Roxy Music

Having failed an audition to join King Crimson as their lead singer, Bryan Ferry set about forming Roxy Music with his friend from university, bassist Graham Simpson, in 1970. After advertising for bandmates, Ferry and Simpson were joined by oboe player and saxophonist Andy Mackay and synthesizer connoisseur Brian Eno. The group's name was derived from an old cinema, the Roxy. However, after finding out an American band was using the same name, they added "Music" to become Roxy Music.

Roxy Music released their self-titled debut album in June 1972. Unusually, it contained no singles, although the band later issued a non-album cut, "Virginia Plain," to help promote the record.

On August 24, 1972, Roxy Music made their debut on Top Of The Pops with a performance of "Virginia Plain." Showcasing the band's flamboyant outfits and magnetic stage presence, it's regarded as one of the most culturally groundbreaking moments in British television history, setting the stage for the incoming glam rock movement. Another iconic glam rock performance that took place on Top Of The Pops a few weeks prior: "Starman" by David Bowie.