Bill Ford, who played bass guitar in The Senators, remembers those early days of the 1960s well and has kindly supplied this biography of the band as told in his own words. I am grateful to Bill for allowing me to present The Senators story here for the very first time and exclusive to the Brumbeat.net web site. Click HERE or go to their listing on the BrumBeat.net MAIN INDEX.

THE BEATLES, HENDRIX, and ENGELBERT in Birmingham

LEGENDS ON TOUR - The Pop Package Tours of The 1960s

The Rockin' Berries front man Clive Lea and Cindy Kent of The Settlers are among 21 of the 1960s stars who share their memories with Martin Creasy in his new book "Legends On Tour - The Pop Package Tours of The 1960s". The book follows seven tours between 1965 and the end of 1967, featuring some of the biggest names on both sides of the Atlantic. There is a separate section dealing with the six pop package tours of The Beatles, including their five tour appearances in Birmingham, at The Hippodrome, the Town Hall and at The Odeon.

The Rockin' Berries were featured on Engelbert Humperdinck's winter 1967 tour and famously took over as top of the bill at the Portsmouth Guildhall when the velvet voiced one's vocal chords finally gave out. The Berries' mix of music and comedy went down well on the tour and they made new friends and secured some high prestige work.

Clive Lea told the author: "I remember Engelbert's voice going on that tour. Anita Harris was asked to top the bill, but she wouldn't so we were asked to do it. We just extended our act, with more of the comedy, and it was an outstanding success. I don't think anyone asked for their money back. In fact, the story made the nationals and we ended up playing the Royal Command Performance that year, so that's an indication of how well it went." Legends tells the complete story of the tour, backed up by some never before seen pictures of the Berries relaxing in their dressing room and singing on stage, and there are also two shots of their hilarious knock-about custard pie excesses.

The Settlers were on the bill for Roy Orbison's spring 1967 tour that also included mod heroes The Small Faces and those scream idol twins Paul and Barry Ryan. Along with Roy, The Settlers enjoyed being heard during their sets, with respectful applause at the end of their numbers, while Faces and Paul and Barry's fans went for non-stop screaming while their favourites were on stage. The Settlers met while at college in Birmingham and they received warm applause when the tour hit Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Their new single On The Other Side went down particularly well, according to the Express and Star.

The tour had got off to a distressing start for The Settlers when a sneak thief got into their dressing room at the Finsbury Park Astoria and stole their money. Cindy Kent said: "The thing is, we didn't have much money and the cash that was stolen was meant to pay for our digs and tour expenses. I can't remember how much it was, but it was a lot to us. Backstage at the Astoria was like a rabbit warren, with numerous stairways. As soon as Steve Marriott heard what had happened, he organised a collection from the other performers. It was very sweet of him and it saved the day for us."

The Beatles section of the book includes references to their five Birmingham appearances on package tours. The first, on Sunday March 10, 1963, at The Hippodrome was on a tour with Americans Chris Montez and Tommy Roe. The screaming had already started, but by the time they returned to the city that summer their fame was spreading. That summer show also featured their Merseyside chart rivals Gerry and The Pacemakers. However, it was Roy Orbison who had the honour of topping the bill. "Well at least that was the case at the start of the tour," said Legends author Creasy. "However, by the time the show reached the town hall on Tuesday June 4, 1963, The Beatles were closing the show, and the programmes had been reprinted with their name, in glorious red lettering, over Orbison's.

"The Beatles' set list for that Orbison tour included their Cavern favourite Some Other Guy, plus five tracks from their debut LP - namely Do You Want To Know A Secret, Love Me Do, Please Please Me, I Saw Her Standing There and Twist And Shout. They also featured, of course, their current number one, From Me To You." The other bonus, according to Creasy, is that those lucky Birmingham fans would have seen the group at their most enthusiastic. "Although the boys were already getting rapturous receptions up and down the country, the screaming hadn't got out of hand yet. Those town hall fans would actually have heard The Beatles!"

The Fabs returned for another Hippodrome show on Sunday, November 10, 1963, as the headline act. By now Beatlemania was in full flow. She Loves You had already topped the charts and was about to make an unprecedented return to Number One. And it was only tipped off top spot by their next single I Want To Hold Your Hand. By this time the Fabs were being smuggled in and out of venues, with decoy cars used to try to throw the waiting baying girls off the scent.

