Beggars Opera

The Profile

Beggars Opera is a Scottish progressive rock band formed in Glasgow in 1969, known for early-1970s Vertigo releases including Act One (1970), Waters Of Change (1971) and Pathfinder (1972).

Reviews note the band’s formation in Glasgow (1969) and highlight members and contributors mentioned in the reviews: guitarist Ricky Gardiner, organist Alan Park, singer Martin Griffiths and mellotronist Virginia Scott. The group released Act One, Waters Of Change and Pathfinder; a later fourth album (Get Your Dog Off Me) and lineup tensions preceded the end of the original run. The band recorded for the Vertigo label and their work blends baroque keyboards, Mellotron, and distinctively Scottish melodic elements.

Two DeBaser reviews by pier_paolo_farina examine Beggars Opera's early-1970s progressive output, praising musicianship (notably Ricky Gardiner and Alan Park) and highlighting Pathfinder and Waters Of Change. The coverage is descriptive, contextual and favorable toward the band's first three records.