The Flying Circus
Encyclopedia
. For other meanings of this term see the disambiguation page under Flying Circus
The Flying Circus were a short-lived Toronto-based group fronted by singer/songwriter, Bruce Cockburn
. The band, which was active between late 1967 and early 1968, also featured Neil Merryweather
and future Mapleoak members, Marty Fisher and Gordon MacBain.
(sometimes spelt Myna Byrds) in early September 1967, Neil Lillie (later better known as Neil Merryweather) was introduced to ex-Esquires
member Bruce Cockburn through The Five Man Electrical Band. The pair decided to launch a new group and recruited former Bobby Kris & The Imperials
members Martin Fisher and Gordon MacBain who were playing at the Concorde Tavern in Toronto at the time.
Signed to Harvey Glatt’s
management, The Flying Circus recorded a number of unreleased tracks in Toronto during late 1967, including Cockburn’s “Flying Circus”, “She Wants To Know”, “I’m Leaving You Out” and “Mother” as well as Lillie’s “Last Hoorah” and “Elephant Song” and Fisher and MacBain’s “Where Is All The Love”. During the same sessions, the band also recorded songs by Cockburn’s former The Children cohort, William Hawkins
, such as “Merry Go Round”, “It’s A Dirty Shame” and “Little Bit Stoned”.
Around this time, the group also recorded a few tracks with another former Children member Sandy Crawley, which were never released.
On October 1, the band began a residence at Le Hibou in Ottawa. The following month, from November 14–18, 1967, The Flying Circus played at the Riverboat in Toronto. Over the next few months, the group also opened for Wilson Pickett
and Roy Orbison
at the Capitol Theatre in Ottawa.
) suggested that the group should change name to Olivus.
Flying Circus
Flying Circus may mean:In aviation:*Jagdgeschwader 1 , a German World War I fighter wing commanded by Manfred von Richthofen at one point*The American World War II air corps led by Joe Foss...
The Flying Circus were a short-lived Toronto-based group fronted by singer/songwriter, Bruce Cockburn
Bruce Cockburn
Bruce Douglas Cockburn OC is a Canadian folk/rock guitarist and singer-songwriter. His most recent album was released in March 2011. He has written songs in styles ranging from folk to jazz-influenced rock to rock and roll.-Biography:...
. The band, which was active between late 1967 and early 1968, also featured Neil Merryweather
Neil Merryweather
Neil Merryweather is a Canadian rock singer, bass player and songwriter...
and future Mapleoak members, Marty Fisher and Gordon MacBain.
The Mynah Birds
After leaving The Mynah BirdsThe Mynah Birds
The Mynah Birds were a Canadian R&B band formed in Toronto, Ontario active from 1964 to 1967. Although the band never released an album, it is notable as featuring a number of musicians who went on to have successful careers in rock, folk rock and funk....
(sometimes spelt Myna Byrds) in early September 1967, Neil Lillie (later better known as Neil Merryweather) was introduced to ex-Esquires
The Esquires (Canadian band)
The Esquires were a Canadian band, based in Ottawa, active from 1962 to 1967. The band is notable as the recipient of the first Juno Award in Canada, as well as being one of Canada's earlier pop music recording acts. The first Canadian music video ever made is said to be that of an Esquires song...
member Bruce Cockburn through The Five Man Electrical Band. The pair decided to launch a new group and recruited former Bobby Kris & The Imperials
Bobby Kris & The Imperials
Bobby Kris & The Imperials were a 1960s Toronto folk-rock band, that had a local hit with Burt Bacharach and Hal David's "Walk On By".-Origins:...
members Martin Fisher and Gordon MacBain who were playing at the Concorde Tavern in Toronto at the time.
Signed to Harvey Glatt’s
Harvey Glatt
Harvey Glatt is a notable and award-winning Canadian music promoter, manager, broadcaster, record and instrument retailer, and record label owner.- History :...
management, The Flying Circus recorded a number of unreleased tracks in Toronto during late 1967, including Cockburn’s “Flying Circus”, “She Wants To Know”, “I’m Leaving You Out” and “Mother” as well as Lillie’s “Last Hoorah” and “Elephant Song” and Fisher and MacBain’s “Where Is All The Love”. During the same sessions, the band also recorded songs by Cockburn’s former The Children cohort, William Hawkins
William Hawkins (songwriter and poet)
William Alfred Hawkins is a songwriter, poet, musician and journalist, most notable for his contributions in the 1960s to Canadian folk rock music and to Canadian poetry...
, such as “Merry Go Round”, “It’s A Dirty Shame” and “Little Bit Stoned”.
Around this time, the group also recorded a few tracks with another former Children member Sandy Crawley, which were never released.
On October 1, the band began a residence at Le Hibou in Ottawa. The following month, from November 14–18, 1967, The Flying Circus played at the Riverboat in Toronto. Over the next few months, the group also opened for Wilson Pickett
Wilson Pickett
Wilson Pickett was an American R&B/Soul singer and songwriter.A major figure in the development of American soul music, Pickett recorded over 50 songs which made the US R&B charts, and frequently crossed over to the US Billboard Hot 100...
and Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison
Roy Kelton Orbison was an American singer-songwriter, well known for his distinctive, powerful voice, complex compositions, and dark emotional ballads. Orbison grew up in Texas and began singing in a rockabilly/country & western band in high school until he was signed by Sun Records in Memphis...
at the Capitol Theatre in Ottawa.
Flying Circus becomes Olivus
In early March 1968, Lillie left to form Heather Merryweather and was replaced by former Livingstone’s Journey member Dennis Pendrith. The group’s road manager, Michael Ferry (Lee Jackson of Jon and Lee & The CheckmatesJon and Lee & The Checkmates
Jon and Lee & The Checkmates are an Canadian music group, best known for containing future members of Elektra band Rhinoceros. Together with Mandala, they spearheaded Toronto's R&B scene during the mid 1960s. As the Jon-Lee Group, the band released a lone single for ABC Records before splitting up...
) suggested that the group should change name to Olivus.