JULY - BULLS HEAD BOB - I AM BOB ZIMMERMAN - Window Gazer

Oh you're back then?.. well I'll begin... "Oh no" you say to yourself.  "Bob's gonna be talking bollocks again..."

I AM BOB ZIMMERMAN - WINDOW GAZER
   I was mulling over a story I did a short while ago about being a music shop 'window gazer' when I was younger and it made me think about the reason behind it's attraction.  It's a bit like wanking, we all did it but hardly own up to it!... standing for hours just looking at a particular musical instrument.  Why did we do that? nothing stopped me from doing it at all, fog, rain, snow, desperately scraping the ice off the window to get a better view during the depths of winter.   Was it in the firm belief that this instrument would suddenly pass, magically, through the glass into my hands? The fact that there could be nothing to gain from this activity never entered my head, in reality it became almost addictive.  I even recall walking away from a window for about a hundred yards and then returning to have another gander for half an hour.  Nowadays some 'PC' git would say I had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder....no I didn't you tie-dyed tosser, it was called being in love with a Gibson!!  She was young, curvy and attractive, in a cherry red sort of way.  Scrupulously clean and shiny beyond belief with a couple of knobs I would love to get my hands round.

It was a form of masochism though, because you knew, for sure, that one day the guitar or whatever, would be gone and you would experience that ballsaching, heartbeaking sensation as your stomach plummeted to your scrotum with a hefty thunk!.    You found yourself tentatively looking around in disbelief, making sure no-one could see you in your state of shock.  And then... Shit! there's a soddin' trombone in the very place that your guitar stood, lazily resting on its stand, I'm not gonna stare at that thing, a trombone!! of all the things to put in it's place? you're secretly grateful though, that they didn't put a kazoo there, that would have been just too insulting.

Why have they changed the display?, they know I come and look at it everyday.  Panic- stricken, you press your face flat against the shop front window searching the darkness within to see if there was a trace of YOUR guitar.  Where is it?  Your face is contorted into all sorts of unflattering shapes as you drag it down the window.  The disappointment comes flooding through your soul as you realise that it has gone forever and off you go, head down like a rejected lover, trapsing the streets, rabid with rage and swearing your allegiance to some other music shop.  Great big smear down the shop front though, that'll serve them right?

These days I am more than a few years older and a lot wiser than then.  With a mature outlook on the realities of life, I look back and laugh at that aspect of my youth and foolishness - as I find myself, along with four other guys, staring through the window of the 'Incontinence and Walking Aids Boutique'.

I go every day, with Wednesday's off for a spot of  'sexual therapy, wiv' her indoors'...yay!!

I know that one of the 'window gazers' is secretly admiring a strap on, leg-bag, cause he's the only one at the controversial 'Incontinence' end of the shop front.    The other three and me, at the safer 'walking stick' end of the window, had all been musician window gazers too!   None of us, even 'Strap-on man' need any of the services available there!!   It's just that the glass at this particular shop is always washed every morning and we can do some formation nose-pressing in hygienic circumstances, if we have a mind to?  

  "Mmmm! a  new model, three pronged Zimmer!!.   If I ever needed one - thinking ahead - I bet I could walk twice as fast with that model, plenty of grip from those bulbous rubber feet, maybe I could cut some grooves into the rubber, for wet weather conditions, even carry a second set - Slicks maybe for 'warm pavement' situations? They would definitely help during a bit of child-swerving and avoidance techniques at the school crossing chicane!!" 

There could be money in this.  Maybe I could get Lewis Hamilton to endorse a 'Signature" model, he's just perfect in the wet.....?  "OK guys, noses at the ready........press away". 

Bob.

AND ABOUT TIME TOO!!!
ROY WOOD.......

I am thrilled to hear that Roy Wood has been given a Mojo 2010 Classic Songwriter award in their honours list. Roy is a true Brumbeat hero, great bloke, not full of bullshit like some others. This is great news indeed. I can almost forgive 'Curly'.

MEMORY LANE GIGS...Once again, your man on the street has been rummaging around his cyber drawers to help restore your recollections of the incredible music scene of Birmingham, and its environs, in the late 50's to late 60's.

THE ADELPHI, WEST BROMWICH
The building that was The Adelphi in New Street burned to the ground in 1971, however, I managed to find some film recorded inside The Adelphi during an ATV dinner dance in 1962.   I believe that this is the only inside footage available, you lucky people!  It was a little before my time as a proper musician and it's silent I'm afraid but it would appear that even then, in the audience were two Mackeson fuelled revellers who thought it would be 'super' to take their bikes with them.  Also a couple of "swingin' birds" winning a TV.  Brings a tear to my eye........enjoy.  Dancing scene from a 'Bands Eye" view.  A great but short piece of film history.  Click Below: 
http://www.macearchive.org/Media.html?Title=2926#

EVEN MORE OF THE GREATEST GIGS IN THE MIDLANDS
THE CARLTON/MOTHERS , ERDINGTON          THE RITZ, KINGS HEATH

THE PLAZA, OLD HILL 

I played at all three of these places a few times with The Plaza being one of the favourite places because of it's revolving stage which provided a great dramatic entrance, whizzing round as you were announced.  If you didn't have a road manager the last number could be a bit of a nightmare though.  As you finished your set you had to run to take the leads from the back of your PA speakers because as the stage starting to revolve again, in the opposite direction, it would drag them crashing to the ground. The Beatles and Stones both gigged here along with every great band of the sixties.

