69th Year! 
69th Year!
The Whole Story of The Kinema Ballroom Dunfermline
(Includes the Cinemas of Dunfermline & Rosyth)
69th Year! |
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| Biogz 'R' Here you will find some short biographies (biogz) of solo artists whose surname commences with this letter or bands with names commencing with this letter (omitting any commonly used prefix such as 'The'). Click on the name below or scroll down the page at your leisure. Rankin File
Iain Rankin - guitar, vocals An Edinburgh group, The Rankin File were founded by famed songwriter Iain Rankin sometime in 1970 and split in March 1972. Prior to this Iain had played solo around 1967, then with 'The Iain Rankin Group' Info courtesy of: www.nigelgatherer.com
Chris Amoo - vocals You don't get a more credible start to your career than Eddie Amoo. His band, 'The Chants', made their debut appearance at The Cavern in Liverpool, playing three songs in the middle of a Beatles gig. That was 1962. Fourteen years later Eddie finally had his first hit, as a member of The Real Thing, Britain's first disco band. Like everyone else in Liverpool, The Chants got a record deal during the Merseybeat explosion of 1963/64, in their case with Pye, but - as Eddie points out - 'they had no idea what to do with a black doo-wop group, they just had no idea.' Over the next decade they released a string of singles, some of them - 'Man Without A Face' and 'Trying Trying' - very good indeed, but all of them unsuccessful. By the early 70s The Chants were wedded firmly to the cabaret circuit, and Eddie was looking outside the group to satisfy his creativity. He began writing songs with his younger brother, Chris Amoo, and these songs became the basis of the material performed by Chris' group The Real Thing. The Real Thing appeared on Opportunity Knocks and Top of the Pops, were managed by British showbiz legend Tony Hall, and were critical favourites on both sides of the Atlantic - even so they went through a succession of record companies and flop singles before they finally made it. When they did, it was because of a variety of factors. Firstly, David Essex used them as backing vocalists on his 1975 album All The Fun of the Fair, and on his subsequent tour, for which they were also the support act in their own right. Then the rise of disco made the idea of black British bands more acceptable to the broadcast media and the record industry and finally they were given a perfect pop song by writer Ken Gold: 'You To Me Are Everything'. The combination took The Real Thing to #1 in Britain in 1976 and Eddie Amoo - who had finally wound up The Chants and joined his brother's band at the end of the previous year - got his first decent break. The fact that 'You To Me' and some of the subsequent releases were more pop than soul may have typecast the group somewhat unfairly, but there were some heavier records as well; Eddie would particularly like to draw your attention to Four From Eight, their 1977 album that comes close to the socio-soul of their hero Curtis Mayfield. (The 'Eight' in the title refers to Liverpool Eight, the district where the band lived.) It also contains their greatest recorded moment, 'Children of the Ghetto'. The Real Thing are still working on the live circuit and still feature Chris and Eddie Amoo. Go see them, partly because you need to pay respect to Britain's disco pioneers, and partly because they're damn good. UK Chart Singles: Info from: www.loadofold.com
Personnel included: (Manuel) Manny Charlton - guitar Originally a skiffle band, they moved with the times to become predominantly a soul band playing chart covers. The Red Hawks played The Kinema Ballroom 563 times between 1959 & 1967! They made several radio broadcasts and appeared on television too. They also held residencies at The Cowdenbeath Palais de Dance on Saturdays and Lochore Welfare Institute on Sundays for more than five years. While their regular repertoire consisted of some 25 of the current top 30 and three or four new songs had to be learned every week, they were said to be capable of playing for over four hours without repeating any material! Though the original photo above was taken in black & white, Alan Jordan had it colourised to illustrate their all-red suits. At other times they also had half-red / half-black suits and others in gold lame'. They recorded two singles: 'The Highland Twist' / 'Mods and Rockers' in 1964 (both tracks written by the band members) & the Manny Charlton penned ‘Friday Night’ / ’Lonely