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Martin

BeatFab

About Me


Just A Little Bit On Me I was born in the Northwest England, and then raised in a little village type of place, very close to the town of Blackpool.
One of my earliest memories is my Dad taking me to Blackpool on Friday nights, for a weekly treat. We would go to places like the ABC Theatre in Blackpool and occasionally to The Tower Ballroom or a show on the piers.
I think these trips out in Blackpool is what gave me a life long interest in Music and going to Shows or to the theatre.So thanks so much too my parents for giving me such happy memories.
Out Of "The Shadows"The first real live band I ever saw in real terms was when I was aged 13 and some friends of the family offered my Dad a ticket to go and see The Shadows, but he sent me along instead as he thought that I would enjoy it more so than him and it would be a good experience for me.
Needles to say my Dad was and is a wiseman, as I went on to see The Shadows live on numerous occasions since.The very last time I saw then was on their farewell tour, which quite Ironically was back at The Winter Gardens Blackpool,the very same venue that I had seen them live some 20 odd years earlier during the 80s.One of the things that struck me about The Shadows when I first discovered them was a lot of the exciting chord changes, within the songs.
Songs such as Dance On, Apache, F.B.I and Nivram are all timeless classics.
As a group they inspired a whole new generation of groups to emerge.
Even George Harrison, when asked once in an early interview 'How big did he think The Beatles were going to be', he replied 'Well.. If we do half as good as Cliff And The Shadows, I will be very happy.
Liverpool Capital Of CultureLiverpool Echo Arena
Well as many of you know with having family in Liverpool I have been an adopted scouser for quite some years now. I was very proud to be in Liverpool today for one of the official launches of the capital of culture.
On Friday 4 January as an ambasodor of Liverpool, I was lucky enough to get a preview of one of Liverpool’s two new Arenas that have been built in the city.
Liverpool dignitaries and Liverpool head of culture heads gave various speeches. Writer and producer Phil Redmond, however gave what many felt the best speech of the day. Phil before been involved with the Capital of culture amongst many things was responsible for Grange Hill and Brookside.
The day’s entertainment was rounded off by a set of fine music by Liverpool chart toppers The Farm.
What a fantastic start to what is going to be a great year for Liverpool.
BLACKPOOL 60's WEEKEND
At The Strawberry Fields Hotel
Blackpools Only Beatles Themed Hotel
Friday 6 June To Sunday 8 June 2008
THE MEDIA
Great Sounds Of The 60s With Covers By:
    The Beatles
    The Kinks
    Elvis
    Rolling Stones
    Eddie Cochran
    Buddy Holly
    Chuck Berry

Please click the above picture for further details and also the links below to read more about this warm and friendly Beatles themed Hotel.DAILY POST AND ECHO REVIEW A review of Blackpool's 'Straweberry Fields Hotel from the online version of the popular Liverpool newspaper.IKNOW NORTH WEST REVIEW A tourist website review of Strawberry Fields.STRAWBERRY FIELDS HOTEL HOMEPAGE The homepage of Blackpools one and only Beatles themed Hotel.
LIVE MUSIC AT
THE LANE ENDS Around 18 months ago my local pub started having live music. Which was great news for me, some great Live Music right on my doorstep within walking distance.