It was almost a full year before The Beatles toured the UK again. It included their customary visit to Birmingham - appearing at the Odeon, on Sunday October 11, 1964. They were supported by Mary Wells, fresh off her summer success with My Guy. The Beatles made their final appearance in Birmingham at the Odeon on Thursday December 9, 1965, on a tour which included The Moody Blues.

THE BEATLES DATES IN BIRMINGHAM: Sunday, March 10 1963: Hippodrome Theatre with Montez and Roe. Tuesday June 4, 1963: Town hall with Roy Orbison and Gerry and the Pacemakers. Sunday November 10, 1963: Beatles top the bill at the Hippodrome with The Kestrels, Peter Jay, Vernons girls etc. Sunday October 11, 1964: At the Odeon with Mary Wells. Thursday December 9, 1965: Odeon with Moody Blues, The Paramounts and The Koobas.

OTHER LEGENDS TOURS: Monday March 1, 1965: Del Shannon tour plays the town hall. Saturday February 18, 1967: Gene Pitney and The Troggs at the Odeon. Wednesday March 8, 1967: Roy Orbison, Small Faces, The Ryan Brothers at The Odeon. (Roy made time to look around the BSA factory in Birmingham to admire motorbikes before the show). Thursday, April 2, 1967: The Walkers, Jimi Cat and Engelbert Humperdinck play The Odeon. Saturday November 18, 1967: Engelbert with The Rockin' Berries at The Odeon.

Legends features more than 100 photographs that have never been seen before - many unearthed from newspaper archives. "It's very much been a labour of love for me," said Creasy, a journalist who lives in Church Crookham, Hampshire. "Five of the seven other tours spotlighted by Legends included shows in Birmingham, featuring such greats as Del Shannon, Hermans Hermits, The Troggs, Gene Pitney, The Small Faces and Roy Orbison. "There was also the unforgettable line-up that featured The Walker Brothers, Cat Stevens, The Jimi Hendrix Experience... and Engelbert Humperdinck! Yes, it happened, and they played a date at the Birmingham Odeon on Thursday, April 2, 1967."

Many thanks to Martin Creasy for permission to show the above passages from his book. Legends On Tour - The Pop Package Tours of The 1960s, is available from Waterstones (and other good book shops) and widely on the internet. The ISBN number is 978-0-7524-4275-4.

More information is available on Martin's website at: www.martincreasy.co.uk

Where did OZZY go to work?

Do you remember going to the wonderful old Birmingham Museum of Science & Industry located on Newhall Street in downtown Brum? I used to spend many fascinating hours there exploring the halls and exhibits - everything from working steam engines to motorbikes and loads of old industrial equipment and electronics (including musical instruments), much of it made in Birmingham - and it was FREE admission too!

A dedicated group has been formed to promote Birmingham's industrial heritage and hopefully make more of the old museum's fantastic collection available to the public. MADE IN BIRMINGHAM - Birmingham's Industrial History Website, provides information about the once-thriving factories and businesses of which most are only a memory today. If you can think of anything, it was probably made in Birmingham at one time or another and it's little surprise that products from Birmingham and the West Midlands found their way to all parts of the world. Many of the future Brum Beat stars also had day-jobs working in the local factories. Even Ozzy Osbourne used to work at a factory that made car parts!

The MADE IN BIRMINGHAM web site is operated by Jon Price and he would be happy to hear from anyone who would like to contribute information concerning Birmingham's industrial past. You can subscribe to the site's free newsletter and participate in discussions that may be of interest to you. There's also lots of links there to other related websites.

You can visit the MADE IN BIRMINGHAM website at: www.madeinbirmingham.org

Rod Allen of The Fortunes 1944-2008

Sad news for music fans regarding The Fortunes vocalist and founding member Rodney Bainbridge (Rod Allen) who passed away on January 10, of 2008. Rod's famous voice was known throughout the world as lead singer of The Fortunes, one of Birmingham's most enduring pop music groups.