I've read recently that the place opened again in May for live music though it will never re-live those days when every band, that ever was, regarded this place to be almost hallowed ground.

PROBABLY THE TRUE HOME OF BRUMBEAT

YES SIR, IT'S - THE BULLS HEAD, COVENTRY ROAD

Now this is a VERY old photo and I've had to take some liberties with it but can't find another picture of the place anywhere. If you look carefully you can see a cart just at the side door.  Five blokes standing around drinking and smoking, they must have always had bands there!!  Loads of people will remember lugging their gear up those two flights of stairs.  This was such a great place to play, I have really fond memories of nights here. It was always packed when we played there, probably when you played there too.

I think most good Brummy bands did gigs here so I won't do any 'naming of names' because I'll get people saying "I played there as well, add me your list".  However don't let that be a reason not to make contact here.  

FOND FAREWELL

Goodby to Pete Quaife, co founder and bass player of The Kinks.  Pete had been undergoing  Kidney dialysis for some ten years, although it is not known if this was the reason for his passing.

WHATS IN A NAME?

HOORAY IT'S COMPETITION TIME AGAIN.

Liam Gallagher has announced the new name for his band - "Beady Eye".

Coincidentally, at that very moment, the Gang of Four at the pub were playing a game, which was to come up with a name for our band using only descriptive words. 'Gobby Wanker' had us in fits of laughter until 'Swaggering Twot' tipped the scales in it's favour. It would look really good on a poster too. I wonder if Liam needs a support band? doubt it though, he can definitely fill the whole stage with his own 'aura', he is the re-incarnation of John Lennon...... How do you remove 'aura' stains? 

Send YOUR Entries for our Gof4 competition to "Swaggering Twot is Nothing" Bobsbullocks@GMail.com , if the Lyrics to 'Doris' (Jun blog) don't sell, they could well be on their way to 'YOU' if you win. There will be no other copies made, this is more genuine than 'Frankies Mints' or those other companies that advertise on the back of Sunday supplements. You're probably working away at your entry right now!! Just to show you how genuine I am, "Lucy pass me that piece of paper"...sound of scratchy pen.... there couldn't be fairer, I'm a man of my word.

I'd like to win them myself but competition rules mean I can't - just my luck!!

AND FINALLY....SOME QUIRKY BITS

"Every Morning at the Mine you could see him arrive"....not any longer I'm afraid.  Jimmy Dean, singer and composer of  'Big Bad John' has recently passed away.

Pete Townshends guitar sells for 64,219 dollars.

A Day in the Life lyrics sell for 1.2 million dollars. 

Bob's "Gis a Snog Doris" lyrics remain unsold - unbelievable!!  It's a competition prize of a lifetime.

Honest John Prescott has been made a Lord after saying for years that he would always refuse to enter THAT place.......the Gang of Four think that he's going to be known as Lord Suet Crust of Cowpieland.

HIGHLIGHT OF GLASTONBURY.  Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood of Radiohead playing in a small tent devoid of TV coverage. The audience and those two were 'at one with each other' during their short performance.  Great to see that ONE band who could have quite easily headlined in place of the crap Gorrilaz and got a big earner too, chose to 'Keep it Real' and give something back to their fans.  Absolutely Brilliant!!! 

Still no news from anyone who was in The Executioners...surely someone must have heard of them??

Bob

copyright Bulls Head Bob.  Contact at Bobsbullocks@gmail.com

       

JUNE - The Brumbeat Secrets of Hollick and Taylor

Hiya Brummies and Music Afficionado's Everywhere

SPOTLIGHT ON:    FROSTY MOSES

In my recent "In the Snug" interview with ex Moody Blues Manager and Producer Alex Wharton, as well as discussing the early Moody Blues and the recording of Go Now, we had talked about the second Brummie group he had some involvement with, namely Frosty Moses.  Frosty had been formed by two members of Birmingham soul band, Traction, in the form of Danny Gallagher (Bass), and Phil Savage (Vocals) who wanted to move on and  leave the Soul environment.  "We went to London and recruited guitarist Gerry Earsden, who was playing with Phil Collins and a couple of weeks and one drummer later we got his brother Maurice who was the drummer in a band in Northumbria to join us".  Mick Lavender (Hammond organ) came to us from a local Brum band Rum Bak Shush".  The group decamped to Wales to 'get it together' and record a demo tape of their material.  This tape found its way to many London agents/Labels and eventually onto the desk of Chris Blackwell of Island Records who gave the band their name during a visit to his office one day. 

Frosty Moses 'givin it large' at Cannon Hill Arts Centre.

They had emerged as a force during the early progressive rock phase having quite famously, blown King Crimson off the stage at the best gig in the 60's bar none, 'MOTHERS' and were tipped for great things. Several agents and management companies were interested in the band but Alex Wharton had made the journey up from London one night to see them live at 'MOTHERS' after they had been recommended to him by Kenny Everett, he had first seen and signed The Moody Blues at this very place  a few years before.  He was knocked out and signed them up on the spot.  The much loved, Phil Myatt also became involved as part of the bands management.    It appeared that the future looked positive but this group narrowly missed being thrust into the world of the big acts owing to problems involving their financial backer.  Despite having a good fan base in Brum and London and some respect from other bands too, Frosty Moses disbanded shortly after the recording of this song.