Recomended Singer/Songwriters
And Groups EMMA FORMAN Emma Forman I believe is a superb original talent.Over the past few years as well as developing her own solo career, fronting several well known bands in the area of Glasgow.
During this time Emma has also shared the stage with Midge Ure and Fish(Original Marillion Frontman.She has recently formed a band called’ Medusa’s Curse'who in early 2008 became a working band.
Emma has also recently released a CD of her original material entitled Chocolate And Red Wine at a very reasonable cost of just £5.00
To celebrate this self funded release, she wants to take this set of songs on the road and perform live at various Pubs and Music Venues up and down the country during 2007/2008.
As part of this tour on Saturday 08 December 2007 Emma played a triumphant set of songs to a whole new audience at The Annual Fab4Fundraisers Event at Liverpool’s famous Jacaranda Club, where The Beatles used to have a residency. In doing so she gained a whole new legion of people who have vowed, they would love to go along and see her perform againEmma has said recently that on this tour for anyone who is considering book her she can tailor her set to your Venues needs. Therefore she can to do original material, a mix of original material plus covers or just covers.
She is currently taking bookings for both her solo act and Medusas Curse 2008.
Please check her website for details of her future projects and any enquiries as regards booking her To Book Emma Forman - Click Here
Chocolate And Red Wine 01-Time Out
02- Diamond behind the dirt
03- Temporarily blinded
04- All I've got to give
05- The day we stopped talking
06- The Problem
07- Mountain
08- Pretentios
09- Love Spell
10- Chocolate and Red wine
11- Dancing on the tables
To order Chocolate and Red Wine.Please click on the CD Cover aboveEmma Forman My Space - Click Here
MEDUSA'S CURSE
ALL GIRL ROCKBAND Medusa's Curse are an all girl Trio who hail from the Glasgow/Dumfries area of Scotland. Over the last few months they have been doing very well for themselves, and already starting to build up quite a loyal following since their formation last September.

BBC PRODUCTION
'UPSTAGED'
Only recently they were featured as a contender in the BBC Production Upstaged.
This involved M.C traveling on a 6 hour journey from Glasgow to Bristol,then once they got there going straight into the studio and performing for a solid 6 hours, which was streaming live over the internet, highlights were later broadcast on BBC 4.
They are currently taking bookings for the remainder of the year and early 2009 and are seeking support slots with Major Artist as they wish to bring their own particular brand of music to a wider audience.
Their music is influenced by the likes of 4 Non Blondes, Foo Fighters, KT Tunstall,Fish,Morrissey,Kings of Leon,The Bangles, Evanescence, Levellers,Amy Winehouse, Shelly Poole,Blondie,Tiffany,Kaiser Chiefs,Suzanne Vega, The Doors,Katie Melua,Norah Jones, he Beatles,Ozzy Osbourne,The Rolling Stones,R.E.M,Kelly Clarkson and Nirvana.
Future projects that they have in the pipeline over the coming months is to go into the studio and record their original material penned by Emma Forman.
Anyone interested in booking the band, can do so by contacting Emma Forman via her myspace or by contacting Medusa's Curse myspace which is run by Medusa's Bass player Nat. THE ALMABOOBIES These three sisters I have only met recently through My space.However, after talking to them and listening to their original material/the Alice Cooper cover, they are without a doubt Rock"N"Roll,s answer to The Corrs
A fantastic Image and a great sound, I am sure they have a great future ahead of them.
To Book The Almaboobies - Click Here
NIKKI ASHTON On the first hearing of the Nikki's original material, in my view has a very distinctive type of sound and seems very really well focused on where she wishes to be in her career.
I believe she has and all the desired quality’s it takes to make it in the music business.Nikki having spent the past few years developing her own solo career and focusing on writing her debut album. In 2006 She very soon caught the attention of the legendary music mogul Mike Stock (Stock, Aitken and Waterman).
The future looks really bright for Nikki and I wish her every success.
Please check her website out by clicking on her picture to the leftRECOMENDED GIG GUIDE
TUESDAY 22 APRIL EMMA FORMAN The Den Falkirk,
Scotland
On Stage 19:00
FRIDAY 2 MAY ALMABOOBIES The Shelly Arms,
Rotherham, Horsham
On Stage 21:00
SATURDAY 3 MAY THE SHAKERS The Cavern Club,
Liverpool
On Stage 14:00
SATURDAY 3 MAY THE SHAKERS Whitby Sports & Social Club Ellesmere Port,
Merseyside
On Stage 20:00
TUESDAY 13 MAY MEDUSA'S CURSE Whistle Binkies Edinburgh,
Scotland
On Stage 20:00
SATURDAY 31 MAY THE MEDIA The Village Inn,Woolton
Liverpool
On Stage 20.00

