Masquerade - Sky

Inspired by classical music, Sky recorded several albums with their modern versions of compositions by various composers. Their best-known line-up featured two Australians - classical guitarist John Williams and electric guitarist Kevin Peek - alongside three Britons - bass player Herbie Flowers, drummer/percussionist Tristan Fry and keyboard player Francis Monkman. In 1980, Monkman was replaced by Steve Gray. In March 1982 they released their fourth album, and this single was taken from that one.

'Toccata' remains the band's only successful single, and I have to say that I never came across any other single by the band. Although I'd never heard 'Masquerade', I was intrigued enough to buy this single. The B-side, 'Fantasy', sounds more interesting, I have to say. According to Herbie Flowers, 'John was keen to do 'Fantasy' by Bach'. Turns out he had a good instinct.

My collection: 7" single no. 8448
Found: Plato, Leiden, 27 September 2026
Tracks: 'Masquerade' / 'Fantasy' 

Toccata - Sky

Sky was a UK-based instrumental group which came together in 1979. Members were John Williams (who was at that time already an accomplished instrumentalist in his own right), Kevin Peek (who'd worked with, amongst others, Cliff Richard, Manfred Mann and Jeff Wayne), Herbie Flowers (a former member of Blue Mink and T-Rex), Tristan Fry and Francis Monkman.

They fused together musical styles including rock, classical and jazz. Their second album 'Sky 2' was released in 1980, and from that album the single 'Toccata' was drawn. It peaked at number 5 in the UK and number 20 in the Netherlands. In both countries, it was the only Sky single to reach the chart, although at least two others were released.

My collection: 7" single no. 2150

Found: Concerto, Amsterdam, September 1, 1994

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Toccata' / 'Vivaldi'