Francis Lickerish, English guitarist and composer

John Francis Lickerish, universally known by his professional moniker, Francis Lickerish, is a distinguished British figure born on April 11, 1954, in the historic city of Cambridge. He has made significant contributions across multiple domains, primarily recognized as an accomplished composer, a versatile guitarist, and a skilled lutenist. Lickerish is perhaps best known as a co-founder of the influential British art-rock band, The Enid, a group celebrated for its unique blend of classical influences, progressive rock sensibilities, and intricate melodic structures. His multi-instrumental prowess, particularly his nuanced guitar work and the rare inclusion of the lute, helped define The Enid's distinctive sound during its formative years. The lute, an instrument more commonly associated with Renaissance and Baroque music, brought an unexpected and rich textural layer to the band's progressive rock canvas.

Lickerish was a pivotal member of The Enid from its inception in 1974, playing a crucial role in shaping their early musical direction, until his departure in 1980. His creative imprint can be heard across the band's first four studio albums, which include seminal works that helped establish their unique identity within the progressive rock landscape. Additionally, he featured prominently on their two highly regarded 'Live at Hammersmith' albums, capturing the band's powerful and intricate stage performances during that era. These early recordings stand as a testament to his foundational contributions to the group's acclaimed discography.

The Finchden Manor Connection

An intriguing aspect of Lickerish's background, shared with fellow The Enid co-founders Robert John Godfrey and Stephen Stewart, is their common alma mater: the unique Finchden Manor school. Located in Kent, England, Finchden Manor was a boarding school renowned for its unconventional and liberal approach to education, particularly catering to boys who found mainstream schooling challenging. Its philosophy emphasized creative expression and individual development over strict academic conformity, fostering an environment where artistic talents could flourish. This shared educational experience among the band's core members is often cited as a significant factor in the development of The Enid's distinctive, often classical-infused and highly individualistic artistic vision.

Beyond The Enid: Session Work and New Directions

During his early career, Francis Lickerish also ventured into session work, lending his musical talents to various projects. Notably, he provided uncredited bass guitar for the iconic Kim Wilde song, "Kids in America." This classic track, released in 1981, became a global new wave anthem, showcasing Lickerish's versatility even in a genre seemingly distinct from The Enid's symphonic rock. His contribution, though uncredited, is a fascinating footnote in the history of one of the decade's most memorable pop hits.

Following his departure from The Enid and a significant shift in his professional focus, Lickerish pursued higher education, graduating from Sheffield Hallam University. He then embarked on a new and impactful career in counselling, where he quickly gained recognition as a highly respected professional. Specializing in the challenging fields of adult addiction and family services, his compassionate expertise has been sought after by prominent institutions across the UK. He has dedicated his skills to facilities like Clouds House, a leading residential treatment centre for addiction; The Priory, well-known for its mental health and addiction services; and Capio Nightingale Hospital, another respected institution providing specialized psychiatric care. This remarkable transition from music to a demanding therapeutic profession highlights Lickerish's diverse talents and commitment to helping others.

A Return to Music: Secret Green

After a considerable two-decade hiatus from the music industry, Francis Lickerish made a welcome return to his musical roots in 2006. He formed a new progressive rock ensemble, Secret Green, marking a new chapter in his artistic journey. The band released their debut album, 'To Wake The King', in May 2009, which garnered attention for its intricate compositions and evocative soundscapes, demonstrating that Lickerish's creative spark remained undimmed. This project allowed him to explore new musical avenues while still drawing on his rich artistic heritage.

Today, Francis Lickerish resides in the picturesque county of Dorset, England, where he lives with his wife and their three children. His life story exemplifies a remarkable trajectory, blending artistic innovation with dedicated therapeutic practice, demonstrating a profound capacity for both creative expression and compassionate service.

Frequently Asked Questions About Francis Lickerish

Who is Francis Lickerish?

Francis Lickerish is a British composer, guitarist, and lutenist, best known as a co-founder of the art-rock band The Enid. He also had a significant career in counselling, specializing in adult addiction and family services, and later returned to music with the band Secret Green.

What is The Enid?

The Enid is a British art-rock band, formed in 1974, known for its unique blend of classical music influences, progressive rock structures, and often orchestral sound. Francis Lickerish was a foundational member during its early, highly influential period.

What is "art-rock"?

Art-rock is a subgenre of rock music that typically incorporates elements from classical music, jazz, or experimental music, often characterized by complex song structures, intellectual lyrics, and a focus on artistic expression over commercial appeal. The Enid is a classic example of this genre.

What did Francis Lickerish do after leaving The Enid in 1980?

After leaving The Enid, Francis Lickerish pursued higher education, graduating from Sheffield Hallam University. He then built a highly respected career in counselling, working in adult addiction and family services at institutions like Clouds House, The Priory, and Capio Nightingale Hospital.

Has Francis Lickerish continued to make music?

Yes, after a 20-year hiatus from the music industry, Francis Lickerish returned in 2006 to form a new progressive rock band called Secret Green. They released their debut album, 'To Wake The King', in May 2009.

What is the significance of Finchden Manor in his story?

Finchden Manor was an unconventional boarding school attended by Francis Lickerish, as well as his fellow Enid co-founders Robert John Godfrey and Stephen Stewart. Its unique, liberal educational philosophy, which encouraged creative expression, is believed to have played a role in shaping their distinctive artistic vision and the formation of The Enid.