hastings
Muller and Old Silver – Executive Hotel 21st January 1971
MULLER and OLD SILVER. Executive Hotel 21st January 1971. Muller line up was probably Iain Cobby, Steve Demetri, Jon McCallion and Steve Kinch. Anyone remember who Old Silver were?
Jon McCallion… Long time ago. Old Silver I can’t for the life of me remember who they are.
Andy Qunta… “Old Silver” sounds familiar! I definitely saw Muller – maybe I was at this gig!
Len Smith… believe Muller line-up about 70/71 was Paul Dove, Steve Demetri, Jon McCallion and Paul Wiseman who was succeeded by Steve Kinch
SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell reviewing Marc Almond: The Stars We Are, 2CD/1DVD
THE STARS WE ARE Marc Almond (2CD/1DVD)
It’s not often i stray into the 80’s in these pages as generally speaking it’s probably my least favourite decade for music. However there are always exceptions of course and one of those is Marc Almond, I’ve always thought he was a strong singer with a very powerful and distinctive vocal. Whether it be in Soft Cell or solo i pretty much love all his work. Originally released in 1988 ‘The Stars We Are’ was Marc’s 4th solo album containing 10 tracks. This excellent new package from SFE Records brings together those original tracks on Disc 1 and expands the content with the cassette only and ‘b’ side tracks. Disc 2 features all the expanded and re-mixes of the tracks known to exist, 11 tracks in all and in conclusion Disc 3 is a very welcome bonus DVD bringing together 6 Promo videos. Kicking off the whole set with the title song on Disc 1 finds Marc in his very best Torch singer (no pun intended!) vein, the song reminds me of something Scott Walker would have recorded with its big brassy background and vocals soaring and it’s a great start. It’s more in the same mode with ‘These My Dreams Are Yours’ on track 2 with another big bold ballad. Things turn more straightforwardly pop with ‘Bitter Sweet’, whilst proceedings get intense with ‘Your Kisses Burn’ featuring Nico, a moody and dramatic piece i’ve always loved which also turned out sadly to be Nico’s last ever recording. Moving on we get to the first of 2 singles that brought Marc firmly back into the limelight. First up is ‘Tears Run Rings’ a straightforward slice of pop that takes you back to the glory days of Soft Cell. However it was Marc’s inspired idea to record ‘Somethings Gotten Hold Of My Heart’ with it’s original singer the late great Gene Pitney that paid off big time becoming a No 1 hit for 4 consecutive weeks in 1989. Whenever i hear this or see them perform it i can never escape the feeling they are both trying to upstage the other but in a good way, it’s a perfect blend of two voices and all credit to Marc whose choice of revitalising old classic songs is always impeccable, i also admired his take on ‘Days Of Pearly Spencer. But back to the album in hand, as i mentioned Disc 2 is a treasure trove of extended and remixed versions featuring 2 mixes of ‘Tears Run Rings’ with both the 12inch and Dance versions. My favourite here though has to be the melodramatic Blue Mosque Mix of the wonderful ‘She Took My Soul In Istanbul’ a gloriously moody. evocative track that conjures up that fascinating East meet West city beautifully. Together with Soft Cells extended version of Say Hello Wave Goodbye’ i think it’s Marc at his finest. As aforementioned Disc 3 gives you the chance to revisit the 80’s and watch the contemporary promotional video’s including 2 versions of ‘Tears Run Rings’, one for the US market and of course that duet with Gene Pitney. The accompanying 36 page booklet is beautifully put together with a wealth of photo’s, song lyrics and essays. Altogether this remains for me probably the best solo album Marc produced and now it’s ‘gone large’ with all the extra’s it’s a real musical feast. I’ll leave you with that No 1. Enjoy.
For more information go to https://www.cherryred.co.uk
Til next time, stay safe and well………Colin 
Kevin Hoad R.I.P.
photo supplied by Wesley Magoogan
Liane Carroll and Roger Carey… Hello. Roger and I are so very sad to hear the news that our lovely friend Kevin Hoad passed away this morning. A wonderful man, fabulous drummer. Many of mine, Sophie Bancroft and Sara Colman’s jazz vocal students would have sung with him at Porters. He absolutely LOVED those Sunday lunch concerts. We will miss him greatly and are sending Nicky all our love. R.I.P.Kevin.
