Looking Back To The Day The Clash Came To Town On The White Riot Tour With Subway Sect, The Slits and The Prefects http://chelmsfordrocks.com/clash.html Happy Hour, Chelmsford Beer Festival, 16th July 2010   My one and only trip of the year to the dark side of Chelmsford and the Summer Beer Festival at Admirals Park. t ast I have become a fully paid pmember of CAMRA for the princely sum of £20 which gave me entry, a free pint and the promise of £20 worth of Witherspoon Vouchers. So I can officially grow a beard, my hair wear a stupid T-shirt and talk about pecentages of alcohol andspecific gravity. I arrived about 5.15pm and waited for others to turn up. i was finally joined about 6.45pm by Duncan and that was it.   As always there was a fine selection of ales which I supped at least one of and sometimes more of 'Brentwood Brewery Gold', 'Butcombe Blond', 'Beartown Kodiak Gold' and 'Cliff Quay Tolly Roger' There were others but it soon becomes a blur.   The band came on about 8.30pm they were a 5 piece who were all in their late teens except for the lead singer who was in his mid 30's a strange combo but it worked. They started off with 'I want Hold Your Hand' which for me was not the greatest of starts but soon made amends with one of my favourite tracks of all times 'Happy Hour'. I think the band soon realised that the more modern music was the way forward with modern day classics like 'Teenage Dirtbag' 'Chelsea Dagger' 'I Predict A Riot' ' Shes So Lovely' this was interpersed with other favourites to sing and dance to 'Daydream Believer' 'Brown Eyed Girl' 'Teenage Kicks' 'I Fought The Law' 'Baggy Trousers' 'Summer Of ‘69', the marquee was really jumping   They finished with a really good version of 'Don't Look Back in Anger' to end a really good night, good beer, good music and good company hame for those who couldn't make it   The Hamsters, Kelvedon Music Festival 10th July 2010   The Kelvedon free festival comes around again and seems to get bigger and better every year. Because of family commitments I wasn't able to get there until about 6.15pm just before the Hamsters got on stage.   There must have been between 2 and 3,000 who had supped a few ales if the floor was anything to go by. Being a really hot day a pint of Brewers Gold would have gone down a treat if only he bar hadn't already been shut. This led to the novel experience of watching a band without the benefit of any alcohol. You would think that would make my memory better but unfortuanately not, prehaps its age rather then alcohol abuse.   Just of the front of the stage were seasoned festival goers the EAGLE's complete with chairs and cold box unfortunately Paul had finished all his beer.   So too the Hamsters a band I have seen on many occasions but now I can only see on the odd occasion as for me they become a bit samey. This was a more varied set then the last time I saw them which was very Hendrix dominated although they still di 'All Along The Watchtower' and 'Hey Joe'. These tracks were supplemented with the likes of 'Sharp Dressed Man' 'The Walk' and the finale 'Gimme Some Loving' which ended with the band all exchanging instruments a good trick showing that they are accomplished musicians.   Because of the licence held by the festival they had to finish at 7.30pm cutting their set down to about 50 mins, but an enjoyable 50 mins. I didn't see any of the earlier bands but Paul informs me there were decent local bands. Long live Kelvedon free Festival. Colin July 2010  If you would like to send in a gig review please email to us E-Mail Chelmsford Rocks! chelmsfordrocks@rock.com     Steve Foster Pilkington – In The Town Of Forgotten Talent. Click On Image To Play.   I first met Steve at the Beehive Pub in Great Baddow when I asked him why he kept playing Joe Jackson's Steppin Out on the Jukebox. Every time the song came on he would be sitting on his own shaking his head and tapping his feet along to the beat. The reason was Steve was signed to Joe Jacksons management company that afforded him the opportunity to record backing tracks that facilitated the live act. We spoke about his musical talents and the Landlord at the time who I think was called “Brian”was interested ,and agreed to let Steve play one evening He played the Beehive in Baddow several times, the first time he teamed up with a local guy on vocals playing covers of old hits . But Steve had a slot on his own and he was a man with many talents in fact he had written some political songs at the time one of witch I remember was “Cruise Missiles”. Playing guitar and violin in very energetic , crazy, unique and original style the audience were watching on in complete amazement to this style of play. After this Steve went on write many brilliant songs and played