Lecturer at university of Northampton joins up with museum for a 'mod' twist to exhibition

A senior lecturer from the University of Northampton has been collaborating with the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery on its current Mod exhibition, which covers the history, music and style of the movement.

Dr Nathan Wiseman-Trowse, Senior Lecturer in Popular Music within the University’s School of The Arts, researched and authored the textual narrative that accompanies the clothes, scooters, fanzines and other artefacts in the exhibition. It is one of the most enduring sub-cultures of the 20th Century and one which continues to influence music and fashion worldwide.

The narrative tells the story, not only of the Mod movement nationally, but also of Northampton’s own scenesters and faces. One of the University’s BA Media Production graduates, Richard Johnson, contributed to the exhibition by putting together filmed interviews of Northampton Mods past and present, including current BA Journalism/Popular Music student, Jimmy Bowman.

 

Dr Wiseman-Trowse commented: “It’s been fascinating uncovering the sub-cultural history of Northampton. Mods are almost the archetypal British sub-culturalists, and there is still a vibrant national scene that continues to evolve. The exhibition is a great opportunity, not only to tell that story, but to uncover Northampton’s role in that evolution.

“We hope that this will be just the start of a continuing set of exhibitions that focus on Northampton’s popular culture throughout the decades.”

Jimmy Bowman added: “Mod is something that is very close to my heart so I was thrilled to be asked to take part. I believe it is important for areas of British culture to be acknowledged in this way, especially Mod culture, as it is still as relevant as ever and this can be seen in the exhibition as contributors rage from original Mods right through to my generation. The exhibition looks great!”

The exhibition runs until September 29 at the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery on Guildhall Road.

The Who's Roger Daltrey Says He's Considering Making a New Solo Album

The Who‘s Roger Daltrey played a solo benefit concert Saturday in Costa Mesa, California, to raise money for the Teen Cancer America charity he helped found with band mate Pete Townshend.  With The Who already finished with its Quadrophenia and More Tour, the show is the last scheduled event on the singer’s 2013 itinerary, and Daltrey tells Rolling Stone he’s now thinking about recording a new solo album.

He says he’s interested in the project “mainly because I want to keep singing and I don’t want to keep going out and doing Who songs, though that’s what people want at the shows I do.”

Roger explains that since he’s had his solo backing band together for a while, he’d like to use them for a new recording. One hurdle he says he’ll have to overcome is finding worthy songs from writers besides Who mastermind Townshend.

“Whatever I do the songs will be criticized unless they’ve got The Who’s meat and potatoes, because I’ve sung Townshend all those years,” he maintains.  “If I can get the songs, I’ll do something.”

Daltrey adds that he has “an idea that I’m working with” for the record, although he doesn’t reveal specifics about the concept.

Meanwhile, regarding the possibility of making a new Who album, Roger says it’s all up to Townshend.

“Pete’s the kind of guy who could suddenly write a load of songs and he’ll say, ‘Let’s go in and record them,’” he notes.  “And then there’ll be another album.”

Daltrey points out, however, that more than 23 years separated the release of the band’s last studio effort, 2006′s Endless Wire, and its previous one, 1982′s It’s Hard.

“I haven’t got 23 years now,” the 69-year-old rocker laments, “but you never know.”

The Charlatans drummer, Jon Brookes, has died, aged 44

Jon Brookes, the drummer with indie band The Charlatans has died age 44.

He had suffered a seizure on tour with the band in 2010 and had been receiving treatment for a brain tumour. Brookes had undergone several operations, but had still been working on new material with the band over the summer. He died in hospital on Tuesday morning with his family at his bedside.

Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess tweeted that the band was "torn apart" at the news and sent love to Brookes's family. "Jon Brookes, my friend, our drummer and inspiration to so many, passed away this morning. We are torn apart. Love & thoughts to Jon's family," he said.

A further statement from the band read: "Jon was a brilliant drummer, an inspiration, a founding member of The Charlatans, part of our family and a friend to everyone in and around the band. Losing someone who was always so full of life is a tragedy that will be shared by so many. Our thoughts are with Debbie and all of Jon's family."

Brookes was diagnosed with a brain tumour after collapsing during a Charlatans gig in Philadelphia, in the United States in 2010. He briefly stopped breathing and was helped by a doctor attending the show, before being taken to hospital for emergency treatment. The rest of their US tour was cancelled as Brookes was flown to the UK for treatment.

Speaking afterwards he described how he "saw lights" in the corner of his eyes before collapsing at the concert and said he was at the "start of the long road of treatment for cancer" but was "feeling fit and positive". In July this year the band revealed that he had undergone further surgery for the brain tumour. They said he had recovered well from the operation but would remain in hospital for additional treatment.

Brookes, of Burntwood, Staffordshire, was a founding member of the band that formed in the West Midlands in 1989. The band have had 22 UK top 40 hits, including 'The Only One I Know', 'Can't Get Out Of Bed' and 'One To Another'.

