• Limited to 1000 numbered copies
• Gatefold sleeve with 12” insert featuring liner notes by Mike Stax
• Includes 91cm x 61cm (approx A1 sized) poster + replica tour itinery booklet
• Cut for vinyl at Abbey Road Studios, pressed on 180g white vinyl
• Also features a bonus CD of the rare ‘Live At Carnegie Hall 1975’ show

In the age of R&B, few bands created as much excitement as The Pretty Things. They came up with The Rolling Stones, yet they were even wilder than Jagger & co.
When Phil May sang and shook his maracas with manic intensity, audiences knew they were in for a wild ride. Despite a reputation for crazy antics, the Pretty Things took their music seriously and developed into one of the most respected rock bands of the era. Their albums mirror the many changes that affected the music scene during the Sixties and early Seventies. The hot news of course, is that the Pretty Things are still touring, recording albums like ‘Rage Before Beauty’ and reviving their famous rock opera ‘S. F. Sorrow’ to critical acclaim.
Art students jamming at Sidcup College, in Kent, England, started the Pretty Things in 1963. Among them were guitarist Dick Taylor, a founder member of the Rolling Stones. Fellow student Phil May joined the sessions and they recruited rhythm guitarist Brian Pendleton, bass player John Stax and drummer Peter Kitley, later replaced by Viv Prince. When the Pretty Things played at London’s Central School of Art in December 1963 they caused a sensation. Spotted by a talent scout, they were signed to Fontana. The art students became pop stars overnight.

The group were signed to Led Zeppelin’s new Swan Song label in 1974 amidst great fanfare. The Zepp men regarded Phil May & Co. as pioneers of hard rock, and they were keen to advance the career of their 60s heroes. ‘Silk Torpedo’ was the much lauded debut album for the label and is presented here as a deluxe reissue package.