Vivian Stanshall | Artist

Vivian Stanshall | Artist

Tags: Era_1960s, Genre_Art_Rock, Genre_Comedy, Origin_UK, Type_Artist

Vivian Stanshall was an English singer-songwriter, musician, author, poet and wit born 1943 in Oxford, UK. He is best known for his work with the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, for his exploration of the British upper classes in Sir Henry at Rawlinson End, and for acting as Master of Ceremonies on Mike Oldfield's album Tubular Bells. Stanshall formed The Bonzo's in 1962 whilst still a student at The Royal College of Art in London. They broke up in 1972 and Stanshall released his debut solo album Men Opening Umbrellas Ahead in 1974. His second album, 1978's Sir Henry at Rawlinson End is regarded by critics to be his best comedic recorded work. He recorded only two more albums before his untimely death in 1995 at age 51 cut short a brilliant career which included performance sketches, radio broadcasts, stage plays and poetry, as well as his solo, band and collaboration work. Stanshall was a great friend of John Peel and Keith Moon, and was described by fellow Bonzo Neil Innes as "a national treasure". Outstanding albums include Men Opening Umbrellas Ahead, Sir Henry at Rawlinson End, Teddy Boys Don't Knit and Sir Henry at Ndidi's Kraal.

Artist Website: vivarchive.org.uk

Featured Albums: Vivian Stanshall

Related Artists: Bonzo Dog Band, Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Mike Oldfield


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