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Post by madprofessorblyth on Jun 30, 2020 18:01:16 GMT
Great posts! Of course Bev Bevan has now burned his bridges with both Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne. These daft old rock stars, eh?! I'd *really* like to tackle how all of that went down too but I think I've already taken up too much space with the Badfinger and Denny posts... maybe I'll come back and write/edit about that into this post, LOL!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2020 20:52:04 GMT
Either way, I'm certainly jealous, due to being in the U.S. because I'd have loved to meet The Searchers in any incarnation...!! This was in late 2018, and not long after I'd published my first book 'Channelling The Beat!', which includes a foreword by ex-Searcher Mike Pender amongst others. Even so, knowing this would be their last "60s Gold" tour before their early 2019 retirement, I was very keen to meet them, and also wanted to present Frank Allen with a copy of the book. A friend who is a long-time Searchers fanatic (and who knows the band well) told me it would should OK, and also warned the band about the book and that I'd be there, but even so I was a bit nervous... Well, Frank turned out to be a real gent, and even asked me to autograph the book(!), but when I got to John McNally he somewhat reluctantly shook my hand while looking less than impressed, so I quickly made my excuses and left. I know that John still holds a real grudge against Mike, so I guess he wasn't exactly happy with me parading a book with his name on it!
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Post by Mevrouw Bee on Jun 30, 2020 21:50:17 GMT
I just don't get grudges that last years or decades. Unless they killed your mother or stole your life's savings and feel no remorse, life's just too short, imo.
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Post by anthony on Jun 30, 2020 23:10:21 GMT
I just don't get grudges that last years or decades. Unless they killed your mother or stole your life's savings and feel no remorse, life's just too short, imo. spot on, you need to get to the point and just move on. so much better that way.
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Post by madprofessorblyth on Jul 1, 2020 1:01:25 GMT
but when I got to John McNally he somewhat reluctantly shook my hand while looking less than impressed, What a neat story! I must say, I have no real reason why, but for some reason I always get the feeling that John McNally was/is like that, when it comes to whatever I've seen him doing...! Almost a 'bedside manner' of sorts, in that he's not necessarily shy, but quite reserved and very timid. Never really seems to do a whole lot of speaking in interviews and whatnot, though when he does speak he does have a decent amount to say. Even when on stage, he's quite attentive to his playing/singing deeds, but even when he really gets into a song and cracks a smile, he just seems disconnected in a way. Not that it's a bad thing, but I do wonder if it's just his personality and that's just how it comes off, or if he's just genuinely disinterested/annoyed by something or other...! I can't really get a gauge of it, though certainly he was an instrumental part of keeping the group together through its various changes so behind the scenes I presume he's more a more verbal presence (not unlike Mr. Hicks in that way!) I could be wrong about this, though I've read in a couple of places that his brother (named Paul I believe) had some holdings (perhaps, but not necessarily, financial ones) in the Searchers enterprise, including that he was the one who instigated Billy Adamson being replaced on the second Sire album and retained only for live appearances (a real shame too!) Not 100% sure how valid that is, though it would certainly help a glimpse into how the band was run and, perhaps in this behind the scenes sense, explain exactly what his grudge is against Mike Pender...!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2020 6:55:23 GMT
I really wish someone would write the ultimate book on The Searchers, but meanwhile it is well worth getting both Frank Allen's AND Mike Pender's biographies to get two sides of the story.
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Post by JamesT on Jul 1, 2020 7:39:01 GMT
I really do miss going to see The Searchers. It was always a great evening's entertainment if a little predictable at times. I saw them twice on the final tour (having seen them about a dozen times in the past nine years), the penultimate time at Barrow In Furness was absolutely wonderful and I wish that had now been the final time. Such a great atmosphere - a true celebration.
John never had much to say (gave me the impression of just being very reserved), but Frank would usually say a good bit more. It was obvious at times that he was absolutely knackered and probably signing and chatting was the last thing he wanted to do after getting off stage. I do believe now that really it was Frank who wanted to quit (I had initially thought he was being the fall guy for John after his illness) as he since seems to have relished his retirement.
