[This digest is the copyright of the Move "Useless Information" Mailing List. Re-publication or re-distribution of "Useless Information" content, in any form whatsoever, is expressly prohibited without prior written consent.] USELESS INFORMATION The Move Mailing List Digest Issue #475 May 27, 2003 In this issue: * Wizzard concert in 1974 * From Where I Stand Here * "Super Active Wizzo" (cont.) * Tell us the news about yourself... ============================================================== To POST TO THE LIST: Send an e-mail to: move-list@eskimo.com Move List Info & Archives: http://www.eskimo.com/~noanswer/movelist.html TO UNSUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail to move-digest-request@eskimo.com with the word "unsubscribe" (no quotes) in the subject line ============================================================== Subject: Wizzard concert in 1974 Date: Fri, 16 May 2003 10:57:18 -0700 From: Paul Bibby Finally completed my concert notes from 1974 (see below). A version also appears at: http://home.btconnect.com/JPA/wizzard.htm - together with some personal memorabilia. Feedback and comments are always welcome! (PS I've just seen the current Rick Wakeman UK tour, where the Production Manager is - Rick Price! It is THE same man, but he's not actually on the tour itself, which is produced by Jim Davidson's Midas Theatre Productions company) --------------------------------------------------------------------- We're off to see the Wizzard - the wonderful Wizzard of Wood. (Memories of a Wizzard concert at the City Hall, Hull on Monday 1st April 1974) Firstly some context. This was part of a 25 date UK tour, February to April 1974, shortly before the release of the Rock & Roll Winter single, but really promoting the forthcoming Eddy & Falcons LP. I had never been to a live pop concert before, so had no idea what to expect. However, I do remember thinking that it was never going to happen. Why should my hero be coming to my home town: a small town in East Yorkshire, England, not noted for its musical pedigree? (except for the Spiders From Mars - Bowie's band at that time). Also, there were rumours that the promoter was known for announcing gigs and then cancelling them at the last minute; Alvin Stardust had been "banned" recently by the local council (for being "too suggestive"); and of course the concert was scheduled for the first of April - please! Nevertheless, I gathered together a few classmates and we set out to the gig. The City Hall in Hull was renowned locally for having terrible concert acoustics. Pop concerts had been held there before, but there had not been any in recent times - poor ticket sales and poor acoustics to blame. The Hall is a huge, publicly owned building in the centre of the City, and has no bar (i.e. alcohol) - not that this bothered a group of 14-year-olds! So it was we waited in disbelief that this was some kind of hoax - even the posters outside didn't completely convince us. Billed to start at 8pm, we waited for what seemed like an eternity, until the main event swung into play around 9:20pm. Blue flashing lights brought great roars from the audience, and following a crack of thunder, the band took the stage with their backs to the crowd. There was a loud cheer from the audience, and an even bigger crack of thunder followed by red and green spotlights simultaneously lighting up the stage. A huge spotlight was centre stage for Roy Wood himself. As the group turned around to face the audience, they were straight into Ball Park Incident. The sound was extremely loud (remember this was the first gig I had ever been to, so I had nothing really to compare it with!). The stage set-up was: backline (stage left) Keith Smart; (stage right) Charlie Grima; frontline (left to right) Bob Brady; Roy Wood; Rick Price; Nick Pentelow. I don't remember any backdrops or other details. Roy was in his full make up and his "coat of many colours"; Rick was in a blue sequin suit (my notes say: new hair cut!!); Nick was in Gold sequins with the others wore white t-shirts. I noted also that, from where I was sat, Bob Brady looked a lot like Bill Hunt. During the opener, Roy broke a string on his white Fender Stratocaster and had to change his guitar. As the band finished, Roy tuned his new guitar and announced that there was no Mike Burney tonight - something about him being "drunk, fell down some stairs and was in hospital for a while". Whether this is true or not, his presence was not missed musically, with Nick handling the sax parts on his own. A heckler in the audience was silenced as the band went into Brand New 88 from the Eddy & Falcons album. I noted a lot of sax on the song which itself was unfamiliar to the audience as the album was not released until four months later. Roy was