Boy’ (ALP 595001) [misspelled 'The Red Hawkes' on the label] in Tottenham in 1966 which charted at #37 on Radio London's Fab Forty show on Sunday 19th June 1966 (presented by Tony Blackburn). The 'A' side was written by Manny Charlton while the flip was the work of Alex Smith. It was recently seen for sale for £40 on a web site. Tommy Wallace left 1965/66 and emigrated to Australia in 1967 but has since returned to Scotland. The Red Hawks folded around 1967 and reformed with Brian Sheridan on vocals and Gerry MacPherson on bass and renamed as The Marshmallow 400 a name that perhaps reflected the times and their sound better amongst their contemporaries such as Marmalade. Manuel ‘Manny’ Charlton (ex Mike Satan & The Hellcats & Mark V) left in 1968 to join The Shadettes who would later become Nazareth. Tommy Wallace (junior) is the son of Tommy Wallace (senior) who played drums with The Topnotchers and Billy Hunter & His All-Star Band. Tommy Wallace (junior) also has three brothers and a nephew, all of whom play drums! Tommy Wallace (senior) still plays occasionally, at the tender age of 87! Alan Jordan formed a short-lived band 'The Alan Jordan Five' with Manny Charlton then joined 'The Change', then Alec Sinclair's band at the Aberdour Palais & later 'The KB Showband' before going on to solo work and duetting with David Jack who also sang with Billy Hunter & His All-Star Band and Horace Demarco & The Kool Beats. Watty Robertson also had spells with 'The Change' 'Bobby Dene & The Dynamos', The Jim Brown Showband and The KB Bands. He formed 'Paris' in 1973 and won 'The Best Band in Scotland' title in a Daily Record competition in 1975. Washboard player, Bobby Gilfillian, played for Cowdenbeath and Newcastle United football teams! Bass player Alan Sadler's brother, Sandy Sadler, was Barbara Dickson's music teacher at High School! I'm much indebted to Bill Nisbet who provided additional information from a copy of 'Scottish Sounds' and to Alan Jordan with which I had a fascinating telephone conversation.
Enoch Kent - guitar, vocals Came together in 1958 under the direction of Norman (aka Charlie) Buchan to appear on the television show Jigtime, and stayed with the show for 40 weeks. Enoch Kent went on to a solo career, as did Josh MacCrae. Little is known about the third member, Rena Swankie. They released an EP, 'The Work of the Reivers' in 1959 on the Top Rank label. Info courtesy of: www.nigelgatherer.com
The Revellers (aka The Revellers Dance band)
Info needed please.
Eugene Reynolds (Alan Forbes) - vocals, saxophone, keyboards Formed in February 1979. After the blow out of The Rezillos, Sire (their label) agreed to let Eugene and Fay out of their contract on the condition that they didn't use the 'Rezillos' name. So, Eugene came up with a new name - The Revillos! Virgin Records were interested enough to fund a new label specially for the band (Snatzo) which operated under Virgin's DinDisc subsidiary. The deal was signed in June 1979 and there was a lot of media interest. Eugene Reynolds, Fay Fife, and Rocky Rhythm (Eugene's brother) formed the core of the Revillos. The first incarnation of the band featured original Rezillo-member Hi Fi Harris on guitar, Felix on bass, and Babs and Cherie on backing vocals. This line-up recorded the early singles Where's The Boy For Me? (7th Sept 1979), Motorbike Beat, and Scuba Scuba. Rocky Rhythm is credited as Robo Rhythm on the first two singles, and the backing vocal credit on Motorbike Beat goes to The Revettes (Jane White, Jane Brown, Tricia Bryce). (Their first ever gig was 'Ruffles' in Aberdeen on 28th August 1979 - Ghoulz). August 1979. The fourth single, Hungry For Love saw a change of guitarist with the arrival of 17 year old Kid Krupa (from jazz-funk Best Friends - Hi Fi left to become an architect). This line-up recorded the first album, Rev-Up!, although various other musicians are credited as well. Felix left and William Mysterious landed for a brief while, along with original Rezillo-member Dr D.K. Smythe. The Revettes were now Babs and Cherie. Both the singles and the album were released on the Snatzo label. Although the Revillos were very active during this period, no more material was released until a deal with Superville Records was signed. In September 1980, the first Superville a new line-up recorded the single She's Fallen In Love With A Monster Man featuring Vince Spik on bass (from Nausiators & Crash of 79). Babs left the Revettes for a C&W band and was replaced by Drax. The line-up remained the same for