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On and offstage with bands, 1966 - 2003
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Welcome to the picture gallery, covering 37 years of my life in music. Double - click on any titles you want to see, or move through the pictures in order using the arrows.
Teds'n'Rockers CD Booklet
My pages in the booklet for Mune Tagaki's compilation CD Teds'n'Rockers, ©2003. I have four songs on this cracking album, along with bands from all over Europe, Scandinavia and Brazil. Mune's label, Revel Yell Music is based in Aichi, Japan. ©Revel Yell Music, 2003
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Teds'n'Rockers booklet
Front of the booklet for the Japanese Revel Yell album Teds'n'Rockers, released in November 2003. All the graphics, layout and compilation was carried out by Munetoshi Tagaki, the label owner. ©Revel Yell Music, 2003
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Teds'n'Rockers track listing.
Track listing for the CD Teds'n'Rockers, released in 2003. Bands from Europe, Scandinavia and Brazil are represented on this 25-track compilation CD. ©Revel Yell Music, 2003.
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Munetoshi Tagaki
Munetoshi Tagaki is the owner of Revel Yell Music, the Japanese cult label who have released the compilation CD Teds'n'Rockers with four of my tracks on it. Mune is shown here with Danny B Harvey, the American guitarist, promoting his History of Danny B Harvey CD. Photo: ©Doll 12, No. 184 December 2002 (Japan).
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Teds'n'Rockers credits
This picture of me was taken on Newcastle's famous street of motorcycle dealers, Westgate Hill in the 1970s. I'm standing outside a long-gone biker cafe, although there are still some good egg'n'chip type meals being served in one or two award-winning greasy spoon cafes on The Hill. Photo: Lynnette ©Revel Yell Music, Japan.
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Revel Yell CD notes
Notes for the Teds'n'Rockers CD complete with track listing. I would love to do some gigs with these bands, ideally at venues like the Ace Cafe London, the Money Honey Saloon in St Petersburg, Russia, the Cooperage in Newcastle and the Bottom Line in Nagoya, Japan... ©Revel Yell Music, 2003
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Sabre Jets gig poster, 1978.
Sabre Jets' sax and Percussion man Antoine Legris used to knock out gig posters using a '70s photocopier and car spray paint, leaving them to dry in the back yard of his home. This one is from 1978.
Poster: Antoine Legris, from a photo by Rik Walton.
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'Mile After Mile' CD tray card…
The tracks on 'Mile After Mile' were written as English Road Stories, with the exception of 'Gear Jammin' Boots & A Three Speed Hat' which I originally wrote with the plan of sending it to RCA as a demo for Elvis. Trouble was, the demo was recorded in early August 1977...
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'Mile After Mile' booklet rear…
I recorded this album direct to stereo just after getting a Taylor 314KCE guitar, which is a Year 2000 limited edition with Koa back & sides. The Taylor dealer I bought it from couldn't tell me what the 'K' stood for, so big thanks to Layne Lucia from Chicago, a fellow owner/player who identified it for me, and to Rich Collins (who's e-mail I couldn't return) for responding to my requests for help from out there.
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Fifties Soho: The 'Heaven & He…
Soho coffee bars like the Heaven & Hell and the 2 I's were the birthplace of British rock'n'roll and the home of skiffle. In 1961, aged 15, I searched Soho for places like this, got caught up in a police raid and ended up wide-eyed outside Ronnie Scott's club. Later that day, I made my first trip to the Ace Café...
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Road Kids novel.
Hot rodding and bike culture provided exciting themes for pulp novelists such as 'Bud Clifton', whose novel 'Road Kids' was on sale at station bookstalls throughout the land to impressionable kids like me with half-a-crown (2/6d) to spare.
Road Kids by Bud Clifton ©Corgi Books.
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Merseyside, 1966
This shot of Lynn & I was taken at a Bo-Weevils gig at the British Legion Club, Port Sunlight, Merseyside in 1966.
Photo: Dave Jevons
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Tennessee Bo-Weevil rail drags…
Another of Ray Godman's Tennessee Bo-Weevil dragsters, ready to roll at Lakeland International Raceway near Memphis in 1964. I was a regular reader of Hot Rod Magazine, and pictures like this opened up a parallel world to match that of the rockers in Britain for excitement.
Photo: ©Walter Harville
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Gordon, Harry & I, 1966.
Gordon and Harry had already recorded a single at Cavern Sound when they formed the Bo-Weevils with Lynn and I. Gordon had a great style on his 12-string, complemented by Harry's rhythm playing. I hope they're still gigging somewhere in America.
Photo: David Jevons
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Lakeland International Raceway…
The sign that welcomed drag race fans to Lakeland International Raceway, Memphis, home of Memphis Rodder Ray Godman's stable of Tennessee
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Lynn Cawood, 1966.
Lynn was the main singer with the Liverpool - based Bo-Weevils, spooking audiences in 1966 with her versions of the murder ballad 'She walks These Hills in a Long Black Veil' and 'Annabel Lee'. 25 years later, as Lynnette, she did the same thing with 'Goin' Down That Road Feelin' Blue' and 'Crazy Arms'; MG & Lynnette's music was once described to us as 'Macabrebilly' and who are we to argue?
