Love Affair

LOVE AFFAIR. British pop-group formed in 1966 best known for their worldwide January 1968 No1 single "Everlasting Love". Controversy ensued when the group admitted they had not played on the record and that all the work had been done by session musicians, although this practice had long since been common. Ironically the first recording of the song, produced by Muff Winwood had featured them playing all the instruments, but the record label rejected this version in favour of one produced by Mike Smith with singer Steve Ellis the only member of the group to be heard. The backing vocals were provided by four female singers who were to become well known in their own right : Kiki Dee / Madeline Bell / Lesley Duncan and Kay Garner. The memorable bass part was played by Russ Stableford and Clem Cattini of the Tornados played drums. The group became frustrated at being treated like teen idols, unable to hear themselves on stage with the constant screaming of fans, but four further Top 20 hits followed ; "Rainbow Valley" / "A Day Without Love" (both 1968) / "One Road" and "Bringing on Back the Good Times" (both 1969). In 1968 Love Affair sold more singles in the UK than any other band except The Beatles. Steve Ellis left in December 1969 and various lineups of the group failed to achieve their earlier success ....