Mark Ashton Vey - Rare Bird

When and where were you born? Are you originally from London?

1949 I was born in Brigde Kent UK.

The Vikings, Vey’s first band. He was 12 years old.

What was growing up like for you?

I moved to Scotland at 5 years old in a small village near Glasgow surrounded by nature and at 12 I relocated back to Kent.

The Corvettes.

Do you have any siblings?

I have 2 older brothers.

Mark with his brothers.

When did you first begin to fall in love with music and what initially fascinated you about the drums?

I fell in love with music around 8 years old and studied Bag Pipes. I was 12 and my brother’s band needed a drummer.

The Corvettes.

What would you and your friends do for fun back in the day?

Smoked gunja.

Mark at 12 years old.

Did you go to many local shows in your area? If so, who were some of the groups and where would you go to see them perform? What groups left a huge impression on you early on?

I supported The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Yardbirds, etc all the bands except The Beatles.

How did you initially meet your bandmates that eventually became Rare Bid?

Audition.

Rare Bird.

That took place in ‘69, correct? What were your first impressions of them? What was the chemistry like between you guys right off the bat?

Yes. 2 keyboards, no guitar, so it sounded different. Very good.

Rare Bird circa: 1970.

Where would you guys rehearse?

1st in Graham’s apartment.

How did you guys come up with the name for the band and what led to you guys discovering your sound as well as approach to your music?

I asked to my manager to think of a name, something with ‘bird’.

When and where was the group’s live debut and what was that experience like for you?

At Mother’s club in Birmingham.

How did the deal with Charisma come about for the band’s debut release in 1969?

I suggested approaching Tony Stratton Smith who managed The Nice.

Christmas in Concert circa: 1969.

Charisma Record circa: 1970.

When did recording begin and what was that experience like for you?

At Trident Studios London.

Can you walk me through the process of recording those songs as well as a little background into each song that is featured on the LP?

1st backing track and over-dubes then vocals.

Circa 1970 Israeli paper.

What was the first order of business once the record was released?

To release a single.

What are some of the most memorable gigs you guys played that still stand out in your mind to this day?

Festivals in France & in Italy were great because we had a #1 record ‘Sympathy’ in both countries. Lyceum Ballroom, Festival Hall, Wembly Stadium.

What did you guys want to express, or achieve on the second LP, ‘As Your Mind Flies By’ that following year in ‘70?

Nothing in particular.

Melody Maker circa: March 21 of 1970.

Can you tell me about writing as well as recording that record? How long did recording take from start to finish?

About 6 weeks.

Is there anything else you would like to further share with the readers?

Listen to my solo album & Mark Ashton Project.

https://www.markashtonproject.com

https://www.facebook.com/Mark-Ashton-Project-Mark-Ashton-Vey-Art-186948181335660/

Dakota Brown