Rod Allen will be forever remembered for his magnificent and melodic singing voice that made The Fortunes records so instantly recognizable. The band's breakthrough recording of "You've Got Your Troubles" in 1965, propelled The Fortunes to international success which they shared along with other Brum groups at that time such as The Moody Blues and the Spencer Davis Group. As well as subsequent big hits including "Here It Comes Again", "Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling" and "Freedom Come Freedom Go", the Fortunes recorded "It's The Real Thing" Coca-Cola commercial title-track; surely one of the most recognizable advertising jingles of all time.

It is not only as a great singer but also as a great bass guitarist that Rod Allen should be remembered for. His fluent use of the instrument on stage while fronting the band and in the recording studio was always something to be admired. The sudden loss of Rod Allen comes as a particular shock as he was only diagnosed with cancer just a few months before his death. Rod had enjoyed good health up to that time and performed with The Fortunes regularly - as he had done for the last five decades.

My deepest sympathy goes out to Rod Allen's family and friends. His memory will live on in the many fine recordings he has made with The Fortunes. You can leave a personal tribute to Rod on the book of condolences at the official Fortunes web site at: www.thefortunes.co.uk

KEX GORIN - a tribute

It is with regret that I post this sad news of yet another BrumBeat veteran who passed away recently. Kevin "Kex" Gorin who played drums in a number of Birmingham groups during the 1960s and beyond, succumbed to cancer at the end of December 2007. Kex had many friends in "the business" and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

One of Kex Gorin's earliest bands was The Andicaps from Shard End who are known as the first group formed by Jeff Lynne long before he went on to world-wide success with E.L.O. Kex did quite a lot of touring with The Andicaps and this included time spent in both Germany and Finland. Kex also played in a local band called "Paradox" before becoming a founding member of the acclaimed Birmingham rock group "Magnum" with whom he recorded their first four albums. It is his masterful drum-work with Magnum that Kex will likely be most remembered for.

I would like to express my deep sympathy with Kex's family and friends during this difficult time. John Kerton of JLP Events was Kex Gorin's former band-mate in the Andicaps and a life-long friend. John last saw Kex in hospital just before he passed on. He includes a touching tribute to Kex as follows:

"We met as kids and had a dream..."

The official web site for Magnum can be accessed at www.magnumonline.co.uk

Alan "Bugsy" Eastwood remembered

There are many BrumBeat musicians who will be saddened by the recent news of Alan "Bugsy" Eastwood who passed away suddenly on October 25, 2007. Bugsy was very active in the 1960s local music scene as drummer/vocalist for The Brumbeats and The Exception, both significant groups at the time.

Alan Eastwood was well known as a great drummer but his talents extended to singing and also songwriting at which he was prolific. Alan Eastwood joined The Brumbeats (formerly The Plazents) who were signed to a Decca recording contract in 1964. The band also recorded under the name "The Merseyboys" and had a now rare album of Beatles songs released on the famous Vee-Jay label in the U.S.A. As a member of The Brumbeats, Alan first tasted fame when the band played support for and appeared on the same bill as The Beatles when they performed in Birmingham.

Alan went on to form his own blues-based trio called The Exception with former Brumbeats guitarist Roger Hill and bassist Dave Pegg (later to join Fairport Convention). The Exception was very much Alan's band as he wrote their original material and sang the lead vocals as well as playing harmonica - not the easiest job on stage as he also played drums at the same time! The group had an album and several good singles released on the President Records label including "The Eagle Flies On Friday", "Rub It Down", and "Tailor Made Babe". Alan also had his own solo single "Blackbird Charlie" released on President in 1968.

Alan Eastwood continued to work in the music business and spent his later years in London where he lived until his death from heart failure. He never really got the recognition he deserved but was a talented musician who was well respected in the local music community. My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends.

Louise Lane who's uncle was Alan Eastwood has some fond memories of him: "Uncle Alan was not just a talented musician - he was also a good listener, giving advice, guidance and support to AA members and helping out with various charities within his community, including helping the homeless in the soup kitchen. From my own memories of Alan, I recall his upbeat energy and sense of humour and of course he just loved to sing and play his guitar to the family. He was an entertainer as well as a kind hearted man".

