2018 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the release of the album "The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown". The "Fire" contained on it alone sold a million times as a single. The eccentric frontman's band couldn't follow this success, which is why The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown were quickly hailed as a one-hit wonder. The influence that Brown's appearance, voice and rock theatre had on prog, shock rock and heavy metal is often overlooked.
1968 was the year in which the Flower Power ideals were rethought. Psychedelic rock had reached its zenith with "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". The concept work "The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown" went one step further than the colorful-subversive mushroom heads. "I am the God of Hellfire" Arthur Brown introduces himself in the intro to "Fire". The flaming head construction became his trademark. In 1967 at the "Windsor Festival" this almost became his downfall: Methanol dripped through a kitchen sieve onto his head and caught fire. Two spectators reacted alertly and extinguished the fire with beer.
Today, at the tender age of 76, the man is still a show. His eccentric side, however, he only lives out on stage. Behind this figure hides a tremendously friendly, relaxed gentleman. We met Mr. Brown at the Herzberg Festival.
eclipsed: Contrary to your theatrical image, you seem extremely relaxed.
Arthur Brown: Well observed. Yes, I can always be completely in my middle before appearances, because I have been meditating for a long time.
eclipsed: For the 50th you'll be back on tour with The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown. What's the line?
Brown: I don't think we're going to play the whole album, but we're going to present whole sections of it in one piece. Finally, the plate is also designed in this way. But I would also like to include pieces from my time with Kingdom Come.
eclipsed: Will there be another reissue of the debut album on the occasion of the anniversary?
Brown: Yes, and of course the tour also serves to support the release of this anniversary box in October.