obviously having problems as he changed guitar again (or he may have taken back his original one?). Next up, Rick introduced us to Angel Fingers. This I remember as being particularly good, my personal favourite of the early Wizzard hits. The light show continued: flashing between red, green and blue (remember it was 1974!!). The band were all drinking from bottles - I don't think it was Evian either. Just before the end of the song, Charlie Grima come down to the front of the stage to the tom-toms, and started Forever - there's no gap in between the songs, played back to back. Following this short medley, Roy introduces us to Bob Brady "On moog and organ", who comes to the front and salutes the audience. (Bob had joined the band shortly before this tour, replacing founder member Bill Hunt). He then introduced the Brady composition Gang Bang. I don't have a great recollection of this song except I remember it as a "stop-start" -type song, including breaks for solo piano.(I also vaguely recall finding out later it was an old "Mongrel" song - Mongrel being the pre-Wizzard band put together for Carl Wayne by Rick Price, and also featuring Brady, Grima and Smart.Thus, two-thirds of the band tonight would have been familiar with the arrangement of this song.) Next up was what became the next Wizzard single release This Is The Story Of My Love (Baby). Before it starts, Roy tells us a little about the new album (i.e. Eddy & Falcons) which he described as "a Rock and Roll album, and you can't do a rock and roll album without including Phil Spector on it". The song is described as a "tribute" to the Spector "Wall of Sound"c, and features heavily the Spector "twin drum" sound, performed admirably by Grima and Smart. On stage, this came over pretty well and Roy was singing in a very high voice throughout. My favourite, I recall, of the "new" songs showcased tonight. The heckler was back as Roy was introducing the next number. I couldn't really hear what he was saying except something about wanting his money back. Rick told him in no uncertain terms to "Piss off ". He added "If you don't like it, go and put your head in your mouth", to a great cheer from the rest of the audience. Rick follows this by saying "A while ago Roy released, eventually released, a solo album after about three years in which he played all instruments himself. Tonight, we're going to help him out because he only has two arms on his body." They then launched into Locomotive, from the Boulders LP - which always sounded to me like it should have been a Wizzard song anyway! (I remember that the band played it live on UK TV as well around the same time.). The song included solo spots from each of the drummers - the spotlight switching from one to the other and back again. As Roy was trying to say something, again the heckler interrupted him, and Roy asks him nicely to shut up. Rick, however, tells him to "Piss off" - again! I don't remember what the guy's beef was, as he was near to the front (and therefore the band on stage) and we were toward the back of the hall. I do remember he was a pain in the backside throughout, and the band obviously thought so too, as Roy now asked the bouncers to throw him out. I don't recall what happened next but he didn't bother us anymore. Roy continued: "The next number features Keith Smart on drums. He is going to play the introduction to the next song." The spotlight moved to him up at the back, and waving his hands madly in the air he began the pounding drum roll which introduced See My Baby Jive. This was a fantastic rendition - (my notes simply say "Loud and great!") I also noted that the saxophone continued playing when Nick wasn't on stage - I don't remember the significance of this, but it could have been Roy or someone else offstage dueting in Mike Burney's absence. And that was it. A shout of "Goodnight" and "See you soon" and the band walked off. It was just gone 10pm, so a 45 minute set. But the audience wasn't having any. Much stamping, clapping and shouts of "More more.." This was all new to me. I didn't know about "encores", but I'm glad we didn't leave, unlike some people sat in front of us. Suddenly someone comes onto the stage - "Do you want some more?" to which we dutifully replied "Yeah". "Once more". "Yeah" Once again and really loud" (Sorry if I'm building this up to the inevitable_) Then the band returned for an encore. Roy says "We'll do two more numbers and then we'll have to go". Someone calls out for the new single "Rock and Roll Winter", to which Roy replied "Yeah, Yeah OK." (I don't remember why they didn't play R&RW, as it was released as a single three weeks later - everyone wanted to hear it, and it would have made sense to me to play it as the encore). Instead, Roy announced "We'll play numbers from