Just a few months ago we lost Maria Hall, one of the best female vocalists I ever knew or had the pleasure of working with. Always known as Marie, she had been married for many years to the late Tony Hall, one of the country’s best saxophone players. Originally from Ireland, Mary had three children before meeting Tony and eventually joining his excellent jazz/rock band called Redwind. She was gifted with an amazing voice, being equally at home with raucous rock ‘n’ roll as she was with big ballads and country music.

Marie had an enormous catalogue of songs to draw on, a useful asset when called upon to stand in with other bands. Famous for her irreverent sense of humour and easy-going nature she was also tough enough to see off the occasional heckler who dared to interrupt her performance! During the 70s and 80s Marie joined forces with ace drummer Carlo Little and together they enlisted some great musicians, producing some excellent songs under her recording name Heddy Power. Sadly, none of these records made the impact that they deserved. Undaunted, Marie carried on performing with Redwind, Tony always by her side, her amazing voice always impressing the audience.

I was proud to have played bass for her on many occasions and to have enjoyed her great company. Eventually with Tony Hall spending more and more time on the road as a session player, Marie finally stopped performing. If anyone deserved success it was Marie who really should have seen her talent carry her to the top. Sadly, it was not to be, but the memory of her great voice and the fun that we had will stay with me for ever.

The recent unexpected death of bassist Dusty Hill was a huge shock to the music business and fans worldwide. I have followed the career of ZZ Top since the early 1970s, feeling that this was the most worthwhile band to listen to since my other favourites, Vanilla Fudge. In those days I would have bet a large sum on their remaining obscure, so no one was more surprised and pleased at their meteoric rise to superstardom, which they richly deserved. Having cut my teeth in power trios I immediately understood how important Dusty’s subtle yet strong bass playing was to the band. For half a century they continued to experiment and evolve whilst still retaining a great sound, and also understanding along the way the importance of a strong image and visual stage show. I was very lucky to work on the bill supporting ZZ Top with my band Nasty Habits at a huge festival in Austria several years ago. When Dusty arrived, he treated everyone like a long-lost friend and it was an honour to meet and chat to a likeable man who will always be remembered as one of the best vocalists and bassists in the rock and roll business! Thanks for the music, Dusty. Sleep well.

I recently heard of another sad event, the death of Dave Langston,  affectionately known as “Cy”,  short for Cyrano. Dave joined up with his close neighbour and school friend Keith Dyett to form a group during the early 1960s. Making a play on Dave’s prominent nose, they dubbed themselves Cyrano and the Bergeracs, after the legendary French figure who is always depicted with a very long nose. With Dave singing and playing guitar and Keith playing bass, they added a succession of excellent West London musicians to become one of the best groups in the area, soon attracting a strong following. During the start of 1965 two members of the outfit in which I played (Buddy Britten and the Regents) departed to join the Bergeracs. Ray Soper on keyboards and Roger Pinah on drums were both great musicians and so I made several visits to see the band play. I was very impressed with them, and particularly with Cyrano who was a good front man and very able lead guitarist. Those who have read Chapter 6 on this website will already know the story of my own departure from the Regents and the surprising invitation from Dave to join him on lead guitar.

Although extremely rusty, I took over using Dave’s Eko guitar until I managed to borrow a Stratocaster from a friend. Without the encumbrance of a guitar Cyrano proved to be an even better front man than before. We toured the country with great success in the clubs and ballrooms and all felt that the Bergeracs had a good future ahead of them. When our old boss Buddy Britten offered Roger and myself a contract for a summer season in Jersey, where he had a huge following, the lure proved too much and so we left the Bergeracs in April 1965.

