JAN 09 - CRAPPY CRISIS AND A BROKE NEW YEAR

Hiya Brummies and a Happy New Year to you All,

Well Christmas has gone, the New Year is here and it's now been two years since I first started doing this blog, so Happy Birthday to me! Owing to this world economic crisis and my own economic crisis, I won't be inviting any guests to the surprise party I'm holding for myself at a secret location. I would like however, to thank all of those kind folks who have spared their time to contact me, your efforts keep sites like this and the memories of those great Brumbeat days alive. I hope you continue to add more chapters to that story throughout this year too, along with my inane ramblings.

Its been a strange 12 months, seeing some of my old mates disappear off the face of the earth but inevitability comes knocking relentlessly and will continue to do so. If there's someone you have always wanted to aplogise to for being an asshole but your ego never let you get around to it...do it now before you peg out, I'm sure you'll feel all the better for it and so will the recipient.

SOME FACES
Thought I'd highlight a couple of the Brumbeat faces that are still around 'doing their thing'.

MALCOLM PALMER.
Multi-instrumentalist, Malcolm Palmer has a great past. One of the founder members of The Yamps,Traction,The Fashion and 14 years with The Garage Band - where he was also accompanied on vocals by his son. He famously turned down an offer from Chicken Shack who were in the process of forming (he went to art school with Christine Perfect) because he preferred to stay playing with his freinds. Malcolm has seen more than his fair share of gigs and has also worked in New Orleans looking for his musical roots. I could have probably saved him a journey (they're in a bag under the stairs next to your 'How to Keep Calm" book?).

These days he can be found 'Blowin' his sax, tickling the ivories and playing occasional guitar with his band 'Bourbon St' - a good little 'all round' outfit. The band is playing at The Red Lion, Shirley on 11 Jan 09. So "A splendid time is guaranteed for all" and you boppers can go and boogie the night away.

As well as being a dedicated musician, Malcolm's stage craft, and motivation, particularly during his high energy days with The Yamps was outstanding and his output was something to be seen. Bourbon St have a web site you may like to check out. If so, Click below:

http://www.bourbonstband.com/

TUXEDO JUNCTION.

The Tuxedo Junction blues band have recently re-formed and are performing a charity gig at The Leamington Irish Club, Leamington Spa on 30 January 09. So, if like me, you are into the Blues and are in the Leamington area, get yourselves along there, have a rockin' good night and help raise a few quid for a good cause. Good luck guys, - I imagine there was a lot more hair about during their earlier incarnation.

GERMAN SENSE OF HUMOUR?? - Those of us who believe that the Germans have no sense of humour will, no doubt, be impressed by Chancellor Angela Merkel's attempts to cheer up her fellow countrymen during these grey days, politically speaking. She has recently taken up a semi-pro position in Music Hall and is doing the round of German Working Mens Clubs, you know - sauerkraut mit bockwurst in a basket. Her latest publicity photos show her during her act, performing her much loved 'Nose Balancing Routine' which has her fellow countrymen rolling about with laughter. Now, if only we could get Gordon Brown to team up with David Blaine and do the famous disappearing trick? - in fact, why not both of them together? it would save the world from boredom.

Happy New Year to everyone out there and please take care of each other.

Bob
comments/contact: Bobsbullocks@GMail.com

Copyright: Bullsheadbob

DECEMBER - ANOTHER TICK OF THE CLOCK

Hi Brummies,

PHIL MYATT - PHIL MYATT - PHIL MYATT

It is with an extremely sad heart that I pass on to you the news of the demise of Phil Myatt. For those of you who possibly have NOT heard of him?? he was the promoter who was really responsible for the rise of MOTHERS (formerly The Carlton at Erdington). Under his great management, Birmingham was lucky enough to have every major group of the late sixties play there on several occassions from Traffic (making their first public appearance), Led Zeppelin, Tyrannosaurus Rex, The Who (performing Tommy), Elton John, Frank Zappa, David Bowie, Deep Purple......the list is endless but suffice to say that during its existence every band with anything to say played there. It was also a home from home for early Black Sabbath who were practically the Wednesday night resident group. Pink Floyd recorded most of Ummagumma 'live' there....Also of course, John Peel did a lot of the DJ-ing.
Phil was 'one of the guys' and if you were in his company you would be roaring with laughter listening to some of his stories. He took The Carlton Club and gradually changed its whole perspective (and name) as music and fashion changed from a twice a week Dance Hall where girls danced around their handbags to become the most popular music club outside of London. Prior to the name change he had already started to book acts like John Mayalls Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton, Zoot Money, Graham Bond, The Artwoods etc etc and later as 'Mothers' it eclipsed the London scene with acts pleading to play there. Furthermore, the club was voted by US Billboard Magazine as the Best Gig in the World during its heyday and this sentiment was shared by many of the acts that performed there and who also admired Phil's style as a promoter. I can't think of many venues that have had books written about it, there are at least two dedicated to the place that I know of. Phil was a partner in Carlton Johns Entertainment Agency along with John Singer and Gary Surman (who were also my agents and Managers). I was fortunate to have played at both The Carlton and Mothers several times and feel the more richer for having known Phil like a freind.

