One thing that doesn’t go unmissed by me when writing about Bristol’s punk scene is that in claiming so many bands are so good there’s risk of it sounding like Continue reading
music history
Don’t Be the One
Thoughts on negative reactions to live music; inspired in particular by Billy Nomates / Tor playing Glastonbury 2023 and The Who in Toronto 2016: Continue reading
Will the Real Chas ‘n’ Dave Please Stand Up
I found out something the other day about one of my favourite songs that blew my mind: cheeky cockney duo Chas ‘n’ Dave were part of the backing band for Labi Siffre’s ‘I Got The…’. Continue reading
When Debbie Sang to Angels
When recently writing a post about three of the songs Blondie covered, I included my experience of seeing Debbie Harry live; in the process discovering the somewhat unique circumstances in which I did are barely, if at all, mentioned anywhere on the internet. Continue reading
Nik Turner R.I.P.
I’m absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of an all time favourite artist tonight, Nik Turner, one of the founding members of Hawkwind.
I had the honour of seeing Nik (still playing many Hawkwind tracks with those of his solo career) live in Toronto a few times; a couple of gigs at the the Garrison, the last at the Velvet Underground. Every one was mind-blowingly amazing, like easily in the top ten of best live performers I’ve seen. Nik, despite his age, still brought a massive energy to the stage that was utterly mesmerising to be in the presence of. Continue reading
Tornado Revisited: Setting the Record Straight
One thing I didn’t expect to happen when writing posts about 50s music discovered by me in the mid 80s: to hear from any of the bands/artists’ family members. But not only has that happened, more so I’ve heard from a band member!
Incredibly, I’ve now had the immense pleasure of being in contact with ‘Wild’ Bill Lee Balsbaugh, piano player in The Jiants, having initially been contacted by Aaron Hedges, son of Jerry Hedges, the guitarist.
Not only can I set some of my own speculations—made in absence of any info—about the band straight, I can also correct a big inaccuracy found in the scant information that could be found online.
Lights Out! The New Orleans Irish Quarter Fire that was Jerry Byrne
This delve into songs first heard in the 80s at one of the record hops still taking place as part of London’s remaining 50s/60s Teddy Boy/Rocker scene looks at:
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Song: ‘Lights Out’
Artist: Jerry Byrne
From: New Orleans
Recorded: 1958
Meeting Edgar Broughton
The following is an account of true events: the names of those involved have been changed (including the dog’s).
My introduction to the Great Edgar Broughton started in a pub said to have once been frequented by highwayman Dick Turpin.
Aged fourteen, me and a couple of mates found we could get served in the Schooner, located—though no longer there—where Streatham High Road meets Hermitage Lane.
Bumble Bee: the Sting in the Tale of LaVern Baker!
Artist: LaVern Baker
A.K.A.:
- Delores Williams
- Little Miss Sharecropper
- Bea Baker
From: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
Song: ‘Bumble Bee’
Recorded: 1960
Walking with Jimmy McCracklin
Artist: Jimmy McCracklin
From: a point of contention; either Elaine, Arkansas or St. Louis, Missouri.
Song: ‘The Walk’
Recorded: 1957
N. P. Ryan 