The Life And Times
Started playing drums way back in 1966, although be it, only on a pair of
bongos.
(Steve Peregrin Took, where are you now?).
First real kit was a Broadway classic, in a sorry state of repair, bought for
only £15.00.
First real band was called Salvo who were; Paul Adam on Bass,
Barry Archer on Lead guitar, Adrian Brooker –(who is sadly no longer with us) on
Vocals and harmonica, and myself on drums. This led to the forming
of Winkle Bill. The fore runner to Dirtie Bertie. This band took
many guises over the years, but the original line up consisted of. . . Malcolm
Barnard – Lead vocals and saxophone: Chris Godden – Keyboards and guitar: Paul
Adam – Bass: Barry Archer – Guitar: Myself – drums.
First gig was supporting the Nashville Teens at a local college. (Small
claim to fame). This band had a lot of front line changes over the years, but
always seemed to hold its popularity.
I had tried various ventures over the years with Winkle Bill. Including
a band called Wipeout. Never really sure of what I was looking for.
Obviously never found it, as I always seemed to come back to them. (A certain
Mr. Dungate was one of those many ventures, way back even then). From this
band, rose Dirtie Birtie. Best boogie band around. Enjoyed many a year
of rock, from local pubs, to Kent Custom Bike shows.
Had a period of about 5 to 6 years where playing was put on the back burner for
a while. I unfortunately got trapped in a mundane job in London. Soon saw
the light though. I saw an advert in the paper for a blues band looking to go
abroad and play the Belgium blues festivals. Best move I had made in a long
time. Front man of the band, (Still Waters Blues Band), was a guy
called The Wolf. A legend in his own lifetime. He had recorded and
played with the some the greatest names around. Sadly, he also is not with
us anymore. I could not miss this opportunity to say a few words about him. It
was a privilege to have known and played with him. He is sadly missed.
Met an excellent bass player while with the blues band, called Gaz Barnes.
From there, came a brief encounter with the Clintstones. Then had a
call from a Brian Hughes. Another long term member of the Medway music
scene. From that phone call, came forth, Very Umble. Although short
lived, probably one of the best rock bands I have played with. This followed on
to another new venture. When I was in the honored position of been invited to
play with 2 of Medway's finest, Andy Dungate and Mark Letley.
Andy, having found an excellent keyboard player in Dan, a formerly unknown
factor, had contacted Mark, "to put something together". From such simple
statements – I think at that time that they were actually looking for a drummer,
but in the end Mark rang me and asked if I would be interested. And so was
born "Changing The Clocks"
Now in present day, we have, thanks to Robbo, "Running Barefoot".
Some original members, of the still running Dirtie Bertie, plus a new and
talented guitarist, Bobby Morgan. (The "Barefoot", Is in very fond memory, of
one of the nicest and best drum roadies I ever had the pleasure of working with)
|
