“Let’s not forget he was still learning how to sing as ‘Bryan Ferry.’ I know I captured a fantastic atmosphere, complete with mistakes”: Some of Roxy Music hated Virginia Plain, but its producer loved it

LONDON - JULY 05: L-R Phil Manzanera, Bryan Ferry, Andy Mackay (seated), Brian Eno, Rik Kenton, Paul Thompson (seated), Roxy Music posed group shot at the Royal College Of Art video studio, London on July 5 1972 (Photo by Brian Cooke/Redferns).

In 1972 Pete Sinfield left his role as King Crimson lyricist and producer. He soon found himself working on Roxy Music’s debut album, and after its success helmed the production of their first single, signature track Virginia Plain. In 2011 Sinfield (who died in 2024) told Prog why it was one of his favourite career memories.

Peter Sinfield talks about his work on the first Roxy Music album and their hit single Virginia Plain with fondness. On leaving King Crimson but retaining links with EG Management, Sinfield’s experience behind the mixing desk made him the ideal candidate for delivering Roxy’s self-titled debut in 1972.