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Post by JamesT on Jul 1, 2020 7:46:15 GMT
Great posts! Of course Bev Bevan has now burned his bridges with both Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne. These daft old rock stars, eh?! I'd *really* like to tackle how all of that went down too but I think I've already taken up too much space with the Badfinger and Denny posts... maybe I'll come back and write/edit about that into this post, LOL! Oh, just throw caution to the wind and let rip! Incidentally, what is the story with Trevor Burton's illness? I've seen 'The Move' (Bevan and Burton plus others) twice (2008 and 2014) and they were great little gigs, albeit small and poorly-attended in the case of the 2008 one.
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Post by baz on Jul 1, 2020 11:04:54 GMT
Incidentally, what is the story with Trevor Burton's illness? I've seen 'The Move' (Bevan and Burton plus others) twice (2008 and 2014) and they were great little gigs, albeit small and poorly-attended in the case of the 2008 one. Last I heard about Trevor's illness was a few months ago - there was a fundraiser as Trevor can no longer move around unassisted, so it sounds rather serious and unlikely Trevor will play again.
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Post by Mevrouw Bee on Jul 1, 2020 14:03:31 GMT
I really do miss going to see The Searchers. It was always a great evening's entertainment if a little predictable at times. I saw them twice on the final tour (having seen them about a dozen times in the past nine years), the penultimate time at Barrow In Furness was absolutely wonderful and I wish that had now been the final time. Such a great atmosphere - a true celebration. John never had much to say (gave me the impression of just being very reserved), but Frank would usually say a good bit more. It was obvious at times that he was absolutely knackered and probably signing and chatting was the last thing he wanted to do after getting off stage. I do believe now that really it was Frank who wanted to quit (I had initially thought he was being the fall guy for John after his illness) as he since seems to have relished his retirement. I do think we have to cut some of the musicians a wee bit of slack, especially if we were too young to see or approach them at their youthful peak. They are seniors on the most part! I would think being "on" for a couple of hours would test one's endurance regardless of health. A few years ago The Dude and I saw Chip Taylor at the Paradiso in Amsterdam...it was a fascinating evening combining storytelling and performing the hits he wrote as well as his latest (at the time) CD, Songs From A Dutch Tour. Only the second time I ever approached for an autograph (the Zombies being the other) as he was seated at a table to meet and greet. He was so polite and kind, but he just looked exhausted. I got in and out (not that I had anything to say that wouldn't have come out like Joey Tribbiani speaking French -- "Bla fla bloo glee blee"! )
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Post by stuball on Jul 1, 2020 16:14:28 GMT
On the couple of occasions I met The Searchers backstage between sets (this was in the '80's), I found them to have very different and distinct personalities. Frank was the life of the party, welcoming and very loquacious, very likeable. John never sat down, rarely said a word, but paced back and forth, as if he disapproved of having a few outsiders chatting and drinking with the group backstage. Billy was smiling and friendly, although he said very little. But he did offer everyone top-ups, from the magnum of wine he was carrying about. I found Mike to be very morose and silent (perhaps because he was about to leave the group). And later, when they had new boy Spencer in tow, he was nowhere to be found. Apparently, rather than listen to the 'remember when' blather of his older bandmates, he much preferred checking out the nightclub talent.
And, in common with all the groups I met, they much preferred meeting and chatting with the knowledgeable music fan, as opposed to the 'I really had the biggest crush on you when I was 14!' aging airheaded groupie. The latter they totally shunned.
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Post by stuball on Jul 1, 2020 17:07:32 GMT
A few words on Badfinger:
I agree that Joey's wife played havoc with the group, pushing Joey to assert himself and take the reigns, since no one else in the group seemed to have any leadership qualities. But it did the group no favours. So much was already wrong, especially with the American management ripping off the group every step of the way. Sad,sad affair.
