Framed

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Framed" by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band from their debut album, Framed! This track, a gritty cover of a Leiber and Stoller song first recorded by The Robins in 1954, is a powerhouse of heavy rock and blues, bursting with Alex Harvey’s theatrical flair. In a 1972 BBC In Concert performance, Harvey’s commanding stage presence turned "Framed" into a dramatic spectacle, followed by the darkly humorous "There’s No Lights On The Christmas Tree Mother, They’re Burning Big Louie Tonight," showcasing the band’s knack for blending intensity with tongue-in-cheek storytelling. Guitarist Zal Cleminson, in a 2022 interview, recalled how the band, fresh from their roots in the progressive rock act Tear Gas, took Harvey’s riff-driven ideas like "Framed" and “beat the shit out of it” in the studio, recording the album live over a weekend at Morgan Studios in London. The song’s raw energy made it a live staple, with Harvey performing it in various personas—gangster, Hitler, even Christ—leaving audiences both thrilled and unsettled.

The song’s influence stretches far beyond its 1972 release. Nick Cave, a massive fan, revealed in a 2018 conversation with Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie that his first band was essentially an Alex Harvey cover outfit, belting out "Framed" at a Battle of the Bands gig where they snagged second place. Cave’s early performances echoed Harvey’s style, down to the tight t-shirt and jeans, while his guitarist mimicked Cleminson’s iconic mime makeup. On social media, fans on platforms like Reddit celebrate "Framed" as a hidden gem, with one user calling it a “bluesy soul rhythm & blues review” and praising its heavy rock edge. Another fan shared a story of discovering the song on a double album, The Best of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, hooked by its theatrical vibe and Harvey’s thick Scottish growl, which some likened to AC/DC’s Bon Scott. The song’s legacy endures, with fans on the Sensational Alex Harvey Band Fan Group swapping tales of live shows where Harvey’s charisma and the band’s proto-punk attitude left crowds roaring.

Alex Harvey, born Alexander James Harvey on February 5, 1935, in Glasgow’s working-class Kinning Park district, was a late bloomer in music with a wildly eclectic career. Before forming The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, he worked odd jobs—carpentry, waiting tables, even carving gravestones—while cutting his teeth in skiffle groups in 1954. By 1960, his Big Beat Band opened for Johnny Gentle and His Group (aka an early Beatles lineup) in Alloa, Scotland, a gig that hinted at his knack for commanding a stage. Harvey’s early years were a melting pot of styles: he dabbled in R&B, Dixieland jazz, and blues, releasing albums like Alex Harvey and His Soul Band (1964) and The Blues (1964) on Polydor. His stint as a pit guitarist in the musical Hair in London for five years added a theatrical edge to his persona, while his 1970 project Rock Workshop with Ray Russell laid the groundwork for songs like “Hole in Her Stocking,” later featured on Framed. In 1972, Harvey, then in his late 30s, teamed up with the younger members of Tear Gas—Zal Cleminson (guitar), Chris Glen (bass), and cousins Hugh and Ted McKenna (keyboards and drums)—to form SAHB, blending glam rock, hard rock, and cabaret into a sound that was as unpredictable as Harvey himself.

Sadly, Harvey passed away from a heart attack on February 4, 1982, just shy of his 47th birthday, but his legacy lives on through fans and musicians alike. You can dive deeper into his world at the official Sensational Alex Harvey Band website, where you’ll find discography details and tour history. Connect with fellow Zoo Freaks on the band’s Facebook page or join the vibrant Sensational Alex Harvey Band Fan Group for fan stories and memorabilia swaps. While the band doesn’t have an active Instagram or X presence, fans keep the spirit alive on platforms like Reddit and the Classic Rock Forum, where discussions about "Framed" and SAHB’s theatrical live shows never fade. So, crank up the volume, Zoo Freaks, and let "Framed" take you on a wild ride!