Phil's funeral was held at Redditch Crematorium on 25 November and was attended by many of his freinds. It was a service full of laughter, which he would have loved and the eulogy seemed to centre on Phils love of "the purest Green" and his 'hip' attitude. The vicars comments at the end were something along the lines of "Well I hope there are no Police here!!!"

John Singer, now living in Spain, could not attend but I spoke with him recently about Phil and he passed on this story:

"Phil and I spent many hours in the offices on Wake Green road Moseley. This was the main hub of Carlton Johns agency. We booked many famous and infamous bands and dealt with all the major London agents. One occasion I will always remember was the day we had a visit from a very ominous looking Don Arden, he was a very menacing character and I think he was visiting us over an unpaid debt for one of his groups. Needless to say Phil & I couldn't escape through the only window as we were three stories up. Don received his dough and we spent the rest of the day with nervous laughter and sighs of relief!!! Phil was my partner for more years than I can remember and he is sadly missed". John Singer.

Now I dont know if you have watched the film The Langoliers? It's a bit like seeing Time being eaten away around you as all the memories and loved personalities disappear in front of your eyes. God Bless you Phil....roll a fattie for me........ Bob.

PS. Happy Christmas everyone, wishing you a year of peace, good health and prosperity.

Copyright: BullsHeadBob

Comments/Contributions to: Bobsbullocks@GMail.com

NOVEMBER - GUY FAWKES OFF!!

Awlright Our Kid,

Enough about me!! There's always an interesting story out there to be shared amongst us who remember the Brumbeat days. This month I thought I'd pass on someone else's mailbag memory of what could have been a life changing event for them. In a new thread that I shall be calling:
MY CLAIM TO FAME!!
KEN REEVES
ALMOST A MOODY BLUE!!! For those of us lucky enough to have attained teenager status and lived through the early to mid sixties as an aspiring musician, your heads will be full of memories when there were live bands playing every night in pubs, clubs, casinos etc..... constantly changing their names, with members who would be enrolled into another band before changing their minds and re-joining their previous group. I can't remember who, but one group featured on the site states that Tony Iommi was in their band (but only for one gig - somehow I dont think that constitutes full membership status?). We would all rub shoulders with each other either at the Pie Stand, one of the nightclubs or more likely, inside one of the several music shops that were spread around the City Centre. Ken Reeves from Solihull was no exception:

"As a 15 year old, a school pal, John Parish dragged me along to see a singer who sounded just like Elvis and who was playing at Solihull Civic Hall on the coming Monday. The Elvis sound-a-like in question was the late Nicky James and he was then the featured vocalist with Denny Laine and The Diplomats.
I had never seen the Diplomats before either and I was very impressed on both counts. During their performance that night Denny Laine broke a string and had no spares (not really uncommon in those days), I dashed off to another locals house and acquired him a replacement. After the gig we struck up a conversation mostly about guitars/music of course and then for next couple of years John and I would go and see the Diplomats regularly which promoted a casual freindship".

"My normal Saturday daytime activity (like many aspiring musicians)was to go into the city centre and do the round of music shops, Jones and Crossland, Yardleys, Kay Westworths, Ringway Music etc... trying out different guitars and generally chatting and playing with other musicians who regularly came in, including Denny and the gang often they would give me a lift back home to Solihull in their Transit on occasion. During this time I had played with a number of groups including a line up of The Victors with Dez Anthony who had been formed essentially as a backing band for Nicky. As was the norm we did the normal round of pubs/clubs including some gigs backing Tanya Day - she was really something! I think at one time, she was dressed in a towel or something very similar? Hot stuff for a young muso.

