Middle Of The Road Group Told To Get A Haircut! A Ban On Long Hair in Singapore 70s

The controversial mid-60s hippie generation had some impact on our own local music scene and brought some changes to the industry. In the early 70s when Singapore bands were exploring the idea of leaving the country to perform in other parts of the world, a group from Scotland arrived on our sunny island.

They were told immediately by the Singapore authorities that unless they conformed to certain regulations they had to make a U-turn and leave the country. And what did they have to do? Pop group Middle Of The Road quietly trimmed their mane before performing in the Hyatt at Orchard Road.

It happened in February, 1972 when three laddies had their hair professionally shorn by the fourth lassie in the quartet, singer Sally Carr. Ironically Ms Carr was a hairdresser turned vocalist and helped them with their locks. The other members were drummer Ken Andrews, guitarist Ian McCredie and bassist brother Eric McCredie. The group became a worldwide phenomenon with their million sellers: Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep, Tweedle Dee And Tweedle Dum, Soley Soley and Sacremento (A Wonderful Town).

Guess the folks back home in Glasgow forgot to tell Ken, Ian and Eric about the long-hair ban in Singapore. "Where's your mama gone?"

Earlier in January 1972, Australian pop singer Ricky May experienced the same dilemma. He had just arrived from Brussels but had his contract cancelled. He was only allowed to sing if he had his 'short back and side.' His was a two-week stint at the Supper Club in Singapore.

Do you know of other groups or singers who had to do their shave and a haircut before being allowed to perform here in Singapore?

NB: There was a Singapore government ban on long hair in the 70s. Check out the article under 'Labels' below.
Information about Middle of the Road: Wikipedia.

Information about their Singapore visit: National Heritage Board.

Image: Google.

Original article: Andy Lim.