I saw the group live only once, in Toronto in June of '72. They headlined a 3 act lineup. It was an absolute disaster from the start. The crowd was largely composed of the FM types of the day, and more than a bit loud and unruly. The opening short solo act received mild applause. But the second act, a Canadian group, were ear-shatteringly loud and played thundering heavy rock and the crowd went mad for them. And especially for their electric violin player, who played interminable screeching funk-scale solos while throwing himself all over the stage. The place went wild! And then on came the somewhat subdued main attraction, Badfinger, and two songs in, the crowd turned on them.
Badfinger's trademark sweet harmonies and melodic rock were anathema to the majority of the crowd, and soon there were cries of 'Play Proud Mary!'and 'Can you do 'Midnight Hour!' Songs that every standard 2nd rate bar band carried in their set list. Endlessly mocked throughout their set, and at the end, they were heartily booed off the stage. As they left, an irate Pete Ham threw his guitar across the length of the stage in disgust!
I felt embarrassed to be a part of that audience. But melodic, harmony-rich pop-rock was considered by many back then to be 'commercial crap'. And it affected groups like The Hollies, Badfinger, The Raspberries etc. That The Hollies came up with an FM gem like 'Long Cool Woman' that same year, was probably the greatest blessing re their career at that time. It gave them a little FM street-cred, and critics weren't so quick to write them off as 'pop-fluff' anymore. Unfortunately for Badfinger, they never escaped that label.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2020 17:25:31 GMT
On the couple of occasions I met The Searchers backstage between sets (this was in the '80's), I found them to have very different and distinct personalities. Frank was the life of the party, welcoming and very loquacious, very likeable. John never sat down, rarely said a word, but paced back and forth, as if he disapproved of having a few outsiders chatting and drinking with the group backstage. Billy was smiling and friendly, although he said very little. But he did offer everyone top-ups, from the magnum of wine he was carrying about. I found Mike to be very morose and silent (perhaps because he was about to leave the group). And later, when they had new boy Spencer in tow, he was nowhere to be found. Apparently, rather than listen to the 'remember when' blather of his older bandmates, he much preferred checking out the nightclub talent. And, in common with all the groups I met, they much preferred meeting and chatting with the knowledgeable music fan, as opposed to the 'I really had the biggest crush on you when I was 14!' aging airheaded groupie. The latter they totally shunned. Of those I've met in recent years, Tony Crane & Billy Kinsley (The Merseybeats), Sandy Newman (Marmalade) and Brian Poole are all comparable with Frank Allen for being friendly and chatty. I've never actually met Mike Pender, but when I saw him live about 10 years ago I was surprised to find that he'd transformed into a very confident frontman, something rarely evident in his days with The Searchers.
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Post by Mevrouw Bee on Jul 1, 2020 17:33:12 GMT
A few words on Badfinger: I agree that Joey's wife played havoc with the group, pushing Joey to assert himself and take the reigns, since no one else in the group seemed to have any leadership qualities. But it did the group no favours. So much was already wrong, especially with the American management ripping off the group every step of the way. Sad,sad affair. I saw the group live only once, in Toronto in June of '72. They headlined a 3 act lineup. It was an absolute disaster from the start. The crowd was largely composed of the FM types of the day, and more than a bit loud and unruly. The opening short solo act received mild applause. But the second act, a Canadian group, were ear-shatteringly loud and played thundering heavy rock and the crowd went mad for them. And especially for their electric violin player, who played interminable screeching funk-scale solos while throwing himself all over the stage. The place went wild! And then on came the somewhat subdued main attraction, Badfinger, and two songs in, the crowd turned on them. Badfinger's trademark sweet harmonies and melodic rock were anathema to the majority of the crowd, and soon there were cries of 'Play Proud Mary!'and 'Can you do 'Midnight Hour!' Songs that every standard 2nd rate bar band carried in their set list. Endlessly mocked throughout their set, and at the end, they were heartily booed off the stage. As they left, an irate Pete Ham threw his guitar across the length of the stage in disgust! I felt embarrassed to be a part of that audience. But melodic, harmony-rich pop-rock was considered by many back then to be 'commercial crap'. And it affected groups like The Hollies, Badfinger, The Raspberries etc. That The Hollies came up with an FM gem like 'Long Cool Woman' that same year, was probably the greatest blessing re their career at that time. It gave them a little FM street-cred, and critics weren't so quick to write them off as 'pop-fluff' anymore. Unfortunately for Badfinger, they never escaped that label. Omg...Valdy's "Rock And Roll Song" comes to mine! So much for us polite Canadians. Who was the opening act? Trying to remember a Canadian hard rock band with an electric violin player...
