10cc For Art's Sake

Between 1972 to 1976, with Eric Stewart, Graham Gouldman, Kevin Godley and Lol Crème as the original four members, 10cc were unstoppable. They appeared to be an instant success from ‘Donna” onwards, yet this belies their amazing back-story. In those halcyon days their records sold in millions and they bought comfort, succour with their entertainment. They had that rare combination to be both commercial and arty, while having hit singles and critically acclaimed albums simultaneously.   Indeed, 10cc were all about the art. Words and phrases to describe them might have included innovative, experimental, polished, sophisticated, perfect pop, quirky rock, ironic satire or just beguilingly weird. In those first few years it all hit the spot. They could do no wrong then and all these years later we can at last unashamedly love 10cc for what they have been and still are, a magnificent great band. Whether it was the lyrics, the music, the productions, the album covers, it was always 10cc for art’s sake.