I was born in Chiswick West London in 1959,(one week later and it would have been the 60s)I have lived in various places over the years, but now live in Reading.I am 48, going on 21. I am an Edwardian Teddy boy and have been for some 30 years, I first got into Rock n Roll in 1972, by hanging about outside The Castle pub in Crondall with my mates,eating crisps,guzzling Coca cola and
listening to the Jukebox.
One evening somebody put Bill Haley and the Comets Picadilly Rock on...That was it I was hooked!
First gigs included watching The Impalas backed by "Bright Lights" record hop, at The Swan in Kingston, on a Sunday night - a real sleazy dive but it was great! Missing the last bus home, having to get the 65 to what was then Chessington Zoo and having to hitch the rest of the way, ( which was fine 'til we got to The Star pub, then the streetlights finished) Trying to find someone prepared to give a lift to sharp suited Edwardians!
The St Helier Arms in Carshalton on a Saturday if we could cadge a lift,and where there was usually a punch up at some point during the evening. Where we saw Cavan, Shades, CSA, Sonny Fisher,Screaming Lord Sutch and Freddy Fingers Lee, among others. And the one time I went to The Star in Guildford the first time I saw Jack Scott, backed by The Cruisers. We could have died that night - our taxi driver stayed in the public bar getting p-ssed during the gig and then drove us home!
I attend three or four weekenders a year, the main ones being Shake Rattle and Roll, Wildest Cats In Town, The Rhythm Riot and more recently, The Ted do. I would like to do more but the money wont stretch that far.
I also love Doo Wop, something up tempo to jive to like The Willows Church bells may ring, or Drifters Fools fall in love - not the tedious, one tempo numbers so beloved of certain Jive clubs I could mention...!
I have three, three piece tailored suits, and am considering a fourth, which has to be in original style, no velvet, fingertip length and of a sober colour.
I am here to make friends,new and old, but if you aint rockin' don't bother knockin'.Especially if you happen to be a jive bunny!!!!