Alan Esdaile… Very sad news. I know he’s been ill for awhile but still a shock. One of the nice guys.
Jim Penfold… thats really sad
Pete Houghton… I’m really sorry to hear this Kevin was a really great guy RIP Kevin
Dave Weeks… indeed a really nice guy. So sad.
Phil Thornton… RIP Kev (old goat) very sad news x
Diane Knight… Ohhh…that is really sad news …such a kind ,gentle soul
Tony Qunta… Very sorry to hear the sad news. He will be missed by many friends and fellow musicians.
Chris Howard… So sorry to hear of the sad news of Kevin an ex band member in Elite in the nineties had passed away this morning R.I.P Dear friend.
Terry Pack… We all have very fond memories of Kevin. He was a lovely, warm man, and, speaking as a bass player, he had a great pocket, too. RIP, Kevin. You are missed.
Steve Fitzy… Very sad news a really nice guy
Bernard Goffredo… sad news
Nicola Dobson… Sad news..I was in the same class as him in the infsnts school RIP
Janine Hemsley… So sad, great bloke, great drummer. RIP Kevin.
Harry Randall… Very sad to hear this and right on Christmas! Condolences to all concerned! A great guy and Great drummer!
Andy Qunta… So sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. Lovely fella & great drummer. R.I.P.
Mark Gilham… Lovely bloke. Sad news.
Trevor Spears… RIP Kev,enjoyed all of the gigs we shared!
Elaine Roberts… So sorry to hear this. Thinking of you and all his family and friends xx
Martin Stringer… So sad
Dave Nattress… Truly shocked to learn this terrible news.
Stephen Winterbottom… Played with him back in the day. One of the very best in the south east. Rest well Kevin
Iain Cobby… Did a session with him many years ago , great drummer, RIP
Barry French… Such sad news, a great drummer & lovely guy.
Martyn Baker… What a fantastic bloke he was, and a very good friend. Drummers as good as Kevin Hoad are very rare. I’m very proud to have played bass in rhythm sections with him in Steppin’ Out, The Roaring 80’s and Missing Persons plus loads of sessions and one-off gigs. He was the groovy beat behind a lot of great music. Goodnight Kev mate.
Tich Turner… Only just heard from my old pal Tony Bird about the sad passing of Kevin Hoad. Shocking news. As others here have commented, he was a truly lovely fella and a very fine drummer. Like Martyn, very privileged to have shared a stage with him and some great times. Just one more dreadful poke in the eye from 2020! Sleep well Kevin.
Jacquie Hinves… Dear all, Kevin’s girls have asked me to send you the link to our darling friend’s funeral next Wednesday. If there is anyone I have missed out please would you forward the information on. Sending love to you all at this very sad time. Stay safe.Jacquie.xx
Yvonne Cleland… Too young x
John Wilde… Farewell rythmn master. Soar high.
Mike Curtis… Kevin used to turn up at the occasional Factory practice evening at Hatters, and Lol Cooksley would let him sit in and play on I Can’t Explain. He looked about 14 at the time, but played it perfectly, just like Lol (and therefore just like Keith Moon). Such sad news.
Ashley Pepper… Very sad to hear about Kev, had the pleasure of playing in various bands with him many times over the years. A top player and top guy. He had a way of making every gig that bit more enjoyable both with his playing and his wacky humour. RIP Kev.
Old train compartments – who remembers?
Shared from Jay Whiff Watson growing up in the 50’s https://www.facebook.com/GrowingUpInThe50s/?hc_location=group_dialog
Joe Knight… Those were the days
😆lol think that’s a song there
Roger Simmonds… Me!
Alan Parker… Yea I do , not much fun when travelling from Kings X to Newcastle and there is no corridor and you need to pee
David Wilkinson… went in a 1st class one on Swanage Railway the other day
Jane Saunders… yes and the seats were itchy
Alan Essex… Been a long time since I was on a train, do you mean they are no longer like that?
Ian Johnson… Yes you could lay down for a sleep
Chris Meachen… They were the best..