Favorite 60s Bands My Space Area THE HOLLIES The Hollies music has always played a significant part in the sound track to my life.
I think the first time I saw a concert of theirs was back in 1983 at The Guidhall,Preston.
Although I would go onto to see them many times at many other venues over the next 25 Years.
In November this year I see them once again back at The Guildhall in Preston.
MIKE PENDERS SEARCHERS The My Space page of one of the two original members of The Searchers who are both still touring.For as long as I can remember I have liked the music of The Searchers and I always try to see MP Searchers when they are here in The Northwest
THE TREMELOES FORUM The Tremeloes have always been a firm favorite for me when it comes to 60s Bands.What I like about their music is their fun aspect of the songs they perform and wrote.
There stage show and videos always project such a feel good factor
DENNY LAINE Well if ever there was an underated musician on the planet,it would have to be non other than Denny Laine..
He has been at the top of his profesion for over 40 years now.
First of all with The Moody Blues when he took them to the top of the charts with tracks like Loose Your Money, Time Is On My Side,Go Now then once solo having released classic singles such as Say You Dont Mind.
This is not to mention Denny been the main keeper of the engine room behind Wings for 10 years during the 70s.
However is finest moment has to be co wrighting what now known to be Wings theme song Mull Of Kintyre.
Top 60s Coverbands My Space ForumsInstead of having all The Bands on my Top 20 My Space Friends List, I have decided to do a section here about some of them instead.So these are just a few of my favourite 60s Cover bands. THE MEDIA This band will take you on a journey through the finest moments in Rock History over the past 50 years and much moreExpect Rock N Roll, through to The Beatles, Bowie and much more
THE SHAKERS Rediscover The Fab Sounds Of Merseybeat.Relive The Fab Sounds of The Swinging Blue Jeans, The Big 3, The Searchers, Gerry And The Pacemakers and The Beatles
SEARCHIN A dedicated tribute to The Searchers.
All these lads all hail from the Liverpool area.In recent months they have been making quite a name for themselves in establishing themselves as a profesional tribute act.
To Book Searchin - Click Here
FLASHBACK The best way to describe these guys is Yorks answer to The Big Three.They take there influences from The Early Beatles, The Big 3,Chuck Berry,The Hollies and also all aspects of 60s Beat Music. LIVE MUSIC AT
THE LANE ENDS Around 18 months ago my local pub started having live music. Which was great news for me, some great Live Music right on my doorstep within walking distance.
FAB4FUNDRAISERS For over 5 years now I have been proud to be one of The Fab4FundraisersTo read all about us either click on the logo to the left to go to our My Space Area or on the link below to visit our Homepage F4F Homepage
Rock4Mac Rock4Mac is a brand new concept in Fundraising whos aim is to raise vital funds for people and familys afected by Cancer.However we do try to have a touch more emphasis on fun than your average traditional fundraiser.
During the later part of 2008 we plan to tour the concept of Rock4Mac at various venues around the UK.
To find out more about us either click on the logo to the left to go to our My Space Area or on the link below.
ANNUAL BEATLES CONVENTION For over 20 years now I have attended the annual Beatles Convention that is held in Liverpool around August Bank Holiday week.Its always a pleasure to go back each year and meet up again with friends who are almost now like an extended family after all these years!!!
MATHEW STREET MUSIC FESTIVAL 2007 A long established free music festival.Live stages are located all around the city including the Pier Head and Liverpool City Centre.Click the logo for future updates of this years Mathew Street Music Festval.

My Interests

BASS PLAYINGAnother pastime of mine is that I have only took up within the last 10 years is playing Bass. Unfortunately due to unforseen circumstances within my life I have not really had much opportunity to develop the skill.Therefore I currently I play by ear trying to replicate what I hear on the record. Plans are in the pipeline to get a bit more into the theory side of the music and my Bass playing, time permitting of course.LIVE MUSIC My favourite way to unwind after a busy week at work is to watch live music and recent bands I have seen include Class Of 64, The Tremeloes, The Hollies, Mike Pender's Searchers, Marillion and Ray Wilson of Genesis.CANCER FUNDRAISINGI am also proud to be one of The Fab4FundraisersWe are first and foremost a group of four friends with a love for 60s music who decided to come together around Christmas time 5 years ago to raise money primarily for cancer related causes.We have recently developed a My Space area and also a website F4F My Space F4F Homepage For the latest updates and announcements on all our forthcoming events, you will hear about it by visiting any of the above.