The Brumbeats lead vocalist Graham Ashford "Bobby Ash" has sent a touching tribute to Bugsy as follows:

"I was very saddened by the news of Alan Eastwood's passing. I have only good memories of him, he was one of the good guys I knew in the Birmingham music scene. I enjoyed the time we spent together in the Brumbeats. He was a great drummer to play with and was a big part of the Brumbeats sound."

I remember days when we were younger,
we used to laugh and sing the whole night long,
Someday I will greet you as I find you,
with the sharing of a brand new song.

Graham Ashford.

Malcolm Garner of The Exception has also sent a tribute as follows:

The eagle flies on Friday, he ain't comin' back no more,
Bugsy's left us for ever, a drummer, a singer and more.
Jack rabbit he called himself, bum's puzzle's where he belonged,
I found my tailor made babe, while Bugsy sang that very song.
Karen train blues 'n' Pendulum, brought him no money, no fame,
woman of the green lantern - have you heard of Mrs Cocaine?
Bugsy was a friend of mine, haven't seen him for ages,
our band was called Exception, played rock and blues on lots of stages.
The eagle flies on Friday, he ain't comin' back no more,
may Bugsy's soul rest in peace, his friends won't forget him at all.

Malcolm Garner.

If anyone would like to help in writing an official biography of The Exception to go on the BrumBeat.net web site, please e-mail john@brumbeat.net

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Nicky James 1943-2007

Brum Beat personality Nicky James passed away on October 15, 2007 at age 64. Nicky was a major talent in the developing West Midlands music scene during the 1960s and his involvement with local groups included line-ups who became The Moody Blues.

Born as Michael Nicholls and raised in Tipton, Nicky James established a reputation early on as a dynamic and talented vocalist who fronted a number of bands before joining Denny Laine and The Diplomats in 1962. Nicky's ability to look and sound like Elvis attracted much attention at the time but his true potential was soon recognized by Pye Records who signed him up to become one of the first solo recording artists from the Birmingham area. One of his later groups The Way Of Life included future Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham.

It was really Nicky James talent as a songwriter that gained him the most recognition as his writing partnerships included such names as Allan Clarke of The Hollies, Graham Nash, and members of the Moody Blues with whom he recorded on their solo albums. Nicky also worked as a talent scout for Dick James Music publishers, signing up Bernie Taupin and Elton John amongst a number of other soon-to-be well known names. Nicky continued to make records of his own over the years including two albums released on the Moodies own Threshold Records label.

Always known for his colourful personality, Nicky James was featured recently on the excellent Moody Blues Classic Artists DVD set where he described in some detail his early days in the Brum music scene. Unfortunately, Nicky had suffered with a brain tumor during the last year of his life. My sincere condolences go out to Nicky's family and friends.

For more information about Nicky James, visit his official web site at www.nickyjamesmusic.com

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SIX OF THE BEST - DAVE MORGAN of E.L.O.

Local Brum Beat star Dave Morgan recalls his induction into one of Birmingham's biggest groups - The Electric Light Orchestra (E.L.O.) as the band prepares for and undertakes a tour of America during the 1980s.

This latest "Six of The Best" feature is exclusive to BrumBeat.net and includes excerpts from Dave's forthcoming book which is planned to be published in the near future. You can now see Dave Morgan's story by clicking HERE or view all the previous Six of The Best features by clicking on SIX OF THE BEST

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THE MOVE - Live reunion gig review!

The 40th anniversary of the legendary Brum group The Move was celebrated recently by their reunion gig at the Barfly Pub in Birmingham. This significant event was the first official "reunion" of the band since their transformation into The Electric Light Orchestra (E.L.O.) during the early 1970s.

The Move were never strangers to controversy in their 1960s heyday as proven by their often violent stage antics, libeling the Prime Minister, and on-stage blow-ups amongst the various group members. This re-union has become controversial in its own right due to the group's original mainspring Roy Wood having publicly denounced the current line-up as "just a tribute band" (and worse!) While the band's fan base may also be split in their opinions concerning the reunion, the good or bad publicity generated may only help boost sales of the group's recently re-mastered catalogue of brilliant 1960s recordings (see Face The Music at www.ftmusic.com the official E.L.O. information service).

