Peter Farrelly 1949-2025
Peter Farrelly cut an elegant figure in the heady days of prog rock via his sensitively considered vocals, sophisticated bass lines, and somewhat foppish appearance. A striking character, he was the charismatic frontman of Fruupp, Northern Ireland's distinguished but sole contribution to the world of progressive rock. A strange entity to emerge in the murderous and bloody period of Irish turmoil, they simply didn't fit in. Needless to say, they moved to London to advance their chances of a career securing a record deal with Dawn Records in 1973.
Farrelly merited greater recognition for his sublime technique and could vocally rise from a whisper to a scream with effortless ease, as illustrated in the songs "Decision" and "Mystery Might," but though his days with Fruupp are his lynchpin to legacy, their sound has aged like a wine of fine vintage, they never, despite being constantly on tour, broke through to the higher echelons of fame. His delivery hovered between the jazziness of Cleo Laine and the deceptive casualness of Tim Hardin, although when required, he could "rock out" with the best, possessing a rare and subtle air of vocal understatement.
Fruupp's four albums have gained greater recognition in later years than were gifted on release. Peter's distinctive artwork graced their first two LP sleeves, Future Legends and Seven Secrets, and the early promotional posters and flyers via a curious mixture of Victorian children's illustrations and colorful seventies whimsy. The band's rigorous touring schedule ended his role as their visual merchandiser. He simply no longer had the time to execute another sleeve of such intricate detail, a loss of stylistic continuity that really should have been avoided.
Like most natural talents, he was humble about his own. A distinctive and strong visual centerpiece to the eclectic brilliance behind him, the classical keyboard flourishes of Stephen Houston, later the layered electronic washes of the late John Mason, Vincent McCusker's searingly dynamic guitar lines in tandem with Martin Foye's driven and inspired drum motifs. What made Farrelly unique was his ability to sing exquisitely whilst delivering throbbingly appropriate bass progressions. His instrument of choice had been the acoustic guitar, but the bass reigned supreme in his hands. It was a remarkable and unintentional transition, indicative of his innate talent.
Fruupp shared the bill with Genesis, Queen, Hawkwind, and Focus, to name but four. David Bowie and Angie, dressed in matching white suits, showed up at one of their London gigs. Eclectic and electric, it remains a mystery why their career stalled whilst lesser talents soared. Their final album, Modern Masquerades, was exquisitely produced by Ian McDonald from King Crimson, another band they'd previously toured with.
After Fruupp imploded in 1976, the advent of Punk rendered their contemplative sound instantly obsolete. Farrelly formed The Crowd, an inspired Doors/Stranglers "New Wave" hybrid, who, with a little more kindness from Lady Luck, could have broken through. Sadly, they disbanded without recording any material, though some live bootlegs of inferior audio quality apparently exist. After a few more short-lived bands, he gradually drifted away from the scene that had sustained him for a decade.
Though Peter Farrelly left music, the music never left him. He continued to write songs, developing an interest in the classical genre after taking up the piano. His talent will continue to bring delight and awe to those who know it already and those who've yet to discover the delicacy of his recorded work. After half a century, it still beguiles, remaining a tasteful legacy of elegance, refinement, and good grace. Understatement is a talent often easily dismissed or ignored, but he lived long enough to see his efforts reassessed and praised
He died peacefully at home in Belfast aged 76.