Photo: David Jevons
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Tennessee Bo-Weevil dragster.
This is one of the Tennessee Bo-Weevil series of dragsters, run at Lakeland International Raceway in the fifties and sixties by owner and original 'Memphis Rodder' Ray Godman and driver Sonny Adkin. By a weird twist of logic, they inspired our band name...
Photo: Special Collections, University of Memphis.
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Midnight in Tavistock Rd, 1968
We lived in this Jesmond street on Tyneside from 1968 to 1985 and many of the songs on the 'Mile After Mile' album were written here, including 'Rockin' at the Ace Cafe'.
The midnight movie came to an end, as we dragged through Peterlee By the time we're home the lights'll be out, there won't be any company
(from 'Living on the A19' ©Craig) Photo: Martin Craig
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North East R&R Society, 1973
A rare picture, taken across the road from the Aventine Club in Gateshead, main home of the North East Rock'n'Roll Society. These founder members are, (back row) Rockin' Jim Newark, Boppin' Brian Dixon (Hot Rod Gang drummer), 'Long Tall Sally', Tongue Tied Pete Forrester (club's resident DJ) Rockin' Ron Lewis (HRG bass player) and Alan 'Speedo' Tulip (HRG & Sabrejets rhythm guitarist). Front row: La Bell (thanks Val!), Mick 'The Pink Panther' Rankin (who sadly died in 2002) and Chris 'Carlos' Magee (HRG gtr/vocs). Most of these guys were with me when the 'Rumble at the Chip Shop' incident took place during the same year. (see 'Stories from the Northbound Lane').
Photographer unknown.
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Muther Grumble, Feb.1973
I was asked to write an article for Issue 10 of the successful and controversial 'underground' magazine Muther Grumble, explaining the resurgence of 1950s rock'n'roll at a time when 'progressive' and glam rock were dominating the UK music charts. I couldn't explain it, but this is my attempt. I took the pictures outside the fabulous Alletsa Ballroom in the holiday town of Whitley Bay, on the North East coast, after a bop session. The picture at bottom right shows why the Society was politely asked to leave by the ballroom's nervous management.
Rockin' Jim Newark, Ron Lewis and Phil Chicken are all in these shots. Photos & article: Martin Craig. The Muther Grumble archive can be found at http://www.muthergrumble.co.uk/
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Hot Rod Gang, Christmas 1973.
One of the earliest pictures of the Hot Rod Gang, taken on a cold Christmas Eve in 1973 at a club in rural County Durham. Featuring Rockin' Ron Lewis on Baldwin bass guitar and massive quiff, and Boppin' Brian Dixon on drums and silver lamé drape.
Lynnette was so concerned about the band freezing on the way home in our ex-Civil Defence Thames Trader van that she knitted us all woolly scarves as Christmas presents. As she said at the time, "You won't laugh when you're wearing them...." Photo: Sandie Simpson.
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Hot Rod Gang film poster, 1959
It didn't take Hollywood long to link the excitement and speed of Rock'n'Roll with the post-war hot rod culture in the USA. 'Hot Rod Gang' (1959) featured Gene Vincent & the Bluecaps.
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Custom Buicks.
As well as loving hot rods, I used to buy the customiser's magazine 'Car Craft', which featured the astounding futuristic creations of George 'King' Barris and Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth (famous for his 'Weirdo Designs' and creator of the character Rat Fink).
The pictures I hoarded as a schoolboy of custom 1959 Buicks like these became reality in the early 70s, when I found my own 1960 Buick Invicta 401 cubic inch pillarless sedan, just in time to use it for gigs with the Hot Rod Gang.
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The Hot Rod Gang, 1974.
After Boppin' Brian, Rockin' Ron and Dave Heslop left, the MKII Hot Rod Gang were (L-R) me, Sandie Simpson, Chris Magee and Alan Tulip; all later renamed in the cause of rock'n'roll.
The 18-foot long 1960 Buick Invicta had a 6570cc engine; it carried the band, their guitars, pa and amps to gigs and doubled as my small family runabout until 1976. I still have it, but it needs a full restoration. Photo:Dave McGeorge
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Moon Equipment's Hot Rod garag…
A typical hot rodder's garage, complete with a custom coupé. Note the 'Moon Equipped' eyes posters on the back wall. A love of hot rodding provided the inspiration for my second band, whose name also came from the 1959 film 'Hot Rod Gang' which featured Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps.
Photo: Moon Equipment
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Miners' Strike, Feb. 1974
The North East Rock'n'Roll Society and the Hot Rod Gang played a gig in Boldon Colliery Miners' Welfare Hall in 1974, to aid the families of striking coal miners. When the strike was over, the miners repaid the Society and the Band by booking them for a fete held in Boldon later that year.
Story: Gateshead Post
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New Rockpile No.15
New Rockpile was taken over from Eddie Muir of Brighton, and co-edited by Rockin' Jim Newark and I in 1975. Jim's poor health and my gig schedule sadly meant that we could not continue beyond this issue, but it was very well received and sold in 23 countries worldwide.