Ernest Ballard… Best way to travel. Luxury and shake rattle and roll too. Beautiful smells and atmosphere
Pete Prescott… Me! I loved carriages like these !
Angela Frances Gardner… Loved these trains would use these carriages with my children when they were younger as they could sleep lying down and traveling from London with my cat so she could sit safely on my lap!
Mark Hanna… There are still on a lot of trains across Europe, I love traveling in these.
Liz Dees Dianto… Not that long ago
Alan Pepper… Ah I remember this ! So comfortable too . Now known as bus replacement service !!
Dave Nattress… Definitely recall these. Many of these compartments and old carriages just like this much older indeed still exist on preserved railways like the Bluebell and Kent and East Sussex and many more of course. Blimey, it’s hot in this anorak, and this article reminds me I need to renew my old train-spotter’s diary. Never over-comfortable these seats, itchy indeed and occasionally one would be crammed in 5 passengers each side, with a couple of bowler hatted old chaps reading their Telegraphs and Times newspapers. For a lifetime non-smoker like me, get in one of these with a couple of smokers – not good!!
Memories and info wanted on Fruupp
supplied by Nigel Wade Art
Nigel Wade Art… Hi all, I’m trying to unearth any memories or info on Fruupp who played on Hastings Pier in 1972 and 1975. They supported Genesis in ‘72 I believe, I went to the December 5th ‘75 gig which they headlined. It wasn’t a big crowd but they rocked it. It was the opening night of their Modern Masquerades tour. I can’t remember if there was a support band. Reason for this question is that I’m involved in the very active Fruupp Facebook Group (worth joining if you like the band) and there’s a plan to get a book and Live CD together all about Fruupp, so any info gratefully received. Thanks.
Adam Seigel… I was a fan for a bit. Saw them in Southend (my home town) in 75 I think. I still have the single Prince of Heaven’s Eyes which was their bid to break through Good band but not first division. Be interesting to know if they went on to other things, the keyboards seemed really talented and guitarist was good too – Vincent McUsker or something like that? Sounds like a good piece of archiving.
Nigel Wade Art… Keyboardist for the 4th and final album Modern Masquerades was John Mason, a brilliant jazz/ rock keyboard player who sadly died a few years ago. Original members Vincent McCusker (guitar), Peter Farrelly (vocals/ bass), Martin Foye (drums) and Stephen Houston (keyboards) are all going strong. Fruupp split in the Summer of ‘76 just when punk was starting, none of the band have done much in music since.
Adam Seigel… Stephen Houston…that’s the chap…he was good!
Alan King… the guy in the white suit is actually called Johnny Mason, he’s an old friend of mine from Dulwich back in the day, last I heard he’d had a stroke about 10 years ago – oops edit just saw the post that John had died he was an odd one – played a few gigs with him over the years – he got lost in drink and drugs near the end, his parents both died and left him a bit of money which was probably enough to tip him over the edge
Nigel Wade… Alan you’re absolutely right. Sadly he died a few years ago, following the stroke. I loved his playing b that album – he was very accomplished. One of the other guys said that for the photo shoot, “we all arrived looking like the three musketeers while John turned up dressed like Liberace!”
Alan King… John Mason did record an E.P. with a band of local south London roadies called The Back Room Boys in the mid 80’s – The Ballad of Vic Samson / Mine’s A Light and Bitter – he did the odd mafia run cruise ship tour off Miami to Jamaica and back around that time
Rory Hagan… Where did you see John Mason had died? I went to school with him. Thanks. Stephen Houston is your best point of contact for info. He’s a clergyman in the south of England
Nigel Wade Art… Hi Rory, on the Fruupp Facebook there has been a fair bit of information on John Mason and the main Admin, Brian, is in contact with John’s sister. It would be great if you’d like to join the Fruupp Facebook group with all your music background and the fact that you went to school with John. The band members including Stephen Houston are helping us with our Fruupp Live LP and Fruupp book.
Tracy Birrell… I remember seeing them on Hastings Pier.
