The Cochran Connection - Eddie Cochran Fanzine

CD & VIDEO REVIEWS

This page is for any Cochran related material, so if you would like to have your CD promoted here, or if you are a fan and wish to send in a review, please email.

The recommended place to buy CDs and Videos on-line is Bim-Bam Records at www.bim-bam.com

What else do ya need to know? Buy it now! Back in the mid 1970`s UA said that the well was dry, there was no more Eddie material to release.Undaunted life long fan and Rockstar label supremo Tony Barrett has made it his mission to disprove UA`s glib dismissal. With a fine pedigree from the vinyl EP's through this absolute gem of a release, Rockstar has a superb catalogue of Cochran/Vincent releases. Darrel Higham`s amazing Cochran Connection CD was my pick of 1998 and this will be the pick of 1999 (and of any other year). As well as the Cochran catalogue Rockstar also was responsible for the legendary Jerry Mercer and Narvel Felts Radio Rockabillies release.

A recent media course I attended said that commentators/reviewers should be impartial and balanced but hell, did Eddie Cochran change their lives back in 1964?? When the postie delivered this goodie today from Mr Hot Rod Pyke I felt the same excitement as I did in running home from the local record emporium in 74 frantically devouring the sleeve notes of Eddie Cochran "On The Air" LP.

There`s a superbly detailed and richly illustrated booklet with all the gen in Rockstar tradition. Tasters of California`s seminal Town Hall Party TV Show have featured on other CDs in the past. The interesting history of the show is covered in the booklet. This cd however, answers the prayers of many of us by giving a glimpse of what our heroes sounded like blasting through the ether to those lucky young westerners plonked in front of a black n white TV set. TV didn`t reach the Davies household in North Wales until November 63, the week of JFK`s assassination!

First up is Eddie, four days after the death of his friend Buddy Holly, in February 1959. Introduction to the spot is by Jay Stewart and Dick D`Agostin & the Swingers zip through an instrumental before Dick introduces Eddie. The boys storm through C`Mon Everybody with Connie Guybo Smith`s bass well to the fore, Dick`s piano adds a new dimension to the song. Catering to the country audience Eddie performs a heartfelt Have I Told You Lately That I Love You featuring the band on backing vocals, Eddie`s husky sensual performance draws good applause at the end.

Interesting to compare these performances with Eddie`s UK TV shows from a year later. The backing is more sympathetic and the bonus of no Vernon Girls screeching in the background! Rockstar have again confirmed that Eddie was a great fan of New Orleans r&b, by previously giving us his version of Chris Kenner`s great Sick `n Tired (recorded by Eddie before Fats` cover) and here with Eddie`s romp through Fat`s Don`t Blame It On Me. Great growly vocal on this mover with plenty of piano and hard riffing guitar. Paul Coffman takes a good brief sax solo too. A real find this one.

Finishing up his first spot Eddie closes with the now anthemic Summertime Blues, Guybo`s bass and the boss` Gretsch in fine unison, Dick providing the deep asides. Enthusiastic applause brings that part to a close. Part two starts with a brief interview of Eddie by Johnny Bond, where they talk about the Cochran Brothers previous appearances on the show. Rockstar are already looking for those shows from April 27 and 28th 1956, which also featured
Lefty Frizzel! Some of the band are also interviewed with Eddie singing their praises. A fine articulate and sympathetic interview not at all like Marty Wilde`s embarrassing ramblings on the Uk shows.This interview delves as far back as Jimmie Rodgers bluesier sides and lasts around 7 minutes.

Part two starts with Jay Stewart introducing Dick & the Swingers on the instrumental Night Walk with fine rasping sax and atmospheric guitar lick. Eddie opens with Schoolday, with fine guitar and piano, more uptempo and tighter than Berry`s original, unfortunately most of the first verse`s vocal is off mike but nevertheless the rest is clear and rocks along. Pity Eddie never did a Berry song in the studio. Nice spoken intro by Eddie leads into Gene Autry`s Be Honest With Me. Good sax solo here too and Eddie turns in a typical classy ballad vocal.

With a doff of the hat to Elvis, the Drifters Money Honey is next, though Eddie`s rasping version is far bluesier than both the other cuts. Eddie closes in fine style with his then current chart hit C`Mon Everybody, down to 51 in Billboard that week (11 weeks in the charts then). A driving rendition which leaves the kids wanting more.

