Joe Takes the Purple at Macclesfield Treacle Market

Over the years Macclesfield has had connections with several notorious bands.

In the 90’s its was The Macc Lads and in the 70’s Joy Division.

But before all these, in the 1960’s, came The Purple Gang.

The band’s first single – Granny Takes a Trip – was promptly banned by the BBC with the comment: “. . . a song with a dubious title designed to corrupt the nation’s youth – and a band that boasts a warlock for a singer will not be tolerated by any decent society . . .”

Despite the huge setback – or because of it – their record became one of the theme songs of the Summer of Love in 1967 and the London Underground sub-culture movement.

Now, founder member Chris (Joe) Beard has written it all down – chapter and verse – in a book entitled “Taking the Purple” – available in both printed (contact Joe at:  chrisjoebeard@gmail.com) and Kindle digital at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KLOEOIO.

Joe was at the Treacle Market on Sunday playing a few new songs and reading several passages from his book, before signing copies for eager fans.

Original 60’s posters of the band are currently selling for hundreds of pounds on the internet – who knows what a first edition copy of his book could be worth in the years to come.

Further book signings are being arranged in the Macclesfield area – email g.sellars@communityonline for full details.