solo at the Snifters wine bar on a regular basis and by then had built up a fan base following. He would record all the back ground music to his songs in a bedroom studio then play live with violin or guitar along to the tapped backing sounds. I personally think that some of the music was apparently brilliant and way ahead of it's time. I once saw him play at the Army & Navy, this was the best I had ever seen him. Steve still does live in Chelmsford and often plays St Ann Castles in Great Leighs but has been touring all over from The Isle Of Arren to Penzance playing four time a week. I bought this vinyl 12” single when it was released in 1986, the B side is “The Last Tango” Coincidently Steve is currently re recording “In 'The Town Of Forgotten Talent” nearly 25 years on. You can find his new web site at www.stevefp.com . A new single is due out on the 30th June, a re-recording of “She Wants To Be A Wag” read Duncan's review at http://chelmsfordrocks.com/custom2.html .   Steve Foster Pilkington   She wants to be a Wag   What’s happenend? Steve’s gone all electronic on us. This track he sent us in 2007 has had a makeover. The chirpy reggae beat has gone to be replaced with a more darker sound. It still has the same humour but seems a bigger sound. I wasn’t sure if I liked it but after a couple of plays it grows on you. It tells how girls like to make their way through life through the cult of celebrity. Perhaps that’s why it has a more sinister overtone, because with X factor, Britains got talent, Big Brother and wags going to South Africa as Mother Theresas, the problem is getting worse and we seemed to be surrounded by plastic C list celebs who just about get their 15 minutes of fame before the next big thing comes along. The good news is that Steve is going to release a single every month for a year so we should enjoy his wit on a few more songs.   Duncan June 10 Fuze British Legion, Great Baddow   30/05/10   I was asked by some friends if I wanted to go and see their son play in his new band. I always enjoy going to see live music and if there are a few beers included, all the better. The venue was the British Legion at Baddow; this place brings back a few memories. When we were about 15 we used to go and play bingo there, I don’t know why. Going into the legion the outside and interior have not changed in the 36 years since I had last been there.   The show I think was in aid of Help the Heroes and was well supported by a lot of teenagers and us old gits. Lesley and Richards’s son Ed kicked it off with an acoustic set of covers. The songs he done were “Fight for this Love” a surprising Cheryl Cole number. I must say it came across well. The Killers “Mr Brightside,” you can’t go wrong with that one and the song that I hear everyone singing at the moment, The Trashmen's “Surfin’ Bird.” I think Iggy Pop had this in his top ten. He played all of the songs well, with a good sense of humour and I think will go far in the murky waters of Rock and Roll. Next on came FUZE with the aforementioned Ed Alston as lead singer, George Kirchener on guitar, Jack Goldsmith on bass and Keir Adamson on drums. The band played high energy rock and have a very polished and confident stage show. The music was powerful and you could tell that they must rehearse a lot. Looking at there web page it is noticeable that though young, they have played some prestigious venues, such as the Standard at Black Horse Rd and the Bridgehouse at Canning Town. Both of these places have hosted top bands back in the day, especially the original Bridgehouse. I am not sure of the set list but I know that all of the songs were their own compositions. The first tune was “Lies” I remember that one from their myspace page. http://www.myspace.com/fuzebanduk They played about 5 or 6 songs, all good and fast. I never know whether my taste in music is all that so I watch the audience. They were enjoying it and dancing, so I must have been right. I think the song they finished with was “Jimmy.” This is a good track starting with a heavy bass guitar, then going from reggae into full pelt rock with lots of power chords. It reminds me a little bit of “Johnny Was” by Stiff Little Fingers (No bad thing). This was typical of the music that they served up and as I said all their own stuff. I will go to see them again, I might take the local rock historian, Maurice with me. As long as he promises not to pogo.   Summing up they are the sort of band that will get a local following and if they are lucky could make it into the big time. If I was a teenager (I wish), I would be seeing them hell of a lot. The bad part of the night was that my lovely wife Lee wanted to go straight after so I missed the next 7 bands. She likes Michael Buble?? Duncan May 10

