The group began in the early 1960s as Johnny Milton and the Condors, and they released two singles, including "Cry Baby" on the Fontana label.
[2] The follow-up single was their cover version of "Why Do Fools Fall in Love", but after lack of mainstream success, by 1966 they were released from their recording contract.
In late 1972, Corrigan was replaced on guitar by Trevor Mee, who had resigned from the Send, Surrey, band Unicorn, just before David Gilmour became interested in them and started to produce them.
Clive Graham, who was known in the band as Cleve Gooham because his name was mis-spelled on a hotel reservation form, was replaced by Phil Chesterton.
The Symbols continued to play colleges, clubs and the Northern cabaret circuit, and did a summer season on the Costa Dorada, Spain.
At the beginning of 1974 Milton left to join Sparrow and, despite him being the last original member, attempts were made to keep the band going by Chesterton, Gill and Dave Guscott.