Bulls Head Bob Aug 2025. Johnny Neal. Lee Stevens aka Norm Crandles....WHERE ARE YOU NORM?? OZZY.

 Hello Brummies, Brummies Abroad, 

Well Me and Mrs Bob have returned from our sun soaked holiday with one of the Bobettes and her offspring without leaving good old Blighty.   We are both tanned and feeling good and healthy, but more than a little tired after so much activity.  Now, for transport reasons, we took a domestic flight from Birmingham airport to Manchester. Ooh, how extravagant I can hear you thinking.......yep that's me, Bob, Jet Setter.

JOHNNY NEAL ......90!!

Wishing a very happy birthday to one of the very first rockers in Birmingham.   Who would have thought that at 90 he is still into the music scene although, unfortunately, is not up to the physicality of doing gigs.  He can't help being a Birmingham City supporter either but I forgive him all his sins.   I hope you had a cracking day old friend.

LEE STEVENS AKA NORM CRANDLES.

Another early entrant on the the Birmingham music scene was Norm Crandles whose stage name was Lee Steven's of Lee Steven's and The Satelites, he had been a good friend of Johnny Neal until one day in the mid sixties he upped sticks and moved out to Canada along with many other Brits who had taken advantage of the Canadian recruiting drive at the time.   Norm enjoyed his new found lifestyle and made contact through the blog asking if I could put him in touch with Johnny.  I naturally seized the moment to get him to tell his rock and roll story of his early times in Brum and also obliged with getting him  back in touch with his old mate.   Eventually Norm made the trip back from Canada and the two met up in Birmingham many years after their first meeting way back when and spent some happy days recalling their own "war stories" and having fun.

WHERE ARE YOU NORM??

It has been many years since I or Johnny had any contact with Norm and would like to know if any reader out in Canada knows if he's still around because I have someone else who wants to get in touch with him.

Time rushes past so fast these days and especially for us "more mature" old timers so I know there's a possibility that he may have ascended to the heavens but I have my fingers crossed for a good result in finding him well.   It could be that he's reading this blog so "Norm send me an email... UTV".

TARA A'BIT AR KID!!

Nothing to say that hasn't been said.

RIP OZZY.

Bob

Copyright:  BullsheadBob

Contact:   Bobsbullocks@Gmail.com 

Bulls Head Bob July 25. Steve Winwood. Jeff Lynne. Black Sabbath.

 Hello Gang,  

Welcome to the July blog, me and Mrs Bob are brown as berries  lounging out in the garden, drinking Mojitos and Strawberry daquiris, thanking all the Gods that we are living a peaceful life here at Brumbeat Villas listening to the BBQ hissing and popping to the sound of exploding sausages......Bliss.

What could make me feel happier, has happened. 

STEVE WINWOOD MBE

Stevie boy has got his just and proper reward from the King and has been awarded the MBE for his services to music and it's about time too!!  I couldn't  be happier for him.

From his beginnings with the Spencer Davis Group his class as a musician and vocalist have outshone any other musician to come out of Birmingham and I mean all of them.  The coolest of the cool.

The Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and Blind Faith were the grateful recipients of this mans outstanding musical talent with a voice that was beyond belief for one so young.

Following his departure from the group scene he launched his solo career releasing his first eponymous solo Album which sold well in the UK but without any single successes. He remedied that by releasing his 2nd Album 'Arc of a Diver" which included the single "While you see a chance" which charted in the US and UK.   

He then kind of faded in popularity until his 86 autobiographical single release "Back in the high life" stating that "All the doors that once were closed have opened up again".   His life has been blessed with successes and cursed by the indifference of the record buying public but class will always prevail and he has it by the lorry load.   Congratulations Steve on SIXTY years of musical genius.   

JEFF LYNNE ELO FINAL CONCERT

On Sunday 13 July Jeff Lynne will be leading out the ELO onto the stage in Hyde Park for his final ELO concert ever!   I really liked The Idle Race and they were our main healthy competitors on the Brummie music scene during the 60's.