Alas, 14 brief months later it all ended on an English roadway in the early hours of that dark day, but thanks to Rockstar`s team we can lift the curtain one more time and glimpse Eddie`s talents once more. As excited as this cd will get you, think what the possible video release of this material will do to you if it comes out. I`m off to buy spare boxer shorts now! Top marks to Alan Stoker the audio engineer at the Country Music Foundation who transferred the sound from the original aged kinescope soundtrack, and also Adam Skeaping who mastered the CD. Messers Barrett and Glenister and all involved in this worthy project deserve a place in rock n roll Valhalla.

Suppose I`d better keep Rod happy by mentioning the Vincent shows included here! On October 25th 1958 Jay Stewart introduces Eddie`s compadre the immortal Gene Vincent and the Bluecaps. Whilst Steve Aynsley and the fan club have kept Gene`s fans ticking over with the Magnum label live/studio recordings this is a taste of prime Capitol era Mr Craddock. Gene n Caps stalk their way through the sublimal (Eat yer heart out Cleveland`s alleged hall Of Fame!!) Be- Bop -A - Lula, Caps here are the great Johnny Meek on guitar, Cliff Simmons on 88s, Grady Owen on bass and Clyde Pennington on drums. New Orleans r&b to the fore on Huey Smith`s classic High Blood Pressure, with the Caps "Oh Yeah"ing in fine style, nice piano on this
lengthy cut. Storming take on Rip It Up follows, Gene`s frantic vocalising accentuated by Meek`s stinging guitar cutting loose, think I prefer this to the issued Capitol cut.

Second part of the show features the wild cat on Dance To The Bop, the on set photos hint at the frantic but controlled energy on stage with Gene in classic mike leaning mode, clad in black with a light jacket, with his Caps closely clustered around him. Tony where`s that video? man we need it now! Then a nice intro to Hank`s immortal You Win Again performed as Gene says in the intro in "Jerry Lee Lewis style". A nice tribute to the Killer who was experiencing the sudden fall from fame`s fickle hand that would also bedevil Norfolk`s finest. From out of left field Gene springs the unexpected, Jerry Butler`s great For Your Precious Love, rippling piano and clear guitar intro. Gene `s skill as a balladeer is what places him in the pantheon of all time great vocalists in my opinion. Fantastic rendition, you gotta hear this. Gene prefaced the song with the news that he was heading north to hospital and would be parting from the Caps for a while (little did we know!). Another leg operation as we now know failed to cure the abuse he`d given the leg night after night on stage. The song encapsulates the sadness that seemed to follow Gene around his all too brief life.

November 7th 1959 saw Gene return to the show "Caps"less alas, though he did have Jerry Merritt on guitar, they`d played in Alaska and Japan before Gene tried to escape personal and business woes by crossing the Atlantic soon afterwards. Just like Eddie he storms through a Chuck Berry classic, Roll Over Beethoven. Even though Jimmy Pruett on piano does his best you feel that the Caps would`ve turned this into a barnstormer. Gene`s melancholic side appears in a most worthy attempt at Over The Rainbow, with Jerry`s poignant guitar helping out. The next song is prefaced with the comment "going to do one now, if Capitol records ever catch me they`ll probably kill me!!!". Jerry`s guitar picks up the beat after a plodding start to She She Little Sheila. Great photos of high school sweater clad Gene on stage here too.If only Gene and the caps could`ve stayed together or achieved another hit in 1958.

There we have it, nearly one hour of prime time fifties music in this hot little CD. Both artists captured in their final blaze of American glory before crossing the big pond and changing many of our lives over here and sadly hastening the end of their brief time with us. As we approach the millenium we can raise a glass to the many dedicated fans involved here and this fine small but highly worthy label for enabling us to sample what Californian teens took for granted back then. Gene and Eddie, rockers through and through.

Phil Davies

July 1999
For more of Phil & Shaun's excellent work visit their page at:
http://www.rockabillyhall.com/PhilShaun.htm

THE 'TOWN HALL PARTY' TV SHOW VIDEO FEATURING EDDIE COCHRAN IS AVAILABLE.
'TOWN HALL PARTY' TV SHOW

- EDDIE COCHRAN - with Dick D'Agostin & The Swingers - 7th February 1959
Introduction, Instrumental, Introduction , C'mon Everybody, Have I
Told You Lately That I Love You , Don't Blame It On Me, Summertime Blues, Interview, Introduction, Night Walk, Introduction, School Day, Be Honest With Me, Money Honey, C'mon Everybody. Note this is PAL format (VHS), and will not play on an NTSC only player, but a NTSC version is planned to be released.
ROCKSTAR