Move drummer Bev Bevan had initially toured with his own band as "Bev Bevan's Move". Prior to that, plans were discussed for a reunion of the original line-up but sadly, that never happened as their lead vocalist Carl Wayne passed away in 2004. Vocalist/guitarist Roy Wood was approached by Bev about getting the group back together but Roy apparently declined. This left Bev and guitarist/vocalist Trevor Burton as the only two members of the original line-up to participate in this and planned future gigs including one at London's legendary Marquee Club.

Bulls Head Bob and Danny Gallagher, have provided a terrific review of the Move's warm-up gig at The Barfly Pub that can now be seen on the BrumBeat REVIEWS page of this web site or click HERE to go directly to it.

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More BRUM ROCKS LIVE!

Could this be Birmingham's very own version of the Traveling Wilburys? Well-known local author/musician Laurie Hornsby has successfully taken his popular "Brum Rock" book series a step further by uniting some of the top local music legends to perform "Brum Rocks Live!"

Pictured are (left to right) Laurie Hornsby, Trevor Burton, Steve Gibbons, Bev Bevan and Danny King. Both Trevor Burton and Bev Bevan are founding members of influential Birmingham hit group The Move who went on to world-wide success in the 1970s as the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). Steve Gibbons fronted local band The Uglys throughout the 1960s and later enjoyed international success with his own Steve Gibbons Band which also included Trevor Burton. Danny King is one of the founding fathers of the Brum music scene having fronted several significant local bands since the 1950s. Laurie Hornsby was himself a part of the Brum Beat music scene as bass guitarist in various bands during the 1960s and 70s.

This amazing line-up started touring last year to sold out shows and new dates are scheduled for 2007. For more information about "Brum Rocks Live!", go to the Brian Yeates Associates web site at www.brianyeates.co.uk/tours/rocks.htm

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Jim Onslow INTERVIEW

Brum Beat veteran performer Jim Onslow was recently interviewed by Roy Wood super-fan Martin Kinch. Jim was at the center of the Birmingham music scene during the 1960s when he played in bands that included future members of the Moody Blues and The Move - later to become The Electric Light Orchestra (E.L.O.)

One of Jim's earliest bands was Gerry Levene and The Avengers who were known throughout the West Midlands during the early 1960s. The band's drummer was Graeme Edge who helped to form The Moody Blues and with whom he remains to this day. Jim Onslow, along with Graeme Edge and the rest of The Avengers, recorded a rare single called "Doctor Feelgood" in 1964. This record is significant as the earliest known recording to be released that has Graeme Edge on drums and Roy Wood on guitar. Roy was part of the Avengers line-up for a few months before joining Mike Sheridan's Nightriders. Jim's connection to The Moody Blues and E.L.O. didn't end there as he later joined future Move/E.L.O. drummer Bev Bevan in The Diplomats as replacement for Denny Laine - also a founding member of The Moody Blues.

Martin Kinch (shown on the left in the photo) is likely the leading source of knowledge on the amazing Move/E.L.O./Wizzard founder Roy Wood. He operates the excellent "Cherry Blossom Clinic" website which is dedicated to Roy and many of the talented musicians he has worked with over the years. Jim Onslow (who is still an active performer today) also operates his own website at jimonslow.bizland.com but has not spoken much about his involvement in the early Brum music scene until now.

To read Martin Kinch's exclusive interview of Jim Onslow, click on the link http://martinkinch.members.beeb.net/jim.html or visit the Cherry Blossom Clinic web site at www.cherryblossomclinic.freeserve.co.uk

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Meet Bulls Head Bob - the "mystery" Brum Beat personality!

I am pleased to announce the appointment of "Bulls Head Bob". A mystery Brum Beat musician who will be putting together some new and exciting content to appear on future updates of this website.

The true identity of Bulls Head Bob will remain a secret at this time. All I'm going to say is that Bob is a veteran of the Brum Beat music scene. He was in a number of local bands during the 1960s including one that was very well known. Bob brings with him a vast knowledge and first-hand experiences of the West Midlands music scene as it was during the 1960s.