Bongo Brain and the Attack! album, although Vince Spik became Vince Santini. In July 1982, Max Atom (from Erogenous Zones) replaced Kid Krupa on guitar. The Revettes were now Cherie and Terri. They moved to EMI in 1983 for the Bitten By A Love Bug and Midnight singles. A BBC Radio 1 session for Janice Long hit the airwaves at the same time as Midnight was released. Rocky had a motorcycle accident and was paralysed down one side of his body for nearly a year but that didn't stop him - he was supported on drums by Decca Wade from The Angelic Upstarts on gigs!. Also a keyboard player joined for the final single and gigs. After two self-financed tours of the U.S., the Revillos disbanded in 1984. A new line-up was formed for a short tour in 1985 with Eugene, Fay, Rocky, and Max being joined by Buck Moon on bass and Fabian Wonderful on guitar. This was the Superville Ice Age. Eugene formed Planet Pop which became Rockatomic while running his motorbike shop specialising in Indians. Fay went on to Destroy All Men, followed by film production, screenplays and acting (she appeared in Taggart). Rocky fronted his own band The Roadholders playing guitar and singing and also played in various other bands including Dave Vanian's Phantom Chords and Tenpole Tudor. In 1994 they reformed for some gigs in Japan with Kid Krupa on guitar and Mekon on bass. This time around the Revettes were Frankie and Polly. As well as the Live And On Fire In Japan album, they recorded the Yeah Yeah EP Single, both released through the Vinyl Japan label. With the interest in the band following the release of the live album, the Revillos reformed again for a short tour in 1996 to coincide with the release of a rarities album, From The Freezer. This line-up featured Mekon on bass, George on guitar, and Hymo on keyboards. They recorded a BBC Radio 1 session for Mark Radcliffe (stood-in by Mark Lamarr) and performed Motorbike Beat and Last Of The Secret Agents live on the Scottish TV show The Late Edition. After warm up gig in Dublin on April 24, they played the Bottom Line in London on Saturday 27 and Sunday April 28 (at which Lamarr was seen). The Revillos have voluntarily re-entered cryogenic suspension but there are periodic reminders that they are still around. Since the 1996 gigs they've released the Re-Animated video, the Totally Alive! album, the Live 4-Track EP, and the Wireless Recordings album. Sadly, it's unlikely that the Revillos will gig again but it's not impossible. If the right opportunity came along, who knows... Info from: www.revillos.co.uk However the story doesn't end here,… see the end of The Rezillos piece below.
See an EXCLUSIVE new KinemaGigz REZILLOS INTERVIEW with Fay, Eugene & Jo at the foot of this biog!
Original line-up: Later: Often described as "Scotland's First Punk Band", 'The Rezillos' would rather be known as a new-wave beat group. They have their roots in two early/mid seventies bands, ‘The Knutsford Dominators’ & 'St.Clements Wells'. ‘The Knutsford Dominators’ (Jo Callis - vocals & guitar; Ken Powrie - vocals & guitar; Roy Middleton - bass & Alan Forbes [later Eugene Reynolds] - drums) were formed early in 1975 (in Edinburgh's Art School) and played a mix of rock 'n' roll & beat tunes while their heavy rock, long hair and wah-guitar alter egos were called 'Lysander'. Both bands played live and The Knutsfords even 'appeared' on Radio Forth on one occasion. At the time of The Rezillos' initial coming together, Alan and Jo were also in the first steps of putting together a more prog-rock outfit, including Sheilagh Hynde [Fay Fife] on vocals and drummer Alasdair [Angel] Paterson, from 'St.Clements Wells', (a semi-professional band who released a single ‘Lazy Lady’ in 1973). Their name name came from the first issue of a DC comic called 'The Shadow' published in November 1973 which depicted a neon advertising sign for a premises (perhaps a café?) called Revilo’s (see image above). The term was adjusted to 'Rezillos' and later almost restored to the original inspiration (barring a letter) in the 'Revillos'. They publicised their imminent arrival with white 3" x 4" flyers declaring "The Rezillos are coming" Eugene had met fashion/design students, Sheilagh Hynde (soon re-christened 'Candy Floss') & Gail Jamieson (re-christened 'Gail Warning') at an Art School Party and their addition to the band, thereby established the killer combination of tacky PVC, sci-fi flash imagery & fast punk aggression with bubblegum rockabilly, first aired at their debut gig of cover versions on