our Wizzard Brew album" - Buffalo Station and Get On Down To Memphis. This made for a brilliant climax to a wonderful show. By the end the band had been onstage for a full hour. "See you again soon" they shouted as the band all left the stage. Roy stopped off on his way to pick up something and the spotlight fell on him as a voice announced "Ladies and gentlemen: Roy Wood" There was a tremendous cheer, he waved, and the crowd continued to stamp and clap for more. But it was not to be - I remember dashing out onto the street to try and find the stage door, my ears still ringing with the wonderful sounds we had just all witnessed. I often wish I had a tape of this concert - my very first gig and it holds a special place in my memory. Sometimes, in retrospect, concerts sound better in your head, the same way that unreleased tapes and demos do; however, I really would like to hear this band again, as it was the only time I got to see them all playing live together. I don't recall any sound problems, save for the number of times in my notes that the word "loud" appears, and the ringing in my ears which I can still feel now when I'm reading back these notes. Suffice to say it was a slick performance by a talented bunch of musicians, and a wonderful show and a great introduction for me to live rock and roll shows. ********** Subject: From Where I Stand Here Date: Fri, 16 May 2003 02:31:59 +0100 From: "Sandie Blickem" Lynne wrote: >I'm not as knowledgeable about Roy's work with Mike Sheridan as I >should be, so someone please correct me if I'm wrong. Didn't Roy >sing backing vocals on "Here I Stand"? Oh wow - if that's the song I think it is - Roy's voice would definitely fit it! You are stirring deep memories now - I always did like that song. Who had a hit with it - anyone know? Was it the Ripchords? I'm sure I used to have that single - must've been ripped off! ********** Subject: Re: "Super Active Wizzo" Date: Thu, 15 May 2003 13:45:10 -0700 From: "Michael J. Cross" I, too, love SAW. I think that production-wise it's Roy's crowning achievement! The instruments and his vocals are crisp, clear and strong. Contrast the sound to, say, "Wizzard's Brew", the murkiest of the murky, and you really see a huge difference in the quality. I know SAW isn't some people's cuppa. Even our wonderful list moderator confessed some time ago that she just couldn't connect with the album (my words, not Lynn's). That first track just takes me to the stratosphere...it's like Jimmy Page was astrally projecting into Roy during the composition phase! And maybe he WAS; Jimmy is rumoured to have been into some pretty arcane and mystcal stuff. Writing this reminds me that I do have the vinyl, but no turntable. I have a cassette of it, but SAW didn't fit on one side of the old 90 minute tapes, so even the worn, fading cassette I have cuts the last tune off which is really aggravating. Anyone out there willing to burn and mail me a digitized copy? Please? Write me off list. I'm willing to work out a trade or cover postage or whatnot. I have a rare thing or two. Mike Cross Rochester, NY ********** Subject: Re: "Super Active Wizzo" Date: Fri, 16 May 2003 02:48:13 -0700 From: "Andrew Footman" This is a album you need to play a few times. I hate head phones to be honest. I only use them for monitoring when recording. But if that is the way you like to hear music that is fine by me. I would rather listen on speakers. This is one of Roy's best. It will grow on you after a few plays, then you will get hooked. This album is always overlooked, but it is better than Mustard and Main Street. When Rob gets it out on CD dont be fooled to thinking it is a second rate album. It is a stunner, there is not one track on this which is just a filler. It is first rate! Lots of fans have never been able to find a copy, you would be daft to pass over the remastered cd. The first 2 ELO sets Rob has got released show how good all this stuff will be. Boy up to 5 years to get them all. I could do with 'William Chalkers Time Machine' I think! ********** Subject: Re: "Super Active Wizzo" Date: Fri, 16 May 2003 10:55:24 -0700 From: kakman1 The problem is getting the best affordable speakers, a stereo equalizer and then configuring your system for best possible sound. If you have the time, some space and a little extra cash, you can fine tune your sound system accordingly within the confines of your listening room's natural acoustics. Most people don't have time, cash or patience for such setups. Just plug it all in and hope it doesn't blow up! Kevin Kunreuther Dallas TX ********** Subject: Re: "Super Active Wizzo" Date: Sat, 17 May 2003 14:24:34 -0700 From: "Andrew Footman" I know what you mean Kevin. I am in the UK and use American Valve Amps and American Magnepan speakers. A