‘Jaxon’ Jackson. Good luck with that.
Roy Wood
If anybody’s still in doubt as to the direct correlation between length of beard and size of talent, they need look no further than the mighty Roy Wood. Creative talent behind The Move, early E.L.O, Wizzard and accomplished solo artist, need we say more? Oh, alright – I believe Shakespeare himself wrote of Roy Wood’s beard: “Age cannot wither it, nor custom stale its infinite variety” Say no more.
Jethro Tull – Ian Anderson
Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson is the prog god of beardy, wierdy goodness. Sporting beard, and quite often a trilby, since time began, it is the acclaimed minstrel in the gallery himself who takes pride of place here. A beard for all seasons, no less.
Feel free to contribute your own beard/prog rock ‘anecdote’ in the comments below.
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