It came as a nice surprise then to find that Alex had recently discovered at his home, the acetate from the session he had produced with Frosty Moses that never got released.  The song title was 'People Say' and had been the bands opening number at MOTHERS the night Alex went to see them.   Despite being recorded all those years ago the acetate was in surprisingly good condition.  "I have sent the disc to ex bassist Danny Gallagher as I felt it should be with the guys who wrote it" Alex told me recently.

I listened to the recording and although it is in acetate form, it is produced in the same manner as Go Now, that is to say, with energy and has almost a live feel to it.  A heavyish medium pacer, opening with an unusually constructed guitar riff and is joined by a fabulous, deep and raw Hammmond organ sound growling away in there courtesy of Mike Lavender, who of course later collaborated with Laurie Hornsby for the Brum Rocked books, and it really has that 'late sixties' sound to it.   Although they missed out on the big time, it's nice news to know that there is something tangible of their past to listen to after all those years. 

THE EXECUTIONERS

IS THIS YOU??

Not exactly in comparison with the Frosty Moses acetate discovery but to certain folk just as important. I was sifting through EBay and stumbled across another, more local, acetate of a band who, to my knowledge didn't reach those kind of heights?    THE EXECUTIONERS:

Now, every man and his dog went to the Hollick and Taylor studios in Handsworth to record demos.  Moreover, the first BRUMBEAT LP on the Dial label was also recorded there.  The Executioners, are a group I am totally unaware of but they, like many other bands, had gone to H and T to record this demo of a self penned number 'Cry Cry Cry' which was backed with the old Little Richard classic, 'Slippin and Slidin'.  I have listened to both sides of the single and the vynil quality of the recording is quite messy, but one has to remember that acetates are generally only good enough for about 10 plays anyway before serious degredation.  Music style wise, I would say it was recorded around 65/66'.  I did a little bit of detective work and found a quote from H and T studios actually mentioning The Executioners in a list of other names who recorded there, but nothing more.   

As you can see from the photograph it is autographed by, I presume, the five band members with the 'A' side being written by Keith Barber.  As it's signed I imagine that this was given as a gift to someone.  Was this you, or do you know any of the band members?  If you were one of The Executioners drop me a line.   The acetate sold for an amazing 173 pounds on 8 May 10 to a buyer in the States.  My thanks go to Pete Bonner of  Psychotron records http://www.psychotronrecords.com/  for his assistance in supplying me with the photos.  Pete is an internet record dealer from Birmingham who specialises in rare LP's and singles. He discovered the acetate in the Kingstanding area of Brum in 2008.  However, just because it was found there means nothing really, it could very well have been recorded by any band in the whole of the West Midlands.  If you're on the lookout for a special LP or disc give him a shout, he's very friendly and helpful. 
 
I've said before that there must be some acetates gathering dust in peoples attics or basements.  Get down there and dust it off, I'd love to hear from you if you have one.

N'BETWEEN TIMES.   THE BLACK COUNTRY

The site where I saw the quote from Hollick and Taylor and the Executioners was from the excellent web site, N'Between Times. N'Between Times, if you don't know, started as a book dedicated to the groups of the Black Country.  The book was a great success and it's author Keith Farley took the step of publishing the whole thing on the net rather making reprints, a great unselfish gesture.  I have visited the site myself many times as a reminder of some of the many gigs I did around the Black Country as well as Brum, with a variety of bands.  This comprehensive site was only realised by the hardworking efforts and enthusiasm of Keith and regrettably, I inform you that  in March of this year he passed away.  Keith was also the Chairman of Wolverhampton History and Heritage Society and his work and dedication in preserving the popular music history of the Black Country bands deserves to be recognised in some form or other.  We at BRUMBEAT offer our condolences to Keith's family, friends and fellow historians on this very sad occasion.  I don't know if there are any plans to continue the site at this stage but it is well worth a visit or two right now just  in case it isn't.   I loved the Black Country gigs.  Dudley Zoo,Walsall Town Hall, Wolverhampton Civic, The Woolpack, The Ship,  Bilston, Sedgely, Tipton etc...  Always good audiences there.  I'm sure that Keith will be missed by many, many people.

THE ELECTION

Well wasn't that exciting. To-ing and fro-ing, back door negotiations, I'll swap you two of these for one of those etc etc, just like the West Wing but with a cup of tea and a digestive.

COLLECTIBLE CORNER

This month, coming up for auction on 18 June at Sothebys New York are John Lennons handwritten lyrics for A Day in the Life.  The catalogue price is set at 750,000 dollars but a million is probably on the cards I would think.  Interestingly, the lyrics don't include the two pieces of the song that McCartney contributed, namely the middle section "Got up, got outa bed..." and the controversial line "I'd love to turn you on" that resulted in the song being banned.  These handwritten lyrics had been the property of Beatles roadie Mal Evans and presumably he had retained them from an earlier session before the song had been completed?

