Design (Vocal Group)

Design was formed in London by songwriter Tony Smith in December 1968. Four months later the four boy, two-girl vocal group signed a recording contract with Adrian Kerridge, the boss of Lansdowne Studios, and they recorded their self-titled debut album from April to December 1969.

Design went on to become the most televised group in the UK, appearing on more than fifty TV shows with major stars such as Morecombe and Wise, Benny Hill, Tommy Cooper and The Two Ronnies.

The group released five albums and thirteen singles, toured with Gilbert O’Sullivan and the Hollies, and starred in cabaret and at the London Palladium, before finally disbanding in late 1976.

Their first album is now a cult classic and has been described as ‘the Holy Grail of soft rock’. Music critics have hailed its ‘classy mainstream pop numbers with intricate and appealing harmonies and an interesting psychedelic twist’

This special 50th Anniversary Expanded Edition features the original album and twelve previously unreleased bonus tracks, including six alternate takes and demos from the original recording sessions and six new tracks recorded by group members since leaving Design. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to rediscover the soaring harmonies of the grand Design.
Barry Johnston