In addition, Bulls Head Bob now has his own blogger spot where you can read his thoughts and reviews concerning the world of Brum Beat. You may not always agree with his opinions, but that's Bob - gritty, hard, and right in yer' face! Just like Brum Beat was (as he say's so himself). I look forward to reading his blog as it is updated every month and I think you will too.

If you have any thoughts, comments, contributions or just want to contact Bob with some news, send them to bobsbullocks@gmail.com

Bulls Head Bob's blog can be seen at www.bullsheadbob.blogspot.com

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- PREVIOUS UPDATES -

Finders Keepers

Many people who lived around Wolverhampton during the 1960s will remember Finders Keepers who were one of the most significant local bands. They came close to having a hit record and their fluctuating line-up included some of the most talented musicians and performers from the area.

Formed by members of a Dudley group called The Strangers, Finders Keepers were active not only throughout the West Midlands but also played at venues in the north of the U.K. as well as traveling over to Germany several times. Amazingly, the group continues to perform their 1960s-themed rock 'n' roll show to enthusiastic audiences and are still gigging with original members after more than 40 years!

I am grateful to Roy "Dripper" Kent, lead singer and founding member of Finders Keepers, for sending this official biography of the group that can now be seen exclusively here on the BrumBeat.net web site. Thanks also to founding member Ralph Oakley for additional information on the band. To see the Finders Keepers bio click HERE or go to their listing on the BrumBeat.net MAIN INDEX.

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The Strollers

In the early part of the 1960s, The Strollers were "flying high" as one of Wolverhampton's premier groups. The original members were apprenticed at the famous Boulton Paul Aircraft factory when they got together to form a polished line-up that stood head and shoulders above most of the other "skiffle" influenced groups typical of Wolverhampton's developing music scene at the time.

The Strollers were also one of the few West Midlands groups to have success in Liverpool at the time when the famous "Mersey Sound" dominated live music there with the same impact it would soon have on the record charts. The Strollers were managed by the Roger Allen Agency - later to become Astra-Allen who were monumental in promoting the local bands while having a major influence on the West Midlands music scene.

Brian Nicholls of the Wolverhampton group Varsity Rag has supplied the official biography of The Strollers that can now be seen on this web site. Brian (who is a great source of knowledge concerning the local music scene as it was), interviewed The Strollers founding member and drummer George Maddocks to get the authentic story of this significant band. Click on The Strollers to see their recently updated page in the BrumBeat.net MAIN INDEX.

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Traction

This group featured possibly the largest line-up of any group in Birmingham during the 1960s (there were 14 band members on stage at some of the gigs!) with a brass section that even Roy Wood would envy. Traction created a formidable wall of sound with their soul-based sets.

Traction were formed from a much smaller, though no less significant Birmingham group called The Yamps who had steadily built up a strong local following. One memorable line-up of Traction included distinctive lead vocalist Brenda Bosworth - known to many as "Little Miss Dynamite" - and certainly one of the top female vocalists to emerge from the West Midlands music scene of the 1960s.

Some of the former Traction band-members; Danny Gallagher, Will Hammond, and Malcolm Palmer, have kindly provided an official biography of this significant Brum group that can now be seen on the BrumBeat.net web site. Click Here for more information or see the Traction band listing in the BrumBeat MAIN INDEX.

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Bill Bonham - from Walsall to L.A.

An interesting story that recently appeared in the Wolverhampton Express & Star newspaper was a feature about musician Bill Bonham, who though not a household name, has certainly made a successful career for himself in the music business. Bill grew up in Walsall - West Midlands where he met and formed bands during the 1960s with some of rock music's biggest names before leaving to start a new life in America.

Bill Bonham's father was landlord of the now-legendary "Three Men In A Boat" pub in Walsall where Bill lived with his family and developed an early interest in music. Bill's talent at playing the piano soon attracted the attention of local young rock 'n' roll fanatics who wanted him to join their bands. Noddy Holder, whose group The 'N Betweens rehearsed at the Three Men In A Boat pub, seriously considered forming a band with Bill. "Noddy Holder gave me guitar lessons and in fact we formed a band for about a week" says Bill. As it turned out, Noddy stayed with the 'N Betweens and eventually became a big star with them after they changed their name to Slade.