I have never been a fan of ELO and definitely not a fan of Jeff but cannot deny that he wrote some excellent songs and was a great producer of his own music and latterly The Beatles when he produced "Free as a Bird".  His stage presence however is so wooden that I would be just as happy to listen to a CD.   

My likes and dislikes have no effect whatsoever among the millions of adoring fans ELO have in America and across the world so what do I know?

I am pretty sure that, weather permitting, the show will be fab.  It has sold out already.  Steve Winwood is also on the bill so there you are two outstanding Brummies who have withstood the test of time and are still out there "Giving it some".  

BLACK SABBATH FINAL CONCERT

So the Final Concert theme continues when on 5 July 25 at Villa Park Black Sabbath will also be playing their final "BACK TO THE BEGINNING" gig with their original line up and a supporting bill of world renowned heavy metal stars and also featuring many, many guests too.   This has got to be one of the best line ups outside of a Festival line up that I've seen with all the profits going to Cure Parkinsons, The Birmingham Children's hospital and Acorns Childrens Hospice supported by Aston Villa.   Its fabulous to see that the Sabs have put the money where its needed in the City of their Birth.    

It makes me proud of our wonderful City of Birmingham and its enduring musical legacy.   We have gifted great music to the world from great down to earth people, long may it continue.

Have a wonderful summer my friends.

Bob

Copyright  Bulls Head Bob

Contact    Bobsbullocks@Gmail.com

Bulls Head Bob Jun 2025. BOB DYLAN BIRTHDAY BOY!! A COMPLETE UNKNOWN.

 How doo' you Brummies at home and abroad.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB.

Bob Dylan was 84 on 24 May.   

From 1962 onwards America got to hear, for the first time, Bob Dylan, folk singer, protest songs, lingering love songs, songs of hate.  Lyrically inventive, poetic, biting or tender words delivered with a rasping vocal style that challenged convention.  Folk music was not big on the music scene in Birmingham and so it would be 1964 before the UK, that is us Brummies, became

aware of him when he had his first commercial hit as a folk artist with "The Times they are a Changin" flying up the charts.  In 1965 The Byrds  electrified "Hey Mr Tambourine Man" which stormed into the UK charts and introduced his songs to the record buying popsters.  The Byrds then attached themselves to him like a leech releasing song after song from Dylans 2 previous LP's.  The world followed Dylans emergence onto the commercial scene and from then until today every band and artist were recording covers of his musical catalogue of songs.

It has now been 62 years and 40 studio albums since his emergence and he is still writing wonderful songs and still touring.    

It was kind of inevitable that a Biopic would be made about him and I must admit to being ambivalent about just how that may turn out.  With Tim Chalamet portraying him I was looking forward to seeing it whilst having concerns that it could be disappointing.

FILM REVIEW  A COMPLETE UNKNOWN

You don't fuck around with a hero or his story.  So when I watched the movie the first time I didn't like it, well maybe indifferent would be a better description.  However, a week or so later I felt that I might have been a tad over critical so I watched it again and this time I really liked it.   By this time I had read about Chalamets involvement in the part and was impressed by the fact that he played the guitar and sung the 40 songs that featured in the movie.  The only thing that was false was his prosthetic nose!

Bob Dylan himself changed the name of his girlfriend in the movie to give some peace to her family.  A nice move on your part Bob showing some consideration and decency.

Anyway I recommend the movie to you all.   In his youth I doubt if he ever saw himself still performing at the age of 84, but I can only say how grateful I am to be able to hear fresh songs from the man himself.  

God Bless you Bob Dylan.  

What else is there to say about the worlds greatest songsmith.  He also gave the world it's most brilliant group of musicians, The Band who were more than lucky to have such a guiding light for inspiration.

When I first heard, many years ago, the Bob Dylan radio show I was shocked at the depth of his knowledge of all things musical which educates the listener.  I strongly recommend you listen to the whole series if you have the time.  I strongly recommend everything he's written.   Today there are people who copy him but thats all they are, a copy without the genius and anybody can do that.  No talent required.