Iain Cobby… Greetings. I had the poster of Genesis / Fruupp on Hastings Pier in 1972 which I sold some years ago for a really good price when times were hard. Alan e has a photo. I do remember the gig but was having a disagreement with my girlfriend/to be wife outside on the deck of the pier and missed the set, almost missing the Genesis opening ……. some years later in Birmingham I was in an indie record store and picked up Future Legends and Seven Secretes on BPRC cd . I would urge any prog aficionados to listen to these treasures ……. wow
1950’s/1960’s living room in the uk – do you remember it looking like this?
photo source: unknown
Mike Mitchell… Ah the Magic Robot game! I loved that one
Garry Wonfor… Most of it for sure…. But A FITTED CARPET…that was a luxury….. We had a rug, surrounded by spotlessly clean and highly polished floor tiles. Fabulous.!!!!
Faith Brooker… Garry, One word for you…lino…
Lloyd Johnson… Just like our living room at 67 Clifton Road..
Roger Simmonds… Reminds me of my mum and dads house !
Colin Bell… Blimey i’m 8 years old again…i’ve still got my Magic Robot game!
Will Cornell… ‘ve only visited the UK…not lived there. But here’s what I spot: how in the world do ya’ll keep warm with those tiny fireplaces?
Alan Esdaile… we all had similar fireplaces in the 50s/60s Will.
Will Cornell… The ones you have in your living rooms look kinda like the small bathroom gas heaters we have in older homes with natural gas built in the 40s-50s. Yeah I know I know. “there goes another ‘Everything’s bigger in Texas’ braggard”.
David Edwards… Will, by body heat snuggling in close with the other buggers up close to the fire.
Ian Quinnell… WOW….back to my childhood. The tiled hearth and surround, mirror on the chimney breast, standard lamp, but mostly the 3D picture plate on the wall.
Chris Meachen… Very much like the living room of my childhood.. At least we still have a mirror over the fireplace…
photo:Chris Meachen
Gaz Linch… The hideous flying ducks,a must in every Victorian front room, including ours
Alan Esdaile… my dad used to make those circular plaster wall plaques (in the first photo) and sold loads to the neighbours. Always looking for one of his in the second hand shops.
Judy Atkinson… What’s the square transparent thing between the tv and the pedal car? Everything else is very familiar
Faith Brooker… Judy, I think it might be a protective screen for the front of the TV…
Pete Prescott… I remember those days.
Lyn Appleyard… The robot board game….I swopped my toy telephone switchboard for the board game. Fascinating. All of them plus something not on there was an Easter egg box which gave me joy…more even than the egg……..does anyone remember the plastic toys free in cereal boxes? Hours of fun until Tiddles our white cat grabbed it 
dusappeared under the garden hedge and bam! I never saw it again 
EVER 
She was a beautiful dignified cat….and is now acknowledged as Whylie Tiddles lol
Ray Harper… Is that square thing a sort of lens that you put on the TV screen to make it bigger?
Mike Raxworthy… Ray, I thought it was make the picture ‘colour’ ???
George Harmer… Blimey I thought that was the front room at my mum and dads.
Mick O’Dowd… The Magic Robot! Never had one as a kid although I always coveted those that did. Someone brought me one a few years back and it’s still in the cupboard. Also had a red version of the pedal car.
Roger Simmonds… The room was only warm by the fire other side was always cold as I remember!
Sue Seward… Think the square glass thing on the floor is in fact a magnifying screen for the TV ! I remember an aunt had a set up like that and as hardly anyone in my family could afford a TV in the 1950’s we would all crowd around to watch the ‘Black and White Minstrel’ show. Oh how times have changed.
Mick Bolton R.I.P.
photo © HLBP Dan Large
Andy Gunton… Not a good way to start the new year. Very sad to hear the news of the death overnight of Mick Bolton. A lovely man & a fine pianist too, who many local people will have seen playing around the Hastings area. In the past he’d played with Mott The Hoople, Dexy’s Midnight Runners & Linda McCartney, amongst others.I had the pleasure of working with Mick on several occasions, something I have very fond memories of. R.I.P Mick, you will be sadly missed
Alan Esdaile… Very sad news. Such a warm and genuine person and a great musician.
John Wilde…Farewell Mick.