I'd like to meet:

I dont think there are many more people left who I would like to meet. I have been fortunate over the years to meet many of the people who were a musical influence to me over the years. Some of these following on from meeting them have since become firm friends. Famous people who I have met include, Phil Lynott, Paul McCartney,Chip Hawkes,Dave Munden, Rick Westwood,Brian Poole, Mick Avory,Mike Pender,Dave Berry,Colin Manley,Ray Ennis,Les Braid, Alan Lovell, Pete Oakham, Joey Mulland, Bucky Barrett (Roy Orbisons friend and guitarist)Lonnie Donegan,Albert Lee, Denny Laine, Steve Holley, Lurence Juber, Hamish Stuart, Henry McCullough,Alan Longmuir,Les McKeown,Fish,Steve Hogarth, Ray Wilson(Of Stiltskin/Genesis)and very briefly Jet Harris
I hope over the next few months to feature a few recollections of my first meetings with some of the above.
A Few People I Have Met RAY STILES When I first got to an age where I could apreciate music back in the 70s, one of the first bands I go into in a big way was Mud. On my old 'BUSH'stack record player I would play 45s of songs like 'L-L-Lucy','Lean On Me','Rockett''Dyna-Mite' 'Tiger Feet',and 'Lonley This Christmas'non stop.

Also as a Hollies fan of over 20 years, it was great news to me when I heard Ray one of the founder members of Mud had joined the ranks of The Hollies Therefore if was a real pleasure to meet Ray before a Hollies show at The Guildhall Preston on Friday 23 November 2007.
BOBBY ELLIOT Let me think now, by pure chance I first met Bobby Elliot about 20 years ago, when he was sat in on drums with a bandwhich was led by ex Rubette Tony Thorpe, they were called Gas Company.To be honest I wasn’t sure if it was him and just took it as someone who looked like him. But another regular confirmedto me it was, so I went over and introduced myself to him.
He told me lots of storys such as how The Hollies came to record 'If I Needed Someone'.Recently on 23 November I met Bobby Elliot backstage and talked with him for a good 5 minutes or so and it turns out weknow a lot of the same people. He did seem to remember meeting me before,which was suprising with all the years that havenow gone by. PAUL McCARTNEY On Monday 25 Febuary 2003 I met Paul McCartney the day after he had attended The George Harrison Tribute Show at The Empire Liverpool.
I think every photo or Album cover you have ever seen of someone like Macca flashes through your mind and here they are in front of you looking you in the eye for a change while they sign their autograph. Also all the things you wanted to ask them over the years,go through your head, but the best you can say is "Hi Paul alright mate". But he was a very nice guy and puts people at there ease upon meeting him. My copy of The Russian CD (Rock N Roll) is a much treasured possession.
DENNY LAINE I first met Denny Laine back in 1988 for the first time at The Adelphi Hotel Liverpool, when he signed my copy of his album Holly Daze.
It was really facinating to talk to him about his years on the road with The Moody Blues and Wings.
Over the years I have met him numerous times since and I have to say he always greets me like an old friend.

MIKE PENDER Around 15 years ago I met Mike Pender an original key member of The Searchers.I asked if he would sign my copy of Mike Penders Searchers CD. As the venue Branigans,Blackpool was such a busy bar,he pushed me lightly on the back and said crouch over. He proceeded to sign it leant on my back as a substitute table.

.. CHIP HAWKES Chip Hawkes is one of the most down to earth people of his era you could ever wish to meet.
I first met Chip around 4 years ago during the interval of a show called Animals And Friends at The Grand Theatre, Blackpool.I had a copy of The Tremeloes Greatest Hits, which was an Import and I handed it him to sign.He looked at the cover briefly before signing at and smiled Noticing this, I asked him if he could remember the photo been taken.Thinking about it for a moment he said "Yes,yes I remember now, Linda McCartney took it" .