Cyrano and co. soon recruited two more excellent players. but after a short time, for reasons unknown to me, the band split and went their separate ways. Later in the year, on hearing that I had left the Regents for good, Dave Langston offered me the bass job in his new and we began to rehearse in earnest. However, in spite of Dave’s constant enthusiasm it soon became obvious the chemistry wasn’t there, and so we unanimously decided to call it a day. Cy was immediately recruited by another top outfit called Gary Farr and the T-Bones, so it was a shock to everyone who knew him when he suddenly announced his intention to quit playing to become road manager for local band The Who, already starting to become successful at that time. Most of Dave’s friends and associates felt that he could have made it as a musician, but determined to stick with it he soon became an indispensable member of The Who’s entourage, forging an excellent career for himself. He specialised in the field of recording and engineering and still kept up his guitar skills. During the 1980’s, I bumped into Cy after many years whilst visiting Shepperton Studio Complex where the Who had interests. We cheerfully reminisced for 15 minutes or so before parting company. Sadly, I was never to see him again, although I always retain fond memories of my time with him in the Bergeracs. So yet another of the Hanwell Marshall set has departed. A talented man and above all, a nice man, he will be sadly missed. Rest in peace, Cyrano.

It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Ali McKenzie on the last day of April 2021. I was privileged briefly to get to know Ali when I played with his band “The Birds” for a couple of gigs in the mid sixties, when bassist Kim Gardner was off sick. I immediately hit it off with Ali and guitarist Ron Wood, and was particularly impressed by the sheer energy that Ali and Ron exuded during their stage show which made it a very exciting spectacle indeed. Sadly The Birds never reached the heights they were aiming for and folded up not long afterwards. I didn’t see Ali for some years until he became a regular visitor to gigs by the Good Ol’ Boys and we were able to rekindle our friendship. He would often get up and sing a couple of songs with the band proving that he hadn’t lost the ability to perform, and was quite capable of sitting in a couple of times when the band’s vocalist Alan Barratt was unavailable.

Although no longer a professional he retained an impressive vocal knowledge and proved time and time again that he could please an audience. Finally, in more recent years he began to gig regularly once again with his own band with great success. His passing has diminished the dwindling group of musicians that we know as the “Marshall Set” who got to know one and other during the heady days of the 1960’s when Jim Marshall opened his first shop in Hanwell. Ali always demonstrated a good reliable vocal ability, with a quite amazing knowledge of different songs. He was always good company and a pleasure to be around. Thanks for the memories Ali, I’ll miss you !

Recent months saw the loss of two more people who were an important part of the Deep Purple story.

On May 13th 2020 the original Purple producer Derek Lawrence passed away. Derek began his career being involved with Joe Meek, England’s first independent record producer, and worked with his band The Outlaws, who featured Chas Hodges, Mick Underwood and of course Ritchie Blackmore. Derek had a good eye for local London talent and spent a lot of time recording the people who he considered special, musicians such as Carlo Little, Jimmy Page, Albert Lee and many others.

As you can read on this website, Derek beat his way to Deeves Hall to offer us the deal which catapulted the band to the U.S. top twenty, and it’s fair to say that without him the world would probably not have known about Deep Purple. Derek was not your conventional record producer, apparently having little knowledge of the recording desk, but he was a great catalyst between engineer and band, and he unfailingly knew when a “take” was the right one. Sadly, for reasons unknown to me, Purple dispensed with Derek’s services but he went on to further success with many others. Derek did the initial demo recording for my band Fandango, for which I will always be grateful, and also suggested that I team up with Mick Underwood for Quatermass 2, which led us to making an album together. Derek always fun to be around, and he knew his game. A nice man in the true sense the word, he will be sadly missed.

On August 9th 2020 we lost Martin Birch, another Deep Purple stalwart of the early years. When the band started in 1968, Martin was the tape operator for the great engineer Barry Ainsworth. His job was to press the buttons which operated the giant tape machine which sat at the side of the recording desk.

Martin was a cheerful, likeable man who didn’t say much, but all the time was learning the trade by watching Barry work. He and Barry seemed particularly keen on working with Purple, so much so that when they re-located from Pye Studio’s to De Lane Lea, the band went too, feeling quite rightly that we were all a good team. Barry, Martin and producer Derek together helped produce the vibe which resulted in the three mark one albums. When Martin finally set out as engineer and producer in his own right he showed a great talent, becoming in demand by many of the leading rock bands of the day, helped of course by his sunny laidback personality. A great loss to the recording business, he will also be sadly missed.