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Early Sabrejets gig, 1975
Mad Dog Lupe and I rockin' out at a very early Sabre Jets gig in Earsdon, a village near the North East coast of England.
Photo: Anne Tulip
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Two original Sabrejets
Two North American F86 Sabres, immortalised in Chuck Berry's song Run Rudolph Run with the line '...away went Rudolph, whizzin' like a Sabre jet' (©Chuck Berry).
I built the Frog kit of this plane as a boy (but used so much glue that the wing mounts melted off) and the image of it stuck in my head until the time came to form the Sabrejets in 1975. It just had to be done.
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Sabrejets Gig Review, Septembe…
This review was written after a Sabrejets gig at Newcastle's Cooperage. It appeared in Out Now magazine, written by journalist Ian McAllister under the title, Don't Mind Rockin' Tonite.
The writer spent half the evening trying to guess the band's 'real names', but our lips were sealed. Review: Ian McAllister.
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Sabs at the Cooperage'79.
An early colour shot of the Sabrejets at their weekly residency in the 500 year-old Cooperage, on Newcastle's Quayside.
Photo: Ken Cameron.
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The Cooperage, 1979.
I used an old Shaftesbury 12-string for some acoustic numbers with the Sabrejets. This was taken at our Cooperage residency.
Photo: Ken Cameron
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The Sunderland Superstars
Carlos 'Crazylegs' Magee and Sandie LaRocque (about to be Mrs.Magee) onstage at the Cooperage. Sandie used to hand her drum duties over to Antoine Legris whilst she 'danced a mean fandango' (as journalist Ian McAllister put it) with maraccas or a tambourine.
The 'Sunderland Superstars' tag came courtesy of rhythm guitarist Speedo. Photo: Rik Walton.
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The Sabre Jets, Spring 1979.
Taken in the 15th Century Cooperage, an unrestored barrelhouse where the Sabre Jets held an 18 month residency in the late 1970s.
I'm playing my 1966 Baldwin Vibraslim semi, which I've had from new - British designed and made by the legendary Jim Burns. Photo: Ken Cameron
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Old Newcastle, 1970s
Before 'the Toon' was regenerated, you could find streets of derelict warehouses like this which were ideal for outdoor rehearsals. We even tried to buy one once, but the deal fell through. We rented rehearsal rooms on the Quayside for a while and shared them with river rats, the whole area is now full of luxury apartments.
Photo: Lynnette.
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Carlos & Sandie.
Singer/ guitarist Carlos Magee and drummer Sandie LaRocque got married during this period of the Sabre Jets' history
Photo: Ken Cameron
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Speedo, 1978.
Speedo played rhythm guitar with both the Hot Rod Gang and the Sabre Jets. This was taken at a Blueport gig with the 45s and r&b legends the Junco Partners.
Photo: Rik Walton
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Ambulance to the Cooperage
Mad Dog Lupe unloading equipment at the base of the long stone steps up to the Cooperage's third floor entrance. The Cooperage is a 15th century barrelhouse close to the River Tyne.
The band's van was an Austin-Morris EA Ambulance; very comfortable but prone to breakdowns - hear Living on the A19 and Teesside Blues for more details. Photo: Rik Walton
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With my alto sax, 1979.
In about 1977, both Antoine Legris & I took up the saxophone; Antoine bought a tenor and I got a Guban alto. This enabled us to add some New Orleans material to the set, such as Roberta and Sea Cruise, as well as instrumentals like Peter Gunn and Tequila.
One night when we were playing at a club in Pelaw, Gateshead, we were asked to play out with the British National Anthem. As we'd never rehearsed it, we started off with a few bars and then broke into Tequila. The audience loved it but the club's management were furious and tried to stop us, leading to scuffles on the dance floor. Photo: Rik Walton.
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The Sabre Jets, 1979.
Taken on Newcastle's Quayside, several years prior to its regeneration with riverside apartments, law offices and wine bars.
The 1950 Humber Super Snipe was (like the 1960 Buick Invicta) both band transport and my family car. Photo: Rik Walton
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What'll she do?
Three Sabrejets grill Antoine about the bike on Newcastle's Quayside. L - R, Antoine Legris, Mad Dog Lupe, me & Speedo killing time at a photo shoot. The child inspecting the engine is Leon Maurice, son of Blueport label owner Mike Maurice.
Photo: Believed to be by Christine Glover
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Rehearsing in Hoodsville, 1970…
We used to rehearse in an old part of Newcastle we called 'Hoodsville', near the stock yards. Already, newer 1960s buildings are beginning to appear in what was one of Newcastle's most historic districts.
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Hoodsville, Newcastle, 1970s.
Another derelict outdoor rehearsal spot, this time in an area of old Newcastle that we used to call 'Hoodsville' because it reminded us of a set from a 1930s gangster movie. It had already started to change, a newer 1960s building is in the background. I think this place is a car park now.