 

Bill Nelson From Be Bop Deluxe

This photo taken by Peter Ball at the Chancellor Hall in 1975.

Click on image to see all Peter Ball's Rock Photo's.

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Membership Card And Tickets Sent In By Steve Baines 

 

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Vinyls May

http://chelmsfordrocks.com/may2010.html 

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Malcolm Mclaren

R I P

 

 

 http://chelmsfordrocks.com/gonerip.html

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 Dumpys Rusty Nuts Live At Chancellor Hall

http://chelmsfordrocks.com/dumpysrustynuts.html 

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http://chelmsfordrocks.com/gigreviews.html

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 Lee Brillaux Memorial 7th May 2010

http://chelmsfordrocks.com/gigreviews.html

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1997 Army & Navy Poster 

CD Review Mississippi Heat – Hattiesburg Blues

http://chelmsfordrocks.com/mississippiheat.html

HUGH BULLEN BASS GUIAIRIST WITH THE SOUL TRINITY RECALLS THE EVENING THEY SUPPORTED JIMI HENDRIX IN CHELMSFORD 

 http://chelmsfordrocks.com/jimihendrix.html

Jimi Hendrix Chelmsford Corn Exchange

I have found An  

Audience Member (Shaun Everet)

 Who Has Written An Article

http://chelmsfordrocks.com/jimihendrix.html

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Duncan Egleton Looks Back At The Chelmsford Punk Festival 1977 & The Damned / 999 Free Chancellor Hall Gig

http://chelmsfordrocks.com/punkfestival.html

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Dr Feelgood

Oysterfleet Hotel, Canvey Island

06/03/10

My little brother Colin rang up in the week to tell me he had 2 comps for the Saturday night of the Feelgood weekend at Canvey. Never having seen the new line-up on their own (only seen them in parts at the Lee Brilleaux memorials) I thought I would give it a go. I didn’t know what to expect as we arrived at the hotel at about 8 o’clock. A quick drink downstairs with all the posher people from Canvey, I think the rough ones go to the King Canute. Then upstairs to the ballroom to see what was going on. It was empty apart from a few older people sitting around the edges and Colin’s mate Pete and his son. Pete is a muso and plays guitar in RnB band Dirty Work (well worth going to see if you get a chance). They had a DJ on and he was the usual fellar who is at the memorial gig. Loads of old rock and roll, Rods and Thorogood played, perfect for the audience that is expected. The hall started to fill up with all the usual sorts you get to these places, Germans, Dutch and Belgians. All with black tees shirts and waistcoats (I was going to buy a waistcoat myself last year, but I think I would have had the piss ripped out of me). By the time the band got on stage there was quite a crowd, including scary looking rock chips with the leather boots. The band started off and I wont go into the playlist as I can never remember them, but I heard “She does it right” “She’s a wind up” “Back in the night” “Rollin and a tumblin” a great version of “Roxette” “Milk and Alchol” “99 and a ½ won’t do” do and finished the set with “Down at the Doctors.” They also done others which I can’t remember, even a couple that I didn’t recognise, perhaps later Feelogood songs or even their own. The main part of the show is an epic rendition of “Down by the jetty blues”. Guitarist Steve Walwyn enjoys this one. The encore was strange as the band didn’t leave the stage to be called but stayed on. It finnished up with old favourites “See you later alligator” “Bonie Moronie” “Tequilla” and “Route 66.” On the encores the lead singer Rob Kane introduced people from the audience who I must say had come long way to see the group. Chaps from Northern Ireland, Scotland, all your usual European types and Graham who came all the way from New Zealand for the weekend. Graham got up on stage and played with the band on Route 66. He brought his own harmonica as well. To be fair he wasn’t bad. I think there were also some people from Basildon as well.

Summing up I never would have paid money to watch the new band play on their own, even though I would have probably seen all the band (apart from the singer) with Lee Brilleaux before he died. I have changed my mind and will definateley go to watch them again, they were good fun and entertaining. I can remember watching the old band towards the end and they seemed only to go through the motions, unless they were playing a bigger gig such as in London. The problem they have is that people see them as tribute band and not a band in their own right. I don’t see this as a problem. The only thing that could go wrong was if they started to call it Tyne Delta music and not the Thames Delta.

http://chelmsfordrocks.com/gigreviews.html 

Oil City Confidential Film And Gig Review From Koko Camden Town

http://chelmsfordrocks.com/oilcityconfidential.html

This is not the normal sort of item I list on Chelmsford Rocks but I came across the Programme and thought it would be some interest to those classical loving people.

see the full programme here

http://chelmsfordrocks.com/londonphilharmonicorchestra.html