Tony Hall

On June 1st 2017 the music business was shocked by the sudden death of Tony Hall, one of the greatest tenor saxophone players that this country produced. I first met Tony as a 15 year old when he, just a few years older, was rhythm guitarist in the local group Pete Nelson and the Travellers, who had my close friend and mentor Tony “Rupert” Ross as bassist.

It was not long before he gave up rhythm guitar in order to begin sax lessons under the tuition of Jim Marshall’s son Terry, and soon blossomed into one of the most in-demand players around. His partnership with baritone player Sid Phillips became legendary, and I was lucky enough to play with them many times.

Tony and Sid became famous for their great work with Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers, and in later years with Chas & Dave. Tony also had successful records as a member of 70’s group White Plains and worked continuously as a session musician. I am proud to have known Tony as a friend and associate musician for over fifty years and he will be sadly missed, a lovely man and a great saxophonist!

Geoff Glover-Wright

During October 2017 the world said goodbye to Geoff Glover-Wright, always known to me as Buddy Britten. One of the pioneers of British rock ‘n’ roll, Buddy fronted a power trio called the Regents, and after hearing his records and witnessing several love performances, I became a huge fan. Joining Buddy as his bassist in 1964 and making my first recordings with him was one of the highlights of my life. His knowledge of music and stagecraft were second to none and together with drummer Roger Truth I experienced one of the best apprenticeships a musician could have.

Although originally being promoted as England’s Buddy Holly, Geoff quickly shrugged off the comparison and became a force to be reckoned with, pioneering his own brand of rock and R & B, demonstrating the power of a guitar, bass and drums line-up, years before it became in vogue. There is no doubt that he had all the ability and charisma necessary for stardom and with the right songs and promotion he should have been huge!

During the late sixties Buddy decided to re-invent himself, first as Simon Raven ( a name borrowed from an author), then changing to Simon Raverne, presenting a cabaret-style act which kept him in demand for many years. Although retiring from music recently, he had already forged a second career as Glover Wright, author of several novels, creating a new name using the two halves of his surname. I will always remember Geoff/Buddy as a charming companion, great raconteur, a terrific guitarist, vocalist and pianist who was a joy to work with. He was one of rock’s real characters, a one-off who will never be forgotten by those that knew him.

Pete Newman

On October 12th 2017 we lost another rock ‘n’ roll veteran, the saxophonist Pete Newman. Pete grew up in the Willesden area of London, hanging out with pals such as Freddy Heath and schoolmate Terry Harris. Encouraged by Freddy, they formed a group called the Five Nutters in 1958. Although not a permanent member, he stayed an associate, helping out on records as Freddy and the Nutters morphed into stars Johnny Kidd and Pirates. At almost the same time his best pal Terry joined Cliff Richard and the Drifters (later Shadows) and became better known as Jet Harris.

Jet and Pete stayed close friends until Jet’s death several years ago. Pete was also a close friend of Screaming Lord Sutch, claiming to have christened him “Lord” at the end of the 1950’s, when he was an up and coming performer. Pete played on some of Sutch’s early records, working at the studios of legendary producer Joe Meek. In more recent years Pete fronted his own soul and jazz outfit called “Some Like It Hot”, achieving great success in clubs and on the corporate circuit. He was a great saxophone player and a lovely man. Rest in peace, Pete.

Once again it is necessary to mention a few people who are no longer with us, and to pay tribute to their memory.

 Frankie Reid

Just before the beginning of 2016, the wonderful Frankie Reid died in Australia, where he had lived for the last 35 years. Frank had come to England from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) with his family in the early 1960’s. Gifted with a fine voice and a charismatic personality, he achieved legendary status during the 60’s and 70’s, fronting Frankie Reid and The Casuals, one of West London’s most polished and popular groups, always in demand on the club and dance hall circuit. Frank always attracted good musicians, and was a great front man, his skills as a karate black belt holder giving him the ability to move well on stage.