November 5th 1976 at Edinburgh Teviot Row Student Union. The 500-strong audience loved it immediately and several encores were required! Early gigs are described as raucous, ramshackle affairs and involved mostly classic rock'n'roll covers and originals penned by Jo. On 21st January 1977, Lenny Love sees the band at Tiffanys’ in Edinburgh and later becomes their manager. In the first third of 1977 they decide to go pro and Gail leaves to return to Art College while at the same time William mysterious joins from ‘Silly Wizard’ having also been a member of ‘St. Clement’s Wells’ where he played bass & flute. By mid 1977 Dr. D.K. Smythe was becoming unreliable and William was standing in occasionally. This arrangement soon became permanent when Dr. D.K. left to return to his marine biology studies and around this time Candy changed her name again, to 'Fay Fife'. Having started life in Dunfermline in Fife as Sheilagh Hynde before becoming Candy she was indeed 'Fay Fife' .......... (slang for 'from Fife'?) ... "oh, never mind". Their appearance was as striking as their sound, with Fay's sixties inspired home-made bright PVC dresses accessorised with boots, earrings & make-up while the others sported sci-fi garb or leather, extreme hairstyles and cool shades. Parallels were sometimes made with The Cramps & The B52s but Rezillos music & lyrics were crazed and brutally happy. All this combined with a frenetic delivery reminiscent of a course of electric shock therapy made for an all-out sensory attack leaving the audience drained, though begging for more at each of the 200 plus gigs they squeezed into their early years. This is the line-up that cut the classic ‘Can’t Stand My Baby’ / ‘I Wanna Be Your Man’ (Sensible Records - FAB1) in August 1977 (beating The Valves by a month and thereby becoming Scotland's first punk/new wave single). It was described in early publicity as a "Double 'B' side". In October 1977 Hi-Fi left the remaining five members and they sign to Sire, releasing ‘(My Baby Does) Good Sculptures’ / ‘Flying Saucer Attack’, touring the UK with ‘The Ramones’ and travelling to the USA to play CBGB's & record their debut album ‘Can’t Stand The Rezillos’ (UK chart #16) at 'The Power Station' in New York (the first UK punk/new wave band to record an album in the USA). Meanwhile William quits in April 1978 to be replaced by Simon Templar. They record ‘Top Of The Pops’ single and see #17 in the UK charts in the August and appear on the TV show of the same name & ‘The Old Grey Whistle Test’. The album was recorded in cheap, night-time recording slots, often in one-take but it's release was delayed for three months and consequently sales and their relationship with Sire suffered. Subsequent single releases did less well with ‘Destination Venus’ (1978) at #43 and the posthumous ‘I Wanna Be Your Man’ (1979) at #71. A compilation album ‘Mission Accomplished But The Beat Goes On’ peaked at #30. They split around Christmas 1978, six dates into a thirty-six date tour with 'The Undertones' (following disagreements over musical direction between Eugene / Fay and the rest and a growing media reputation for arrogance). Their swansong was a final gig at the Glasgow Apollo on December 23rd. Gail and William returned to complete a nostalgic last blast. However the story doesn’t end here. See ‘The Revillos’ above. Angel, Jo & Simon then formed 'Shake'. They recorded a 10" EP in March 1979 but like 'Can't Stand The Rezillos' it took months to hit the shops. One more single followed, 'Invasion Of The Gamma Men', before it was all over for them too. Later, Jo Callis joined 'The Human League' and penned their biggest hit 'Don't You want me?' amongst many others. After leaving the Rezillos, William Mysterious released a single 'Security of Noise'. He later joined The Revillos in 1979 and played on 'Rev Up'. He still plays solo around Edinburgh occasionally. Then,… just when you thought it was safe… The Rezillos reformed in October 2001 and have continued to play since! I saw them in Dundee at 'The Reading Room' on 6th May 2005 and 12th October 2007 at 'The Yard' in Rosyth. On both nights their performance was simply explosive! See them whenever/wherever you can! The line-up is now: Eugene, Fay, Jo, Angel and Johnny Terminator. PS (In 1991 a backing vocalist called 'Gail Warning' turned up on the credits of a US album called 'Take Out The Trash' by a band called 'Legal Weapon'. Could this be the same lass?) My thanks to Mark 'HiFi' Harris for some corrections and additional information.