PHIL LYNOTT I met Phil Lynott just very shortly after Thin Lizzy had split up.He was riding high in the charts again solo with the hit Yellow Pearl which was also The Top of The Pops theme Tune. I must have spent a good 10 minutes talking to him with us both sat on a PA packing case which was still embossed with the logo of Thin Lizzy .He was a really nice guy and his autograph is one of my most treasured possesions to date
RAY WILSON
Former Frontman
Of Genesis I met Ray Wilson after a show he had done at Burnley Mechanics on his Anthology of Genesis Tour in May 2006.During the show he had read out a milestone birthday dedication to me from Marie for a track he wrote called "Not About Us".After the show he signed a promo poster for the show and signed it off “Happy 40th Birthday Martin” Ray


STEVE HOGARTH I met Steve after his show in Leeds with Marillion in 2004.He had already had a few converstions with fans and I could see he had has family and his dear mother in the area and so I just kept it breif and had a quick photo taken with him.

But it wasn’t until 1 March 2006 at The Cavern Club in Liverpool that I would catch up with him and say Hello so to speak.
Steve was doing a very one up and close type of one man show, which was truly remarkable.He was taking questions from the floor as well as singing his own and classic covers.During one of the rounds of questions, I asked him about his song writing influences and how he structured his songs.
He went onto describe that he had no set way and sometimes they would come to him in his in a dream and they would then develop from thereEven more impressive after the show when he signed my ticket for me, he looked up and said and your Martin!(He had remembered me for my question)
DEREK ACORAH Later in the day on Saturday 20 October 2007, I met Derek Acorah after a show he had done at Southport Theatre.Derek comes across just the same as he does on the TV and took time to ask if I had enjoyed the show etc.
I asked him if he was doing another series of Ghost Towns and he said he was but not until 2008.
I advised him of an alleged Haunted landmark close by to where I live and he was very grateful and said "Thanks for that I will remember that” he was very interested and seemed pleased I had took the trouble to tell him about it.

..


Music:


ALL TIME FAVORITE MUSIC
NOW AND THEN All these listed below are my musical influences from every relevant era.
Click on the pictures of each to see You Tube footage of favorite songs by each.
Also if you click on the name of each artist, it will take you too a related website or their official Homepage.
50s MUSICBilly Fury

Favorite Tracks:
Forget Him
Halfway To Paradise
I'd Never Find Another You
In Thoughts Of You
Like I've Never Been Gone.Buddy Holly

Favorite Tracks:
Oh Boy!
Peggy Sue
Your True Love
Rave On
That'll Be The Day.Carl Perkins

Favorite Tracks:
Matchbox
Honey Don’t
Your True Love
Blue Suede Shoes
Everybody’s Trying
to Be My Baby.
Elvis Presley

Favorite Tracks:
Don't Be Cruel
Heartbreak Hotel
Hound Dog
One Night
Love Me.
Eddie Cochran

Favorite Tracks:
Somethin' Else
Twenty Flight Rock
C'mon Everybody
Hallelujah! I Love Her So
Summertime Blues.

60s MUSICThe Tremeloes

Favorite Tracks:
Me And My Life
Silence Is Golden
I Like It That Way My Little Lady.The Hollies

Favorite Tracks:
I Can't Let Go
Carrie-Anne
Bus Stop
The Air That I Breathe
Sorry Suzanne .The Beatles

Favorite Tracks:
Twist And Shout
She Loves You
Bad Boy
I Saw Her Standing There
In My Life.
The Searchers

Favorite Tracks:
Sweets For My Sweet
Love Potion Number 9
Needles And Pins
Someday Were Gonna Love Again
Walk In The Room
The Who

Favorite Tracks:
The Kids Are Alright
My Generation
Substitute
You Better You Bet.

70s MUSICWINGS

Favorite Tracks:
Getting Closer
Maybe I'm Amazed'
Old Siam, Sir
Live And Let Die
Jet
Thin Lizzy

Favorite Tracks:
Don't Believe A World
Dancin' In The Moonlight
Still In Love With You
Boys Are Back In Town u
Southbound.T-Rex

Favorite Tracks:
Get It On
20th Century Boy
Children of the Revolution
I Love to Boogie
Ride a White Swan.David Bowie

Favorite Tracks:
The Jean Genie
Space Oddity
Starman
Ziggy Stardust
Life On Mars
The Sweet

Favorite Tracks:
Hellraiser
Teenage Rampage
Ballroom Blitz
Fox On The Run
Blockbuster
AC/DC

Favorite Tracks:
Highway to Hell
Back in Black
You Shook Me All Night Long
Whole Lotta Rosie
Thunder Struck
Queen

Favorite Tracks:
Bohemian Rhapsody
Tie Your Mother Down
We Are The Champions
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Hammer To Fall.