Here is a review of this video by respected rock'n'roll writer Phil Davies:

THE TOWN HALL PARTY TV SHOWS 1959
starring EDDIE COCHRAN

ROCKSTAR VIDEO RSRV 2001
Remastered digitally from original 16mm kinescope film first broadcast on Feb 7th 1959
This review is based on the UK VHS PAL system
(it will be also be available in US format)

It has been the sheer perseverence of Tony Barratt and the Rockstar team that has brought us this unique glimpse of Eddie Cochran performing live on the famed Los Angeles Town Hall Party TV show. It has been an uphill struggle clearing rights to this film and our considerable thanks should go to them. Like us they are fans, not some wealthy multimedia conglomerate. This absolutely wonderful 30 minute video is devoted totally to Eddie and his backing band The Swingers. The video tape engineer has worked miracles so that we can enjoy this evocative black and white footage time and time again. Footage quality is sure fine looking, man its somethin' else.

Add this feast to the meagre but oh so influential minutes we've had from his 3 50s movie appearances and the lip synced footage from the Dick Clark shows first seen on the BBC Arena documentary back in the early 1980s. Rockstar's ongoing cd series, EMI's box set, Darrel and Julie's book (and Darrel's Eddie covers)and Bill Beard's magazine The Cochran Connection have kept Eddie's legacy and profile rightfully high in the new millenium.

We see Eddie, four days after the death of his friend Buddy Holly, on February 7th 1959. Introduction to the spot is by mc Jay Stewart and Dick D'Agostin & the Swingers zip through an instumental before Dick introduces Eddie. The Swingers look sharp, but when Eddie appears in a dark suit, light shirt and immaculately knotted tie he looks absolutely the boss cat. Every hair is greased to perfection in that striking quiff of his. There it is, that wonderful Gretsch guitar and the sound that inspired countless legions throughout the subsequent decades.

A quick look and then the boys storm through C'Mon Everybody with Connie Guybo Smith's bass well to the fore, Dick's piano adds a new dimension to the song. Can't get over how tall and gangly Guybo is, his fender bass looks like a toothpick. Catering to the country audience Eddie performs a heartfelt Have I Told You Lately That I Love You featuring the band on backing vocals, Eddie's husky sensual performance draws good applause at the end.

Interesting to compare these performances with Eddie's UK TV shows from a year later. ( The On Air lp). The backing is more sympathetic and the bonus of no Vernon Girls screeching in the background! Rockstar have again confirmed that Eddie was a great fan of New Orleans r&b, by previously giving us his version of Chris Kenner's great Sick 'n Tired (recorded by Eddie before Fats' cover) and here with Eddie's romp through Fat's Don't Blame It On Me. Great growly vocal on this mover with plenty of piano and hard riffing guitar. Paul Coffman takes a good brief sax solo too. A real find this one. Eddie obviously loved this Imperial 2 sider from 1956 featuring Bo Weevil on t'other side.

Back on January 17th 1959 Eddie had recorded Teenage Heaven for the then titled Johnny Melody movie (Go Johnny Go on release), I Remember (cut from the movie), the classic macho My Way and R n R Blues, but he opted here for some driving r&b from Fats in front of this country crowd. A change from the product placement every modern act seems to indulge in now.To me this is the highlight of the whole show, but that's personal taste.

Finishing up his first spot Eddie closes with the now anthemic Summertime Blues, Guybo's bass and the boss' Gretsch in fine unison, Dick providing the deep asides. Enthusiastic applause brings that part to a close. How long have I dreamt of footage of my all time favourite song, I'll probably have to buy a second video as this bit will be on permanent rewind.

Part two of the original show starts with an interview of Eddie by Johnny Bond, where they talk about the Cochran Brothers previous appearances on the show. Rockstar are already looking for those shows from April 27 and 28th 1956, which also featured Lefty Frizzel! Some of the band are also interviewed with Eddie singing their praises. A fine articulate and sympathetic interview not at all like Marty Wilde's embarrasing ramblings on the Uk shows.This interview delves as far back as Jimmie Rodgers bluesier sides and lasts around 7 minutes. Mind you ole JB's a tad patronising and gets in a few plugs for his stuff the old chancer, he's gigantic standing next to our pocket sized hero. Eddie is suffering from a sore throat/ heavy cold and coughs and apologises (his mam would have been so proud!!)a few times. He seems a mix of being assured and slightly subdued at the same time, at ease on camera but answering precisley and carefullu. I reckon he's still on a downer from Buddy, JP and Ritchie's deaths. I find it amazing, considering the impact it had over the pond, that JB doesn't mention it at all! The adult JB and JS were now the old wave, that pesky new upstart called rock n roll (will it last indeed!)changed the bench marks for ever, hallelujah!