Photo: Lynnette
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Blueport Artists' Roster, 1978…
This formed part of the Blueport brochure in 1978. Before the internet was available, answer-phones for each band replayed excerpts of the current singles.
Courtesy Blueport Music.
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Blueport BLU-2 EP, 1979.
The Sabre Jets' first release on the Blueport label was pressed on virgin blue vinyl at the insistence of label founder and boss Mike Maurice. This has added to its value at record auctions.
The reviews were from German music mags. Courtesy Blueport Music.
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Sabre Jets Blueport EP, 1979
BLU-2 was the Sabre Jets' first release on the Blueport label in 1979. Tracks were 'Radioland', 'Rockin' at the Ace Cafe' and a cover of the Carl Perkins classic, 'Caldonia'. The EP got airplay and good press coverage in many countries.
Copy: courtesy of Blueport Music.
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Handcrafted in the Deep North.
Blueport Music got under the skin of radio stations and reviewers partly through their creative use of 'home-grown' publicity materials such as this hand drawn, typed and photocopied flyer.
In the same way, Mike Maurice breezed through the offices of places like the BBC in London as if he owned the joint, and his nerve got him through the usual barriers everywhere he went. Partly as a result of this, every Blueport release got extensive national and international airplay as well as good press reviews.
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Duke Box on the Hill
Taken outside a bikers' cafe on Newcastle's Westgate Hill in the mid-1970s. This joint featured a 'Duke Box' (see window on right). Even now, most of Newcastle's motorcycle dealers are still on 'The Hill.'
Photo: Lynnette
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Sabres at Eldon Square
This outdoor gig took place on a hot summer day in the 70s in Old Eldon Square; nowadays a haunt for the Goth community of Newcastle. The band that followed us was Last Exit, featuring Sting just before he joined The Police.
Photo: Christine Glover
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Newcastle Freshers' Ball, 1979
Taken by the rock photographer Rik Walton at a Newcastle University Freshers' Ball at The Canteen in 1979.
You can order copies of Rik's photos, which include major international acts from the 60s & 70s, from a catalogue on his web site featured in the 'Links' section. Photo: Rik Walton
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Antoine's tenor sax.
Antoine 'Zapata' Legris lays out some greasy tones at a late 70s John Peel gig we shared with The Mekons at Newcastle University.
Photo: Rik Walton.
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Diesel & Carlos at The Canteen…
The Canteen was a large music venue run by the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. The Sabrejets made sure we played at every Freshers' Ball, because if we got the students' interest in their first few weeks at college they'd be loyal followers of the band right through and beyond their time at college.
Years after our Cooperage residency finished, I was recognised outside Buckingham Palace in London by someone who first saw the Sabrejets at their Freshers' Ball at The Canteen. Photo: Rik Walton.
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The Newcastle Sound, 1979.
From the Newcastle Evening Chronicle, a northern regional newspaper, this article covered the 'News From Blueport' tours; featuring the Junco Partners, the 45s and the Sabre Jets.
Photo: Rik Walton
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Live at Dunelm Hall, Durham, 1…
Why did the Lighting Man cross the stage? To get into this photo, of course. Ken Cameron, who took many of the photos on this web site, does a stage dash behind our backs at a college gig in 1979.
Photo: Unknown member of Durham Student's Union.
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Mad Dog with his Fender bass
Mad Dog Lupe used a rare Burns Flyte bass guitar for a while with the Sabrejets, then he bought a Fender Precision. At some point he changed the fretted neck for a Fender fretless neck and this became his main instrument.
Mad Dog bought an Eastern European-made double bass in 1979 and used it with the Sabrejets for rockabilly numbers. When he joined The Kindness of Strangers in 1987 he used the double bass exclusively. It was eventually accidentally smashed and Mad Dog now plays an electro-acoustic bass guitar. Photo: Rik Walton.
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Speedo at a John Peel gig.
Rhythm guitarist Speedo borrows my Shaftesbury 12-string at a university gig we shared with The Mekons and ex-Radio Caroline and BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel.
Photo: Rik Walton.
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'Sabroff'
Occasionally, members of the Sabrejets and Blueport label-mates Roxoff joined forces for gigs. The hybrid band was usually billed as 'Sabroff', and sometimes 'Diesel & the Nighthawks.' Roxoff members Dik the Drummer (formerly of Merlin & Hedgehog Pie) and Steve Hall (who went on to play with the Eastside Torpedoes & currently The Questionnaires) were the Roxoff component; Mad Dog Lupe, Antoine Legris & I rmade up the Sabrejets half.
Photo: Ken Cameron.
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'Sabroff':Tow Law, 1979.
Taken at another Sabroff gig, showing Steve Hall on guitar. Steve played & recorded with Roxoff, The East Side Torpedoes and is currently co-fronting The Questionnaires, whose album 'Arctic Circles' is now on sale.
Photo: Ken Cameron.
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Blueport Music's Mike Maurice.
Mike founded Blueport Music and also played in the R&B band Roxoff. He risked his own money and time in the Blueport venture, which became a record label, booking agency and promotion company.
