RARE BIRD were distinctive in offering keyboard driven Rock with lead vocals shared between ex-TURNSTYLE member and drummer Mark Ashton and Steve Gould. Previous to RARE BIRD Ashton, Gould and keyboard players Dave Kaffinetti and Graham Field and been in HEADSTONE, an act that issued three albums. Although success eluded them in Britain RARE BIRD scored heavily on mainland Europe and garnered cult status in America.

BIRD were created in late 1969 and the band almost immediately gained a valuable residency at London's Marquee club with their debut album cemented their progress by making a presence in the American charts at number 117. The single 'Sympathy' proved a minor hit too. Guitars on the album were supplied by Seth Curtis.

Following the second album ASTRAL NAVIGATOR member Fred Kelly supplanted Ashton and RARE BIRD adopted a fresh musical stance by bringing bassist Nick Potter as Fields quit to form FIELDS with ex KING CRIMSON drummer Andy McCulloch and releasing one album for CBS Records.

A further album 'Epic Forest' followed for new label Polydor. Curtis and Potter bailed out and in their stead came vocalist Kevin Lamb and percussionists Paul Holland and bassist Paul Karas. This latter departed for STACKRIDGE after RARE BIRD's 1973's 'Somebody Watching' album, guitars on which were sessioned by KING CRIMSON and URIAH HEEP man JOHN WETTON.

Bassist Andy Rae was on board for the final effort 'Born Again' in 1974. RARE BIRD folded with Gould joining RUNNER then ALVIN LEE. Gould also sings on DAVE GREENSLADE's 1976 solo album 'Cactus Choirs'.

MARK ASHTON issued a brace of commendable solo albums 'Solo' and 'Modern Pilgrims'. Rae joined SAVOY BROWN. Gould now tours with ALVIN LEE.