Part two continues with Jay Stewart introducing Dick & the Swingers on the instrumental Night Walk with fine rasping sax and atmospheric guitar lick. Jay seems to fiddle with the mike on his exit and this now explains why Eddie's vocals are very muffled on the first part of Chuck's classic Schoolday. Its a cracking version with fine guitar and piano, more uptempo and tighter than Berry's original, apart from the sound glitch early on the rest is clear and rocks along. Pity Eddie never did a Berry song in the studio. I've always loved his take on Sweet Little 16 on the UK tv shows a year or so later. Then a sincere spoken intro by Eddie leads into Gene Autry's Be Honest With Me. Good sax solo here too and Eddie turns in a typical classy ballad vocal. This goes down really well with the older audience embers after all that frantic rocking boogie thingy. God he looks sharp, no wonder he's such an icon for us all.

With a doff of the hat to Elvis, the Drifters Money Honey is next, though Eddie's rasping version is far bluesier than both the other cuts, just when the moms n pops thought it was safe. Interesting that he covers no contemporary r&b songs but goes back to the stuff he dug in the early days. Eddie closes in fine style with his then current chart hit C'Mon Everybody, down to 51 in Billboard that week (11 weeks in the charts then). A driving rendition which leaves the kids wanting more.There's a wonderful naivety amateurness about the whole Town Hall party set up that adds to the overall charm.

Alas, 14 brief months later it all ended on an English roadway in the early hours of that dark day, but thanks to Rockstar's team we can lift the curtain one more time and glimpse Eddie's talents once more. A marvellous 30 minutes I'd never ever thought I'd get to see, Eddie on top form, appearing nightly on my video/tv, teenage heaven indeed. Inside the cover there's pics of the Rockstar cd catalogue including their 9 excellent Eddie cds, add this most definitely to your want list. This outstanding release deserves all our support and a curse on the bootleggers if they steal this.

Messres Barrett and Glenister and all involved in this worthy project deserve a place in rock n roll Valhalla for this essential glimpse of the all too brief shining moment that was Eddie Cochran's musical career. You have my eternal thanks for starters.

Available from all dealers with good taste!

Rockstar can be contacted by mail at
Rockstar records
PO Box 22
Woodford Green
Essex
IG8 0EH
England

The Gene Vincent shows from the same source will be released soon, who needs a lottery win to be happy huh?

Phil Davies
March 2001
(You can read more of Phil's reviews and his mate Shaun's too at
their Rockabilly Hall of Fame site)

Buy on-line at www.bim-bam.com or you can order it directly from Rockstar Records, 96d Southchurch Road, Warrior Square East, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 2LX, UK.

Eddie Cochran/Gene Vincent
"Rock 'N' Roll Memories"

It contains the 1960 "Saturday Club" BBC radio recordings and some "Boy Meets Girls" TV show recordings, in "vastly improved sound quality!" Also contains some interview material and a "great booklet with a number of previously unpublished photos". You can order it at your friendly record shop, or directly from Rockstar Records, 96d Southchurch Road, Warrior Square East, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 2LX, UK. UK price is 13.50 GBP.

EDDIE COCHRAN & GENE VINCENT "ROCK & ROLL MEMORIES"
Rockstar CD RSR 018

Saturday Club 5.3.60:
Theme & Introduction
Say Mama (GENE VINCENT)
Interview (GENE VINCENT)
Summertime (GENE VINCENT)
Interview- Somethin' Else (EDDIE COCHRAN)
Hallelujah! I Love Her So (EDDIE COCHRAN)
Be-Bop-A-Lula (GENE VINCENT)
Twenty-Flight Rock (EDDIE COCHRAN)
Rocky Road Blues (GENE VINCENT)
C'Mon Everybody (EDDIE COCHRAN)
Closing Theme
Saturday Club 12.3.60:
Theme & Introduction
Wildcat (GENE VINCENT)
My Heart (GENE VINCENT)
What'd I Say (EDDIE COCHRAN)
Interview (EDDIE COCHRAN)
Milk Cow Blues (EDDIE COCHRAN)
Boy Meets Girls 16.1.60: -
All EDDIE COCHRAN (plus Gene on White Lightnin')
Introduction
Hallelujah! I Love Her So
C'Mon Everybody
Somethin' Else
Interview
Twenty-Flight Rock
Boy Meets Girls 23.1.60:
Introduction
Money Honey
Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
Hallelujah! I Love Her So
Closing Announcement
Boy Meets Girls 20.2.60:
Summertime Blues
Milk Cow Blues
Boy Meets Girls 27.2.60:
Introd. & Interview
I Don't Like You No More
Sweet Little Sixteen
Introduction
White Lightnin' (& GENE VINCENT)