“Which House Of Lords Peer Rides A Quadrophenia-Style Lambretta?” asks The Huffington Post UK

“The House of Lords has a reputation as a stuffy place of business which is steeped in traditional and formality.

But it seems those days are over after a pimped up Lambretta scooter was spotted parked in the specially reserved parking on the Parliamentary estate.

The Mod bike was seen on Thursday night and so far no Peers have owned up as the owner. Here at HuffPostUK we live long in the hope that Lords will be ditching their anonymous Bentleys for vintage Italian scooters. We could be waiting for some time.”

The Who Convention - a replica of Jimmy's Quadrophenia scooter will be on display!

The Who Convention 2013 is set to take place in London in September.

The two day event will commence on the 7th of September, marking 35 years to the day of the great Keith Moon's early passing... so the organisers are really wanting to make this special weekend a memorable one.

The event will be held in "Who Territory" at the Bush Hall, Shepherds Bush, London, which is a fantastic venue that was used for the very successful 2006 Convention.

All profits raised from the weekend event will be donated to Teenage Cancer Trust. Like previous conventions, we will be holding an auction of Who memorabilia. So far they have received some fantastic donations, which will create a lot of interest and help raise money for TCT.

There will be live music by artists that you will not want to miss, guest speakers telling some of their sordid tales, Q&A sessions with some of the infamous Who Family, rare memorabilia on show, screenings of vintage footage, and lots more!

An exact replica of the famous "James Michael Cooper's" Lambretta scooter (also known as "Jimmy") that was featured in the Who’s cult movie Quadrophenia will be at the convention! The scooter is from the Quadrophenia Collection and has been used for band and magazine photo and video shoots all over the UK. Jimmy's original scooter was hired to The Who Films Ltd in 1978 while filming the movie, and was sold at auction for a whopping £36,000, making it the world’s most expensive scooter!

Thanks to Graham Webb for bringing it to the convention!

Mr. Bridger to release new EP in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust

The all new Mr. Bridger 4-track EP is now available priced at £3.00 + P&P. The disc will be available directly from the band and will be non-profit making with the band pledging all profits to the teenage Cancer Trust.

You can PM your details to the Mr. Bridger FB page or email mrbridger69@googlemail.com for full details of how to get your copy and support this very worthy cause. 

 

The band say, “Every pound we can donate could mean a lot to those that need it. Love, peace and happiness. Mr. B.”

Eel Pie Island Exhibition - ‘The Birth of Rhythm and Blues’ from 1 August – 29 September 2013

Celebrating the unique musical heritage of Eel Pie Island in Twickenham, this exhibition brings together photographs, accounts and memorabilia of the musicians and club-goers, from the vitality of the late 50s Jazz era, to the explosive energy of the R & B and Rock ‘n’ Roll packed 60s.  

The exhibition traces the story of how ‘Eelpiland’ came into being, the history of the hotel and the dance hall, and the political and social significance of Arthur Chisnall’s music club for young people.

With photographs featuring Cyril Davies, The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, Rod Stewart, The Artwoods amongst many other musicians, the exhibition includes the first known colour images of the Island recently discovered in the archive of photographer and jazz musician Mike Peters.  Video work showing includes the historic 9 minute ‘Look at Life’ video about Eel Pie Island, along with an extract of the project’s own documentary film.

Many of the exhibits have never been shown in public to date, with many former musicians and club-goers coming forward with memorabilia from ‘Eelpiland Passports’ and gig listing cards to articles and photographs.

With a 1960s record player, along with a selection of albums from musicians who played on Eel Pie Island, you can choose the music to listen to as you explore an exhibition packed with fascinating objects, images and stories. Curated by Michele Whitby, a long-term resident of the island and co-author of the book ‘Eel Pie Island’.

Tuesday to Saturday 1pm to 5.30pm

Sunday and Bank Holidays 2pm to 5.30pm

Café open Tuesday to Sunday 9.30am to 5.30pm.

Free Entry.

The Stables Gallery, Riverside, Twickenham. TW1 3DY

http://eelpieislandmusic.com/

'Northern Soul - A Photographic Journey' is the latest long term project by Wigan photographer, Brian Cannon.

Brian has been creating music related imagery professionally since 1988, notable past clients include Oasis and The Verve for whom he produced all record sleeves in the 1990's. He intends to document the Northern Soul scene today in a geographically diverse, fly on the wall manner.

Below are excerpts from an interview Brian gave to Glenn Walker-Foster on his 'Northern Soul Sessions' radio show in September 2012.

Glenn Walker-Foster (GWF) – I am joined Live in the Studio by Brian Cannon who is the man behind ‘Northern Soul – A Photographic Journey’, a wonderful and unique project reflecting in pictures how the scene thrives today and the exciting arrival of new young teenage blood on the scene , I would like to thank Brian for joining me on The Northern Soul Sessions….. So Brian, how did you get into Northern Soul?