FINALLY

Mrs Bob and I are looking for a nice holiday resort to visit, we've got loads of holiday brochures that we have ploughed through and are now reaching the argument stage of why one of us doesnt want to go to certain places.  The USA is out of the question, when you enter a once friendly country and are asked by the immigration official if you " have ever said anything bad about Donald Trump" you know it's bad news.   You dont get that sort of crap when you go to Skegness!!!

Take Care of each other, love and respect dont cost anything.  

Bob

Copyright Bullsheadbob

Contact:  Bobsbullocks@Gmail.com

BULLS HEAD BOB MAY 2025. 1965 THE HARPSICHORD. THE UGLYS, THE YARDBIRDS, THE BEATLES AND THE DOORS. GRAHAM ASHFORD. VE DAY MORE BEER

 Hello Brummies, Brummies Abroad and lovers of 60's music.  

One day late in publishing, Mrs Bob and I took ourselves out for the May Bank Holiday and had a spiffing time but we're back here in The safety of our abode and so.......on with the Motley!

1965 THE YEAR OF THE HARPSICHORD....THE UGLYS.

JIM foreground.

I got an email from David Mann who lives in Australia and he says that he has started to listen to a new radio show playing  hits from the 1960's and he was knocked out by the songs he'd never heard before, including the June 1965 hit "Its Alright" by The Uglys, asking if I thought there was a similarity between the Harpsichord played by Uglys organist Jimmie O'Neil and Ray Manzareks harpsichord sound on The Doors hit "Light my Fire" (1967).   

Celeste

It made me think of other songs with Harpsichord and 1965 seemed to be the year when that sound was used most.   The early 60's recording studios were largely used by bands and orchestras and it was usual to have random instruments available in place such as a grand piano for instance.  I recall there being a Celeste which had the sound of tinkly fairy bells which was used to accent certain notes.  

Harpsichord.

When The Uglys arrived at the PYE studios in London to record 'Its Alright' it was Jim's intention to use his Vox Continental organ, the best portable organ available at the time.  However Jim spotted the harpsichord in the corner under a blanket and being a Classically trained pianist started playing it.  

By this time in the 60's bands were looking for different instrumental sounds and straight away he recognised that its acoustic sound would be a perfect substitute for the reedy sounding VOX and he was right, its multi string plucking sound was perfect.

THE YARDBIRDS

The Yardbirds "For Your Love" March 65 had featured the instrument for the opening chord sequence for this, their first hit.  They didn't have a keyboard player and on stage used a 12 string guitar to emulate the harpsichord sound. Organist Brian Auger had played the harp on the recording itself.   Eric Clapton left the band shortly after because of their pop image.

THE BEATLES

Later on, that same year, the Beatles recorded the wonderful  John Lennon song "In my Life" but didn't have a solo written so whilst they were out to lunch George Martin scored, played and recorded the baroque sounding solo.  I recall folk talking about the harpsichord solo however, it was  manufactured using a double tracked, speeded up piano.  Sounding remarkably alike but not the genuine instrument.

So, now getting back to Ray Manzarek of The Doors.   I researched, quite thoroughly, anything and everything to do with him and his instruments for the year in question then I listened to "Its Alright" and "Light my Fire" back to back and am quite sure that on Light my Fire he didn't play a harpsichord.   I did read that he had drawing pins tapped into the hammers of his Fender Rhodes piano.   This was an old ragtime musician's trick of increasing the rinky-dink treble sound of the piano keys so I can see how you could be convinced into thinking it was another instrument but there is a discernable difference in the sound. I know that there has been much discussion about it but quite understandable given the recording tricks and the know how to achieve.   I do agree that the playing style of the two pianists is similar though.  What do you think?  I'd be happy to hear any comments that might cause me to change my mind, furthermore there have been several remastering of the Doors material so  harpsichord could have been over dubbed at a later date.

BRUMMIE ABROAD BIRTHDAY. 

