The Cochran Connection - Eddie Cochran Fanzine

THE EDDIE COCHRAN WEEKEND - CHIPPENHAM 2002

Review 1 - Friday
When I first arrived I found this to be one of the busiest Friday evenings I had seen in the eight years I have been coming to the Eddie Cochran weekend. It was standing room only, it was obvious by the amount of people there that Jet Harris was still very popular. Personally I have never been a particular fan of the Shadows type of music, however I was to be pleasantly surprised by the Rapiers and Jet played many of his previous hits. I enjoyed his banter in between the music, he had a good sense of humour and was happy to talk about his problems in the past with alcohol. Of the two supporting bands I thought the House Rockers were very good and the Hell Raisers excellent, playing the type of music that I personally like
A very enjoyable evening and I hope to see all of them again at a future Eddie Cochran weekend

Marilyn Guyatt

Review 2 - Saturday
Every year the town of Chippenham pays respect to Eddie Cochran, who was killed there very prematurely in 1960. There was a fun fair next to the venue, giving the whole event a great party atmosphere. This years line up included Elvis' original guitarist Scotty Moore {billed as the guitar that changed the world}, Big Bopper Jr and Rocky Burnette {son of Johnny Burnette}. Fine as these Americans were, the real stars of the day were Darrel Higham and Paul Ansell.

Ansell fronted Scotty's band and was unassuming yet totally convincing in his Elvis role. He didn't try to upstage the rest of the band and better still he didn't try to wiggle his hips and curl his lips. He just sang like a dream, sounding for all the world like Elvis on "Don't Be Cruel" in particular. Scotty was not as awesome as he was the two years ago, but everyone loved him for who he was. The band, Western Union were right on the money and filled in any gaps Scotty made. Did I mention that Paul Ansell was brilliant, coz he was!

For the first time since he's been playing the festival, Darrel Higham did all Cochran based material. No one can touch him on Eddie numbers as he looks and plays so much like his hero. Earlier in the day we'd seen Rebel Dean doing his tribute, and although he is obviously a big fan {and it's good to have another performer out there spreading the word}, the gulf between the two is massive. That's not a slight on Rebel Dean, it just tells you how good Darrel is!
Of the other acts, Big Bopper Jr was very enjoyable, and came over as an affable fellow who looks uncannily like his father. He sounds good too, and it's testimony to his father that his whole act was full of BB originals, the standout being the very touching "Someone Watching over You". I missed Bobby Cochran, but my fish and chips were lovely. Rocky Burnette, together with Darrel and the Enforcers played no nonsense rockabilly straight from the rock 'n' roll trio songbook. Uncompromising and brilliant, the sound could only have been bettered by Rocky, letting Darrel take the vocals. Spinning the wax was Wildcat Pete who isn't scared to play the classics as well as the obscure - a lesson for some of the weekender jocks.

Another highly enjoyable day, and this time I even got to see the Memorial plaque at the scene of the accident. It's unbelievable to see the site, as it looks so safe and such an unlikely place for a car crash. It's a moving experience to stand there and try to picture the scene of 42 years ago. With events like these and performers like Darrel Higham, Eddie seems Never To Be Forgotten.

Shaun Mather

This 7^TH annual Eddie Cochran Weekend opened on Friday night with a welcome return to this event after first appearing here in 1996 the ‘Class Of 58’. Howard Coleman vocals and guitar, Christine Coleman slap bass and vocals, Dave Coates drums. This band, have been performing for 20 years. You can see why this band is very much in demand after a great performance tonight pumping out some great classics like ‘C’mon Everybody’ ‘Freight Train’ ‘All By Myself’, and some great pounding vocals from Christine Howard which included ‘Long Tall Sally’ ‘Mean Mean Man’.

Rockin’ The Joint, Mike lead vocals and guitar, Dave lead guitar and backing vocals, Barney double bass and backing vocals, Jon drums and backing vocals. A late addition to the show their repertoire consisted of a wide range styles from Bill Haley, Joe Turner, Eddie and Gene, through to the Stray Cats.

