As many Deep Purple fans will know, this month of March 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the formation of the band! Quite where all those years went, I do not know, for it seems like only yesterday that we began one of the most exciting periods of our lives.
No-one could imagine back then that anyone would remember our band half a century on, or belive that our recordings would still be pressed and bought by fans all over the world.
I would like to thank all of the people who have supported Deep Purple, those that believed in us from the start, those that championed all the following various line-ups over the years, right up to the present day.
It makes me very proud to have witnessed our little group blossom and grow into such a giant force in the music business, becoming a whole industry in itself, spawning various off-shoots and creating employment across the years.
Naturally, I am particularly proud of the original Mark I line-up, for against all the odds, we managed to create a whole new style of music, inspiring other musicians along the way, just as we were inspired by those that went before us. The original Deep Purple has always attracted criticism with many inaccuracies being written by ill-informed people; however no-one can take away the fact that over short timespan, under incredible pressure, we reached almost impossible goals!
As I (very slowly) write the story of the band’s beginning, I will try to right past wrongs and tell the facts as they happened. It has been a great pleasure to meet so many people from around the world who appreciate Mark I for the pioneering outfit that it undoubtedly was, and I know that for these people we were just as valid as the line-ups that came after, for there is no doubt that without us, our hard work, and our success, nothing would have followed. Once again I would like to express my gratitude to you all!!
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
Buddy Britten (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
Pete Newman with the Savages
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
Frankie Reid, 1963
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!
Frankie Reid, 1970
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
Sid PhillipsSid 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 10th 2016, more tragedy struck my family with the death of my lovely niece, Angelique Palombo, just days short of her 52nd 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.
Ken-Rankine
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.
Ken Rankine
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!
October 8th 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Johnny Kidd. Without doubt he was one of England’s greatest rock singers, and the most charismatic performer I ever saw. Johnny was a huge influence on me, and inspired so many performers. A great friend and a true legend, he will never be forgotten.
During August 2014, my lovely niece, Sophia Palombo, passed away after a long battle with cancer. Just 45 years old, she was the youngest of my late sister’s four daughters, a great girl who lived life to the full, always managing to laugh in the face of the dreadful illness that finally took her life. She was a real inspiration. Since Sophie’s passing I have attended five more funerals, all veteran musicians and associates who, unlike Sophie, thankfully enjoyed a reasonable lifespan, and i would like to pay tribute to each of them:
Steve Hargreaves
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!
Mick Burt
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.
Ged Peck
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!”.
Roger Pinah
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!!
Mac Poole
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.
On a happier note, June 20th 2015 saw the return to this country of one of rock’s greatest vocalists, namely James Royal – now residing in Australia. Jimmy came over and packed out the 100 Club in London’s Oxford Street, with a pick-up band including myself, Pete Parks, Simon Bishop and Terry Marshall. Jimmy wowed the crowd with two hours of vocal gymnastics, proving once again that he can blow most of rock’s big names clean off the planet! Well done Jim.
Jon Lord and Nick, Seattle, Washington, Nov 9th 1966
During the last few years, the music business has lost some of its most seminal players, people who inspired me and many others. We said goodbye to my three favourite guitarists, the three “Micks” as I called them, namely Mick Keane, Mick Green, and Mickey King. We also lost Tony Dangerfield, Neil Christian, Jet Harris and the man who played a big part in our lives, Jim Marshall.
This week another name has been added to the list, as we learned of the death of Jon Lord.
I first met Jon, very briefly, late one night at the famous Shepherds Bush pie stall, one of the few places where food (of a kind) could be obtained during the early hours. It was the summer of 1966, and we were both, in those days, at the top of our game. I was playing with one of rock’s biggest names, Johnny Kidd & the Pirates, whilst Jon was with the Artwoods, one of the country’s top R & B groups. Neither of us spoke, just exchanging nods, as Kidd spoke animatedly with the Artwood’s drummer, an old friend. Little did we know that in less than two years we would be best friends, climbing the U.S. charts together, and creating a supergroup that would still be working nearly half a century later!
Fate was to throw us together in late ’67, working with the chart-topping group the Flowerpot Men, and it was Jon who talked me into leaving this money-spinning outfit to create a new band. Together with Ritchie Blackmore, and briefly, Bobby Woodman, we sowed the seeds that became Deep Purple. Jon and I hit it off from the first day that we worked together, and for the next two years we lived together, firstly at my parents’ home, then at Deeves Hall, and finally sharing a room at the Deep Purple house in Acton, West London. On tour we always roomed together, and life was one big round of fun! He called me his best friend, and I thought of him as the brother that I never had.
Sadly, as is well documented, none of this was to last! During the next forty years we both moved in different directions, but strangely, in the last couple of years, whilst our paths did not cross, they came very close to doing so. During my recent trips to Europe with Nasty Habits, we played where Jon had been very recently, or was due to perform very soon. Several times I came across his contemporaries who would pass on “greetings from Jon”. It seemed only a matter of time before we met up again on the same bill, or in the same town. Finally it looked on the cards as we were both appearing on the same weekend at a festival at St. Veit in Austria. Sadly, Jon cancelled his appearance, and it was then that I learned of the seriousness of his illness. During our show I asked the audience to join us in sending good vibes to Jon for a speedy recovery, and the resulting roar from the crowd said it all!
Since that gig, last September, we all constantly enquired after Jon’s health, hoping for a happy outcome, but sadly it was not to be. However, his music will live on, a fitting memorial to a great musician, and the memories of those exciting, pioneering days will remain with me forever. Rest in peace Jon.
Together with the Nasty Habits, I had a very enjoyable gig in Budapest recently. I would like to thank the guys in the band Cry Free, who made sure that we received the best hospitality possible. It was a great pleasure to work with them. Their sound is the closest I’ve heard to the original Deep Purple – quite amazing! Check them out if you get the chance.
Many thanks to all those who wished me a happy birthday at our recent gig at Mill Hill, and special thanks to to Reinhard and Sabrina who came all the way from Vienna to give me a delicious chocolate cake! Thank you all again!
Last week, together with the Nasty Habits, I performed a concert at Plock in Poland. This was our first visit and we were all absolutely knocked out by the warmth of our reception and the great hospitality shown to us.
I would like to take this opportunity to say once more, thank you to the Nasty Habits for a great performance and thank you to promoter Roland Bury along with Witek, Marcin and Tomasz for all their kindness and support, making it a superb evening.
Na koniec stukrotnie dziÄ™kujÄ™ wszystkim, którzy przyszli na nasz concert i stworzyli niezapomniana noc.
Nick 15th October 2009
Tomasz Slaby has posted some great photos of the day. Click here