Heres wishing a happy 81st Birthday to the great Graham Ashford ex singer of the Brumbeats.   He will be enjoying his day in Hawaii where he has a home where he spends the days painting the beautiful surroundings he lives in.   Have a wonderful day Graham and if any readers are interested in purchasing any of his great works please drop me a line and I will put you in touch.

REASON TO CELEBRATE

The 8th of May is a significant date which Mark's the end of the 2nd world war in Europe and to recognise this all pubs in England and Wales will be open for an extra 2 hours.  I'll have a brown and mild please!!

FINALLY

Theres a mild spell of weather so I'm going to forget all this dangerous bullshit going on in the world and count my blessings at having lived through the Golden Years of peace.  It wasn't a hippy dream, it was our reality.

Take Care

Bob

Copyright  Bullsheadbob

Contact      Bobsbullocks@ Gmail.com 

Bulls Head Bob Apr 2025. John Caswell RIP. Clapton at 80! Bulls Head Bob exposed! new photo!!

 Watcha you Brummies, 

"The Sun is out, the sky is blue" to quote Buddy Holly. I just love the Spring time, wild flowers in bloom fresh Spring air carrying their various scents.   I'll be at it in the garden soon, relaxing in my new deck chair watching Mrs Bob pulling out the stinging nettles and poison ivy.  I've bought her some gloves to make the task easier, I'd do it myself if it wasn't for the risk of damaging my delicate musicians fingers.  

JOHN CASWELL RIP.

I was stunned to hear last week of the passing of great Brummie guitarist John Caswell.   It was only a week or so ago that I was wishing him a happy birthday so this came as a real shock.

John was a lovely, quiet spoken, gentleman.  An afficionado of Blues music and especially Eric Clapton whose music he featured in his live performances with the John Caswell Band. 

John had been active in the Brumbeat days going way back, playing with various groups and I have said many times that you don't have to be famous to be appreciated but you do have to be known on the scene and he certainly was a stalwart who enjoyed playing to the fullest extent.   He was a Fender man for sure and got all the tones possible and played in all styles which was a real testament to his abilities.

My condolences go to his family.  He will be sorely missed by all his musical friends in the City.  God Bless you mate.    

ERIC CLAPTON AT 80, BIRTHDAY WISHES. 

I would like to wish Eric a happy birthday.   I, like John Caswell, was influenced by Eric during his emergence as a blues purist and the sheer brutal sound he introduced to the British guitarists with his Les Paul and Marshall amp set up which they copied with much gusto including me.   I think it's true to say he was the most important guitarist on the British music scene since the wonderful Hank Marvin and then he achieved world domination with Cream.   Today he is still a great force and still touring filling mega stadiums, long may he carry on.  I love the man.  I have recently been watching a four part Youtube interview with Andy Fairweather Low including the inside story about his time with Eric and others.  Well worth watching, not only for the info in Eric but his roller coaster ride through the music business.   

NEW PHOTOS OF BULLS HEAD BOB.

I thought it was about time I put my face on display to you lovely readers so, one old one and one taken on 31 March 2025.  The first one is me at Sutton Park in Birmingham when I was 9 with the Boy Scouts you might find it difficult to spot me on this overhead shot so I've included a close up.   As a clue I'm the one with the Wonky Woggle!

I remember it well, it was 1957 and a gathering of more than 20,000 scouts at a Jamboree.  It was a sunny day with thousands of spotty little kids being herded around the park then lined up behind rope barriers.  It was all a bit of a shambles really.   I didn't stay in the scouts for long but this wasn't the only time I was at Sutton Park.   As a teenage musician I played at Sutton Park a couple of times in the sixties once for a Bumper Fireworks night and one more time in 1967.

BOB EXPOSED

So here I am age 76, full face photo, care of Mrs Bob.   I am currently growing my hair to donate to an organisation who make wigs for Cancer patients who have suffered hair loss.  It doesn't cost a penny to do things for those less fortunate if we give it some thought.  I just ignore the petty comments from wankers.

Some might think it's nothing much but to help to restore someones dignity is mighty.

Take care of each other is the watchword.  It don't cost a penny to be kind. 

Love the one you're with.