M. Lister Interviews at Liverpool Empire 1960- Interview with Gene Vincent &
Eddie Cochran- Interview with Billy Fury- Interview with Joe Brown-
Interview-Spencer Leigh talks to Monty Lister

Here's a review by Phil Davies:-

EDDIE COCHRAN & GENE VINCENT
ROCK'N'ROLL MEMORIES

ROCKSTAR RSRCD 018
40 (!!!!) tracks, playing time 76:08

Following from the glorious Rockstar Town Hall Party cd we return again to the live radio/tv sound of the brothers in rock.

Two BBC Saturday Club radio shows from 5th and 12th of march 1960, Four ITV Boy Meets Girls January 16th & 23rd, February 20th & 27th 1960. As a bonus 3 back stage tour members inteviews from Mr "Microphone" Monty Lister backstage at the Liverpool Empire theatre March 1960, and a 1995 interview with Monty himself from 1995. Add a brilliant colour NME Poll Winners concert cover, a detailed booklet fine intro by Big jim Sullivan and lotsa rare pics and you're sorted matey. Stop reading this and rush to your nearest record emporium and acquire forthwith.

Ok so you may have the 1981 Rockstar lp with the Saturday Club cuts BUT these are from the BBC master tapes and sound absolutely awesome. Tiptop ticketyboo chaps, jolly well done that boy Duncan Cowell in the sound dept! The quaint Brian Matthews dj bits and the star struck girl fan interviewees all add to the impact when the Americans let rip, coaxing their UK band members to unthought of heights of competancy. Great stuff and fantastic to hear in this high quality depth of sound. C'Mon Everybody wasn't on the original album but its here in all its glory.

The Boy Meets Girl tracks first surfaced on the old much beloved and now very worn On Air UA lp from 1972. Even though they've been on cd previously (EC Box set etc) they sound really crisp hear thanks to Duncan's knob twiddlings. Love the closing announcement on one show where Marty Wilde says that Ronnie Hawkins will be on the show next week and OTIS BLACKWELL (what!!!!!) performing as well. Cue voodoo doll intermission for curses to be laid on the blinkered TV executive plonker who gave the go ahead to wipe the film/video of these epic performances way back when.

Just think of film of Eddie ripping up Sweet Little 16 or the lads closing on White Lightning. The aural memories expertly conserved here will suffice. One day though will our intrepid Indiana Jones' Tone n Del achieve mission impossible finding this long lost footage? International finger crossing day starts now. Look what a surprise the Town Hall Party footage turned out to be.

Hard to believe we want more after the long hard effort its taken to put this gem of a cd together. Steve Aynsley and Roger Nunn have annotated a superb telling of the last tour by the tunesome twosome. 10 out of 10 and a gold star ( or even Goldstar) all round. Buy with confidence as they used to say. The last 2 cds and Darrel/Julie's book means that the 40th anniversary year of Eddie's passing has been acknowledged in a most fittting and memorable manner. Yah boo sucks to Radio 1, you deserve the music you play daily. This stuff is immortal.

Now where's them lil' Town hall Party videos boisbach?

PHIL DAVIES
AUGUST 2000

Hepcat Distribution,
PO Box 1108,
Orange,
California,92856

Tel 714 532 2095 ex 11
Fax714 532 1474
e mail gabby@hepcatrecords.com gabby castellana is the president of hepcat records

Marco recorded this in his own studio and plays all the instruments. The guitar playing is superb. The non Cochran title Cream of the Crop was co-penned by Marco and blends in well.
With 22 tracks this CD is excellent value for money!

2-1/2 Hr VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE OF THE
EDDIE COCHRAN MEMORIAL SHOW

Colston Hall, Bristol April 17
Eddie by Jim Plummer
Gene by Graham Fenton
backed by the Firebirds
Also on the bill:
Charlie Gracie -
Jean Vincent -
host Geoff Barker -
Just Rockin Trio -
Everly Brothers Tribute by Bula Bula.