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Post by sandy on Jul 1, 2020 18:42:15 GMT
On the couple of occasions I met The Searchers backstage between sets (this was in the '80's), I found them to have very different and distinct personalities. Frank was the life of the party, welcoming and very loquacious, very likeable. John never sat down, rarely said a word, but paced back and forth, as if he disapproved of having a few outsiders chatting and drinking with the group backstage. Billy was smiling and friendly, although he said very little. But he did offer everyone top-ups, from the magnum of wine he was carrying about. I found Mike to be very morose and silent (perhaps because he was about to leave the group). And later, when they had new boy Spencer in tow, he was nowhere to be found. Apparently, rather than listen to the 'remember when' blather of his older bandmates, he much preferred checking out the nightclub talent. And, in common with all the groups I met, they much preferred meeting and chatting with the knowledgeable music fan, as opposed to the 'I really had the biggest crush on you when I was 14!' aging airheaded groupie. The latter they totally shunned. 😉Ageing,ok maybe. Groupie,no. Airhead,no. Knowledgeable,yes. In defence of the Hollies,had some lovely musical discussions with Messrs Hicks,Elliot Coates,Stroud,and yes,even Mr.Clarke, many times over the years. Ladies can appreciate the music too😉
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Post by Mevrouw Bee on Jul 1, 2020 19:24:32 GMT
On the couple of occasions I met The Searchers backstage between sets (this was in the '80's), I found them to have very different and distinct personalities. Frank was the life of the party, welcoming and very loquacious, very likeable. John never sat down, rarely said a word, but paced back and forth, as if he disapproved of having a few outsiders chatting and drinking with the group backstage. Billy was smiling and friendly, although he said very little. But he did offer everyone top-ups, from the magnum of wine he was carrying about. I found Mike to be very morose and silent (perhaps because he was about to leave the group). And later, when they had new boy Spencer in tow, he was nowhere to be found. Apparently, rather than listen to the 'remember when' blather of his older bandmates, he much preferred checking out the nightclub talent. And, in common with all the groups I met, they much preferred meeting and chatting with the knowledgeable music fan, as opposed to the 'I really had the biggest crush on you when I was 14!' aging airheaded groupie. The latter they totally shunned. 😉Ageing,ok maybe. Groupie,no. Airhead,no. Knowledgeable,yes. In defence of the Hollies,had some lovely musical discussions with Messrs Hicks,Elliot Coates,Stroud,and yes,even Mr.Clarke, many times over the years. Ladies can appreciate the music too😉 Music?? *giggle* They play music?? I'm just here for the cute guys! *faints*
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Post by cameron on Jul 2, 2020 14:19:44 GMT
I disagree about letting artists off the hook for meeting fans.
Without fans, they'd be nothing. They'd be working an average job like the rest of us, in an average house with an average car. They OWE it to the fans, who've just spent a lot of money getting to see them, to at least wait around for a bit before or after the show for an autograph/photo opportunity. Even if they say to keep it brief because they're tired etc... at least the fans have their ten seconds of fame. Look how you've all told tales of meeting musicians over the years for maybe seconds, at the most a couple of minutes, yet those memories are life highlights for you all and stories to dine out on, real treasured memories. It's just a few seconds in the life of a famous musician, but it means so much more to the fans.
