Reggie King - vocals

Peter Watson/Martin Stone - lead guitar

Alan King - rhythm guitar

Mike Evans - bass guitar

Roger Powell - drums

The Action hailed from Kentish Town in London. Formed in 1963, they were originally known as The Boys, and were a back-up band for Sandra Barry. They released one single with Barry and one as The Boys - both unsuccessful - before changing their name in 1965. At that time Reggie King was the lead guitarist. Following the change of the groups' name came a change in personnel when Watson joined as lead guitarist, allowing King to concentrate on his vocal duties. (Watson was replaced by Martin Stone in 1966).

The group had a strong following of mods but despite having their records produced by George Martin, they never reached the charts. They were the most soul-oriented of the mod groups, favouring guitar-oriented covers of Motown tunes and standard R&B dance numbers of the day such as "Land Of 1,000 Dances".

Under Martin's guidance, emphasis was placed on Reggie King's blue-eyed soul voice and the group's harmonies. Their later original material shows an increased sophistication in both songwriting and production. The Action's sound was something akin to a more soul-oriented version of the Small Faces.

In 1967 they changed their name to Azoth before evolving into Mighty Baby and eventually disbanding altogether in the early 1970s.

Singles

Sandra Barry & The Boys

1964

Really Gonna Shake/When We Get Married

Decca F 11851

The Boys

1964

It Ain't Fair/I Want You

Pye 7N 15726

The Action

Oct '65	Land Of 1,000 Dances/In My Lonely Room	Parlophone R 5354
Jan '66	I'll Keep Holding On/Hey-sah-lo-ney	Parlophone R 5410
Jul '66	Baby You've Got It/Since I Lost My Baby	Parlophone R 5474
Feb '67	Never Ever/Twenty Fourth Hour	Parlophone R 5572
Jun '67	Shadows And Reflections/Something Has Hit Me	Parlophone R 5610