I recall being at a party the night Sgt Pepper was released
we had just returned from a tour of the Welsh coastal resorts, deep joy, and about twenty of us were sat around on the floor, all trying to be the last person who could still hear the final piano chord from this song.  "Lying git" was the phrase of the night.


Hilarious really seeing as the sound was coming out of a Dansette
These days it's all I can do to hear someone knocking at the front door.

For fans of The Who, on 24 June 2010, Christies are selling the largest private collection of The Who memorabilia, including a Gibson SG circa 1970 used by Pete Townshend on the Who's 71 tour of the States. Estimate 20 to 30,000 pounds.

Its probably about time I started auctioning my handwritten lyrics.   Yes, here we are, "Gis a Snog Doris" a sad lament about a girl from Tipton who's thinking about making the big move to Sedgely to take a job as a supervisor at Sketchleys Dry Cleaners.  A real heart tugger....

"Friday morning at 6 o'clock as her shift begins,
Noisily slamming her bedroom door,
Leaving a note that says she's home at four
She goes downstairs to the coalhouse wearing her overalls...." 

I don't know quite where I got the inspiration from for the song lyrics?  Anyway I'm gonna scribble em out on a sheet of paper and start the bidding at 34p.  I'll sign it if it reaches a Fiver. ' Must-Have Memorabilia'
says - 'Bulls Head Bob'  misjudged poet or just enigma!!

AND FINALLY......
So there you are then, lots of local stuff this month. Ah yes, I've added a Google search gadget in the side bar nowadays to save you having to leave the page to look for additional info should you feel the need to. 

Tara

Bob
copyright Bullsheadbob.  Contact Bobsbullocks@Gmail.com

MAY - I'D LOVE A NICE RED ORGAN

Hi Brummies,

Aah how nice, Spring weather out in the garden planting the seedlings under the watchful eye of Lucy, standing over me with a loaded dibber at the ready in case I dare make a mistake. "Careful with that lettuce", "Leave plenty of room in between" "Put that broken egg shell round the plants to stop the slugs from eating them" "Mum's coming for dinner", "Don't forget to plant french marigolds in your salad plot to deter blackfly". So rapid were her orders and statements of fact that I hardly noticed the 'Mum's coming for dinner' information, strategically placed in her stream of conversation like a well camouflaged hideout. It's a skill women have developed over many years and one that is a standard in their armoury of womanly wiles.

Lucy's Mum has one of those ride along invalid buggies. She doesn't have mobility problems but loves the fact that she can be a public nuisance whenever she wants. Her imminent arrival is always heralded by the sound of pedestrians swearing as she careers down the pavement.
'Born to be an Interfering Sod' tattooed across her forehead, she ploughs through them uttering her high pitched war cry, "Cooooo EEeeeeee" that makes her sound like a black country red neck at a pig roast.


Nonetheless, she keeps Lucy happy and we all sit in a corner of the garden with a mug of tea. It's at this point that I realise that I am totally invisible, "Have you told him about marigolds" "Have you told him to do this....that...the other....". I sneak a look at the window to check if my reflection is still there, yep, I start to rise and walk down the path "Where are you going?, Mum's talking to you!" "He never listens to me Lucy" says Hildergard the Horrible, whisps of green smoke now curling up from her scaly nostrils. "Gotta do the Blog, I'm behind schedule" - so here I am in the safety and sanity of the Bloggery watching volcanic ash pile up on top of her head.

I'D LOVE A NICE RED ORGAN
Sounds like a phrase you might have heard in the back of many a van but of course I'm referring to the mighty VOX Continental. This piece of equipment enhanced the sound of popular music in the early to mid sixties. Keyboards were a great thing to have in a band but unless the venue you were playing at had a piano on stage you were sunk.
In Brum the electric organ first started with bands like Johnny Neal and the Starliners in the very capable hands of Ian 'Monk" Mutch and were huge cumbersome things built by Bird that had speakers built-in to the organ's sides. They kind of resembled an overstuffed armchair and needed an army of blokes to shift them about.

When VOX launched their truly portable organ in 1962 they were riding on the soundwave of success that the Selmer Clavioline had given to the worldwide instrumental hit 'Telstar' by the Tornadoes that year, it had also been used prior to that on Del Shannons 1961 hit 'Runaway'.
On a BRUMBEAT note, the clavioline was used by geeky Brum band, Second City Sound during 65/66 who recorded upbeat classical music instrumentals, Tchaikovsky One being their best known recording.







The Vox Continental's reedy and bluesy sound suited pop and R&B music down to the ground and most importantly it could fit in the back of a van and be carried up flights of stairs without giving the whole band a joint hernia! Unlike other organs it didn't have a built-in or attached speaker, it could simply be plugged into any amplifier. Even today this is quite a stylish piece of kit, it's 'Z' shape chrome stand was a nice aesthetic feature and enhanced its modernistic red and black colour scheme ('color' for you north americans). VOX had cleverly also reversed the key colours with the white keys now black and vice versa. Fully transistorised meant no broken valves to deal with unlike the Hammond Organ

After it's launch it seemed that every band had one of these things, particularly after the Animals 'House of the Rising Sun' was such a success featuring Alan Price's astounding solo. Farfisa produced a portable organ too which did an equally good job but was ugly compared to the VOX, so it's easy to see why the Continental was the first choice. The sound of The Doors was down to this instrument too.