During 1979 Frank teamed up with legendary drummer Carlo Little and ex-Warhorse axeman Pete Parks. When their bassman didn’t work out, they offered me the gig, and so Flying Fox was born. The group soon gathered a healthy following and began to pack out venues around London. Every gig was like a big party, and I don’t think that we ever had so much fun, before or since!

Sadly for the rest of us, Frank had already planned to move with his wife and children to Australia, where his parents and brothers had already re-located, and in November 1980 he left England for good. Flying Fox continued performing with several different vocalists, before morphing into the Good Old Boys, who are still performing today! Frank returned to visit England several times, always celebrating with a gig and always attracting a big crowd. He continued to perform in Australia, and it is a tribute to his memory that his son Darren became a popular singer in that country, keeping the Reid name alive!

Frank was a skillful engineer by trade, who never gave up his job for a professional singing career, although he was certainly good enough. As his friend Screaming Lord Sutch said, for someone who never turned pro, Frank as more professional than most! A great performer, and a lovely person, he will always be remembered.

Sid Phillips

At almost the same time as we lost Frank, we also lost one of England’s greatest saxophone players, Sid Phillips. Another West London native, Sid came to prominence as an original and long-term member of Cliff Bennett and The Rebel Rousers, without doubt one of the country’s best ever rock and R ‘n’ B groups. Sid also played piano with the group when necessary. It was always a pleasure to work with Sid, who often augmented the Good Old Boys, notably on the live album with the late Roscoe Gordon, and often forming a brilliant saxophone duo with the great Tony Hall, doing sterling work with Chas ‘n’ Dave. Sid was without doubt a very talented musician, and always great fun to be with. We will miss him!

Angelique Palombo

On January 10^th 2016, more tragedy struck my family with the death of my lovely niece, Angelique Palombo, just days short of her 52^nd birthday, and just over a year since we lost her sister Sophy to the same scourge of cancer.

Always known as ”Leaky”, Angelique was the second of four girls born to my sister Liz and her husband Angelo. Like her mother she was keen on music, art and history, with a passion for performing on stage whenever she had the opportunity. Her flamboyant personality And often outrageous mode of dress mad her well-known and popular in the town of Hastings where she, her Mum, and siblings had lived for many years.

Twelve years ago Angelique relocated to Glastonbury, where she soon made many friends. It was a tribute to her popularity that most of the town came to a standstill to observe her funeral, with the traffic being halted for some twenty minutes whilst the mourners gathered. What followed was more of a party than a funeral, which will forever be remembered by all who attended!

A dear, kind and generous girl, she will be sadly missed!

Ken Rankine

In September 2016, we said goodbye to one of my oldest friends, the great bass player Ken Rankine, who died following a short illness.

In 1961 I was introduced to Ken at the Sandgate Hall in Hayes, where we were both watching a performance by Cliff Bennett and The Rebel Rousers. When I learned that Ken knew a few guitar chords, I asked him if he would be interested in learning bass guitar, with a view to him joining Ian Nelhams and myself as a member of the Renegades.

On the following Saturday, Ken cycled from his home in Hanwell to my home in Hayes with a Spanish guitar on his back which sported only the four bottom strings necessary for bass. For several months, supported by the great Tony “Rupert” Ross, who kindly lent us his bass guitar, I attempted to teach Ken the little I knew about bass. He proved to be a real natural, and buying himself a second-hand Burns bass and Watkins amplifier he promptly joined the new group started by ex-Renegade Rich Bennett, called the Downbeats. This proved to be the death knell for the Renegades, but the Downbeats did very well, working the clubs and pubs for several years. Ken was soon recognised as one of the best bassists around, and was a stalwart of the music scene that pivoted around Jim Marshall’s shop at Hanwell Broadway.

He worked extensively with the Art Wood Combo, before they became the Artwoods, when Ken became a member of the highly rated Soul Messengers alongside such great musicians as Rod Freeman, Terry Marshall and Mitch Mitchell. Always a great rock player, it was jazz that really appealed to Ken and he became proficient at both styles of music.