Mike is still around and I have a strong ambition to collect together all his scattered recordings, both solo and from bands like Blues from your Back Yard, Mike Maurice & the Coffee Bar Cowboys, Mike, Slot & Bumper and Roxoff and release them on CD. Photo: Martin Craig.
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'Sabroff':Dik & Mad Dog Lupé, …
Dik the Drummer and Mad Dog provided the engine room for the Blueport Label's hybrid band Sabroff, seen here in 1979.
Photo: Ken Cameron.
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'Sabroff':Dik the Drummer
Dik has played and recorded with Merlin, Hedgehog Pie, Roxoff, Stiletto & many other bands. This was one of our joint 'Sabroff' gigs in 1979. Dik is currently recording and songwriting.
Photo: Ken Cameron.
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Sabroff: Diesel and Mad Dog Lu…
With Sabrejets' bass player Mad Dog Lups at a gig by the hybrid band 'Sabroff', made up from members of the Sabrejets and Roxoff. The band also went out as 'Diesel and the Night Hawks.'
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Sabre Jets Mk II, late 1979.
Another studio publicity shot taken to promote the Sabres' second release, 'Voodoo Cave'/ 'At the Quayside'; featuring new drummer Eric 'Remo' Schaefer as well as Antoine Legris on sax and percussion Mad Dog Lupe on bass and me wearing what looks like a Tiger Cub's seat cover.
Photo: Blueport Music.
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The Sabre Jets MK II, late '79…
At a photo shoot at the time 'Voodoo Cave' and 'At the Quayside' were released on the Blueport label. Eric 'Remo' Schaefer has replaced Sandie LaRocque on drums, completing the MkII Sabre Jets line-up.
Photo: Blueport Music
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Mad Dog at Metro Radio, 1979
Mad Dog Lupé lays down what were described in a review as 'lubricated bass lines' at a Blueport session in Metro Radio's main studio. Mad Dog's Fender Precision bass put a solid foundation under these tracks.
Photo: Ken Cameron.
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'Voodoo Cave'/'At the Quayside…
This cartoon strip was produced by Antoine Legris to promote the Sabrejets' second release on vinyl, Voodoo Cave/At the Quayside. Antoine used to work days in the Blueport Bunker, a basement flat in a block in Osborne Road, Jesmond that featured as a 'safe house' in the 1950 spy thriller The Clouded Yellow, starring Trevor Howard and Jean Simmons.
Cartoon: Antoine Legris.
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Recording 'Voodoo Cave'
We recorded 'Voodoo Cave' at Metro Radio studios in 1979, together with 'At the Quayside.' Blueport Music released these tracks as a double A-side single. The guitar was brand-new when we went into the studio, it's a 1979 Fender Stratocaster hardtail model in a custom pearl finish called 'Antigua'. It's been my main electric ever since.
Photo: Ken Cameron
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Reviews of 'Radioland & 'Voodo…
Contemporary reviews of the Sabre Jets' second record release, 'Voodoo Cave'/ 'At the Quayside' (1980) and chart placing for the 'Radioland' EP, which entered the Time Out charts at no.8 on the basis of votes cast by contemporary critics such as Charlie Gillett, Stuart Coleman, Giovanni Dadomo and BBC Radio's John Peel.
Courtesy Blueport Music.
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Gorilla Beat No.5, 1980.
Gorilla Beat was a specialist record collector's magazine, edited by Hans Jurgen Klitsch of Mülheim and Alfred Hebing of Essen, West Germany. They gave the Sabre Jets' records great support, both before and after release. This review covers rough mixes of my compositions 'Voodoo Cave' and 'At the Quayside' before their release in 1980.
Courtesy Blueport Music
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Balmbra's Music Hall, 1980.
Balmbra's is an historic original music hall, made famous by the lyrics of the Geordie folk song Blaydon Races. After languishing unused for many years, it was reopened as a music venue in the late 70s, complete with restored original decor.
The Sabrejets played there many times - this photo was taken at a 'Mk.II' Sabrejets gig, around the time of the Voodoo Cave single. Photo: Christine Glover.
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Rockin' Ron at Balmbra's
Rockin' Ron Lewis, original bass player with the Hot Rod Gang, guests stage left on rhythm guitar and moustache with the MK.II Sabrejets at Balmbra's Music hall in 1980. The guitar was a vintage Harmony Sovereign - Ron has since replaced the guitar with other nice vintage models, but he still has the original moustache.
Photo: Christine Glover.
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'Sounds' Rockabilly Chart, 198…
Although the Sabre Jets and the Blueport record label were no longer in existence, 'Rockin' at the Ace Cafe' appeared in the Sounds magazine rockabilly chart three years after its release. Today, the EP is still featured in the Record Collector Guide, and changes hands at auction.
Courtesy Blueport Music.
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Real Gone in '81
Onstage with The Firebirds, playing my instrumental 'Jazzabilly Moonglow'.
Photo: Ken Cameron
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The Firebirds, 1981
Taken at Newcastle's Cooperage, favourite haunt of the Sabre Jets in the late '70s. The building is still intact, after five centuries and several rock'n'roll bands did their worst.
