Hear here for some early 70's live recordings and a 4 track demo of original compositions that was taken around to record companies by our then manager. Freddie Mack aka Mr Superbad (American ex-boxer - Check him on Wikipedia) and received 3 offers to record - Not realised due to arguments over production etc - We were never privy to these discussions. That's life !
From our first gig : Track 1 - 'Ardon Woman' was an attempt by Gywn & me to imitate our heroes 'Cream' and the instrumental section (totally improvised) is quite unique - How many other bands (at the time) had this togetherism ? After this first gig we became a 5 piece with the addition of Ray Hawkins , my closest friend and ace guitarist ( my mentor) and we became a real band with potential...
We continued to support other name bands at the time, ChickenShack...Snafu..Man..Stackridge...Stray and many others ..I can't remember..and we were always encored ! That's unusual for a support band ( in those days! ) We were the first band booked to play at 'Upstairs At Ronnie's' on the opening night...Another time we attended an audition in a large hall with a dozen other groups setting up in limited space...we played after a couple of the others...2 tracks...We got a standing ovation from all the other guys present...and yes we got an offer ! Great days of youth.
The great laughs you see in the last pic above - We had a puff...and Ray had just called the photographer the 'C' word ... in jest...! LOL! LOL!
And BTW the Gibson Firebird that I hold in my hands ...came from Eric Clapton...in his junkie days...via a friend ( it was Ray's) and sounded great with a lovely action ! Where is it now?...I sold my Gibson SG too...and bought a Les Paul Standard ... see later pics ...It played itself ! In later days I became a committed Fender Strat man !
I've not expected any comments at this blog ! But ...if you wish...feel free to say something.
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| Ardon with friends |
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Gwyn & Gus
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