Brian Cannon (BC) – Well I come from Wigan and in the late 70′s when I was 12 or 13 I started going to youth clubs and under 18′s discos, and as well as the music that happened to be in the charts there would always be a half hour Northern spot played and I just thought to myself what is this amazing music? It all went from there really. I was 15 in 1981 when the Casino closed so just missed out on that, but went to my first allnighter the following year. When I was 18 in 1984 I bought my first scooter so could travel further afield to events and obviously all scooter rallies would have Northern do’s.

GWF – So what are your plans for the project, a book, exhibition?

BC – To be honest Glenn I’m not that far down the line yet, I am just concentrating on taking the photographs at the minute – I have no publisher or anything and this is a totally non-commissioned, self funded project. I have no doubt in the future when the volume is complete I will get it published, but like I said, for the time being I am focussed on documenting the scene as best I can.
GWF – I have noticed that all the shots are black and white with a very stark contrasty lighting style.

BC – Well I wanted to create atmospheric shots that were representative of the nights on which they were taken, when you look at my photographs you can almost hear the music – as opposed to a wedding style snapshot, there is an atmosphere to the stuff I do and I think that comes across. I have been amazed that how in the short time I have been doing this project the phenomenal response I have had to the work.

GWF – You told us before you live in Wigan, is this is a project based specifically in the North West? 
BC – No, intend to go to as many events and soul clubs as I can the length and breadth of the country and abroad to get as comprehensive a coverage of the scene as possible. In fact since I started this project word has got out, people have seen what I have been doing and I have been invited to do’s from Belfast to Barcelona, it’s just wonderful, I am made up – it’s gone off the scale, I’ve been invited all over the place, I can’t keep up with it at the minute!

GWF – Well I think the pictures are wonderful and I wish you all the luck in the world with it mate. So how would you sum up what you are trying to achieve?

BC – I see it like this, It’s all about honestly photographing the most honest scene on the planet. I am not some cheesey wedding photographer getting in people’s faces – I am a fly on the wall, just look at my shots, the people in the shot don’t even know I am there. I want to create the definitive volume documenting the scene as it is today, featuring events big and small, geographically diverse and with evocative imagery. 

‘Free Beer’ Competition from Madness

The Madness Information Service says, “Yes this week we launched possibly the most exciting give-away since we once sent a lucky reader an enhanced Norton Folgate Box Set.  It’s Bottles we have to send this time. Bottles of the Free Gladness Madness Beer, thanks to Growler Brewery working with us, who brew the beer, that’s now available in Nicholson Pubs, and Bottles are shipping out to stores now too.

MIS appeared on The Koast Train radio show on Koast Radio this week with Mr Scurf, to announce the beginning of the competition. Free Beer!!

Amongst the prizes are also a T-Shirt, and a pump clip. (That’s the sign showing the Gladness beer picture that goes on the front of the beer pulling pump in pubs. One of those and we think it’s been signed by the band in some way too!) These lucky prizes. Yes! This includes Free Beer!  Are available to readers of the MIS (In the UK or neighbouring European country’s only, sorry.)

The bottle design features an Elephant performing on the label.  We simple want you to tell us, What’s the Elephant’s name?

You decide. Send in the name (more than one go is allowed. It’ll help you a little but not massively to choose more than one.) 

Email it to  Jonsmad@hotmail.com

From all the entries we receive we will choose a short list of the favourite 10 to 20 names we like the most. These names, and these names alone, we will send over to Mark Bedford in about 4 weeks from now.  Mark has kindly agreed to check the names for being fitting of an elephant on a Madness Beer Bottle.  His stamp of approval will christen the Elephant.  We then can process the winning beer and items on to you.

Keep your choices of Elephant names secret. Dont tell anyone. Because in cases where people choose the same Elephant name, we will draw names out of a hat, in order to find a winner, so bare that in mind.

Good Luck and winners will be notified of their good fortune by return email, and announced in a future MIS newsmail, and also congratulated on The Koast Trian in about a months time.”

Jonathan Young

MOJO reports "The Strypes Meet Dr. Feelgood"

Dr. Feelgood legends Wilko Johnson and John B. Sparks guested with rising Irish teen R&B fanatics.

MOJO says, “SOME 18 MONTHS ago MOJO got sent a four-track EP by Irish outfit The Strypes and we were immediately impressed by the vim and vigour not to mention the toughness with which they delivered R&B classics such as Slim Harpo’s ‘Got Love If You Want It’ and Billy Boy Arnold’s ‘I Wish You Would’.

Since then, The Strypes have gone from strength to strength, being lauded by everyone from Noel Gallagher to Alex Turner, the latter electing to take the band on tour with the Arctic Monkeys later in the year.

The band have been quick to affirm their own influences, proclaiming their love for Canvey Island R&B merchants Dr. Feelgood and the ‘chopping’ rhythmic style of guitarist Wilko Johnson in particular.

Consequently, when the four-piece played the Oysterfleet Hotel in Canvey Island, it was only good and proper that Johnson and bassist John B. Sparks should join them on stage for a run through of the Feelgoods’ seminal 1974 tune ‘Roxette’. Thankfully, someone in the audience had the good sense to film the performance.

For all the Mods in Lincolnshire - this was us in Skegness in 1985