Fond memories and a sad farewell
WITH a tear in the eye, I announce that this will be the last ever Backbeat column.
After 12 years this amazing local music odyssey ends.
I can never forget my excitement of landing the Backbeat job in 2005, so much so that, when I phoned my wife, she mistook my shrieks of celebration as cries of pain.
Back then, the history of Coventry and Warwickshire music was confined pretty much to specialist publications on the internet.
I was more than happy to bring it into the mainstream.
Through the years I have met some great people, managed to report on some amazing concerts and, more importantly, promoted some unique local acts.
So looking back, here are some of my favourite Backbeat moments.
Favourite Backbeat Columns
Obviously a big favourite was the very first Backbeat on January 11, 2005. Back then my columns were Nostalgia columns, and featured generally the histo- ry of one band or artist. The first one featured Rugby band The Mighty Avengers.
When it went out, lots of letters came in and the column was on its way.
Great moments
My good mate Vince Holliday the king of local Rock N Roll, put on a series of annual shows known as “Backbeat Calls Up The Groups”, that reunited many of the original 60s bands often for the first time.
Being part of the Specials return was, well, pretty special, but at the same time a nightmare to keep quiet. people were asking why I was smiling so much. There’s only so many times you can blame wind!
Of course a great Backbeat came out of their eventual reunion announcement.
Meeting icon Yoko Ono, was another highlight, that came from a Backbeat column I had written suggesting that the time was right for her to revisit the city. A few months later she did.
Ultimately my high spot of last year (or any year) was receiving my BEM for services to music.
Promoting new artists
It’s been wonderful promoting and helping so many local bands. For many artists, Backbeat was their first press in any newspaper.
SO for the last time, here’s my roundup of the year...
Best Local Artist – The Prophets
Dynamic and inventive, they owned the Godiva Rhythm tent this year, but never take themselves too seriously. All the elements fit perfectly. Watching this band’s journey is enlightening.
Best Local Single – Baby Girl by Whizzy
adviseIn a offeredyear thisto him,guy andhas provedtaken thehe can perform material that isn’t just about teenage depression and angst. Oh the anger is still there, but as he matures, so do his songs. His body of work is already impressive, but Baby Girl, shows why he is the Coventry Music Museum’s Artist Of The Month.
Best Local EP – Mad Sensai Brain by Rooted N Booted
ArtistsIt’s on Of a loopThe Month,in the museumand it’s as beenthe attracting great feedback from the visitors. The mix of styles, just works: Junior Gee’s vocal acrobatics just drag you in, and once he has you, it’s then time for the whole band to move in for the kill.
Best Local Album – 45 & Dirt by Sophie Corona
A stunningly driven album, with the guys working as one. Strip back its “in your face energy” and a core of pure melody is there for the taking.
Best Local Live Gig – the final Enemy Gig, Coventry Empire.
and waiting,Theit night didn’t building promised disappoint,the lots tension,theyof emotion,kept andus whenstage Tom,the well-tunedLiam and Andy audience arrived were on already into their fifth song. The coiled spring was released and the night belonged to The Enemy, to Coventry, and more than anything it belonged to us. I can say I was at the final gig of Coventry’s finest indie bands. Thanks guys it’s been emotional.
Best New Thing – #Cov
Brand new free and very glossy music mag with Sam McNulty at the helm, and where you will find my columns from now on. Also a huge mention to The Articles In Sound Music app, also free, and a great way to learn about local music.
Outstanding Contribution To Local Music – Keith Fabrique
One of the many unsung heroes of the musician,local scene. singer-songwriter,Hillz FM DJ, mentor, record label owner, Keith just gets on with it. No whistles and bells, his love for “the music” is staggeringly honest. Glasship records are testament to his desire to promote music and just pass it on. This man talks a lot of sense. The least we can do is listen.
Honourable Mentions
his fresh punctuated Warwickshire,Bunchsome Love MeanwhileRewindits highly whatare funnyby show filling entertainingJules someon Brodyand on LittleBBCthe incredibleit’s Radio Swain airwaysis Coventryall banterdoing perfectlyPlus.and music.withwiththat hisIt’s & travels emotionhavecian andleft the us, spectrum.record lengthmost plugger recentlyand RIP breadthall Tony local those Beard.of musi- who the He 2016 Otherwill enjoyablebe artists missed. are that Quarry,have madeThe Com- my monjets,Chaos. Seeing Barbd’d The Wire Ska and Flames General in Tokyo was incredible, and Indian Summer reforming for one night only was something I thought I would never see. It’s been a great 12 years. Thanks to all the readers. Happy New Year and see you around.