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Post by Mevrouw Bee on Jul 2, 2020 14:45:35 GMT
I disagree about letting artists off the hook for meeting fans. Without fans, they'd be nothing. They'd be working an average job like the rest of us, in an average house with an average car. They OWE it to the fans, who've just spent a lot of money getting to see them, to at least wait around for a bit before or after the show for an autograph/photo opportunity. Even if they say to keep it brief because they're tired etc... at least the fans have their ten seconds of fame. Look how you've all told tales of meeting musicians over the years for maybe seconds, at the most a couple of minutes, yet those memories are life highlights for you all and stories to dine out on, real treasured memories. It's just a few seconds in the life of a famous musician, but it means so much more to the fans. Nothing? They'd still be musicians. I guess because meeting those I admire was hardly ever logistically a "thing" in my life, I never held it in as high priority as those who live in the middle of it all. Your perspective is interesting to me, Cameron. If Chip Taylor hadn't had a table for signing stuff at the end of his gig in Amsterdam, I wouldn't have thought twice about it. I guess you can take the girl out of Thunder Bay, but you can't take Thunder Bay out of the girl...
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2020 15:53:32 GMT
As Laura (Canuckywoman) pointed out earlier, none of these people are getting any younger, with most musicians from the early '60s being in their mid to late '70s. Just doing the shows can really take it out of them, and that's without criss-crossing the country, booking in and out of hotels, doing sound-checks, etc. As a reasonably fit 57 year old it would sure knacker me! If you happen to catch an artist as they're arriving or leaving a theatre, few would refuse a quick autograph and pic providing there aren't huge crowds, but when literally 100's are queuing up (as I've seen many times working at a theatre), you really can't blame them for not wanting to do it.
Back in 1998 and 2000, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, three of THE great originals, all toured Europe together on the same bill. There was the usual whining from some about their lack of athleticism and them not playing the hits as well as they once did (and *yawn* that they were inaccessible to fans), but I'm sure everyone who was there REALLY wishes they could see such a spectacle in 2020 now that Chuck Berry and Little Richard are dead and Jerry Lee Lewis is a stroke victim in a wheelchair. Of the UK '60s legends, The Searchers, The Pretty Things, Gerry Marsden and Brian Poole have all called it a day just in the past year or two, and pretty soon NONE of them will remain. So, instead of worrying about a selfie and an autograph, just get out there and enjoy the shows, while you still can!
EDIT: Yes, I have met quite a few celebrities, but even those where I've been in their homes (P.J. Proby) or hotel rooms (Jerry Lee Lewis), I can honestly say that the actual concerts meant far more to me.
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Post by The Dude on Jul 2, 2020 16:30:09 GMT
...Of the UK '60s legends, The Searchers, The Pretty Things, Gerry Marsden and Brian Poole have all called it a day just in the past year or two, and pretty soon NONE of them will remain. So, instead of worrying about a selfie and an autograph, just get out there and enjoy the shows, while you still can!... I read in Phil May's obit (for those not knowing, he died earlier this year), The Pretty Things were supposed to release a new CD this Summer....
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Post by Mevrouw Bee on Jul 2, 2020 16:33:14 GMT
...Of the UK '60s legends, The Searchers, The Pretty Things, Gerry Marsden and Brian Poole have all called it a day just in the past year or two, and pretty soon NONE of them will remain. So, instead of worrying about a selfie and an autograph, just get out there and enjoy the shows, while you still can!... I read in Phil May's obit (for those not knowing, he died earlier this year), The Pretty Things were supposed to release a new CD this Summer.... "The Pretty Things completed a new acoustic album before May’s death." www.theguardian.com/music/2020/may/17/phil-may-obituary
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2020 16:42:21 GMT
I actually had no idea that Phil May had died! How that passed me by I really don't know, though I do know that he had severe health issues and has of course lived quite a life.
Just two years ago The Pretty Things were way down on the bill at a blues festival just down the road from me, but I didn't want to sit through hours of other cr*p to see them (I really wish I had now!). Judging by recent videos, Phil May still gave his very all and remained in fine voice until the end.