Photo: Ken Cameron
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Lynnette's 'Firebird' logo, 19…
Lynnette drew this logo for The Firebirds' early publicity, all part of that late 70s/early 80s 'do-it-yourself' ethic...
Image: courtesy Lynnette
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Joss Elliott: Firebirds, 1981
Joss came from the famous folksinging family The Elliotts of Birtley, and was a founder member of The Firebirds . He is still hyperactive as a bass player.
Photo: Ken Cameron
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Carlos and I with the Firebird…
The Firebirds were: Carlos Magee (vocs/ gtr) Sandie LaRocque (drums) Joss E. Firebird (double bass) and me (gtr/ vocs).
Photo: Ken Cameron
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Carlos 'Fiery Gob' Magee, 1981
I met Carlos at the North East Rock'n'Roll Society in 1973. We were in The Hot Rod Gang, The Sabre Jets (Mk 1) and The Firebirds together. Carlos is still rockin'.
Photo: Ken Cameron
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The East Side Torpedoes, 1983-…
In the Winter of 1982/83 I was rehearsing a new band which was to feature ex-Animals guitarist Hilton Valentine when first the Animals reformed and Hilton left and then my father died suddenly at the start of 1983. That band understandably folded, and for a while I worked with the East Side Torpedoes to help them bring out two vinyl 45s and to talk on their behalf to record companies.
The Torpedoes were a close-knit 7 & 8-piece, with an 'all for one and one for all' attitude. The music biz wanted to cream off singer-songwriter Neil Hunter and 'lose the band' (their phrase) to save money, but the Torps stuck out for the whole band and no deal happened. I had to stop working with them when my mother became terminally ill and then died. My friend the late Lindolph De Oliveira is 2nd from right in this picture. L - R, Derek Nattrass (bass), Rod Sinclair (guitar), Neil Hunter (Vocals), Lloyd Howell (drums), Terry O'Hern (trombone), Lindolph De Oliveira (tenor sax) and Dave Connolly (trumpet).
The surviving members play reunion gigs from time to time and have kept a loyal following. Photo: Rik Walton
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Lindolph De Oliveira: 'Brazili…
One of my best friends, Lindolph was part Brazilian and part Scottish - he used to say to curious enquirers "Have you never heard of the Black Watch?". I first encountered him working as a prize fighter in a fairground boxing booth. He was also a marvellous self-taught guitarist who had the Django Reinhardt 'Hot Club' style down solid.
He left his job as a fireman to go to music college, where he dropped guitar completely and took up tenor sax. He played with the Sabrejets for a while, then joined the East Side Torpedoes, where he wrote the brass arrangements and played tenor. Although there are no photos from that time, Lindolph, classical violinist Trevor Smith and I worked together as 'Sticky Wicket' for a while in the late 70s/early 1980s, focussing exclusively on Django Reinhardt material. We recorded a few tracks which may emerge on CD one day.
Lindolph died tragically in 1990 and my song, Smokescreens was written about him, using the 'jazz' chords he'd shown me on the guitar years earlier. He left three children; Emma, Adam & Claire. Adam sailed in nuclear submarines for a time with the Royal Navy; he inherited Lindolph's saxophone, learned to play it and so continues the family's musical tradition. Photo: Martin Craig
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Torpedoes over Tyneside, 1985
When I was supporting the East Side Torpedoes, I rented a famous Newcastle landmark, Grey's Monument, from the local council for a day. As the Monument's tenants, we had to promise not to drop objects onto pedestrians below and we were insured for £250,000 in case of accidents.
We used the opportunity for a photo shoot for the cover of the Torps' single, 'Higher & Higher', B/W 'Ring Information.' From front to back, Lloyd Howell, Dave Connolly, Neil Hunter, Lindolph De Oliveira, Derek Nattrass, Terry O'Hern and Rod Sinclair.
Photo: ©Rik Walton/Volume Records
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The Kindness of Strangers Mk1
My eldest son Alastair Craig and I had a six-month residency at Trotters Wine Bar in Jesmond, Newcastle in 1987. This act became the basis for The Kindness of Strangers, who continued in several forms well into the 1990s.
Photo: ©Craig
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With my son Alastair Craig, 19…
Alastair Craig is my eldest son. He co-wrote much of the Kindness of Strangers' material, and played keyboards with the band. He now lives in the South of England with Almula, Kelly Rosina, Alex Richard, Amber Maybelline, Chloe Lauren, James Kenneth, Georgia Louise, Liam Timothy, Ella Lynnette and their dog Gracie Rose.
Photo: Christine Glover
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The Kindness of Strangers band…
The K.O.S. band with Lloyd Howell on drums, Chris Glover on double bass, Tony Glover on harp/percussion, Alastair Craig on keyboards and me on guitar/vocals. This was taken at the 'Jesfest' summer festival in Jesmond Dene, Newcastle in 1988.
Photo: Munro.