Bob

Copyright:   Bullsheadbob

Contact:       Bobsbullocks@Gmail.com 

 

Bulls Head Bob Mar 2025. Jimmy Holden RIP.

 Hi you Brummies, Brummies Abroad.   

My apologies for the absence of the February blog but with one of the Bobettes being taken into hospital at the end of Jan my focus has been on her recovery.  

JIM HOLDEN  RIP 

On the 29th of January, Jimmy Holden, ex Uglys drummer and founder of the band was laid to rest at the Lodge Hill Crematorium,  his funeral was attended by the many friends Jim had.    He had the nicest of personalities and was loved by all the Brummie Musicians of the day.  

Jim had formed The Dominettes who had then become The Uglys in 64, named after some hideous looking bouncers at a nightclub.   The name struck a chord with the public and the band took off in a big way scoring a Pye Records deal in 1965 with a self penned song "Wake up My Mind" which, although getting plenty of airplay was not a hit in the UK, amazingly however it became a Number 1 hit in Australia.  The band were being lined up to go there on The Rolling Stones tour of the same year, however the Aussie Musicians Union wouldn't permit another British band on the Bill.  The song would become famous as being the first "Socially Conscious" piece of music and its lyrics featured as part of the curriculum of Newcastle University sociology degree course.

Jim was one of the nicest guys you could meet, always interested in others peoples lives and good at lending an ear to others problems.    He was also a great group drummer, he wasn't the most technical but was the glue that held the Uglys together in the same manner that Ringo did in The Beatles, simple but effective.  Always smiling and never happier than when he was sat behind his drum kit.    He especially loved his contribution on "The Quiet Explosion" which saw him playing the Bass line with his drumsticks.   I met him in 1965 when the band had their gear stolen and we loaned them all our kit till they got sorted out.  They were brilliant.  It doesn't  seem like it was 60 years ago that I was chatting with him at The Carlton.

He could talk the hind legs off a donkey and had a million stories to regale you with and all of them hilarious.   

After his departure from The Uglys he formed his own printing business and continued playing semi pro as a member of the House Band at the Rum Runner for a number of years.

Jim far right.

2024 saw the release of The "Complete" Uglys CD and the band reunited socially for the first time since 69 at a get together to celebrate the occasion although there was no commitment or agreement to them playing live again.

I loved his company along with his many friends both in the music biz and with his social group at the Black Horse 

in Northfield. 

I shall think often of him.   RIP old friend.

There is a more comprehensive write up on the pie stand page at Brumbeat.NET. as well as a host of interesting and informative articles regarding all the Brumbeat bands during the 1960's for you to enjoy.

I'm pleased to say that my daughter is well and truly on the mend so everything should be back on track for next months blog, irreverence, mirth, the continuing saga of Mrs Bob, Brummies Abroad and a host of other stuff to get your interest.  

Thanks to you all for visiting the blog.  Why not drop me a line if you have anything interesting or otherwise to say.

Much Love 

Bob

Copyright: Bullsheadbob 

Contact: Bobsbullocks@Gmail.com 

Bulls Head Bob Supplement Jan 25. JIMMY HOLDEN. RIP

 Hello Folks,

JIMMY HOLDEN. RIP  

Some sad news filtered through after the Christmas season that Jimmy Holden, 83, ex Uglys drummer sadly passed away at home on or about 7 December.   His funeral date is 29 Jan and will be held at Lodge Hill Cemetry at 1.45 PM.  Should you wish to attend you can email his neice, Lynne Holden, at the following email address,  lynneholden@ntlworld.com or by phone WhatsApp  +44 7930 685244. Condolences can be left at Jim's Facebook page  JAMES A HOLDEN.  

Jim was a fabulous guy and it was he who formed The Uglys a real benchmark group who competed with the best bands of the day nationally and famously scored a Number 1 in Australia.

The last time they were together was for the CD release in 2004 picture below:

The Uglys (l to r).  Steve Gibbons, Jim Holden, Dave Morgan, Richard Tandy, Will Hammond.

He will be missed by his many friends.

Bob.