The Symbols - Gentle art of loving

The group began in the early 1960s as Johnny Milton and the Condors, and they released two singles, including "Cry Baby" on the Fontana label. In 1965, they changed their name to The Symbols, and their initial line-up included John Milton (vocals), Mick Clarke (bass guitar), Shaun Corrigan (lead guitar) and Clive Graham (drums). Their debut single under the Symbols name was produced by Mickie Most. However, "One Fine Girl", was a commercial failure. The follow-up single was their cover version of "Why Do Fools Fall in Love", but after lack of mainstream success, by 1966 they were released from their recording contract. They had been regular performers at the California Ballroom, Dunstable, Bedfordshire.

Clarke left them to join The Tremeloes and was replaced on bass by Adrian Gurvitz, later of The Gun. Clarke introduced The Trems to a track that The Symbols had played in their repertoire, "Silence is Golden". Clarke later returned to The Symbols, who experienced other changes in their line-up with Joe Baccini (bass), and Chas Wade (drums), variously playing with the group.