In the Brumbeat days, Birmingham's Jimmy O'Neil was probably the best organist around for some time and could make his VOX sing, he used it to good effect as the fourth member of the Walker Brothers to play the orchestrations to their hits, before they had the luxury of a touring band to back them. These days of course a good keyboard can emulate most other instruments but I don't believe that emulation is a replacement for a great looking and wonderful sounding piece of kit like this. I am only amateurish as a keyboard player but would genuinely like to own one of these. Are you listening Santa!!

THE CHADS. John has been busying himself at his end of the office and has just completed a brilliant updated bio of The Chads. This can be accessed via the Pie Stand or the Bio pages. This 'special' bio is dedicated to the memory of Mick Adkins and, for the first time at BRUMBEAT.Net, you can now listen to a soundclip of Mick chatting and the band in action.

BOB'S BITS. Thanks to everyone for your correspondence, it's an important asset to the running of this site because there's no story without you guys. It doesn't matter if you weren't successful. Every group that played in the midlands during that phase in the 60's was a contributor to the scene, so if you feel you have something to say or you have a nice photo you'd like to see in print, the door is always open and you can make contact at the address at the end of this blog.

WORLD CUP NEWS. Wayne Bridge has said that he will never play football for England again as long as John Terry is in the squad, following the scandal surrounding Terry's affair with Bridges girlfriend. England fans are hoping Terry makes a move on Emile Heskeys wife soon!!

ELECTION FEVER HITS SEDGETREE.

Well I don't know about you guys, but I'm stuck between which bunch of thieving, corrupt, self serving, irresponsible tossers to put in charge of the country next. Tony Blair ran off to the middle east to hide before the shit hit the fan, with his puppy face antics and his dodgy property-dealing, 'ball juggling' wife. "Who Me?" "Iraq War? Definitely no deceit". To make himself look better he put Gordon Brown in charge of the shop - "There will be no Boom and Bust under Labour" said Big Gord ??
Reports are coming in that the WAMPS (Wives and Mistresses of Politicians) are holding a 'Shag In' to raise a few quid for John Prescott's pie allowance during the election campaign and Harriet Harperson is starting a "Be Nice to Men Fortnight", unfortunately though, owing to the pressure of electioneering to her feminist fanclub, she has 'regrettably' had to reduce that to 3 minutes. No surprises there then from the Equality Minister!!

On a local note I and the Boogie Band have been playing some fund raising gigs for Sedgetree's Independent choice, Mrs Gertrude Silent-Fart MBE, "GO Gertie, GO Gertie.......". (Note): Mrs G S-F MBE is sponsored by "Bobs Pork Sausages and Black Puddings, truly the Black Country's Best, Go on, Get one down yer Gob"

Bob
copyright Bullsheadbob.
E Mail Contact Bobsbullocks@gmail.com

APRIL - GIGGING AT THE WING WAH?

Watcha Brummies, Ow yer Gooin',

Hooray, Spring has sprung!! Oh the sun, aint it bostin', I can feel the vitamin D coursing its way through my delapidated frame making me feel like a frisky young thing again.
Spring in the Black Country, kind of evocative. Sedgetree experiences the aroma of the local glue factory mixed in with the background sounds of the council road works going on, priceless British pleasure. Giggin at the Wing Wah? well thats the name of the Chinese restaurant that used to be the Hen and Chickens, Langley, on the Wolverhampton Road. Normal gig for all the Brumbeat bands. When The Overlanders were at No 1 in the charts with 'Michelle' they played there for ten quid owing to bad management in not negotiating a contract that covered the likelihood of them entering the charts.

ACOUSTIC BLUE
Acoustic Blue, who I mentioned a couple of months back, appear to be getting a string of gigs together and last month played at a whole load of places, unfortunately I wasn't aware of the dates but if you fancy a gander at this blues orientated duo they will playing at The Boat Inn, Cathriene de Barnes, Solihull on 4th of April 8.30 -10.30. So why not go along, support live music but more importantly support the survivors of Brumbeat.

HOORAY IT'S OLD KIT!!
HARMONY.
The Harmony H75 to 78. Harmony were once the biggest guitar maker in the world and produced many a model but the H75 to 78 model was their flagship instrument. Twin cutaway Gibson 335 style guitar finished in a nice natural honey sunburst (H75) - the H76 was identical but had a Bigsby trem arm. This was followed by the H77, the only difference from the 75/76 being the colour - red sunburst with the H78 having the Bigsby. OK, the fact is, it's not a Gibson and doesn't have powerful pick ups but it sounded just beautiful and mellow and was probably one of the best guitars for a good rythm sound that I ever came across, there were lots of buttons and bells to hone the type of sound you wanted from it. This guitar was extremely light and comfortable to play
In America you could even buy it in Kit form with the guitar body itself prebuilt and you did the rest, mounting the pick ups, tremeloe etc. For some reason this make of guitar never really got the sort of credit I believe it deserved as an all rounder. These days, if you see one for sale, buy it my friend, it's the guitar to have. I can think of three Brummie bands who used this here geetar'. Another BRUMBEAT band who also used it were The Fugitives pictured below.