Bagpipe playing boyfriends, vomiting girls, shrinking trousers & lipstick gifts? Part One Ghoulz: “When did you last play this close to home Fay?” (Fay was brought-up in Parkneuk in Dunfermline and attended Milesmark Primary & Queen Anne High Schools). Fay: Eugene: Ghoulz: Eugene: Ghoulz: Eugene: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Eugene: Ghoulz: Fay: Eugene: Ghoulz: Fay: Eugene: Ghoulz: Fay: Eugene: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Eugene: Ghoulz: Eugene: Fay: Ghoulz: Eugene: Fay: (At this point the drum sound-check becomes unbearably loud and we can’t hear each other so Fay & I adjourn to the dressing room to meet guitarist Jo Callis and continue the interview while Jo changes into his amazing shrinking stage trousers and Eugene goes off to do his guitar & vocals for the sound engineer). Part Two Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: (Fay adopts a distraught shrieking voice) “That’s what I remember, … and also I saw lots of bands”. Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Jo: (Jo breaks into song) Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Jo: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: “Anyway I do remember playing The Kinema a few times”. Jo: Ghoulz: Jo: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Jo: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Jo: Ghoulz: Jo: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Jo: Ghoulz: Ghoulz: (Jo’s still raving about his shrunken trousers in the background). Fay: Ghoulz: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Jo: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Jo: Ghoulz: Jo: Ghoulz: Jo: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Jo: Fay: (Cob, of ‘The Yard’, comes in and hands Fay a milky coffee) Fay: Fay: Ghoulz: Jo: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Jo: Ghoulz: Fay: Jo: Ghoulz: Jo: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: Ghoulz: Fay: The Rezillos blistering set-list for ‘The Yard’ Rosyth Friday October 12th 2007 was:
Support bands were Dundee’s aggressive hardcore punk four-piece, ‘The Eddies’ & Alternative Rock / Electro outfit from Glasgow & Newcastle, Darkwater. (The inevitable ‘Evanescence’ goth labels don’t do Darkwater's original song-writing and stage presence justice. See & hear them for yourselves here.
Peter 'Ollie' Halsall - drums This Merseyside band from Southport (not Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated) which included Pete Kelly (later of Pete Kelly's Solution) recorded a cover version of The Kingsmen's classic 'Louie Louie' (1965) which is now rare and collectable. On the reverse they turned Carl Perkins' 'Honey Don't' into a wild rocker. Rhythm & Blues Incorporated played the ballroom twice; once on Wednesday 28th October 1964 (supporting Mike Berry & The Innocents with local boys The Red Hawks) and once on Wednesday 20th April 1966 (supported by The Red Hawks).
Nick Williams Nick Williams and Andy Cocozza formed The Rhythmic State in December 1992 in Scotland. They produced a demo in early March 1993 and sent it to Tom Wilson’s ‘Steppin Out’ show on Edinburgh's Radio Forth. A record deal quickly followed and 'Power People' was released in July 1993 on Steppin Out Records. The Rhythmic State were quickly becoming the hottest act in Scotland and played various gigs throughout Scotland, Ireland and the North of England quickly establishing them as an unbeatable crowd pulling act. October 1993 saw them playing Rezerection for the first time to a 6000 strong crowd, putting them in the top 4 acts next to TTF, Q-Tex and Ultrasonic. Info From: www.oldskooluk.com
Born Harry Rodger Webb on 14th October 1940 in Lucklow India. Like several other of Britain's first rock and roll artists, Cliff Richard's professional career started at the 2 'I's Coffee bar in London. After a brief spell as a skiffler he began to model himself on his idol, Elvis Presley. With his group, 'The 'Drifters', a recording opportunity arose with Norrie Paramor - a producer at EMI. Paramor decided to use the young singer's talents to produce a version of the American teen ballad 'Schoolboy Crush'. Fortunately, it was the other side of this disc that caught the attention of disc jockeys and the rock and roll entrepreneur Jack Good. The record, 'Move It', reached #2 in the UK chart and is now widely regarded as one of the finest examples of early UK rock and roll ever made. It had been written by one of the Drifters, Ian Samwell although the single used session musicians and not the group. Jack Good promoted the new star on his groundbreaking TV show 'Oh Boy!' alongside the UK's, hitherto, top rock and roller 'Marty Wilde'. The Drifters changed their name to the 'Shadows' to avoid confusion with the American group of the same name. At this time Cliff Richard was following the 'Elvis' model very closely - hairstyle, curled lip and gyrating hips. It would be a year or two before he gradually readjusted to the clean cut image that he has long since portrayed. Following the success of 'Move It' came a long string of hits including the consecutive number 1's of 'Living Doll' and 'Travelling Light' . At this time his single releases usually had a rock and roll number on one side and a ballad on the other. They consequently had wide appeal and the quality was always good. So it was of little