Mark Volman, also known as Flo, was a vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist. Apart from this, he was also the co-founder of one of the most well-known bands of the ’60s, The Turtles. Despite being diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2020, the singer did not let his condition hold his passion back. Mark went on tours and sang the band’s number one hit song, ‘Happy Together’. The ’60s music icon’s recent passing has left many of his fans bereft. Here’s everything to know about Mark Volman and the legacy he has left behind.
Mark Volman’s early life and the establishment of The Turtles band
Mark Volman was born on April 19, 1947, in Los Angeles, U.S.A. In high school, Mark played in the band The Crossfires, which inspired him to start The Turtles. In 1965, along with Howard Kaylan, he formed the band The Turtles. The initial members of the group were Howard Kaylan for lead vocals, Mark Volman for backing vocals, Al Nichol as lead guitarist, Jim Tucker as rhythm guitarist, and Chuck Portz for bass. Subsequently, more members joined the band.
The Turtles’ first big break was with their cover of Bob Dylan’s song, ‘It Ain’t Me Babe’. After this, they released the song ‘Happy Together’, which proved to be a turning point for the band. ‘Penny Lane’, the song by the top band of the time, The Beatles, was replaced by ‘Happy Together’ by the novice band, The Turtles. This song also became their signature song. However, with popularity came numerous problems for the band as well. Many of the musicians left The Turtles after getting better offers. Finally, The Turtles fell, and Mark Volman was left with no other option but to join another group.
Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan performed under the name ‘Flo and Eddie’
After The Turtles broke up, Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan discovered that not only had they been forbidden to use the band’s name, but they could not use their own names either, according to the contract they had signed. Hence, Mark Volman went by the stagename Phlorescent Leech (shortened to Flo) and Howard chose the nickname, Eddie. As a result, the two worked together as the duo ‘Flo and Eddie’.
Along with working under this pseudonym, Mark and Howard were also taken under the wing of Frank Zappa and joined his band, Mothers of Invention. In an interview, the duo recalled how they used humour and made funny jokes on stage at a time when most rock stars were projecting a serious persona. Mark Volman also said that their ‘clownery’ was in contrast to the serious rock music of Frank Zappa, which later became the concept of Mothers of Invention. In the interview, he shared:
“Frank could stand on stage and whip out his guitar solos; he could put his cigarettes on the end of the guitar, look disdainfully at the audience and play a seven minute guitar solo that would make everyone cheer – and then put his hand out to us, and say ‘take it away, you fat dopey clowns.’ When you think of it in that context, it was perfect because it took a lot of the pressure off him on a night to night basis because, musically, he had such a strong band that it really became this whole wild concept, this goofiness and this rock thing up against this really strong musical group.”
Mark Volman’s later years and cause of death
In 2020, Mark Volman was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. For the unversed, this condition is caused by the buildup of protein in the brain, which leads to neurological issues such as tremors and hallucinations, which keep progressing further. With medication to help with symptoms, Mark Volman kept on performing at the annual fest of The Turtles. Talking about his diagnosis to People, Mark shared:
“I got hit by the knowledge that this was going to create a whole new part of my life. And I said, ‘Okay, whatever’s going to happen will happen, but I’ll go as far as I can’. he challenges of this world affect everybody, and it’s been kind of fun being on the other side of a challenge like this and saying, ‘I feel good.’ My friends are here. I’m still here. And I want people to connect with me’.”
After a bout of an unexpected and brief illness, Mark Volman passed away at the age of 78, according to his representative to People. The late musician is survived by his partner, Emily and two daughters, Hallie and Sarina, with his ex-wife, Patricia.
Condolences to the family and friends of Mark Volman.
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