One of Bill Bonham's regular bands in the 1960s was called The Answer with whom he toured in Europe and the Mediterranean. This band was re-named Obs-Tweedle and was fronted by a dynamic young vocalist called Robert Plant who joined after his previous group Band Of Joy had disbanded (the drummer for Band Of Joy was Bill's cousin John Bonham). Bill remembers; "It was a gig we played at Walsall College that Jimmy Page and his manager Peter Grant came to see and offered Robert Plant a job as singer for the New Yardbirds - who became Led Zeppelin".

As well as playing on recording sessions for artists such as The Hollies and Herman's Hermits, Bill Bonham played in many other bands during the 1970s including a line-up of the Ace Kefford Stand (also appearing as Kefford/Bonham) fronted by the former Move bass guitarist. Bill also played keyboards for Terry Reid as well as many others too numerous to mention. In the mid 1970's after years of touring, Bill left the U.K. to live in America where he eventually settled down in California. He works there today as an audio-visual engineer at Disneyland - a well paid job he got because of his years of experience working on PA systems for bands. Although still not a rock star himself, Bill can certainly live that lifestyle at his large house in Los Angeles that has a swimming pool and hot tub.

These days, Bill Bonham still performs on stage as a hobby with his current band and has an interest in writing music for a Christian publishing house called Remnant Songs. According to Bill; "The USA is a very friendly place where I always found friends to help me in my endeavours. You are not thought of as a bum if you don't have a college education. People give you a chance here and if you fail, they will keep helping you." And as Bill's life proves, you don't necessarily have to become a famous rock star to be successful in the music business!

To find out more about Bill Bonham, you can visit his official web site at www.billbonham.com

Quotations from Lyndsey Hunt, Wolverhampton Express & Star.

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Mike Sheridan - keeps on rockin'

As one of the original founding fathers of the Brum Beat scene and with a career in music spanning 40-plus years, Mike Sheridan has seen it all. Still going strong today as one half of a performing duo alongside his wife Suzie, Mike Sheridan recently launched his very own web site that he hopes will help clear up much of the mis-information that has been written about him over the years.

"I was so fed up of reading all of the other (web sites), some of which were completely wrong, so I thought I'd put it right" says Mike. For those who don't know, Mike Sheridan fronted the legendary Brum band The Nightriders who along with Carl Wayne's Vikings and the Spencer Davis Group, were one of the top-rated performing bands in the West Midlands during the first half of the 1960s. The various respected guitarists in The Nightriders over the years included Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne - both to find fame in the hit groups The Move and Electric Light Orchestra (E.L.O.) respectively. Though not to reach the charts himself, Mike Sheridan was very much involved in the developing Birmingham music scene and has a long list of recordings to his credit. He even appeared on Top Of The Pops as a member of Roy Wood's chart-topping band Wizzard!

You can now visit Mike Sheridan's very informative web site at www.mikesheridan.org.uk "The Official Mike Sheridan Website" that details his career starting at his musical roots in Brum and up to the present day. Also included is latest information on where you can catch Mike on-stage still performing the great rock 'n' roll classics that inspired himself and so many others.

Note: Mike Sheridan's wife Suzi is also in business designing professional quality websites. To find out more, write to suzisheridan@btinternet.com

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Pete Oliver remembered

One of the un-sung heroes of Birmingham's music scene was talented guitarist Pete Oliver who passed away in April of 2006. Pete was involved in a number of local bands during the 1960s including Johnny Neal and The Starliners and Mike Sheridan's Lot. While Pete never made the "big time" his knowledge of music and the influence he had on many local guitarists was considerable.

The photo shows the Boss band line-up from 1973 which has from left to right; Jon Fox, Pete Oliver, Dave Hollis and Jim Onslow. Jon Fox who kindly sent this picture and Graham Ashford (Bobby Ash) who informed me of this recent sad news about Pete Oliver are just a few of the many people who have fond memories of him. Other tributes from Birmingham musicians are shown here as follows:

(Johnny Neal): Pete Oliver "Dead Legs" helped me out on quite a few occasions and as a member of the Starliners. He was very well known and respected in the Birmingham area and was a top salesman in the music shops.