An excellent turnout for a cold April night in Bristol saw the Colston Hall full and they cleared the front seats so people could dance.
Opening act Bula Bula, who consist of two of the Bristol Comets - Tony Dodds and Andy Perret, were an Everlys tribute - good stuff with great sound alike harmonies and nice guitar work from both singers.

Any band that has an upright bass commands my immediate attention and Just Rockin' were a three piece that really warmed up the audience. I guess we've seen it all before but I'm a sucker for double bass players climbing on their instruments and even playing them like guitars. The Confederate flag clad trio consisted of Andy Maxted on slap bass, Rich Maxted on drums and Chris Waring on lead guitar.

Next up was Jean Vincent - carried on stage in a tight PVC mini skirt (calm down now!) - she worked hard and has a tough rasping Wanda Jackson type voice. A nice girl in a hard business for females. Jean has toured the world and taken her name from Gene.

Charlie Gracie closed the first half. Charlie received an enthusiastic introduction from compere Geoff Barker and played some mean guitar too. Just Rockin stayed on stage to back Charlie (as they also did for Jean Vincent. I saw Charlie in '57 so forty three years down the road it was great for me but just a little disappointing that he featured no instrumental numbers like Guitar Boogie Shuffle. Charlie played most of his hits like - Fabulous, Wandering Eyes, 99 Ways.

After the interval came The Firebirds - more standup bass thrills with Richie Lorriman, Jason Bryant on drums and Jim Plummer on guitar. The Firebirds were excellent and have a way of taking standard numbers and converting them to Rockabilly. Opening up with an old King Brothers track called 'Mais Oui', then one of their own tracks from their 'Too Hot To Handle' album called 'Two Timin' Lover', The Firebirds finished their set with a Louis Prima track recently covered by the Brian Setzer Orchestra called 'Jump Jive & Wail'.
Now the show was reaching the point of its existence - a tribute to Gene and Eddie. First came Graham Fenton (Firebirds staying on stage) who strode quietly on stage dressed a la Gene - black leather and medallion. Graham worked with Gene when he toured Europe with The Houseshakers and managed to catch a lot of the feeling. If you just closed your eyes a little you could recapture the spirit of Gene, that bunch of grapes hair, the little stoop by the mike and that lisp on Over The Rainbow. Actually 'Rainbow' went sadly wrong for Graham as the band got into the wrong key shortly after the mid verse segue into You Belong To Me, but Graham finished strongly. The rest were all rockers - Say Mama,Rocky Road Blues, Baby Blue, Be Bop a Lula before finishing on Wild Cat, and there were some great Gallup style guitar runs from Rob Silcox of The Firebirds.

Then on to the finale - Jim Plummer's tribute to Eddie. Emulating Eddie's stage act Jim in Cochran style waistcoat opened with his back to the audience and then turned around to face us with that Gretsch pumping out the riffs. Again all rockers as the band ran full tilt through Jeanie,Jeanie,Jeanie, Skinny Jim, Twenty Flight Rock, Summertime Blues, C'mon Everybody, Teenage Heaven. The Firebirds were joined by excellent sax player Patsy Gamble. Like Graham Fenton, Jim captured the spirit of our idol and made us realise how much we still miss them. Jim never stopped for the ballads and the show was over before we had time to draw breath.

I was fortunate enough to catch that last tour of Gene and Eddie so feel qualified to judge the tribute show and it did capture the fast moving
spirit of the original. Personally I would have liked the show to climax with Graham and Jim joining together on White Lightning - just like Gene and Eddie used to do and speaking to Jim afterwards it turned out that had been mentioned but too late to include.

It's planned to make this an annual event and let's hope so. It's a nice venue - not too big. Thanks to Bill Beard who got us backstage afterwards and a chance for a brief chat to Graham Fenton, Charlie Gracie and Jim Plummer.

We also walked round the block to see the Bristol Hippodrome - it's very poignant to think that more or less 40 years to the day, Gene and Eddie slipped out into the Bristol night and rock and roll's finest moment in Britain was shortly to be cut in it's prime.

Gene and Eddie brought technicolour into our drab British lives, taught our guitarists to play and were the first real rocknroll stars to spend any length of time over here. We have long memories and God how I miss them both - if only Gene had made it through the 70's he would be a living legend.

Charlie Gracie seemed to sum up the place us Brits hold in our heart for a select few rockers: 'Elvis chose Las Vegas and I chose Great
Britain - 'I think I came off best.....'

reviewed by Rob Humphreys