The Mike Flowers Pops (also known as MFP, The Pops or The Mike Flowers Pops Orchestra) are a British easy listening band fronted by founder Mike Flowers (real name Michael Roberts), the only constant member of the band.
History Formed in 1993, the Mike Flowers Pops can have up to fourteen members on stage at any time, and they are principally known for easy listening or lounge music covers of both 'classic' and contemporary pop music.
The band became famous in the United Kingdom in 1995 when they released a cover version of Oasis' hit song "Wonderwall", in an easy listening style. After seeing the band perform, BBC radio producer Will Saunders had recruited Flowers for BBC Radio 1 DJ Kevin Greening in order to cover the 'Hits of 95' for Greening's Saturday show; "Wonderwall" was his first week's project. Chris Evans heard the song and made it 'single of the week' on his Radio 1 breakfast show, telling listeners that this was the original version of the song. The single, issued by London Records under the name The Mike Flowers Pops, was released while the Oasis original was still in the UK Singles Chart, and itself reached the Top 10. Flowers' version peaked at number 2 in the UK Christmas 1995 chart and got to number one in Scotland. Lou Reed, when asked at the time whether he had heard anything by Oasis, claimed: "Not that I would know. Oh, Wonderwall? The one I know is the Mike Flowers one. That is one of the funniest things I've ever heard in my life."
Following the success of "Wonderwall", The Mike Flowers Pops quickly advanced from performing shows in nightclubs and small concert halls to touring festivals and larger venues across Britain and Europe. A Groovy Place was released on 24 June 1996. At the end of 1996 they toured Britain with Gary Glitter on his last 'Who's in the Gang' tour. They played large venues including Wembley Arena and Birmingham NEC. Cover versions of The Doors' "Light My Fire" and "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" also reached the top 40 of the UK chart.
The band’s 1996 EP "The Freebase Connection" released by Lo Recordings included remixes by electronica and IDM artists including Funki Porcini, Luke Vibert and Aphex Twin. Aphex Twin’s remix "Debase (Soft Palate)" was included on his 2003 compilation album "26 Mixes For Cash".
The Mike Flowers Pops played at the Shiiine On Weekender in November 2016 and at the 100 Club in London in December 2016 and December 2017.
Mike Flowers
Michael Roberts performs as bandleader Mike Flowers. He has since scored music for film and television, and made music documentaries for Sky Arts and London’s Barbican Centre. How Art Made Pop is his first book and supported by the "Sounds Superb Singers" and "Super Stereo Brass".
He lives in London, is married and has two children. He studied Painting at Chelsea School of Art (1978-1981) and completed an MA in Music at Goldsmiths, University of London (2012-2014).
Discography Albums + List of albums, with selected chart positions Title Album details Peak chartpositions AUS A Groovy Place Released: June 1996 Format: CD, cassette Label: London Records (828 743.2). 138
Extended plays + List of EPs, with selected details Title Details The Freebase Connection Released: 1996 Format: CD, 12" LP Label: Lo Recordings (LOEP 02) Hold the Corner (with Cornershop) Released: 2016 Format: digital Label: Ample Play
Singles +List of singles, with selected chart positions Title Year Chart positions Album UK AUS "Wonderwall" 1995 2 48 A Groovy Place "Light My Fire" / "Please Release Me" 1996 39 158 "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" 30 —rowspan="2" "Talk" 2005 — —
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