Thanks to John Parish (second left) for sending me yet another great photo. The Fugitives were from the Solihull area, formed during 67/68 and played many a gig at the Solihull Civic Hall even once supporting Gene Vincent. They were also a band that worked for Ma Regan. Sporting their tailor made suits from Jacksons at 12 quid each they must have looked the Biz on stage. This picture tells a story or two, though you may not think so at first glance. There were two more members of the group who were not in the shot!! the other two being a guy and girl singers. It makes you wonder, why take a photo without them? Well I'm sure there was a perfectly reasonable answer to that. The photographer did the usual trick of glueing them all together in that well practiced group pose.

This picture also belies a certain resentment of one member within the group to conform. Close examination reveals that they had great gear and wore nice suits but there was obviously some disagreement about the suede winklepickers (that could have had your eye out). A closer look reveals that the guy at the back, I imagine the drummer, was making his own statement by wearing black chisel toes. There's always one!!

BULLS HEAD BOB SEAL OF APPROVAL - AND THE WINNER IS:

Outside of the Gang of Four at the pub, I have a couple of friends who I speak to regularly about music and through conversation, give me food for projects. One who was a key player in the Brumbeat days and knows everybody, the other, a likeable music guru who lives on the edge of a forest and shall be known as The Skiffle King. It was he who asked me what I thought about the Bob Dylan Theme Time Radio Hour, broadcast by XM Satellite in the States and good old Blighty by Radio 6. "Are you bonkers?" I asked, "Bob Dylan DJ-ing!!, Do me a favour". Well he did me a favour and now I'm going to do one for you.

I have not been so impressed by a radio programme for years and years. I have been glued to the contents of this radio show and really recommend it for you guys out there, if you haven't heard it already. It's a real gem and the show revolves around a theme every week i.e. Girls Names, Cars etc.. featuring some incredible tracks from way back until today.

Dylan himself entertains between tracks with an engaging and informative air that has you fascinated with this archive of music history. He is often comical and of course his own knowledge of the music business is to the fore. The show aired from 2006 to 2009 and features 100 hour-long shows. This is a serious collection of music that, for those who love the music business, should listen to. The stories of how some of these songs were written are eye opening and there is no doubt that this show has the BHB Seal of Approval. Listen Now!!! Should you not be able to find this anywhere contact me at the usual address and I will assist.

AND FINALLY.....
Ricky Martin announces he's Gay. I never would have known arf, arf.

I'm sure that, like me, you have been reading the papers which feature the sex scandal surrounding the Catholic Church. Not amusing in any sense but I would have thought the Editor of The TIMES would have thought twice before giving the 'by line' of the story to reporter "Roger Boyes??"

It's coming up to Easter so buy an extra bit of chocolate for the lady in your life. Lucy is getting my donation first thing Easter Sunday, back ache permitting!!

Tara a bit,

Bob
copyright Bullsheadbob. contact Bobsbullocks@gmail.com

MARCH - NOBBER FREAKS OUT

Hello Brummies and Overseas Contingent,

So then, February came and went in a trice. St Valentines Day was it's normal occasion, I was swamped, naturally, with card from my horde of admirer, the lovely Lucy. I went down the pub and chatted with the other members of The Gang of Four, Nobber, Crazy Malc and Mick the Plumber about the sad state of the music industry. The rumours of Abbey Road being sold and EMI being a billion pounds in debt brought the normal raft of swearing from Nobber, "F****** downloads have F****** F***** the F****** buisness and all those corporate soul-less F****** B******* like that F****** S***** T*** S**** C***** are responsible and should be deported to some distant S*** Hole".

Personally, I think Nobber is still smarting a bit at not getting a writers job with NME. He constantly fails to believe that his limited F****** vocabulary could be a factor. Added to that is the fact that he is older than 14, doesn't have a Daddy in the City, lacks the child-like mental age of the current writers and worst of all - he is extremely knowledgable about music, a factor which dramatically precluded his selection.

THE BRITS
HIGHLIGHT:

Alicia Keys singing a few notes with Jay Z, the quality and class just oozed from that woman, a true, wonderful vocalist. No gimmicks required.



LOWLIGHT:
Meanwhile, at the gimmick end of the stick was Cheryl Cole's corporate performance. So that's how you do it? Steal Kylie Minogues fashion ideas, the hat from my milkman Stanley, then steal Michael Jackson's trapdoor stage entrance AND dance routines.

The thing is this, when M Jackson made his sprung-trapdoor entrance onto the stage, the crowd went crazy and he stood there motionless, for what seemed an eternity whilst the fans roared their approval, why? because he was a huge star with incredible charisma. When Miss Cole was fired into the air for her entrance, the audience response was more akin to the sound experienced when entering a doctors waiting room - silence with the occasional throat clearing.

It was one of those 'verging on the embarrassing' moments as she stood there waiting for the silence to die down!

Aah, what an individual talent she doesn't have. Never mind Pet, and it's such a pity that the music was crap too.

DAVE BALL
Well here's some hot poop. Brumbeat guitarist Dave Ball is planning a return to the UK from the shores of New Zealand and surprisingly, wishes to return to the life of pain, hardship and misery as a musician! Some people never learn do they?




Dave having a blues snooze!

Watch this space for further news.





