In late 1969 I played a mixture of progressive rock & blues with a London-based band called Mighty Mouse. Our vocalist was Nicky Moore, the guitarist was Eunan Brady and John Restall was the bassist. The music press said we had:
'A healthy diary of bookings.'
30 years after our final gig Nicky played at a local blues venue with his Nicky Moore's Blues Corporation. I'm convinced that he's one of Britain’s finest blues vocalists. When we first met he’d just left a band called Hackensack. Nicky rejoined them when Mighty Mouse split in December 1970.
Some of our old publicity shots have appeared on the Hackensack CD ‘Give it some’, available from Nicky’s site.
Nicky has recorded too many albums to remember! Here he is with another of his creations - Mammoth. Their album cover says everything about the band.
In
1972 Pete Tapley introduced me to a group from
Bulmershe School in Woodley. We lasted quite a few years, fund-raising
and entertaining the pupils. Our gigs
were always packed and we
were always re-booked.
Half-page articles in both Tit Bits
and The Daily Mirror (6.11.75)
Graham Swatridge, Chris Thompson, John Farthing,
The only non-teacher was the bassist, Bob Moody. We continued playing together in bands till the early 1980s, managing to meet up every couple of years for a Chinese meal and a drink.
Malc Clark took a lot of trouble to organise our reunion in 2000. It was great to see everyone still in good health.
Gyppo ( Throughout the 1970s)
This was a long-lasting band from the Reading Area. Bob Moody was the bassist and Mick Kirton the vocalist. After many changes of music and sounds Mick left to play drums for Marmalade then turned up at my house en route for Tony McPhee's place. Later, Mick played with Tony and we managed to meet up in Sunderland around 1987/88
After that time I didn't see or hear of Mick for ages till Dumpy (Dumpy's Rusty Nuts) let me know where he was. Bob Moody managed to locate Steve Towner and I found Steve Gresswell via Mick's page. They both have a mention on the last page. Mick is still playing loud music - Bob is still playing whenever possible and Steve Gresswell has become an accomplished singer/songwriter with a long list of studio credits to his name. When I have their permission I'll give an outline of their recent histories.
There are photos somewhere in Bob's house - as soon as they emerge I'll upload them to this page.
Another teachers' band came from a group of schools in the Sunderland area.
Jim (in the red suit) was the driving force behind this 'popular beat combo'. After a couple of years we lost 'Patrick the Sax' to the antipodes, Rick retired and we gained two female vocalists. Our guest on this photo wore a smart, dark suit and was really interesting!
Steve, Patrick, Steve, Jim, Alan, John
Rick & Nigel
Since 1986 I've played with quite a few northern bands. Those that stand out were: Ray Stubbs R & B Allstars, a Sunderland blues band called Natchez Blues, a 'gentle-rock band' called Virginia Slims and a country band - Arkansas Country
Ice Pick Willie.
One of my favourites will always be the loud blues band Ice Pick Willie. Our guitarist, Nicky Vinnicombe is pictured here, playing at The Beamish Mary. If you want to listen - click on one of the buttons.
There were several versions of this band. The last to include me featured Angus Byrne on Bass. He records a lot of his own music and I was about to point you to his previous website but it appears he's replacing the old ISP. Keep 'an eye out' for Mamagun.com - When it's back online it'll be good and you're certain to enjoy his style of music.