by John Van Der Kiste (Author)
From his early days as guitarist with Mike Sheridan and the Nightriders, Roy Wood was always a major figure on the Birmingham music scene. In 1965 he helped to form The Move, who weathered several line-up changes over the next few years while enjoying a spectacular run of hit singles, notably Flowers In The Rain, the first record ever played on Radio 1, and the No. 1 Blackberry Way. Keen to progress beyond the limitations of a conventional group, he became the co-founder and joint leader of the Electric Light Orchestra with Jeff Lynne. Leaving the band in 1972, he formed the very successful if comparatively shortlived Wizzard, remembered for their No. 1 hit See My Baby Jive and the perennial seasonal favourite I Wish It Could be Christmas Everyday. After they disbanded he maintained a solo career while forming subsequent groups for live performances. The first book to examine his career in detail, it includes a Foreword by Ray Dorset of Mungo Jerry, plus an extensive discography and select bibliography.