The Hush | Grey | Fontana | 1968

The Hush – ’Elephant Rider’ / ’Grey’ (Fontana TF 944) June 1968

The Hush | Grey | Fontana | 1968 | The Hush were a great band, produced by Albert Hammond, who had a string of hits himself, because he was very talented. The band was Chris Anslow– vocals, John Beaty – guitar, “Twiggy” Wood – keyboard, Geoff Smith – bass guitar and Mac Poole – drums.

Four from Birmingham and Twiggy from London. Originally it had been a rhythm section and various other musicians but the line-up became the one listed. I know the story because I started the band and I am the drummer. (Mac Poole)

THE HUSH: “Elephant Rider” / “Grey” (Fontana TF 944). Okay but really this circus atmosphere and stuff didn’t get through. All rather urgent. (Record Mirror, 222/06/68)

Circus Story

SSSH, here come the Hush. This new five-piece outfit are all from different groups and came together one by one as they met in motorway restaurants. Their first offering from Fontana is “Elephant Rider”, a sad little ditty about a circus hand who has fallen in love with the bare-back elephant rider.

unfortunately the girl does not feel the same way about him. Peter, Geoff, Chris, John and Mac are hoping they will have more success with you. (Top Pops, 06/07/68)

HUSH: “Elephant Rider” / “Grey” (Fontana TF 944) 1968
“Elephant Rider” borrows Manfred Mann’s penny whistle for a calculated attempt at a hit single. it would have helped if Fontana hadn’t withdrwawn it after a week, as was their want back then. “Grey” defines UK psych / freakbeat and is totally brilliant. (117 fanzine)

THE HUSH The absolutely superb “Grey” was featured in our Freakbeat article in March 1993, though it also fits comfortably into a psychedelic feature. This Birmingham band were Chris Angelo (vocals), Geoff Smith (bass guitar), Peter ‘Twiggy’ Wood (organ), Mac Poole (drums) and John Beattie (lead guitar).

A cutting from Fabulous 208 magazine reveals that they were booked to appear on a Redifusion TV show called Come Here Often to promote the top-side of “Grey”, “Elephant Rider”, with a baby elephant on the stage! (Record Collector)