“It’s obvious that ego and ambition played some part”: When Roxy Music and Brian Eno parted ways

Roxy Music’s Bryan Ferry and Andy Mackay have reflected on the making of *For Your Pleasure*, the band’s 1973 second album and Brian Eno’s last with the group. Mackay says Eno’s flamboyant stage presence and the perception that he was the band’s figurehead contributed to tensions, with ego and ambition likely playing a part in his departure. Ferry recalls no quarrels and says the band finished the record on a high.

The album marked a more experimental direction, built around unusual sounds and contributions including Mackay’s oboe and Eno’s varied arrangements. Ferry says he grew more confident as a singer and found his way on the record. Mackay also recalls that the band encouraged Ferry to move from the keyboard to the centre of the stage, and the album has now been reissued in an expanded deluxe edition.