Formed in April 1967, the group originally consisted of vocalist and pianist Gary Brooker, guitarist Ray Royer, bassist David Knights, keyboardist Matthew Fisher, drummer Bobby Harrison and lyricist Keith Reid.
Procol Harum were formed in April 1967 by former Paramounts pianist and vocalist Gary Brooker and his songwriting partner Keith Reid, who enlisted Ray Royer, David Knights, Matthew Fisher and Bobby Harrison for the group's initial incarnation.
[1] For the recording of the band's debut single "A Whiter Shade of Pale", producer Denny Cordell brought in session drummer Bill Eyden in place of Harrison.
[7] Grand Hotel, Exotic Birds and Fruit and Procol's Ninth followed over the next three years, before Cartwright left in June 1976; Copping subsequently reverted to bass, as Peter Solley joined as the band's new organ player.
[10] In 1991, Brooker reformed Procol Harum with guitarist Robin Trower and organist Matthew Fisher, plus new members Dave Bronze on bass and Mark Brzezicki on drums.
[16] After nearly a year of inactivity, Procol Harum performed a handful of shows in May and June 1993, with former Diamond Head keyboardist Josh Phillips filling in for Fisher and former King Crimson drummer Ian Wallace in place of Brzezicki, who had rejoined Big Country.
[20] In 1997, the band played a one-off show in celebration of the 30th anniversary of "A Whiter Shade of Pale", with the regular lineup joined on several songs by former members Mick Grabham, Peter Solley, Alan Cartwright, Dave Bronze and Chris Copping.