One day whilst walking down the street at the back of New Street Station a Ford Cortina, driven by Denny with Mike Pinder in the passenger seat pulled up, Denny called me over and said "We're looking for a bass player, do you fancy joining up with us? I was stunned that he should ask me but was then put firmly on my back foot when he said that they were thinking of playing Gospel and Soul influenced music. No decision was made and he called me at home a few nights later, here he set out their plans to go down to London. A combination of things including a tour that had gone pear shaped soured my enthusiasm. The genre of music sounded a bit wierd particularly as The Beatles and The Stones were the acts that were directing the musical trends and it sounded like a really bad proposition to me. I'm not sure whether I directly said No or that I'd think about it but the upshot was that I didn't acccept the offer.

Six months later - The Moody Blues were No 1 in the charts with 'Go Now' and I was still playing the pubs in the City. If that didn't make me feel bad enough, some time after I went to spend a holiday with a pal in the USA and in one of the major stores came face to face with a whole wall decked out with the Moodies declaring them as the new British sensation. They had made it in America.

"I guess it is just one of those consequences of being in the right place at the right time and having the choice of whether to go in one direction or another. Sometimes you choose the wrong route or did I? I met up again with Denny about 8 years ago, when he was gigging at The Red Lion, Kings Heath and some months after when he played The Green Room, London. My girlfreind and went to see him with his new group, although he was good he had lost that 'sparkle' though. We kept in touch for a short while again and then I think he disappeared to the States"

GIZ A JOB........These days Ken still keeps his Bass hand 'in' and is interested in playing folk rock so, if you are in the market for a bass player just give me a nod and I'll pass on your e mail address to him...... By the look of Ken's photo he appears to have grown two extra arms ........ he must be up and down that neck like a greasy weasel. Are you reading this Denny?????

Thanks Ken........I'm sure there are many more stories out there waiting to be told. Bob.

LEVI STUBBS - THE FOUR TOPS
I once played on the same bill as The Four Tops when they had "Reach Out I'll be There" at No 1 in the British charts and although I was always never that keen about soul music I couldn't help but be mightily impressed at their slick performance, brilliant harmonies and their dance moves on stage.
The towering vocal strength of lead singer Levi Stubbs was quite stunning. He filled the stage with his presence and they brought the house down, deservedly. It is sad therefore to report his recent death at the age of 72. He had been suffering from illness for some time. (Levi Stubbs far left)


BOBBY ASH. The Ex Brumbeats vocalist who currently resides in California has just had his new self-penned recording "Hula in the Sky" broadcast across the Hawaian Islands this weekend.

Bobby sent me a copy and I can tell you now that it is a very warm recording and his voice is as good as it ever was. We here at Brumbeat hope it goes well for you mate.


JIMMY POWELL INTERVIEW. If you haven't looked already, check out John's recently published interview with the great vocal powerhouse, Jimmy Powell on the Features page.

Another Brumbeat exclusive. Another Brumbeat Great!

Until next time, Take Care

Bob.

Copyright: BullsHeadBob. Contributions/comments to BobsBullocks@GMail.com

.

October....Winter misery is upon us.

Hello Folks,

GOD BLESS YOU WALLY.
Over the past few weeks there have been many deaths of 60's musicians whose contributions went a long way to influence the advancement and aspirations of those who followed. From a Brumbeat aspect, none more so than that of Terry Wallace of The Vikings. When I was learning to play the guitar I used to take a note book with me to dance halls to copy down chords that proper guitarists used, Terry was amongst those whose skill contributed to my learning. See the Pie Stand page for John's tribute to the great man.

Internationally:
JERRY REED
The announcement of Jerry Reed's death on 4 September heralds a real loss to the music world. Next to the incredible Chet Atkins he was the best country picker ever - allegedly he taught Atkins how to pick 'Yakety Axe' fingerstyle. Elvis Presley recorded three of Reeds' songs, most notably the fabulous "Guitar Man" with Jerry Reed himself supplying those brilliant guitar breaks and solo. For all you Rock n' Roll fans, he also wrote Gene Vincents's 'Crazy Legs' and a further hit for Brenda Lee in 1960.

