Barclay James Harvest

Barclay James Harvest, a quartet of talented musicians, struggled to find mainstream success in the progressive rock scene despite their catchy melodies and harmonious vocals reminiscent of the Beatles. Formed in 1966 in Oldham, Lancashire, the band signed with EMI and later moved to the Harvest label, releasing albums that showcased their strengths but failed to chart. After a shift to Polydor in 1973, their fortunes slowly improved, with Barclay James Harvest Live in 1974 marking a breakthrough and subsequent albums like Time Honoured Ghosts and Octoberon gaining more recognition.

By 1979, Barclay James Harvest experienced personnel changes and released Eyes of the Universe, which found modest success in England but catapulted their career in continental Europe, notably with a massive concert in Berlin. Their subsequent albums on Polydor saw varying degrees of success, with Concert for the People becoming a top seller in England. The band's influence continued to grow in Europe, leading to celebratory milestones like the 25th-anniversary concert in Liverpool and the release of a compilation album.