Gareth 'Gaz' Hill, rehearsing, 1981

First Gig

How it all began…

Thursday 29th October 1981, it is early evening and I stand huddled in a small attic bathroom, together with six of my mid-teenage compadres. We are jocularly nervous as we prepare ourselves for the next 70 minutes in front of an already jeering, but friendly, invited audience. There is a drum solo at the end of the first song but unlike today, I have little or no fear about displaying my crude, raw talent. In fact, before the night is over, I will have shamelessly performed no less than three solo indulgences without a hint of reticence, or the restrictive self-awareness that will later come to plague me throughout adulthood. Later on that evening, I return home quietly ecstatic, telling my mum Continue reading “First Gig”

Red-Rocks-Hoylake-1982

Phil Sung, My Personal Obituary

Remembering Phil Sung, My Partner From Schooldays Photography

This is such tragic news, I can’t believe I’m actually writing this; but from personal experience, I know only too well that hearing about your loved one from the viewpoint of non-family members can enhance the memories that will become the lasting link to the life they lived.

I first got to know Phil at Hilbre Secondary school, a larger than life character who stood in the playground at break times, moving from side to side on his feet, hands in trouser pockets with an infectious and almost mischievous smile on his face. Phil was a natural observer with a gentle karma, happy to stand and watch playground life go by, stopping people to talk as they made their way to whatever destination the school day demanded. The first thing anyone noticed about Phil, was his obvious Continue reading “Phil Sung, My Personal Obituary”

Forty4, BJ's, 2015

Cultivating New Orleans Music In England – The End Of An Impossible Dream

Forty4, BJ's, 2015
My band, ‘Forty4’, actually playing to a rare Northwest audience in 2015 who dig our music! Sadly, this club has ceased to operate which is a huge blow to the Northwest Blues circuit. Photograph by Lucas Campbell.

Some things you shouldn’t even try, but what the hell, if the recipe looks good on paper, then why shouldn’t you have a go? Unfortunately, even when the ingredients are right, the cooking is perfect and the dish is served with passion, adventurous cuisine can often fail to arouse the taste buds of regular diners. Continue reading “Cultivating New Orleans Music In England – The End Of An Impossible Dream”

Ian Paice

Bonham’s Are Not The Only Fruit

Lest we forget our Paice’s, Powell’s, Kirke’s & others…

Ian Paice recording 'Machine Head' in Montreaux
Tucked away around the corner of a hotel corridor in Montreaux, Ian Paice laid down some inspirational & fiery drum tracks that we often forget about. As much of a drumming pioneer as any of his contemporaries, Paice is often overlooked for his contribution to the history of British Rock drummers.

I love John Bonham – it’s clearly evident elsewhere on this BLOG what a major influence he has played in my development as a drummer for over 20 years. However, by focussing so much attention on the icon that is, John Bonham, it has made me equally guilty of not focussing my deserved attention to other classic British Rock drummers of the same period, who also played a major part in my early development – as well as the thousands of other drummers like me who grew up in the 1970s.

I’ve been neglectful and it’s time to redress the balance.

First of all, this is not about getting into a Bonham versus Paice et al argument; it’s about reminding ourselves Continue reading “Bonham’s Are Not The Only Fruit”