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.