Watcha you Brummies,
"The Sun is out, the sky is blue" to quote Buddy Holly. I just love the Spring time, wild flowers in bloom fresh Spring air carrying their various scents. I'll be at it in the garden soon, relaxing in my new deck chair watching Mrs Bob pulling out the stinging nettles and poison ivy. I've bought her some gloves to make the task easier, I'd do it myself if it wasn't for the risk of damaging my delicate musicians fingers.
JOHN CASWELL RIP.
I was stunned to hear last week of the passing of great Brummie guitarist John Caswell. It was only a week or so ago that I was wishing him a happy birthday so this came as a real shock.John was a lovely, quiet spoken, gentleman. An afficionado of Blues music and especially Eric Clapton whose music he featured in his live performances with the John Caswell Band.
John had been active in the Brumbeat days going way back, playing with various groups and I have said many times that you don't have to be famous to be appreciated but you do have to be known on the scene and he certainly was a stalwart who enjoyed playing to the fullest extent. He was a Fender man for sure and got all the tones possible and played in all styles which was a real testament to his abilities.My condolences go to his family. He will be sorely missed by all his musical friends in the City. God Bless you mate.
ERIC CLAPTON AT 80, BIRTHDAY WISHES.
I would like to wish Eric a happy birthday. I, like John Caswell, was influenced by Eric during his emergence as a blues purist and the sheer brutal sound he introduced to the British guitarists with his Les Paul and Marshall amp set up which they copied with much gusto including me. I think it's true to say he was the most important guitarist on the British music scene since the wonderful Hank Marvin and then he achieved world domination with Cream. Today he is still a great force and still touring filling mega stadiums, long may he carry on. I love the man. I have recently been watching a four part Youtube interview with Andy Fairweather Low including the inside story about his time with Eric and others. Well worth watching, not only for the info in Eric but his roller coaster ride through the music business. NEW PHOTOS OF BULLS HEAD BOB.
I thought it was about time I put my face on display to you lovely readers so, one old one and one taken on 31 March 2025. The first one is me at Sutton Park in Birmingham when I was 9 with the Boy Scouts you might find it difficult to spot me on this overhead shot so I've included a close up. As a clue I'm the one with the Wonky Woggle!
I remember it well, it was 1957 and a gathering of more than 20,000 scouts at a Jamboree. It was a sunny day with thousands of spotty little kids being herded around the park then lined up behind rope barriers. It was all a bit of a shambles really. I didn't stay in the scouts for long but this wasn't the only time I was at Sutton Park. As a teenage musician I played at Sutton Park a couple of times in the sixties once for a Bumper Fireworks night and one more time in 1967.
BOB EXPOSED
So here I am age 76, full face photo, care of Mrs Bob. I am currently growing my hair to donate to an organisation who make wigs for Cancer patients who have suffered hair loss. It doesn't cost a penny to do things for those less fortunate if we give it some thought. I just ignore the petty comments from wankers.
Some might think it's nothing much but to help to restore someones dignity is mighty.
Take care of each other is the watchword. It don't cost a penny to be kind.
Love the one you're with.
Bob
Copyright: Bullsheadbob
Contact: Bobsbullocks@Gmail.com
