In the late 60's and early 1970's Arthur Brown could always put on a show that was as crazy as his reputation, but on a Friday night in June 1971 he surpassed even his Crazy World when he brought his latest band Kingdom Come to the first Reading Festival, then called the Reading Jazz and Blues Festival.
Although the only jazz seen on that occasion was in the hands of the crowd who smoked it in abundance, or so the local constabulary assumed when they heavy-handedly roamed the site grabbing anyone with as much as a roll-up. Their festival coming to an abrupt end as 150 of them were carted off to the nick.
By the evening the audience had a less than optimistic view of events. The rain clouds gathered and it looked like a soaking was the final denouement to the day.
It was then that Arthur Brown and Kingdom Come produced a show that was to leave everyone in disbelief. Arthur appearing completely eccentric wearing a straight suit and tie with short hair.. down one side. The other side long hair and cape naturally.
At the height of the show which saw prog rock taken to a new level entirely a large cross was carried off the front of the stage where he was raised upon it in crucifixion position. Amongst a barrage of fireworks and full on volume from the band the cross was then torched. It appeared death defying but like any good magician Arthur new how to trick the eye.
Summed up nicely by Rupert at queenincornwall.blogspot: "Arthur Brown is a real rock legend. He had a great voice, pioneered make-up and theatrics on stage and was a big influence on Alice Cooper, Kiss, Marilyn Manson etc etc."
Here's the track "Sunrise" from the 1971 album 'Galactic Zoo Dossier' he performed as part of the finale on that night.