YOU GET THE BIGGEST CRABS IN BIRMINGHAM
Or so it would appear from a recent picture in the Birmingham Press:

"It started with a little bit of itching in the Y Front area" said Norman Polethruster.

SPOILED FOR CHOICE. It's a real minefield trying to buy a set of guitar strings these days. I feel quite intimidated when faced with about twenty different Makes of string and even more choices about weight and thickness etc.. I was much happier when there was only one choice:

For the un-initiated, Black Diamond strings were the mainstay of British guitarists and bass players for some years in the sixties. Why? - well, there weren't any other wire wound strings available, its that simple. They came in one thickness - very thick!!

With the advent of the Beat Boom, guitarists found it better to dump the G string provided with the set, using the second string as a third, the first as a second and then you purchased a Banjo string for the top E or in my case, at times, used two E's. Bending of notes was so much easier from then on.

There was a country song written about them too by Guy Clark "Black Diamond Strings are like white flour and grits, you buy Black Diamond strings cos' they're all you can git"

AND FINALLY....
Remember The Bobcats? A group of Brummie schoolboys who were genuinely, a good little band and recorded a single for Pye. They also experienced a level of fame that many groups would never achieve, for a short while. They appeared on TV programmes like Blue Peter, Crackerjack and even David Frost. They were managed by John Singer who promoted a publicity campaign headline stating that they had been given a contract "worth Twenty Thousand Pounds!" - who to? I thought. I know its bad to laugh at your own jokes but I laughed about that one for ages! Some members of that band are still playing....good on you guys.

Bob

Copyright: Bullsheadbob. Contact: Bobsbullocks@gmail.com

FEBRUARY - LOWER THE JOLLY ROGER

Hello Brummies,

MICK GREEN - THE PIRATES
My very first guitar hero has sadly taken his leave of us. As a young guitarist, Mick Green was my inspiration as an attacking guitarist, his style of playing was agressive and effective and I always associate the Telecaster with that man, more than anyone else.

He had been reared as a professional guitarist backing that brilliant showman Johnny Kidd (Shakin' all Over) and to have had him as a theatrical inspiration showed because he was no slouch himself when it came to giving his 'all' on stage during performances when The Pirates reformed in the 70's, to carry on with their attacking style of play.

With those machine-gun like, stabs and chops of telecaster treble, punctuating The Pirates solid rythm section, they blasted through a high energy set to huge crowds who were eager to experience what the beat group phase was all about.

I was fortunate enough to have worked on the same bill with him on a couple of occasions, also when he was with The Dakotas and was backing Billy Fury. The first time we met we were sharing a dressing room, he must have seen my chin hit the floor as I walked in and saw him there - I was face to face with my personal guitar hero. Luckily for me, at that time, I was playing a Gibson TV (pictured in Micks hands)which used to be his guitar of choice whilst in The Pirates so we had a real starting point for a couple of nice conversations. I found him to be extremely generous with his time and advice.

Mick Green was a truly wonderful guitarist and had worked with everybody of importance, including Van Morrison, Bryan Ferry and had latterly featured with Paul McCartney, recording the excellent CD "Run Devil Run" where he was in the line up of McCartney's band alsongside rock hero's David Gilmour and Ian Paice. Mick Green was not out of place in that company, in fact I think David Gilmour would have been daunted by him. This CD of R&R covers took him back to where he really excelled, playing hard Rock and Roll whilst Gilmour almost floundered about noodling.

For me, he will always be the guitarist for The Pirates. Aggresive and inventive. I'm sure that Wilco Johnson and Jimmy Page have a lot to thank him for. A great loss at the age of 65, so Ladies and Gentlemen...a round of applause for our dear departed King of Beat Guitar, the beautiful Mick Green.

BURNS GUITARS. You know, young musicians of the early sixties were always regarded as foolish layabouts by the general public. Electric guitars were seen as a 'fad' that would disappear when the next generation of instruments came along. A click on the following link Burns Guitar 'short' shows quite funnily how pop musicians were regarded http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mls08C1ukHM

ACOUSTIC BLUE
A couple of months back I mentioned The Chads and, like magic, a real live 'Chad' emerged in the form of Keith 'Noddy' Harrison, the Chads ex drummer. Noddy had been attending the funeral of Mick Adkins (Chads and Sundowners) and whilst there got into conversation with guitarist and music afficionado Bob Boden. Well you know what musicians are like, a short conversation led to a further meeting for a drink where a 'get together' was arranged just to play a couple of songs in pleasant, likeminded company.

It took no more than that session to convince both of them that there was a possibility to play together as an act and so Acoustic Blue was born. The duo decided to feature the music of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Clapton, Chris Rea, Gary Moore, Lightnin Hopkins, Dylan etc... as well as some of their own compositions.

Bob Boden had been a folkie for some years but had leanings towards the blues and Noddy had experienced playing all those blues standard, but faster, with The Chads during the R&B phase that swept the nation in the mid sixties. "We seemed to click straight away and it felt natural to get back to playing" said Noddy. They decided to go 'acoustic' with Bob on guitar and Noddy employing Bongos and Tom Toms and also blowing the blues harp.