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'Kindness Minus Electro', 1989…
When Alastair Craig left the band to move south, Antoine, Lupe, Irene Sutherland (by now dubbed 'Irana Racquette') and I re-wrote our material for acoustic instruments such as double bass, sax and percussion, as well as my Ovation acoustic guitar. This show was at the Newcastle Playhouse in April, 1989 .
Photo: Ken Cameron
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K.O.S. duo, early - mid 1990s.
After the full band stopped gigging, singers Irene Sutherland and I used the K.O.S. name for our acoustic duo, featuring each singer's original material.
The duo played a wide variety of venues, and made several live broadcasts for BBC North, as well as recorded sessions. Irene still gigs regularly and has released a jazz-flavoured CD of her own songs.
Photo: Ken Cameron
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Acoustic Roots of Rock'n'Roll.
MG & Lynnette playing our 'Acoustic Roots of Rock'n'Roll' live set at the Tudor Rose pub in Dunston, England.
The guitar is a Godin Acousticaster, designed and made in Canada by Robert Godin. The hollow body gives an amplified acoustic sound, whilst the slim maple neck gives the playing ease of an electric solid-bodied guitar.
Photo: Ron Lewis
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Japanese CD booklet photo.
MG & Lynnette in a shot used for the booklet of the Japanese Revel Yell Music CD Teds'n'Rockers to be released in Autumn 2003. Photo: Ken Cameron
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MG & Lynnette: Really unplugge…
Taken in 1993, whilst we sang our 'Acoustic Roots of Rock'n'Roll' set outdoors, and featuring my favourite Guild F-112 12-string guitar.
Photo: Munro
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MG & Lynnette rehearsing, 1994…
One advantage of playng live acoustic music is that you can rehearse your set anywhere - at home, outdoors - and at any time - no booking of rehearsal space, no dragging equipment up 5 flights of stairs - just tune up n' go!
Photo: Munro.
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National Music day, 1995.
MG & Lynnette playing outdoors at the 1995 National Music Day for the Newcastle Branch of the Musicians Union. I've been an M.U. member since the early 1970s working on union business for many years with the much-missed Branch Secretary and bandleader, George Turner, who died a few years ago.
Photo: Ron Lewis
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At a 'Bread & Roses' style gig…
MG & Lynnette between sets at a residential care home gig in 1996. The three generations of women talking to Lynnette had all been dancing; the one on the right was an exchange student from Lithuania who was working at the home.
When relatives arrived with their children, people from three to ninety were dancing to rock'n'roll music! 'Bread & Roses' is a San Francisco, USA based charity that offers live music and performance to people in care homes, prisons and hospitals ( see LINKS).
Photo: Ron Lewis.
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Song-writing.
Working at home on solo material for a collection of direct-to-stereo recordings, featuring my rare small-bodied Guild F112 12-string guitar. These tracks may see the light of day sometime.
Photo: Lynn Craig
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Sandie at the HRG Reunion, 199…
Hot Rod Gang (MkII) Sabre Jets (Mk1) and Firebirds drummer Sandie LaRocque belts it out at the 25th Anniversary gig in 1997.
Photo: Ken Cameron
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A Reunion Toast, 1997.
Carlos and Rockin' Ron acknowledge a well-deserved toast at the Hot Rod Gang's first gig together since 1975.
Photo: Ken Cameron.
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Sandie LaRocque, 1997.
Sandie LaRocque, drumming with the Sabre Jets at the North East Rock'n'Roll Society 25th anniversary bash, Gateshead 1997.
Photo: Ken Cameron
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Rockin' Ron Lewis, Oct. 1997.
Progressing from his first lesson on electric bass to performing live at Newcastle's premier venue the City Hall in three months in the early 1970s, Ron is the fastest learner of an instrument I've ever met. The original bass player of the Hot Rod Gang, Ron also played guitar occasionally with the Sabre Jets (as 'Renaldo LePlec') and still rehearses with me. He concentrates on 6-string guitar these days, but dug out his bass for the 25th anniversary reunion gigs.
Photo: Ken Cameron.
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Dave Heslop, 1997.
Dave Heslop was originally a guitarist with the Kylastrons, the band that supported Vince Taylor on tour during his heyday. He played piano with the Hot Rod Gang (MK1) and has since worked with many bands, including Hilton Valentine's reformed Animals and No Time for Jive.
This shot was taken with the Hot Rod Gang, at the North East Rock'n'Roll Society's 25th Anniversary celebrations, which Dave helped to organise.
Photo: Ken Cameron
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Carlos Magee and Rockin' Ron.
Carlos and Ron were reunited on stage for the Hot Rod Gang's set at the 25th Anniversary of the North East Rock'n'Roll Society in October, 1997.
Photo: Ken Cameron.
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Carl Perkins Tribute, Feb. '98
Rhythm guitarist Speedo on stage with me at the North East Rock'n'Roll Society's 'Tribute to Carl Perkins' gig, organised by Dave Heslop, Stew Campbell and Chris Woodford.
Photo: Ken Cameron
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The Hot Rod Gang reunited, 199…
The Hot Rod Gang got together for the first time since 1975 at the 25th Anniversary of the North East Rock'n'Roll Society, Gateshead, England in October 1997. This was taken at our set at the Carl Perkins Tribute show, the following February.