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Post by sandy on Jul 2, 2020 17:07:20 GMT
As Laura (Canuckywoman) pointed out earlier, none of these people are getting any younger, with most musicians from the early '60s being in their mid to late '70s. Just doing the shows can really take it out of them, and that's without criss-crossing the country, booking in and out of hotels, doing sound-checks, etc. As a reasonably fit 57 year old it would sure knacker me! If you happen to catch an artist as they're arriving or leaving a theatre, few would refuse a quick autograph and pic providing there aren't huge crowds, but when literally 100's are queuing up (as I've seen many times working at a theatre), you really can't blame them for not wanting to do it. Back in 1998 and 2000, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, three of THE great originals, all toured Europe together on the same bill. There was the usual whining from some about their lack of athleticism and them not playing the hits as well as they once did (and *yawn* that they were inaccessible to fans), but I'm sure everyone who was there REALLY wishes they could see such a spectacle in 2020 now that Chuck Berry and Little Richard are dead and Jerry Lee Lewis is a stroke victim in a wheelchair. Of the UK '60s legends, The Searchers, The Pretty Things, Gerry Marsden and Brian Poole have all called it a day just in the past year or two, and pretty soon NONE of them will remain. So, instead of worrying about a selfie and an autograph, just get out there and enjoy the shows, while you still can! EDIT: Yes, I have met quite a few celebrities, but even those where I've been in their homes (P.J. Proby) or hotel rooms (Jerry Lee Lewis), I can honestly say that the actual concerts meant far more to me. True, time is passing for all those bands. Have to say,when I looked at the dates and venues for the proposed your of the USA, I couldn't believe what an ambitious, relentless and punishing schedule they had all signed up for!?! I remember them saying before that the vast distances travelling in between gigs was exhausting,and that was when they were decades younger. It looked absolutely crazy to me Ok Bob and Tony have been touring regularly here, but not on a vast scale like over there, with little time between gigs it appeared. Bob does look more tired these days, and he's not ( understandably) drumming with his whole body anymore, but for goodness sake, he's knocking on a bit now! Everyone raves when the similar aged Stones do a couple of gigs, but Bob and Tony are incredible, year in,year out. I would worry about Bob if they re scheduled another year later, I have to say. Even Ray looks ghostly at the moment. I know he's had health problems, and he looks knackered and white. What does everyone think about when they might call it a day? Maybe a last USA tour ,then UK, then quit may have been on their minds at the time? I feel they may not go to the States now, and I think any thoughts of trying to make a round 2023 retirement may be more than a little ambitious 😬
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Post by baz on Jul 2, 2020 17:14:40 GMT
I actually had no idea that Phil May had died! How that passed me by I really don't know, though I do know that he had severe health issues and has of course lived quite a life. Just two years ago The Pretty Things were way down on the bill at a blues festival just down the road from me, but I didn't want to sit through hours of other cr*p to see them (I really wish I had now!). Judging by recent videos, Phil May still gave his very all and remained in fine voice until the end. I was devastated by Phil's death as I rate The Pretty Things very highly. Their most recent studio album from 2015 was a fine effort and the band were still playing real well but Phil's health was slowly getting worse so they opted to bow out at precisely the right moment with their farewell gig in December 2018. And what a send off! Not many acts can claim to have David Gilmour and Van Morrison as special guests or have their classic late 60's line up reunite for a set with the last line up for one final glorious blast through those gems. Another interesting thing about the Pretties is they never forgot their past members and managers regardless of some of them parting on bad terms. Their first manager Bryan Morrison cost them a fortune in mismanagement but they revered him all the same to his death as they knew and acknowledged if it wasn't for Bryan taking that chance on them in the first place... very unlike many other bands we can think of. I do look forward to getting the final album. Wonderful band, very daring and a great legacy.
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Post by johnt on Jul 2, 2020 21:48:04 GMT
What does everyone think about when they might call it a day? Maybe a last USA tour ,then UK, then quit may have been on their minds at the time? I feel they may not go to the States now, and I think any thoughts of trying to make a round 2023 retirement may be more than a little ambitious 😬 I reckon when Bobby reaches 80. That would be my guess and that's only just under a year and a half away.
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