I remember very well as a really young kid of about fourteen trying to wangle my way into little jazz/blues clubs in the inner city. A lot of the times I had to listen to the music from outside because I would be refused entry owing to my age, occasionally however, I could sneak in when the bouncer went to the toilet or to attend a fight. I saw many of the early blues hero's in those smoky, hot places and was captivated by the sheer rawness and emotion of the performances they delivered.

I believe there is nothing better than purity in music. There are times when technology should be scrapped with it's homogenous and lifeless backing track sound. This outfit's aim is to produce that purity in an acoustic form. They have done a string of successful gigs so if you're in the market for a bit of natural sounding blues music keep a lookout for any of their future performances. Acoustic Blue can be contacted at: kharrisonchaduk@yahoo.co.uk

It's great to see that some of us are still performing the sort of stuff that we excelled at and I wish Acoustic Blue a good future.

HERE'S A NICE PICTURE... THE VICTORS. I publish the attached photo for no other reason than I really like it. Thanks to Ken Reeves for sending me this little gem(pictured on the right). The Victors were formed to back the late Nicky James but Nicky James being Nicky James meant that it was all a fools errand. Nonetheless, the band carried on, on their own.

It's so evocative of the time and fashion. Nice pair of Gibsons there too. I simply LOVE this....Great facial expressions. I'd like to see other photos of your bands if you have them available. Sorry, I can't visit your homes to see them so, if you have a scanner available...

MUST SEE MOVIE

...the cone of shame!! If you only get to see one movie this year at the cinema make sure its 'UP' by Disney (Pixar). It's incredibly funny, full of pathos and its also in amazing 3D!! Even better if you are into herbal 'jazz'.

Hi Luanne.

OK folks thats about all from me this month except to wish all the Villa fans the greatest success at WEMBERLEY for the Carling Cup but please get behind the team AND the absolute best Manager they've had in Martin O'Neill. UTV...

Bob

copyright: (BullsheadBob) Contact: Bobsbullocks@gmail.com

JANUARY - BOB PHOTOGRAPHED!!

Hi de Ho Brummies,

CHRISTMAS SALE MADNESS!!
Aren't the Winter Sales something to look forward to? Idiots elbowing their way through the crowds of normal, everyday people like me just to get socks with 20 percent knocked off. I'm starting a 'Sales Armour' business next year and plan to have, fashion co-ordinated Cricket Boxes, Carbon Fibre Boob protecters and a wide ranging variety of 'Fetching' helmets. Can't fail?? The one thing I do like about the Sales however is, that its the only time you can see groups of women fighting with each other over a pair of cheap knickers without having to go to a porn site!

This year, I got gifts from my loved ones that I actually wanted. I think they all thought I was going to peg out when I was hospitalised so I didn't get those normal 'Dad' gifts - you know, the sort of things that I mean, knee scratchers or musical ties!! I can almost feel someone out there thinking quizzically "Hang on Bob, that's what I got this year?".

BOB PHOTOGRAPHED??
Wow!! we've had oodles of snow which naturally, not everyone likes, but seems to make Christmas that little bit more festive. My daughter and I even found time to play out in the snow blissfully unaware that the long lens, Black Country papparazzi were watching, trying to grab an opportunity to expose my identity. Fortunately I was wearing my 'shades man'. The following photographs however appeared in the Sedgetree Gazette....

This was taken following Christmas dinner, Skippy attends me with sick bag at the ready.
The Gazette also must have been at work with the airbrush, removing my glasses, because they released the following close-up photograph.. skin colour correct, dripping red nose correct, my eyes however are a romantic shade of hazel - phew identity intact.....

BUDDY HOLLY MUST HAVE INVENTED FEEDBACK!!

In the early Fifties Rock music started to rear its ugly head above the parapet of decency and moral correctness. Its hard to believe, these days, that something so innocent could have caused such a commotion and indignation to some people. Below is a Buddy Holly review that I stumbled upon whilst meandering through the cyber world of Rock oddities - this is not made up by me (like the rest of my inane ramblings). The Gang of Four at the pub were in tears when I read them this:

"Artistry has been kicked out of the stage door and performers who can provide ephemeral thrills are taking its place. Audiences are in search of the momentary gimmick, of which they tire whenever another novelty is introduced. At least it would seem so (writes Peter Holdsworth) from the fanatical reception given to a screeching guitar player and his two colleagues when they headed the bill at Bradford last night. They were American Buddy Holly and the Crickets. Unless they had previously read the lyrics or heard them sung by an articulate vocalist, I would have defied anyone in the audience to tell me what 70 per cent of the words which issued from the lips of this foot-stamping, knee falling musician. Where on earth is show business heading? The tragedy often is that many of the performers, like the trio last night, have a basic talent which they distort in order to win an audience's favour. On an elaborate display board at the Gaumont announcing a forthcoming musical contest, is fixed a washboard. What a pitiful symbol it is of present-day entertainment. Like its worshippers, it would be better employed in the dolly-tub!"

OK, you folks. I would like to say many thanks to all those who have sent me their Christmas and New Year greetings and in return, here's wishing you all a prosperous, warm and peaceful New Year and "Tune in again next month folks for more hilarious, rip roaring, side splitting humour from your man on the street"

Bob

Copyright BullsHeadBob. contact Bobsbullocks@Gmail.com