Photo: Ken Cameron
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At the Carl Perkins Tribute.
A combination of The Hot Rod Gang Mks 1 & 2 played this gig; Carlos, Speedo, Dave Heslop (piano) and I from Mk1, and Sandie LaRocque from MkII. Many of the teds and rockers from the early days of the Rock'n'Roll Society, 1972-78, were at the show.
Photo: Ken Cameron
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Rockin' in 1998.
This shot was taken at the Carl Perkins Tribute gig in Gateshead, England; February, 1998.
Photo: Ken Cameron
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Onstage 1998
Another shot from the Carl Perkins Tribute in 1998.
Photo: Ken Cameron
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Westgate Road, 1998
In Newcastle's Westgate Road, a long straight hill packed on both sides with motorcycle dealers; at the time of re-recording 'Rockin' at the Ace Cafe'.
Photo: Lynn Craig
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Back at the Cooperage, 1998
Outside Newcastle's 15th century Cooperage, where the Sabre Jets were resident from 1977-1979. The building was often crowded way beyond the fire regulations, and the whole timber structure flexed on a good night! This is one of the few original Quayside buildings left intact after the redevelopments chronicled in 'At the Quayside: II'.
Photo: Lynn Craig
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Back sleeve, 'Ace Cafe' EP, '9…
'Mark W.' is Mark Wilsmore, who with his wife Linda is responsible for the reopening of the famous rockers' haunt the Ace Cafe in north London in 1997, 18 years after it originally closed when the family who ran it retired.
The artwork for this sleeve was based on a 1960s biker cartoon strip, and was sourced by Ken Cameron. ©Craig, 1998/9
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Inner Sleeve, Ace Cafe CD
A collage of pictures from my career formed the inner sleeve of the CD recorded in 1998 to commemorate the re-opening of the Ace Cafe London.
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At the Ace Cafe, London 1998
In the famous car park at the first anniversary of the Ace Cafe's reopening; December, 1998. Not long after this, DJ Wildcat Pete played the new 1998 recording of my 1973 composition, 'Rockin' at the Ace Cafe' over the speakers; the revving Nortons, Triumphs and BSAs in the background made this the remix of my dreams....
Photo: Ken Cameron.
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With Mark Wilsmore of the Ace
Mark and Linda Wilsmore are responsible for the reopening of the Ace Cafe, for the annual reunion runs to Brighton, England and much more, including the Ace Cafe Club. Join now! Check their fabulous web site in Links.
Photo: Ken Cameron.
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Dig the sound....
Rockers revving underneath the arches; Ace Cafe London, December 1998
Photo: Ken Cameron.
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Wildcat Pete at the Ace, '98
Meeting DJ Wildcat Pete whilst he plays 'Rockin at the Ace Cafe' over the p.a. at the Ace's 1st birthday following its reopening in 1997 by Mark and Linda Wilsmore, with help from members of the Ace Cafe Club.
Photo: Ken Cameron.
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Ken Cameron at the Ace Cafe.
Rocker, former motorcycle despatch rider, Rock'n'Roll DJ, Sabre Jets' stage lighting designer and photographer Ken Cameron (facing camera in shades) at the reopened Ace Cafe's first birthday celebrations; December, 1998.
Many of the photographs in this gallery were taken by Ken. Photo: Martin Craig.
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Upstairs at the Ace!
Eldorado, Shangri-La, Nirvana, do not compare with this - none of them sell chips for a start.... (well, that's not strictly true. The Eldorado Chippy in Whitley Bay used to sell chips, of course, and the Shangri-La takeaway in Wallasey on Merseyside did too, but then again those were probably fried in chicken fat. No, the Ace still takes the honours.)
Photo: Ken Cameron
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Lynnette with the H-D Sportste…
Lynnette with the 1987 XL Sportster; a four - speed chain drive 883 with engine mods, slash - cut pipes, drag bars and c h r o m e........
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On the Sportster at a H.O.G. r…
Over 75 Harley - Davidsons and their riders from the H.O.G. Geordie Chapter converged on the market town of Morpeth, Northumberland for their annual fair in June, 1999.
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With Misty
Misty is our Siberian Husky. The T-shirt is available from the Ace Café's catalogue and my guitar is a Taylor 314KCE.
Photo: Lynnette.
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On the Sportster
One of several publicity shots taken for the Mile After Mile album press kit. Photo: Lynnette
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DJ Munro.
My younger son DJ Munro has worked with many top R&B artists, including Destiny's Child, Lauryn Hill and Beverley Knight. His white-label remix of Bev's single 'Shape of You-Reshaped', became a floor filler with extensive club and radio airplays and was voted top remix by BBC Radio One's Trevor Nelson.
DJ Munro's latest projects are remixes for Jamelia ('Bout) and new R&B girl-group Sirens, as well as his popular club nights and mixtapes. This photo was taken at the video shoot for Beverley Knight's single 'Get Up!', filmed in September, 2001.
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