''Thats all very well'' you say but does he have a Brumbeat relevance? - "Yes Siree Bob" is the answer.......after scoring a hit with Chuck Berry's 'Tulane',
The Steve Gibbons Band released the Jerry Reed composition 'Tupelo Mississippi Flash', a song dedicated to Elvis which, unfortunately for Steve didn't chart but nonetheless was a good choice of cover. As well as Reed's musical deeds, he appeared in several films including the three 'Smokey and the Bandit' films alongside Burt Reynolds. Above all, this guy was a true guitar genius, much overlooked in the great scope of things. A quick visit to You Tube will show the quality of his musicianship.

RICK WRIGHT - PINK FLOYD

Rick Wright sadly passed away on 16 Sep. Not a Brummie, nor Brumbeat but the groundbreaking music of Pink Floyd was the backdrop to the psychedelic years of the late sixties with the songs 'Arnold Layne' and 'See Emily Play' that spawned a host of Brummie groups. Floyd brought a whole new concept to music and stage performance. Rick Wright wrote 'Us and Them' and 'Great gig in the Sky' for Dark Side of the Moon, his beautiful chord changes remain to remind us of what a loss to music he truly is.

EARL PALMER. Died in Sep aged 84. Drummer for the great Little Richard, he also gave the beat to Ike and Tina Turners, River Deep Mountain High and the Righteous Brothers - You've Lost that Lovin Feelin. He further worked with Neil Young, Elvis Costello, Sinatra and a host of others.

ANOTHER 'ESSENTIAL' SURVEY (Who Pays for these things?)
A survey conducted by some Scottish professor or other has concluded that peoples musical tastes are an indicator of their personality and that those who, for example, like the Blues are: "Gentle and at ease, creative, have high self-esteem and are outgoing". Has he/she ever been to a Blues club or festival? The professor obviously didn't survey anyone like my mate Nobber. Nobber sells novelty slippers from a stall and lists as his pastimes: The Blues, sweating, drinking, belching, tackle adjustment, pizza, comics, intimidating 'folkies', Oh and did I mention Drinking. He is a real life Gimli of Gloin with a grudge, who lounges about in his distressed? Calvin Klein pants and claims to have 'had' Penelope Cruze.

Probably the people he surveyed are all members of knitting circles or Country Dancing Societies in places like Fife or the Shetlands. For those who wish to check out your own personality rating click on the link below:
< http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/7598549.stm >

VODAPHONE AWARDS

Well, flabbergasted is a long word but not as long as the Spice Girls phone bills will be after them scooping the Award for 'Best Live Return'. "It means something special when its the public who phone in for you" is the normal acceptance phrase that's bandied about at these bashes but -"Thank goodness for speed dial" is probably more appropriate.

Not much current good news on the 'survivors of Brumbeat' front this month (or perhaps you know something I don't?) but keep tuned in for more ground breaking, earth shattering news from yer man on the street........I'll just leave you with this......My Grandad said to me "Bob, now I know you like a beer or two but if you ever find yourself enjoying a pint of Ansell's bitter - you know you're an alcoholic........"

Bob

Contact/Contributions: Bobsbullocks@GMail.com . Copyright BullsHeadBob.

SEPTEMBER - Spotlight on The Redcaps

Hello Muso's, Boozo's, Brummies and Chummies,

Why is it that I allow myself to be such a thick git!? Last year I took advantage of the Autumn sales to buy myself a 'top of the range' Barbecue that wouldn't look out of place strapped beneath the wing of a bomber. It had been reduced in price but still cost more than a good night out. This 'Summer?' I have just watched the rain fall on top of it from the safety of my dining room. When there's a break in the clouds, I run out and empty a gallon or two of rusty water from the thing. Why isn't it in the shed you ask? - because I also bought three soddin' huge sacks of charcoal, at the same time, that now occupy my shed space and they are stacked on top of my 'Life Bicycle' (another Best Buy from the year before) where now, a happy band of very fit spiders live suspended from the handlebars. Did I really go to all that trouble and expense just for a burnt sausage? I gotta think about retiring to the sun............I'm coming back Willie, get the wine out!!



SPOTLIGHT ON..................THE REDCAPS
If there was one midlands group who defined 'Brumbeat' for me, it would have been The Redcaps. It is with some regret that there is no biography on the website for this incredible band of the early sixties but even if there was, words alone would not do them any justice because you HAD to see them live to know just how great they were. The group featured brothers Dave and Mickey Walker on vocals and bass respectively.
Overall, The Redcaps had the musical drive and gut wrenching sound of a tank with a turbocharger, great high-energy guitar work and rasping saxophone with Dave Walkers soulful and bluesy vocals complementing the bands tight sound perfectly. Mickey Walker, playing his Gibson EBO bass, worn, characteristically high on his chest, worked beautifully with drummer Allan Morley to form the 'Heart of the Beat' that thundered through their set.

