The Flying Pickets: Pioneers of British A Cappella

The Flying Pickets are a British a cappella vocal group, best known for their unique blend of political theatre and pop music sung entirely without instruments. Formed in London in 1982, they achieved a remarkable and unexpected chart-topping success that brought a cappella music to mainstream UK audiences.

Early career

The group originated from the 7:84 Theatre Company, a radical socialist theatre group, where members performed as a singing street theatre act. Their name, "The Flying Pickets," references mobile strikers from industrial disputes, reflecting their politically charged roots. They honed their act on the streets and in fringe theatre before recording their debut album.

Breakthrough

The Flying Pickets' breakthrough came in 1983 with their cover of Yazoo's "Only You." Released on the Ten Records label, the single soared to number one on the UK Singles Chart in December 1983, spending five weeks at the top. This surprise Christmas number one certified the single gold and propelled their debut album, Lost Boys, into the Top 20.

Key tracks

Only You — Their signature a cappella cover that became a UK Christmas number one and a gold-certified hit.

When You're Young And In Love — A follow-up single that reached the UK Top 10, proving their initial success was not a fluke.

Who's That Girl — A later single showcasing their continued ability to reinterpret pop and soul tracks in their distinctive vocal style.

Beautiful Dreamer — An example of their rich, layered vocal harmonies applied to a classic songbook standard.

Following their explosive chart success, The Flying Pickets continued to record and tour extensively throughout the 1980s and 1990s. They released albums like Live at the Albany Empire and Waiting for Trains, and collaborated with artists such as folk singer Billy Bragg. Despite numerous lineup changes over the decades, the group has maintained a consistent presence, performing their theatrical a cappella shows globally and releasing new material, including the album Everyday in 2016.

Fans of The Flying Pickets' intricate vocal arrangements and pop sensibilities may also enjoy the work of The King's Singers. This British group is renowned for its classical precision and wide-ranging repertoire. The comedic and musical stylings of The Barron Knights offer another take on British vocal entertainment with a satirical edge. For more contemporary British a cappella, explore The Swingle Singers, who are masters of vocal jazz and complex rhythms. The political folk roots shared with Billy Bragg connect to the Pickets' activist origins and storytelling focus.

The music of The Flying Pickets remains a staple on classic pop and specialist a cappella radio stations. Their timeless hits are frequently featured on FM radio programs dedicated to 80s nostalgia and on online radio streams that celebrate vocal harmony groups, ensuring their sound reaches both original fans and new listeners.

You can hear the iconic a cappella sound of The Flying Pickets on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their classic tracks and experience the vocal magic that secured their place in British pop history.