The London Rock and Roll show 1972

This was a pretty big show. I remember seeing it on the news. A strange line-up that included MC5 and Gary Glitter. wiki
Malcolm McLaren was there selling t-shirts, Mick Jagger was in the crowd. A lot of vocal groups couldn't get permits so they filled in the gaps with UK bands. 

The 5.6.7.8's performing I Walk Like Jayne Mansfield and I'm Blue at The House Of Blue Leaves

When Kill Bill Vol. 1 came out in 2003, Japanese trio the 5,6,7,8's who had a cameo in the movie, came to play Purr club at Moles Bath whilst still riding on that wave. People queued up for a long line and some of our friends couldn't get in. But it was an all ages show so our kids could come in and enjoy, which they did buying t-shirts and the works. They were everywhere for a while including an advert for Carling lager. 

Flashing Blade theme 1969

What I was watching 50 years ago. The theme song is called "Fight' and it's by the Musketeers. It's on Spotify if you have this. It was only on the British version but I loved it as a 9 year old. The only tv series based on the War of Mantuan succession. Wiki

Tolpuddle Martyrs 150th in 1984

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tolpuddle_Martyrs

 So in 1984 a group of us from print union the NGA from B&Ts in Frome went to Dorset for a Trades Union ralley. Neil Kinnoch was there as was Len Murray the TUC leader. Sue came down with my parents while I travelled with workmates. That's me and Dave Mackay Animals & Men and Terraplanes bass) and a printer still. It was during the Miners strike so it was all the more poignant with NUM banners and people.

Conflict of Wings 1954

This is a fine film - some early environmental activism. In rural Norfolk, villagers are spurred to action when it is announced that the nearby RAF station is taking over the Island of Children, a much-loved and untouched bird sanctuary, for rocket practice.

wiki

Interview with Nigel House

40 years ago Nigel House was bass player of Animals & men. Now he is co-owner of Rough Trade. Here's an interview with him from 2 years ago.

Screamin' Jay Hawkins - I Put A Spell On Me [Docu]

Jay Hawkins birthday today (July 18 1929) so how about his documentary? Screamin' Jay Hawkins - I Put A Spell On Me [Docu]

The legendary Screamin' Jay Hawkins was a great influence on many musicians and his performances were so highly provocative in their originality that even today they can be considered "revolutionary".

Screamin' Jay Hawkins met Nicholas Triandafyllidis and commissioned him to make a documentary about his notorious life in and out of the music industry. Screaming Jay came to Greece and he gave his very last concerts in Thessaloniki and Athens, before his sudden death in Paris in 2000.

Having been left a legacy of confidential sessions and footage of his final live performances, Triandafyllidis completed the film with a little help from Jay's friends: Jim Jarmusch (director of Ghost Dog), Bo Diddley, Eric Burdon (The Animals), Rudi Protrudi, Diamanda Galas, Arthur Brown (The Crazy Word of Arthur Brown), Andre Williams and others.

He remained faithful to their common vision:

"A film full of positive energy, an endless source of life".

Bear wood to open near Bristol

Bear's wolves and Wolverines coming soon to a wood near you!
https://www.facebook.com/wildplacebristol/

https://www.wildplace.org.uk/explore-the-park/bear-wood?/bearwood
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/first-look-inside-bear-wood-3095498?int_source=taboola&int_medium=display&int_campaign=organic

Ralph at Midsomer Norton's M-Fest

Watched Bath band Ulysses.

Moskvitsh

Susan's dad had one of these in the early 70s - a light blue estate. He used to be a teacher at Frome college. Gave me a lift to school once. Have to add he wasn't a socialist by any means. He was impressed by the engineering and its ability to start on cold mornings.

Monkey boots

A fashion piece. Susan likes Monkey boots. She was wearing some in 1978 when I first knew her and she has them now. Got a new pair the other day for a good price. I don't know much about them but I always knew them as a cheap alternative to Dr Marten's. Made by Grafters.

Read about their history and Eastern bloc origins here

Tewkesbury is this weekend

Took part in this event. Was fun. Borrowed kit. Had a bill and a sallet. Can't remember what year about 98 no photos sadly.

Sonny Boy Williamson Spotify playlist.

Some of my favourites on here. Wiki on the man. 

Cyril Davies All Stars with Long John Baldry and The Velvettes - Preachin' The Blues

One of the Uk's first blues harmonica players if not The first. Died in 1964. http://cyrildavies.com/

Ralph on Geoff Barker's rock and roll party.

I did a phone interview for this show the subject was 'My first rock and roll record'. I talked about Frome, the Bad Detectives, and other bits. It's on 1.29.29 in. I t will be up for a short time.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p07d3qdq/

Frome Cheese show field c1979

This is my parents' garden in Frome. The field behind was used as a venue for the Cheese show and would fill with marquees for that week. In the distance beyond those bushes was a pond in the grounds of Selwood school. Now there's a hospital in the field. The Cheese show is held out of town and schoolchildren no longer get the day off.

Sedgemoor 1685

Today's anniversary. Get my booklet here

Film we shot on the battle site a few years ago. I am on both sides. 

A Somerset and Dorset engine driver - my Grandfather Henry (Tom) Newman

At engine driver school in Swindon

Nunney Castle

Interesting page on Nunney castle near Frome.
https://www.visitnunney.com/nunney-castle-saved/

At Nunney Castle in the 80s

50 years ago today Brian Jones died.

Mike Reynolds (Winchcombe Calling dj) visited the grave in Cheltenham today