The Redcaps were amongst that first batch of groups calling themselves as a collective name instead of having a singled out frontman, i.e. Ego Maniac and the Shitheaps. They were also one of the first bands I ever saw 'live' that has had a lasting impression on me. This fact may make me a little prejudiced towards them in my memory bank but I can say, in honesty, that I never saw ANY other Brummie band who really came close to them. They were one of Ma Regans groups and in 1963 she secured them a Decca recording deal that saw the release of a cover of the 1959 Isley Brothers classic "Shout" - predating the Lulu hit by a year. Unfortunately for them it didn't click with the record buying public but was a brilliant live performance number. I have just listened to that very single whilst bashing this article out and although the primitive recording equipment (four track probably) used in those days did little justice to their raw sound, Dave Walker had real gravel in his voice. The Redcaps released two further singles: 'Talkin' Bout You' (1963) which was more in the vein of their R&B stage act and their final offering in 1964 'Mighty Fine Girl'. The latter single had more of a commercial 'Billy J Kramer' sound to it which wasn't really to my liking but the music scene was undergoing a massive change of direction and was becoming more melodic in its output. For my money, had they or Decca concentrated on their R&B image. I don't think they would have been out of place in the company of the Rolling Stones or the early Yardbirds.

I mentioned a while ago, that Kex Gorin, me and the two 'brothers Walker' jammed together at the Rum Runner one night. It really was special to play with those guys who had been my early inspiration. If you never saw this group, you missed something special!!!! A group like them only came along once in a blue moon and I'm glad that I was there at the time, in smokey venues -moonbathing. This was not a group for lovers of mediocre bands that played at working mens clubs. This was a seriously good group. We do have a photo of the band on their bio page but only as a four piece oufit. If you were a member of The Redcaps PLEASE, PLEASE CONTACT ME.

Discography:

1. Decca F11716 Shout/Little Things you do 2. Decca F11789 Talkin' Bout You/Come on Girl 3. Decca F11903 Mighty Fine Girl/Funny Things

FARE THEE WELLS...... ISAAC HAYES. It was a sad day indeed when the announcement of Issac Hayes death was issued, not so much for his Simpsons character or for 'Shaft' but because of his songwriting credits - 'Hold on I'm Coming' or "You dont know like I know' that he wrote for Sam and Dave along with a host of other compositions. In the sixties you either heard those two songs in every club or naturally, a lot of bands played them live.
JERRY WEXLER. For some reason the death of Isaac Hayes overshadowed the passing and importance of the incredible Jerry Wexler who died at the age of 91. Wexler was the person who actually coined the phrase 'Rythmn and Blues' when a journalist. He later went into record production and was responsible for literally hundreds of landmark recordings including Bob Dylans' 'Slow Train Coming', Dusty Springfields' 'Dusty in Memphis' (A must for any serious collector of good music), Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin and he signed Led Zeppelin to Atlantic (on the recommendation of Dusty Springfield). He stated that on his gravestone he wanted just two words - MORE BASS! - May his memory deservedly live on.

and finally.................

HELLO HELLO I'M BACK AGAIN. Gary Glitter has returned to the UK after a 3 year residency in a private Vietnamese hotel, reportedly he's thinking about releasing a new CD. Just a thought here - perhaps he could form a trio with Jonathan King and Michael Jackson, that should sell well???
Take Care You'se Guys and remember a bird in a bush was always worth more than two in the hand!

Bob.

All Contents/Cartoons: Copyright BullsHeadBob. Bobsbullocks@GMail.com

AUGUST.......US?

Hi Brummies,Brummie Girls,Brummie Kids,Brummies Abroad.

THE GREAT GUITAR SHOP DEBATE.......
It appears that I ignited several memory threads with the report on the friendly Music Exchange at Stirchley with some of our readers and here are some of their missives from the electronic post bag for your delight. Let's start with one of Brums finest guitarists:

DAVE BALL:
"I was working at Yardleys at Snow Hill in 1965 - actually in the drum department with Barry Clements and later Johnny Haynes when the guy from Kay Westworths tried to get me to leave and work at his shop for the sum of Three pounds four shillings and sixpence a week but I said no because I was already getting Four Pounds and Ten Shillings working for that annoying bugger Charlie Hewitt at Yardleys. Should have taken it really because Charlie sacked me soon afterwards because I wouldn't go home and change into a suit 'I'm not having you here looking like an imitation cowboy, go home and change or pick up your cards" which I did, pick up my cards that is..............."