Nick Shute… So sorry to hear this sad news…..rip Mick
Caroline Moor… very sad news
Janine Hemsley… So so sad. Thoughts are with Mick’s family.
Wendy Weaver… Sad news
. R.I.P. Mick
Ricky Long… Sad, Rip Mick great guy
Willie Wicking… So Sorry to hear this, a lovely genuine guy it was only last year we were seeing the New Year in with him at the Grapevine in Rye. Thoughts with his family & friends R.i.P Mick
Nick Bloomfield… I will remember him though singing this song which is one of his own compositions. I was very fortunate to record ‘Serpentine Summer’ which is a lovely song about the Hyde Park Concert in 1969.
Elaine Roberts… RIP Mick – a great musician and a lovely, unassuming man. Condolences to all his family and friends – he will be much missed
Carole Prescott… So very sad. Such a lovely man. Condolences to Carol and all other family & friends. Such a shock.
Andy Qunta… Very sorry to hear about Mick. RIP.
Colin Norton… Very sad to hear this news. RIP Mick
Dave Nattress… Not another! I did not know Mick but have read widely of him and the local connections. After the passing of Kevin Hoad recently to lose another notable member of the music community is truly awful.
Iain Cobby… Fond memories of sing along with Mick at the Grapevine with Messrs T Davis, C Rigden and P Merison on nights out in Rye. What a really nice guy. The place won’t be the same without you Mick. RIP
Phil Little… Barry Jones and I played some of our best ever gigs with Mick Bolton since 2011. He was a really great intuitive player and will be irreplaceable to us. Thoughts and Condolences to Carol and Richard. RIP Mick.
William Third… So sad to hear it, what a lovely person as well as a wonderful musician, he will be greatly missed.
Pam Staffell… Memorial bench for Michael on the seafront. It was Carol’s desire today of getting a memorial bench on Hastings seafront that prompted me to suggest “Go Fund Me” Thank you X
Click here… https://gofund.me/1ccac08f
Pam Staffell… Hello everyone. I am so pleased with how this fund is doing. Thank you all for being so generous and kind. It isn’t an easy time right now to be asking for money, so an extra big thank you to you all on behalf of Carol and Bobby. I know the money raised so far will buy a standard bench – there are many styles for Carol to choose from. There is also engraving to be paid for. Plus any administration which Hastings Council asks for! That is how I came to the fund aim of £1500. We have done so well, in these two days, so I am confident the goal will be reached! Thank you again X
Looking for information on Malcolm Wrenn (might be Wren)
John Gale… This is going to be a very long shot, but im looking for any photos or a connection to a little “” combo ” my late dad played in back in the 70s, Dad played drums and he hooked up with a keyboard player from Battle, called Malcolm Wrenn (might be Wren),,, I think at one stage they had a guitarist / vocalist called Dave , but he emigrated. They went under the name of SOUNDS UF BLUE and had a number of residences, notably a weekend one, at the Railway Club, just above Warrior Sq Station on the hill going up from The Royal Pub opposite on the hill… It was always busy and there must have been others on here who ventured in there or even played there 🤞🤞. With all all the photos my dad had, we cannot find one of Malcolm. There’s a few of the club itself, I’m remember Malcolm being a nice guy and played a wicked Hammond style organ. They played covers of hits at that time Any info would be appreciated cheers (Dad would have looked like this below)
Shaun Pont… The name rings a bell with me. I think he went to Claverham when the school opened in 1955 with my uncle. If he is who I think he is then he lived on Battle Hill in the 1980’s.
John Gale… he lived opposite the petrol station down St Mary’s Terrace on the right,,, waa married but I can remember his wife’s name
Rob Welford… Malcolm was my uncle, unfortunately he passed away just before Christmas having spent the last couple of years in a home suffering from parkinsons aged 79. His wife Catherine (Kay) still lives in Battle.
John Gale… omg. That’s so sad , Please pass my condolences onto Rob and his family, I will let mum know., she will be very sad. Thank you for passing onto me Alan.
Keita Wrenn…. Hi, only just seen this. I am the daughter of Malcolm, if you would like to contact me please do. keitawtenn@gmail.com
John Gale… Keita, I will email you, dad was your dad’s drummer.