When the Soul Messengers gained employment on the Mecca Ballroom circuit, they soon became part of the Ronnie Smith Big Band, working the ballrooms for several years, with Ken learning to read music and becoming extremely useful on the double bass. In recent years Ken played mostly jazz gigs and kept a low profile, in spite of his great talent, spending a lot of time at his cottage in Portland. We always kept in touch, having so many friends and colleagues in common, and his loss leaves a big gap in the dwindling members of the ‘Marshall Set’. A great musician and a great bloke, rest in peace Ken.  

On a lighter note, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all those who supported me during the recent (Rock ‘n’ Roll???) Hall of Fame debacle!

Like most of you, I was completely non-plussed at their strange course of action, but long ago decided that it really wasn’t worth worrying about! Many of you, however, decided that it was, and made lots of noise about it, but to no avail.

One can only wonder why this organisation continues to undermine any credibility they may have had. Perhaps they should change their name!

Many thanks again!

In September 2014 we said goodbye to bassist Steve Hargreaves. A pioneer of the West London scene, he will always be remembered for his work with Frankie Reid and The Casuals, amongst others. One of the gang who would hang out in Jim Marshall’s Hanwell shop, Steve was a skilled electronics engineer who could always fix a duff amplifier, as well as being one of the nicest people in the business!

 

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In October 2014 we lost another real nice guy when Mick Burt passed away. I had followed his drumming career from the Canons to Cliff Bennett’s Rebel Rousers, and finally to Chas n’ Dave. When Dave Peacock took time out I joined Chas and Mick in their rock n’ roll trio, where it was an honour to play beside the man who many rated as England’s finest rock n’ roll drummer.

In early 2015 we said goodbye to one of the best guitarists that this country produced. Gerald “Ged” Peck was one of the most innovative and original players, and if there was any justice then he would be a household name! I met Ged in 1966 when we both played in the Mack Sound, the 18-strong soul outfit fromted by U.S. light-heavyweight boxing contender, Freddie Mack. Together we worked with Bilie Davis, Screaming Lord Sutch, the Flowerpot Men and Marsha Hunt, before forming Warhorse. His amazing speed made him stand out from the rest, and at that time few players could have matched him. I will always treasure the memory of being asked for Ged’s name by guitarist Robert Fripp, because as he said, “He’s the best guitarist I have ever seen!”.

April 29th 2015 saw the departure of one rock’s biggest characters, drummer Roger Pinah. Born into a family of circus performers, it was not long before young Roger became a serious drummer, and a stalwart of the Hanwell scene centred around Jim Marshall’s shop. I was lucky enough to turn professional in 1964, joining up with Roger in Buddy Britten and The Regents. Buddy renamed him Roger Truth, and it was in 1966 that he and I became the rhythm section for Johnny Kidd’s Pirates. Best known by the nick name ‘Solly’, Roger became firmly established as one of the best rock drummers in the country. For reasons best known only to himself, he turned down several offers from big-name acts, preferring to spend a couple of decades fronting small jazz combos, where he proved to be no slouch as a vocalist! Everyone who met Solly will never forget him. He was, as Pete Parks often said, the Max Miller of rock n’ roll!!

Finally in May this year, 2015, we said goodbye to another simply astounding drummer, the great Mac Poole. Mac proved to be one of the bravest of them all, having been diagnosed with so-called terminal cancer about 12 years ago. Undaunted, he continued to defy the odds, and kept on playing almost until the end. In 1970, searching for a new drummer for Warhorse, I offered the job to Sweet’s Mick Turner, who, saying that he was not good enough, urged me to find a bloke called Mac Poole! Finally, Mac was tracked down and agreed to join Warhorse, having missed the boat by turning down an offer from a new group called Led Zeppelin!! I had worked with many great drummers, but Mac took it to a new level, doing things that seemed impossible! In later years, Mac became a journeyman player when he should have been a superstar, but his great reputation always went ahead of him. A lovely bloke, affectionately known as ‘Mac the Mouth’, due to his ability to ‘talk the hind leg off a donkey’ he was, without doubt, one of the greatest drummers and will be sadly missed!

Well, that’s the end of the obituaries, hopefully for a long time.