COLIN HEARD:

"Y'know WASP in Hurst Street, arrogant bloke**, first time ever in a guitar shop for me - charged me 15 bob for a packet of Black Diamond strings cos' I didn't know what I needed,
literally threw them at me, like he was doing me a favour. I never went back. **( I don't think that could have been Pete Oliver?)



Pop, the old guy in Green Lane Music sold me a genuine Tele croc skin hard case for about 7 quid.
Modern Exchanges, Modern Music in Dudley etc. Those sort of shops full of old Hofners, cups of tea and freindly advice are long gone now which is a shame really. I think the last was Green Lane Music who were open near Bordesley Bridge for a bit, last time I saw it open (around 1995) I bought a fire damaged Fender 2 x 15 Bass Cab for 65 pounds and the bloke even put it in the car for me, still a good un' now................

KEN REEVES on JONES AND CROSSLAND and BO DIDDLEY
I remember when Bo Diddley was on tour with the Everly Brothers. Amongst the guitar shops we frequented was Jones and Crossland (the old small one by the pie stand) - well we were in there chewing the fat when in came the man himself along with Phil Everly. Now until that time I'd only ever heard 'that' riff he made famous and which he sang everything to!! After a while though and introductions made, Bo starts picking up guitars and demonstrating his skills - bloody hell, could he play. I think the shop was then shut whilst we all jammed in a sort of master class. What a great guy, great shop and Great times..................

BACK TO THE BULLOCKS
Well it's been a quiet month for me. It seems, like me, everyone is either on or just got back from their hols' where they are probably recovering financially from the lavish upgrade expenditure to their "Executive" holiday chalet at Butlins - (that means it's not quite a gardeners potting shed). That being the case, and in line with the topic of guitar shops I thought its as good a time as any to feature a couple more old and interesting guitars etc....... I could look at them all day myself

THE MEAZZI MUSTANG

I thought you might like to see this old peculiar thing as I featured the Meazzi amplifier a couple of months back. I find it strange that it lacks the sort of styling that you would normally expect from an Italian guitar,. I have absolutely no idea if it sounded any good....any advice? Looks real shitty to me.........kind of reminiscent of those Japanese Teisco monstrosities.


FRAMUS BLACK ROSE. Now, for those of you who recall the 'pre amplifier' days, you will remember this beauty with much affection. You could also buy this model with a rudimentary pick up and scratchplate combo fitted but I think this basic early model looks a real stunner. The 'F' holes are reminiscent of the later 'slashes' used by Rickenbacker and Antoria - although, I could be slightly wrong there as Framus may have copied the idea from one of those other makers. There were several other Black Rose models later on including a three pick up semi solid. ...............I think Johnny Neal's guitarist used one of these when they first started rockin the city.........

OK folks, enjoy whats left of the summer and start saving up for your winter heating bills, it appears that the energy companies are gathering in YOUR money now to pay THEIR Christmas bonuses. What's the country coming to.......they should spare a few thoughts for the elderly pensioners who will freeze to death this Christmas. Well at least they will be happy in the knowledge that Gordon, Tony and Pie Man Prescott will be lounging in luxury - not giving a shit.

Just going down the 'cut' to drown me'self.

Bob

Copyright Bulls Head Bob. Comments/contributions to: Bobsbullocks@GMail.com

July........30 years without me Willie

Once upon a time, back in those 60's days, one of the characters on the Brumbeat scene was Uglys guitarist, Willie Hammond. I hadn't seen him for over 30 years and then, roughly four years ago, I was flabbergasted to see him on the TV show, "A Place in the Sun".
Since then two more programmes about him and his wife have been made and now they're all repeated on TV, in fact, I see him more now than I did when he was out and about in Brum!

