Live Local Music, Artists & Venues

I have a bit of a memory of them, possibly from the Matrix (wreminds me, there has been a lot of memorial celebrations of Reg Calvert over the last couple of years). I think we even tried to get them to play at the Cortina Club.

I remember The Countdowns, The Matadors and Jigsaw, who all played at the Heath and The General Wolfe at some time or another. I knew Gary Mayo, Jan, a very nice guy, and often wondered whether he was related to Eddy Mayo, a friend of my dad, from Riley.

How nice Rojwhttle that you remember Gary, as you say everyone said what a nice guy he was. There are only two members of the group alive now, Gary passed away nearly six years ago and the lead guitarist John Harris also passed away about 3 years ago. They did have a regular booking at the Chesford Grange in the Cellar Bar as was then. Myself and the bass guitarist's wife used to go along to some of the gigs there. I recall dancing one night and a lad came and started dancing opposite me, then he said do you know the drummer cause he is looking daggers at me, lol, Gary was very jealous at that time! As far as I know there wasn't an Eddy in the family but it could have been a distant cousin.

How sad to hear of Gary and John, whom I also knew reasonably well. I used to go to the Chesford often as I lived in Kenilworth for a time. I think the Countdowns also used to perform in Rugby quite a bit, and I think they were one of the supports when the Alan Price Set did the 'Tech', alongside Sam Spade and the Gravediggers? Eddy Mayo was of my father's generation, if still around he would be 102 ish now. He was, I think, Chief Engineer at Riley in the Nuffield era, when it was really part of Morris Engines. Strange to think of all these crossing of paths. I even had a little jam session once with Gary and a guy from Kenilworth whose name I forget. I had the idea of starting a sort of jazz fusion outfit, but I think I wasn't up to it. Great days, those, and I'm sure you have many happy memories.

A mention of Reg Calvert reminds me that his daughter, Susan Moore (who lives at Corley) recently wrote and produced a play about his controversial life, SCHOOL OF ROCK 'N' ROLL / DEATH OF A PIRATE. I helped her with some of the publicity for the show which was covered by Midlands Today in November. PINKERTON'S ASSORTED COLOURS were the guest band for the production at the Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton.

If anyone enjoys great live music, there's a treat on tonight at the BROOMFIELD TAVERN.... the Trevor Burton Blues Band are playing there, and we'll be taking our son to see them. There's no fee - just turn up, have a drink, and watch and enjoy! Here's the Google Map Location Trevor Burton first found fame in the super 60s band The Move, but since leaving them he played with some of the greats and is now touring his own blues band. I look forward to seeing any of you there who can make it tonight.... and special thanks to member Ghengis Smith for letting me know about it last night.

Hi all I am sorry that I was home too late to go. That is after I had followed the google link to see exactly where the venue was last evening. Hope all who went have enjoyed themselves.

Was there plenty of room Rob or was it standing room only. Hope you enjoyed the evening

He's excellent, I saw him at the jazz festival a few years back. I believe he also tours with Bev Bevan as The Move as well.

What a gig that was! Trevor Burton and the band were absolutely marvellous and didn't disappoint at all.... they're all extremely experienced and accomplished, and friendly, too. Mr. Burton even found time to chat to our Steve after the show to give advice to a future budding guitarist! A real gent and extraordinary musician! The only thing that was odd was the tiny size of the venue. I'd never been to the Broomfield Tavern before, so for a band of such high repute I was expecting a large place - but it was just their back room, with a maximum of about 15 to 20 of us "packing" the place out! Still a super experience though, with my favourite blend of blues & rock. Those of you with sensitive ears might not have had such a good time though - it was extremely loud, although to be honest, that kind of music is somehow enhanced by higher volume. I'll now look forward to seeing him with Bev Bevan and The Move some time later this year if the opportunity arises. Oh well, a bit off the beaten track for Historic Coventry - but it did, at least, happen here in Coventry, so I make no apologies for mentioning it!

It's a shame there isn't a venue like the Assembly in Coventry - they have fantastic lineup of gigs. I guess that's what happens when you demolish all the old theatres/dance halls/cinemas. I went into the Leofric once about ten years ago and there was what looked like a great ballroom/music venue inside. Don't even start me on the pathetic 'kasbah' and their recent argument with Thin Lizzy.

It has been announced this morning that Coventry band "The Enemy" have cancelled their forthcoming live concerts in the Cathedral ruins next week due to fears for the public's Health & Safety. Their manager explained this covered things like sound limits, fire exits(?) and road closures. It appears - at this late stage - that the band is either unable or unwilling to meet the City Councils requirements. Surely these sort of things would have been known to be an issue prior the original announcement by the promoters. They are apparently moving the concerts to The Kasbah in Hillfields (don't even get flapdoodle started on that! ) - although some are saying on the radio this morning that they wonder how the venue can have two free dates to stage such an event at this short notice, and maybe the whole thing has just been a publicity stunt. I wonder how it could ever have been considered for the ruins anyway - especially with the structural issues that have been recently discovered there.

Hi Tony, Hi all I am sad too. The expression that comes into my mind is "Cold Feet". I wonder if this is a Coventry expression?

I think that sounds like another band!

This made me laugh just now - from the CET article about the University not holding their annual ball in the ruins quote - We need all the money we can get at the moment to get the crack sorted so these events would have certainly helped.