surprise that he became recognised as Britain's top recording artist within the space of a few months. He made a number of successful musical movies including 'Summer Holiday' which was probably responsible for setting the seal on his long term image. Despite the 'Beat boom' and the advent of the Beatles, Cliff Richard managed to sustain his career, but gradually shifted his material to suit the growing maturity of his audience. He even managed to survive coming runner-up in the Eurovision song contest with 'Congratulations'. With chart hits in every decade since he first began professionally, Sir Cliff Richard must rate as one the most enduring artists ever to begin with rock and roll. Info courtesy of: www.45-rpm.org.uk Cliff's appearance at the ballroom on Sunday afternoon 4th February 1973 was a gospel rally charity fundraiser for overseas missionary work by 'TEAR' (The Evangelical Alliance Relief fund) rather than a 'pop' concert. This was the same year as he represented Britain in the Eurovision Song Contest (for the second time in five years) and he was appearing weekly on the Cilla Black show at this time . He was invited by The Dunfermline Christian Action Group and there were more than 1000 seated fans present at the sold-out event which raised approx £100. (A decent sum in 1973). He was supported by 'The Country Gospel Four' from Kilsyth
Richard Fairbrass - vocals Each of the members of Right Said Fred had dabbled in musical careers before coming together to form their own band. As a bass player, Richard performed with such superstars as David Bowie, Mick Jagger, and Boy George. His younger brother, Fred, had the fortune of touring with one of his favourite artists, Bob Dylan. Eventually the brothers became determined to make a break for themselves and decided to seek out a third player. They put the word out through a rehearsal studio in their hometown of Putney, where they were introduced to guitarist Rob Manzoli. Info from: www.sing365.com
Tony Rivers - vocals John Perry - lead guitar Tony Rivers & The Castaways came together in 1962, in Dagenham, Essex. Their debut disc was a hard-driving rock number, but subsequent releases saw them veering towards a sound based upon close vocal harmonies, which ultimately led them to covering Beach Boys material. The band suffered from several changes of personnel, briefly including John Perry & Pete and Geoff Swettenham (all later with Grapefruit) on lead guitar, guitar and drums respectively, before the others eventually evolved into Harmony Grass. Info courtesy of: www.geocities.com
Mhor Nicoll RMN (Revolutions Move Nervously) is a DJ / Producer / Singer Song Writer (originally called RMN Project) who began in 1998. He has released records with Edwin Starr / London Beat & Dream Frequency amongst others. After building his own studios in Scotland, work began on an album called 'Fever' and approximately 40 subsequent single releases over the next 2 years including a duet with Sabrina 'Take the Blame' before work began on a second album, 'DJ Play'. In 2003 he resumed recording & touring and altered his style to embrace hip hop.
Brian 'Chuck' Botfield- lead guitar Formed in 1959 in Longbridge, Birmingham, this group are occasionally confused with the Barron Knights because like these one time rivals they too were adept at introducing comedy into their performances. However, the Rockin' Berries were a little more successful with 'conventional' recordings and tended to reserve their comedy for their stage act. The Rockin' Berries evolved from a group called the 'Bobcats'. They had become a popular local group, particularly in the the area around the large Austin motor factory in Longbridge. However, like many of their Merseyside contemporaries they had also honed their craft in the venues offered by Germany's Hamburg- notably the 'Star Club'. After losing their original vocalist, they were fortunate to pick up the services of Geoff Turton as a replacement. It was shortly after this that they secured a chance to record with Decca who were looking for new beat groups at that time. However, neither of the two releases that Decca put out succeeded and it looked as though their recording career was already history. Fortunately, they were given a second chance by Piccadilly. Their first single on the new marque did just enough to keep their new recording company interested, but their second Piccadilly release "He's In Town" proved to be a winner. They also hit big several months later with "Poor Man's Son", but they struggled for any chart showing at all with most of their other releases. However, they had shown a talent for comedy and impersonation and it was probably this that became the key to a successful run in cabaret, pantomime and on 'summer season'. Geoff Turton left the group to start a solo career as 'Jefferson' in the September of 1968 and enjoyed a modicum of success in this guise before finally withdrawing from the music business. However, the 'Berries subsequently managed to maintain a higher profile as all-round entertainers, but with the accent firmly on comedy. Info courtesy of: www.45-rpm.org.uk
Ian Muir - vocals Rogue were a band from Glasgow active around 1975 who later became 'Flying Squad'. Ian Muir was ex 'Downtown Flyers' and later changed his name to 'Fin Muir' and fronted metal band 'Waysted' with ex-UFO man, Pete Way.
