Though they had fewer hits than many of their British Invasion peers, The Pretty Things enjoyed cult status due to their gritty sound and a rock opera that predated Tommy. Dick Taylor, who had played with The Rolling Stones, and Phil May formed the group in '63, and achieved UK chart success with their raunchy stomp. Despite a dedicated fan base, the band struggled to find their footing in the decade's changing rock scene, though some efforts, like the S.F. Sorrow concept LP, were critically lauded. The group finally split in '81, though various iterations have reunited since.