BRUMBEAT
A couple of years ago Willie had been asked to do an article for Brumbeat, not content with that, he got a load of muso's together for the popular 'Six of the Best"articles. "I would have felt too egotistic to write something just about myself and I felt happier being in the company of friends". Will has helped out the Brumbeat site with other information too. A few words with a 'well placed muso' got me his phone number and I made the call to his house in Spain. After half an hour of "Do you remember?........." I sort of suggested that it would be nice to visit and maybe have a drink or two -(I know how to get to his heart). So anyway, after flying into Seville courtesy of Mr Ryan and his airplanes, I hired a car and drove deep into the dramatic countryside for a couple of hours before pulling up at Willie's place in Arroyomolinos.

DEEPEST SPAIN
I was greeted by the man himself and his lovely wife Linda and after much back slapping and hugs we settled down at a table under a fig tree. We hadn't seen each for well over 30 years so we had a lot to catch up on. After some food and a few bottles of wine out came the guitars and under the star filled sky, we played the usual mix of Beatles and other well known songs till long into the night.
I had arrived in the darkness so it was a nice surprise to wake up in the brilliant sunshine and find myself in a whitewashed village nestling at the foot of a mountain. Willie and I walked to Paco's Bar for a coffee. A couple of horses were clopping through the streets and tractors were heading out into the countryside with the drivers waving and shouting things in Spanish that only Willie could understand. Although I had been to Spain before, I had never experienced the Spanish interior or the culture. I was made to feel welcome by everyone we encountered although I could only mutter my couple of words I had learned in reply. After coffee we set out for the day to walk on the mountain, now accompanied by Linda and their dogs. The dogs went chasing after anything that rustled the bushes or long grass and I was instructed in the art of how to find wild asparagus and we tramped across the mountain searching through the undergrowth and soon had a bag load to take back for the freezer. A pair of eagles were floating across the sky and I have to say that I have never been a nature freak but as a tranquil setting, I dont think I have experienced anything quite like this place. It was easy to see why they had chosen to live here.

For the next couple of days they were both 'tied up' with a couple from Nottingham who had come for an advice course on house buying and living in Spain. "We have seen some people come out here as a romantic notion and then find themselves in trouble because they did no homework before laying their money on the table, there can be a lot of pitfalls for the uninformed" said Linda. I, for my part, was a tourist for a couple of days and went to interesting sites around the area. http://www.spanishvillageexperience.webs.com/ is the link to Will and Linda's very informative website should you have an interest.

VILLAGE QUIRKS
Willie related a few Spanish stories to me but one in particular had me laughing out loud. "This very Spanish, tranquil village has a PA system atop of the Town Hall and periodically they make announcements to the small population - the announcements are preceded by some music to get your attention. You would have expected to hear Spanish music floating across the place so I was amazed to hear the beginning of "Hit me Baby One More Time" before they started speaking". A week or so passed and Willie was chatting to the Mayor in a bar and said that he found the choice of that piece of music surprising, "Oh! well we have another one" said the Mayor appearing somewhat disgruntled. Two days later whilst working in the garden the familiar crackling noise from the PA horns suggested an announcement was forthcoming, "Linda and I fell about laughing as the opening bars of "Like a Virgin" erupted very loudly from the PA". "The next time I saw the Mayor he looked at me very proudly as if to say - "I told you so".

During the evenings we spent a lot of time laughing, playing music, singing, recording and chatting about the old days, gigs and Birmingham bands. I asked if they missed the City. "We went back two Christmas's ago and I visited some old musician mates and popped out to the Roadhouse to watch Roger Hill where I met up with Gibbo but we have absolutely no desire to go back at all, you can't re-live those experiences or times again and the place is now just too volatile and full of Coffee Houses and lacking in character. I'm proud of being a Brummie and look back with affection at my life there but my future is definitely here in Spain. Anyway, the Brumbeat website is fabulous and it gives me a 'fix' of nostalgia when I need it"


All too soon my visit was ended. We had a great time and shared endless bottles of wine and musical 'war stories', some of which are unrepeatable but I shall try and remember a couple for future blogs. I shall definitely be going back.................

DID YOU NOTICE.
As previously reported, the Spice Girls had withdrawn from the Mandela concert but Gerry Halliwell managed to sneak through a back door to grab a bit of limelight, I think she used the phrase "I'm with the band". It was very reassuring though to see that she had no microphone in her hand when it came to singing Happy Birthday.

OK, tune in next month folks when I shall have the normal panoply of bits and bobs and this and that. Also happy to say I've just received an e mail from another of my favourite guitarists and during the coming weeks will see if I can persuade him to 'issue forth' with some kind of article.
Definitely worth waiting for................

Take Care Brummies

Bob

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