The Problem Solver:

The Action was an influential English rock band of the 1960s that became a foundational pillar of the British mod subculture. Formed in Kentish Town, North West London in August 1963, they originally performed under the name The Boys. They specialized in high-energy, soul-infused pop and rock music, heavily inspired by American R&B and Tamla-Motown sounds. Band Lineup Reg King: Lead vocals Alan “Bam” King: Guitar and vocals Mike “Ace” Evans: Bass guitar Roger Powell: Drums Peter Watson: Lead guitar (joined in ⁄₁₉₆₅) History and Music

The band got their start serving as the backing unit for singer Sandra Barry. After adding Peter Watson and renaming themselves The Action, they landed a record deal with Parlophone. Their recordings were produced by the legendary George Martin, famous for his work with The Beatles.

Though they never achieved major commercial chart success, they were a massive live draw. They regularly packed legendary venues like London’s Marquee Club and were worshiped by a loyal following of scooter-riding mods. Among their most celebrated tracks are: “I’ll Keep Holding On”: A definitive mod-soul anthem.

“Shadows and Reflections”: A highly regarded piece of mid-60s psych-pop. “Never Ever” Transition to Mighty Baby

By the late 1960s, the band’s style evolved from Motown covers into original, improvisational psychedelic and folk rock. Following the departures of Watson and lead singer Reg King, the remaining members recruited new musicians and morphed into the progressive rock band Mighty Baby in 1969.

Watch a rare vintage performance of their psych-pop classic track: The Action:Shadows & reflections theerealgaryhill YouTube · Jun 8, 2009