Beggars Opera was a progressive rock band that was formed in Scotland in the late 1960s. The original lineup consisted of vocalist Martin Griffiths, guitarist Ricky Gardiner, keyboardist Alan Park, bassist Marshall Erskine, and drummer Raymond Wilson. The band's name was inspired by the 1728 opera "The Beggar's Opera" by John Gay.

Beggars Opera's music was heavily influenced by classical music, with complex arrangements, multi-part harmonies, and symphonic instrumentation. Their early albums, such as "Act One" (1970) and "Waters of Change" (1971), were well received by critics and helped establish the band as one of the leading progressive rock acts of the era.

In 1972, Beggars Opera released their most commercially successful album, "Pathfinder," which featured the hit single "MacArthur Park." The album also included the epic 16-minute title track, which showcased the band's progressive and classical influences.

Despite their success, Beggars Opera struggled to maintain their momentum and lineup changes ensued. The band continued to release albums throughout the 1970s, but their popularity waned as the progressive rock genre fell out of favor. They disbanded in 1978.

Despite their relatively short career, Beggars Opera left a lasting impact on the progressive rock genre and their music continues to be appreciated by fans of the genre.

From Glasgow, Scotland.  Thanks to Slawek and John Warburg for providing information on this band, and thanks to Ricky Gardiner for helping to keep me straight with various personnel changes. -GSH

• Ricky Gardiner - guitar/vocals - b. Richard Gardiner, 1948, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland - formerly with The Vostoks and The Kingbees.
  
• Marshal Erskine - bass/flute
• Martin Griffiths - lead vocals/percussion - b. Newcastle, Scotland.
  

• Ricky Gardiner - guitar/vocals
  
• Marshal Erskine - bass/flute
• Alan Park - keyboards - b. October 5, 1951, Glasgow, Scotland - formerly with The Harlem Shuffle, The Vipers, The Jack Anderson Band, and Stealers Wheel.
  
• Martin Griffiths - lead vocals/percussion
• Raymond Wilson - drums/percussion
  

1. "Act One" (1970)

• Ricky Gardiner - guitar/vocals
• Alan Park - keyboards
• Martin Griffiths - lead vocals/percussion
• Raymond Wilson - drums/percussion
• Gordon Sellar - bass/vocals
• Virginia Scott - mellotron - b. 1948, Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland.
  

1. "Waters of Change" (1971)
2. "Pathfinder" (1972)

• Ricky Gardiner - guitar/vocals
• Alan Park - keyboards
• Martin Griffiths - lead vocals/percussion
• Raymond Wilson - drums/percussion
• Gordon Sellar - bass/vocals
• Virginia Scott - mellotron
• Linnie Paterson - vocals
  

1. "Get Your Dog Off Me!" (1973) - Singles: "Get Your Dog Off Me"; "Two Timing Woman"
   

• Ricky Gardiner - guitar/bass
• Alan Park - keyboards
• Martin Griffiths - lead vocals/percussion
• Gordon Sellar - bass/vocals
• Virginia Scott - keyboards/vocals
• Pete Scott - vocals
• Clem Cattini - drums - b. Clementi Anselmo Cattini, August 28, 1937, Stoke, Newington, North London, England.
  
• Mike Travis - drums - b. Michael Travis, December 2, 1944, Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland.
  

1. "Saggitary" (1974)
2. "Beggars Can't Be Choosers" (1975)
   

• Ricky Gardiner - guitar/vocals
• Alan Park - keyboards
• Martin Griffiths - lead vocals/percussion
• Gordon Sellar - bass/vocals
• Clem Cattini - drums
  

1. "Lifeline" (1976)

• Beggars Opera - The Official Website