The Pink Fairies

The Pink Fairies emerged from the ashes of the Deviants, a loose-knit collective formed in 1967 within the Ladbroke Grove underground scene in West London. The group revolved around vocalist Mick Farren, guitarist Paul Rudolph, bassist Duncan Sanderson, and drummer Russell Hunter, with an extended circle that included Marc Bolan, Steve Peregrine Took, and musicians from Group X, later known as Hawkwind. After three confrontational psychedelic albums and a chaotic U.S. tour, Farren departed for music journalism. The remaining members recruited former Pretty Things drummer John “Twink” Alder as frontman and adopted the name Pink Fairies. Known for anarchic live shows and mythic excess, the band signed with Polydor and released their 1971 debut Never Never Land, featuring staples like “Do It” and “Uncle Harry’s Last Freak Out.” Twink soon exited, and the band continued as a trio on 1972’s What a Bunch of Sweeties, their most commercially successful release. Rudolph later joined Hawkwind and was replaced by UFO guitarist Larry Wallis for 1973’s Kings of Oblivion, after which the band disbanded. Reunions followed in 1975 and the late ’80s, including the album Kill ’Em and Eat ’Em. In 2018, the Pink Fairies returned under Rudolph’s leadership with Motörhead drummer Lucas Fox and Hawkwind bassist Alan Davey, releasing Resident Reptiles. This lineup followed with 2023’s Screwed Up and 2026’s Covered In Pink, featuring guests Nik Turner, Michael Moorcock, and Danny Faulkner.