Members included: Diccon Hubbard - bass, vocals Manchester-based beat group (active 1966-1969?) who released one single for Decca in 1967 'Memories Of Missy' / 'And You Let Her Pass By'. Diccon Hubbard would later appear in The Salford Jets.
Cleveland Walker - lead vocals Steve Menzies - vocals British disco/funk outfit Rokotto from Dundee, had two UK chart hits, both of which peaked in the forties: 'Boogie On Up' (1977) & 'Funk Theory' (1978). They appeared on 'Top Of The Pops' once for each hit. Cleveland, Hugh and Lloyd reformed Rokotto in 1979 when they were invited to auditions at the 'Barracuda' night club in Dundee, owned by Rokottos manager, Murdo Wallace. They were successful and Steve Menzies, Leroy Grant and Leroy Smith (ex Sweet Sensation) helped to form the new Rokotto. They remained with State records for a further 2 singles and eventually disbanded in 1982. They were invited to play for the Royal family of Belgium for the celebration of their daughter's 18th birthday party and one of the guests was Princess Grace of Monaco! I'm indebted to Steve Menzies for much of the above information.
Rollin' Joe & the Jets are a 3-piece band specialising in authentic 50s style Rock 'n' Roll and Rhythm 'n' Blues, playing in Glasgow and the West of Scotland. Rollin' Joe’s Jerry Lee Lewis style of piano playing has entertained audiences since the sixties.
Damian McKee - lead vocals Later: In 1973 childhood friends Ian Mitchell, Damian, Terry and Colin McKee, formed a band called 'Albatross' (later 'Bang', still later 'Young City Stars'). They played local clubs and dance halls and quickly became popular, often opening concerts for the Bay City Rollers. In early 1976 Ian decided to leave Young City Stars to join the Rollers. Young City Stars added guitarist Andy LeGear from Belfast. Later that year Ian returned to Young City Stars. Roller manager Tam Paton, noticed their talents and became their manager. They changed the name to Rosetta Stone in 1977 and signed on with Private Stock Records later that year. The first album, "Rosetta Stone" was released in the United States in May 1978. "Rock Pictures", the Japanese and UK release of that same album was also released in 1978. A second album, "Caught in the Act" was released in 1979. In early 1979 Ian departed Rosetta Stone and was replaced with Paul "Flash" Lerwill. Paul left in the early 80's and was replaced with Enda Walsh. In 1982 the EP "Hiding From Love" was released. In 1984 they disbanded. While Rosetta Stone disbanded, their fans remained loyal and in August 1998 the very first Rosetta Stone Fan Fest was organized, by Marianne Bean, and a group of 14 fans flew in from various countries and met in Downpatrick, where the McKee's (along with two substitute guitar players) performed. Ian and Andy were unable to come due to schedule conflicts. In July 1999 the second Rosetta Stone Fan Fest was a Reunion of the original members of Rosetta Stone. It was the first time they had performed together in almost 20 years. It was held in Colorado Springs, Colorado and it was the very first time that the band performed in the United States. September 2001 brought the 3rd Rosetta Fest in Gatwick, England. Over 50 fans attended to see the performance by Damian, Colin, Terry, Ian, Gary Limbaugh, and Hugh. Info from: www.angelfire.com
Russ Ballard - lead guitar The Roulettes, from Hertfordshire, were formed in 1962 as a backing band for the early 60's pop idol vocalist, Adam Faith (born Terence Nelhams, June 23rd 1940, London) when he decided to jump onto the beat music bandwagon. They began recording in their own right late in 1963. None of their own records hit the charts, but they did have four chart entries with Faith. Sadly, bass guitarist Rodgers was killed in a car accident and his place was taken by John "Mod" Rogan. They split with Faith late in 1965 (so their ballroom appearance in August would be amongst their last together) and the group broke up in 1967 without achieving the success that their talents undoubtedly warranted. Ballard and Henrit joined a late line-up of Unit Four Plus Two before re-surfacing during the 1970's in the prog-rock band Argent, led by ex-Zombie Rod Argent. Roulettes Parlophone Singles: Soon You'll Be Leaving Me/Tell Tale Tit (1963) Roulettes Parlophone Album: Stakes And Chips (Oct 1965) Adam Faith & The Roulettes Parlophone Singles: The First Time/So Long Baby (Sep 1963) We Are In Love/Made For Me (Dec 1963) If He Tells You/Talk To Me (Mar 1964) I Love Being In Love With You/It's Alright (May 1964) Adam Faith & The Roulettes Parlophone Album: On The Move (1964)Info from: www.geocities.com