(Bob Watkins of the Bobby Ash Sound): I can remember Pete when he started at Yardley's at the bottom of Snow Hill where Sound Control now stands. He was about four stone soaking wet I seem to remember. He played the first set for the Bobby Ash Sound at the Rum Runner one night - what an act to follow! He was a really talented musician but he never made you feel anything other than an equal, although of course, most of us knew we weren't in the same street musically.

(Martin Willis a.k.a. Steve Martyn of Monopoly and the Joe Brown Band): I am 57 and bought my first guitar off Pete when I was 12 when he was at Ringway Music. Later he went to Yardley's, Wasp, and Woodroffes where I had the pleasure of working with him in the shop for nine years until it closed in 1983. From there, Pete opened his own shop called Muzos. Apart from being a great musical instrument salesman, he was an even better guitarist. I can honestly say that apart from Albert Lee, who was also Pete's hero, he was the best and most versatile guitarist I have ever seen. I've played with some of the best including Joe Brown so can say it without fear of contradiction. Musically and personally, Pete had a lot of bad luck in his lifetime. He turned down a place in the Move and ELO - I think Jeff Lynne almost pleaded with him to join. A lot of famous people owe a lot to Pete Oliver and I hope they will take a minute to reflect on how he helped them and wish him well on his last gig.

Will Hammond (of The Uglys): Pete Oliver was a gifted guitarist. A lot of people will probably remember him as one of the staff at Ringway Music or later on, the owner of his own store "Wasp" which was opposite the Locarno. He was a great force in Birmingham music and encouraged every young guitarist that entered the place. I certainly spent some happy hours in his company swapping riffs or just playing together when the shop was quiet. I know that I, amongst many guitarists of that period will remember him with great affection.

My sincere condolence goes out to Pete Oliver's family and friends.

If you have any good stories or anecdotes about Pete Oliver that you would like to share, his son Rob would love to hear from you. Please contact him at robertoliver2@hotmail.co.uk

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Discovering the "Lost Traffic? album"

A significant release on CD recently is a rare 1969 album by guitarist/songwriter Gordon Jackson who was a founding member of the West Midlands bands The Hellions and Deep Feeling. Fans of the internationally-famous Brum group Traffic may know that Dave Mason and Jim Capaldi started out in those bands but few have heard Gordon Jackson's solo album which featured the complete Traffic line-up plus a number of other well known names.

As a regular visitor to Traffic's "psychedelic" cottage in Berkshire, Gordon Jackson gained plenty of inspiration for many of the songs on this album. Gordon spent many a night jamming with the likes of Dave Mason and indeed anyone else who happened to drop by. Thinking Back exists as a wonderful snapshot of those times and despite the participation of famous friends, this album really showcases Gordon Jackson as a songwriter of considerable talent at a time when pop music was evolving rapidly. This makes it all the more unfortunate that the original release of Gordon Jackson's Thinking Back was terminated by the collapse of Giorgio Gomelsky's Marmalade Records label after only a small number of copies had entered circulation.

Thirty six years later, Sunbeam Records has done a great job in re-issuing Gordon Jackson's solo album - also adding five extra tracks not included on the original release. For an exclusive in-depth review of Gordon Jackson's Thinking Back CD, see the Brum Beat REVIEWS page or visit the Sunbeam Records web site at at: www.sunbeamrecords.com

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Limited Edition Brum Charity CD now available!

Your chance to buy "For One Night Only" - a very special CD featuring many of the great 60's talents of Birmingham, many of whom are still going strong today - a must for any music fan or collector.

Headway West Midlands is the foremost supporter of brain-injured persons and their families in and around Birmingham. Funds raised from this CD will go towards expanding services for people with acquired brain injury, their families and carers, across Birmingham and Solihull. The Headway West Midlands website is located at www.headway-wm.org.uk

This new CD includes tracks recorded by a good number of legendary performers who were at the centre of Brum's music scene during the 1960s. These include Mike Sheridan, Danny King, Steve Gibbons, Raymond Froggatt and Trevor Burton just to name a few.

The official E.L.O. information service FTM (Face The Music) have kindly set up a PayPal account on their website shop from where this CD can be ordered on-line. For more information including a complete track listing, go to the FTM Shop on-line at www.ftmusic.com/shop.html

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Copyright © John R Woodhouse

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