80s MUSICKim Wilde

Favorite Tracks:
Kids In America
View From A Bridge
Chequered Love
One Night
Nobody Does It Better.T'Pau

Favorite Tracks:
China In Your Hand
This Girl
Heart And Soul
The Promise
Bridge Of Spies.The Pretenders

Favorite Tracks:
Brass in Pocket
2000 Miles
Don't Get Me Wrong
Stop Your Sobbing
I Go to Sleep.
Blondie

Favorite Tracks:
Sunday Girl
Denis
Hanging On The Telephone
Union City Blue
Tide Is High.
Bryan Adams

Favorite Tracks:
Run To You
Somebody
Summer Of 69
18 Till I Die
Long Gone.
Marillion

Favorite Tracks:
Sugar Mice
Market Square Heroes
Kayleigh
Lavender
Incommunicado.
BON JOVI

Favorite Tracks
Bad Medicine
Never Say Goodbye
Keep The Faith
Wanted Dead Or Alive
Blaze Of Glory.
More Coming Soon
LOCAL LIVE MUSICWatching Live Music satarted back in the 80s for me.
I would reguarly frequent all the live music venues.
Most of these were mainly in and around Blackpool/Preston and surrounding Lancashire Areas.
But there was the ocasional going as far as Birmingham or Shropshire, which was not quite so local.
SOME OF THE LOCAL BANDS I SAW BACK THENAlma GrayMoving Pictures
X-Tra Bop
Missing In Action
Free Parking
Cavern(The original ones and also later line ups
Shout
Revolver
Rough'N'Ready
The Coustics
The Piggies
The Rockin Vicars
Nickunlimited
Meanstreak
The Edge
No Hard Fellings
Havana
Shady
Stiff Richard
Touch
Reckless
Cowboys And Angels.SOME OF THE LOCAL BANDS I HAVE SEEN MORE RECENTLY Emma Forman
Rampage
Wreckelss
Crush
South By Nortwest
Tunisia
The Media
The Shakers
Rude Mood
Last Orders(Blues Band)
Barefeet
TO BE CONTINUED

Movies:

One of the most memorable Films I remember going to see as a child is never To Young Too Rock which featured The Rubettes,Mud, and The Glitter Band.
The main bit I remember is them driving through the streets performing of the back of a wagon, so Rock N Roll.A truly fantastic film! Also I always used to like the James Bond Movies when I was a kid.But nowdays I do watch films but not regular enough to be able to list favortie film.Although I like comedy films more so than any other types of films. Classic films I like include: Alfie Mrs Brown You have Got A Lovely DaughterNever Too Young To RockJailhouse RockKing CreoleGI BluesHard Days Night
Help!Backbeat - The Movie

Television:

Ghost Towns,Most Haunted, Coronation Street,Emerdale, Biography Channel -Rock Profiles are always great on this channel) Also lots of other stuff, to numerous to mention

Books:

I tend to read real books about real people with a good story to tell of their life and times. So with this in mind I tend to Read Autobiographys.The best ones I have read over the years are as below:
Bruce Welch
"A Life In The Shadows"

Gerry Marsdens Biography entitled I’ll Never Walk Alone.

BEATLE! The Pete Best Story

However the best Beatle Biography Book I have ever read is Ray Colemans
"John Winston Lennon"

Heroes:

I guess like a lot of people I would say my family and dear friends.I also found that George Harrison was an inspiration for his philosophy on life itself.
"Just for today
I could try to live through this day only
Not deal with all lifes problems
Just for today"

My Blog

A 60s Recomended Gig Guide

Live At Burnley Mechanics -  Saturday, January 27 at 8pm Class of '64 MICK AVORY, ERIC HAYDOCK & CHIP HAWKES   With special guests: Graham Pollock and "Telecaster" Ted Tomlin You reall...
Posted by Martin on Sat, 20 Jan 2007 11:30:00 PST