Sam Beck - guitar, organ Plymouth folk group about which little is known. They released two singles in 1965 & 1966. Gary James later had a solo career. Info from: The Tapestry of Delights - The Comprehensive Guide to British Music of the Beat, R&B, Psychedelic and Progressive Eras 1963-1976, Vernon Joynson ISBN 1 899855 04 1
Jimmy & David Ruffin were brothers from Mississippi who sang in one of the most famous groups in the world, ‘The Temptations’. David Ruffin became the lead singer early in his career and later died from a drug overdose, but Jimmy Ruffin continues to sing. Jimmy Ruffin, the elder brother, was born in Collinsville, Mississippi, on 7th May 1939. As kids, David and Jimmy began their career with a gospel group called the Dixie Nightingales and signed to Anna Records. In 1964, the two brothers joined ‘The Temptations’ with David Ruffin alternating as the lead vocalist. They released their first single with Motown after they changed their name from ‘The Primes’. Jimmy enjoyed several huge hits himself in the mid '60s for Berry Gordy's Soul label. Ruffin first signed with another Motown subsidiary, the short-lived Miracle, in 1961, but it was his convincing vocal on ‘What Becomes of the Brokenhearted’ that made him a star in 1966. He encored with ‘I've Passed This Way Before’ and ‘Gonna Give Her All the Love I've Got’. In 1970 he briefly teamed with David (by then David was singing solo and was no longer a Temptation) as ‘The Ruffin Brothers’ and cut a duet remake of Ben E. King's ‘Stand by Me’. He staged an impressive comeback in 1980 on RSO Records with a major pop hit, ‘Hold On to My Love’, produced by Robin Gibb of ‘The Bee Gees’. Following the release of the first album, The Ruffin Brothers switched to another Detroit-label, Check-Mate, where they produced two singles written and produced by Billy Davis. In 1969, David and Jimmy produced Ben E. King ‘s hit, ‘Stand By Me’. This album was the only one produced by the two of them together. Currently, Jimmy Ruffin lives in England and for a time had a talk show there.
Jeff - vocals & lead guitar The Rutlands are an unsigned indie rock band from Kirkcaldy in Fife, formed early in 1998 when Jeff & Butch (who had played together in a variety of outfits for the preceding year joined forces with Cal & Bri. They have now begun to play across central Scotland with many of their contemporaries like The Draymin & Val Verde Mail more info to me here.
Paul Fox - guitar, vocals Vince "Segs" Jennings - bass, vocals Dave Ruffy - drums The Ruts had parallels with The Clash in the reggae-styled punk they became known for and they were active in supporting anti-racsist issues. Their best known single 'Babylon's Burning' was a UK chart #7 hit while 'In a Rut' became a favourite of legendary DJ John Peel. Malcolm Owen died of a heroin overdose in 1980 and the band soldiered on for a short time with the new moniker 'Ruts D.C.' They achieved four UK hit singles including 'Staring At The Rude Boys' (1980)# 22 and two top thirty UK hit albums. They played the ballroom supporting The Damned & supported by local band Activan on Tuesday 12th June 1979. 'The Local Heroes' was not the name of a particular band, it was merely an indication that a second support slot was available to a local band. Local bands were encouraged by The Damned (or their management) to write to the Dunfermline Press to offer their services and a random name was 'drawn from a hat'. In the case of this date, Activan were chosen.
Kris Ryan (Tony Holgate) - vocals Kris Ryan & The Questions were from Manchester. Guitarist Alan Kendall has also played with 'Glass Menagerie' and 'Toe Fat' (who toured the USA with Eric Clapton's 'Derek and the Dominoes'). He joined Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers before becoming a member of 'The Bee Gees' backing band in 1970 and remaining with them for many years. He plays conventional & pedal steel guitars. Jimmy Jewell left in 1965 & later played with: 'Mack's Sound', 'The Paramounts', 'Screaming Lord Sutch', 'The Keef Hartley Band' (who were to play at Woodstock festival, though not on the album or film), 'McGuiness-Flint', 'Gallagher and Lyle', 'Ronnie Lane’s Slim Chance', 'Joan Armatrading' 'Fairport Convention', 'Chris De Burgh', 'John Lodge', 'Roger Daltrey', 'The Hollies' and 'Colin Blunstone'. Singles: EP: |
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