Topping the bill on Friday night and making another welcome visit back to this weekend was Charlie Gracie. cgracie2001.jpg (26990 bytes)

Since making his first appearance in this country way back in 1957, Charlie has returned here many, many times always giving his best and tonight was no exception. Backed by the Class of 58. Charlie was out standing as ever. Great guitar playing awesome in fact ‘Go Man Go’ ‘R O C K’ ‘Wandering Eyes’ ‘Butterfly’ ‘Honky Tonk’. Charlie gave a great performance that could not be faulted. Also making a personal tribute to his old buddy Eddie by dedicating ‘I’m All Right’ the title track of his latest CD release to the memory of him.

Finishing off with ‘Shake Rattle and Roll’ a great night of music enjoyed by all there.

On Saturday morning there was the classic car cruise through the town, then off to the Olympiad where you had a couple of hours to browse around the many record and memorabilia stalls before the first band was due to play.

The afternoon bands were JD and The Chasers, The Flames, Rudi La Crioux and the All stars, The Heartbreakers, and The Bobby Cochran Band.

Terry Dene and Brian Gregg have been friends since 1956, when they both started to work together at a record shop in London. terrydene.jpg (24155 bytes)

Both sharing a love of skiffle and rock ‘n’ roll music, and it was not long afterwards that they formed their own band. Backed by the Flames John Burleigh {lead guitar} Roger Cover {bass} Jeff Jeffrey {rhythm guitar} and Jeff Tuck {drums}. Terry appeared here in a guest spot with the Bronx in 1997. Tonight I thought Terry put on a great show with many such classics as, ‘Poor boy’ ‘Shakin’ All Over’ ‘Like A Baby’ and of course ‘A White Sports Coat’. Before and after the show Terry and Brian spent time with the fans.

Last year, to every ones disappointment Darrel was programmed to appear very early on in the evening. But this year saw him coming on prior to the Crickets. Backed as usual by the Enforcers Mick Wigfall {bass} and Les Curtis {drums}. darrel.jpg (20033 bytes)

Playing to a packed hall they wasted no time in getting down to business. ‘Nobody’, ‘Rockin’ Daddy’, ‘That’s All Right Mama’ ‘Sweethearts and Strangers’. With Darrel giving his own tribute to Eddie with such classics as. ‘Twenty Flight Rock’ ‘Jeannie Jeannie Jeannie’ ‘Jelly Bean’ ‘Somethin’ Else’ and of course a fantastic version of ‘Milk Cow Blues’. After being on stage for an hour every one wanted more and more they got. With Darrel and the band getting two encores. An out standing performance by three great musicians.

When formed in Lubbock, Texas. The Crickets were one of the first rock ‘n’ roll bands ever to be self contained, writing, playing, producing and recording their own material. On the 8^th January 1960 Jerry Allison {guitar}, Sonny Curtis {drums} joined Eddie and Connie ‘Guybo’ Smith in the studio for a session which produced ‘Three Steps To Heaven’, ‘Cut Across Shorty’ and ‘Cherished Memories’. Making a return visit to this weekend the first time being in 1998. unk.jpg (31178 bytes)

This time with Sonny Curtis, producing the classic line up of Sonny Curtis, JI Allison, Joe B Mauldin and Glen D Hardin.

All the hits were there ‘ Real Wild Child’ ‘Oh Boy’ ‘Think It Over’ ‘Rock Around With Ollie Vee’ ‘Wild One’ ‘More Than I Can Say’ ‘ Maybe Baby’. A great night of music

On Sunday morning it was nice to see about 200 people who braved the rain to attend a memorial service which was held at St Mary’s School the service was led by Richmond Cursitor, with music by ‘Witness’.

After the service a short stroll down to the Eddie Cochran “Cherished Memories” plaque in Rowden Hill, which was also attended by members of the Crickets

Then it was back to the Olympiad for an afternoon of music with Dee and her Heartbeats.

EDDIE COCHRAN MEMORIAL SHOW
Colston Hall, Bristol April 17 2000
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.
A FAST MOVING ANGLO-AMERICAN BEAT SHOW
EDDIE COCHRAN 40th ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE

Left/Right: Graham Fenton as Gene Vincent
Centre: Jim Plummer as Eddie Cochran

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

2-1/2 Hr DVD 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.