The Move (August 31 1968) From Teeny Boppers to Tough Guys – Feature

Record Mirror feature profiling The Move’s shift from pop to rock, August 31 1968.

Publication: Record Mirror Date: August 31 1968 Country: United Kingdom Section / Page: Page 3 Format: Music Press Feature / Artist Profile Author: Derek Boltwood

Overview

A Record Mirror feature chronicling the transformation of The Move from their early pop image into a harder, more mature rock outfit. Written by Derek Boltwood, the article captures the band’s shift in attitude and sound as they prepared for new recordings and an American tour. It reflects the late‑1960s trend of British groups redefining themselves beyond “teeny‑bopper” appeal, embracing heavier music and artistic credibility.

The Story Behind It

By mid‑1968, The Move were evolving rapidly. Known initially for their flamboyant stage antics and chart‑friendly singles, they were now seeking a tougher, more authentic identity. This Record Mirror piece documents that transition, with frontman Carl Wayne explaining how the band had distanced themselves from London’s club scene and teen‑pop image.

The article discusses their new musical direction, upcoming projects, and ambitions for an American tour with Jimi Hendrix. It also highlights their manager Tony Secunda’s plans and the group’s desire to be taken seriously as musicians rather than pop provocateurs. Boltwood’s writing captures the tension between commercial success and artistic reinvention — a theme common among British rock acts of the era.

What the Clipping Shows

• Headline: “The Move: From Teeny Boppers to Tough Guys…” in bold, block capitals across the top of the page. • Photograph: Five members of The Move standing together, with Roy Wood at centre wearing a wide‑brimmed hat and sunglasses. • Caption: “The Move — Changed a lot.”   • Text: Two‑column article featuring quotes from Carl Wayne, commentary on their evolving image, and references to future plans. • Mentions of their American ambitions, new recordings, and stylistic shift toward heavier rock. • Tone: reflective and assertive — a band redefining itself in the changing landscape of British pop. • Layout: photo on left, article on right, typical of Record Mirror’s feature design in 1968.

Related Material

• Tyrannosaurus Rex (August 31 1968)

 A Combination, And A Daring Duo – Record Mirror Feature   • The Move (July 1968)

 Fire Brigade – Single Review   • The Move (1968)

 American Tour Plans – Press Notice   • Roy Wood (1968) 

Songwriting Profile – Feature   • Additional entries listed in the scrapbook

 tag index

Source Details

Publication: Record Mirror Date: August 31 1968 Format: Music Press Feature / Artist Profile Author: Derek Boltwood Provenance Notes: Original national press coverage documenting The Move’s image and  sound transition in 1968; archived via British Library music press collection.

© Copyright Notice — Record Mirror (August 31 1968)

All original magazine text and artwork remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This scrapbook entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.