valve amp tried to burn the house down last year, honest! My wife thinks i am mad. Mind you i got this stuff before the wife. I WOULD NEVER SELL THE HI FI. Good job the wife never reads my emails! Mind you she hates the Move, ELO, and Roy Wood. She never had any taste, THAT IS WHY SHE MARRIED ME! ********** Subject: Re: "Super Active Wizzo" Date: Sun, 18 May 2003 12:52:38 -0700 From: Bob Hughes Depends on what you're listening for, I suppose. I bought Super Active Wizzo when it came out, played it once through and put it away. Played it again about 10 years later, when I was making a "Best of Roy Wood" tape- didn't use any of it- and didn't play it again until after I'd heard Main Street. After Main Street it started to make sense. Although I still think it could use a good chop with a digital editor. (same with ELO II- I know long tracks were fashionable back then- but something's actually supposed to happen- not just repeating the same riff over and over again.) Bob Hughes "It occurred to me by intuition. And music was the driving force behind that intuition. My discovery was the result of musical perception". - Albert Einstein ********** Subject: Re: "Super Active Wizzo" Date: Sun, 18 May 2003 23:36:18 -0700 From: Plastic Ono Dream oh dear bob...read the quote by "einstein" on the bottom of your last post & try playing the album again! ********** Subject: Re: "Super Active Wizzo" Date: Thu, 22 May 2003 13:36:40 -0700 From: Bob Hughes Plastic Ono wrote: >oh dear bob...read the quote by "einstein" on the bottom of your last >post & try playing the album again ! I have played the album again, and I have been drawn in. I'm just describing my initial reactions to it. I'm not a big fan of trance music, sorry, even when prestigious names have been attached to it. ********** Subject: Re: Tell us the news about yourself... Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 10:51:41 -0700 From: John DeSilva Folks: Luckily I found my answer to Lynn's post last year, so I'm submitting that with a few updates: >Your name, age, location, occupation. John DeSilva, 43, San Jose, CA (50 miles south of San Francisco), Information Technology Manager (still working on computers and networks). >How long have you been a Move and/or Roy Wood fan? Since 1973. >What was your first Move related experience? I heard 'Shazam' being played at Licorice Pizza, a record store in Southern California in 1973, and bought it on the spot. >Tell us about your top 5 favorite Move related tracks. In no particular order - I Can Hear The Grass Grow, Cherry Blossom Clinic Revisited, The Minister, Fire Brigade, Looking On. >What's your favorite Move related album, and why? 'Shazam' - it's my first exposure to the Move's music, and the arrangements and production values are incredible throughout. I also feel that it contains Carl's best vocal performances in the Move, and the tension between Roy's rock 'n' roll sensibilities and Carl's pure pop leanings were exploited to perfection on this album (although it must have been miserable in the studio during this time). >What topics would you like to see discussed on this list? All things Move and Woody, as it's been for the last 5 years that I've been a member. >If you've seen the Move or any member of the Move in concert, tell us >about that show. The Roy Wood's Army Village Underground shows in NYC last year were just fantastic - I was lucky enough to attend 3 of the four shows that magical weekend in March 2002. I did a review back then that I think is still on the Woody web site (www.roywood.co.uk). Suffice it to say that it was a dream come true to finally see and meet in person one of my all-time musical heroes - and a very pleasant surprise to find that he can still rock with the very best of 'em! >Tell us about an amusing or interesting situation that has happened >as a result of you being a Move/Roy Wood fan. Two epochal events have happened to me in the last 2 years as a result of being a fan and a member of this list - getting to see ELO live 2 years ago in LA, and finally seeing Woody live in NYC as mentioned above. As great as the music was at both those events, the lasting memories will be finally meeting the people I've known through this list for years in person. We had some great times, eh? I'm looking forward to more great times in the future as well (Woody, play the west coast!!!). >Who are some of your other favorite artists/bands? Beatles, ELO, Love, Doors, Guess Who, Badfinger, Small Faces, Pretty Things, King Crimson, Buffalo Springfield, XTC, Big Star, Elvis Costello with and without the Attractions, Patto, Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac, Procol Harum ... The list could go on and on ... >Which Move related song do you wish one of your favorite bands >would cover? I'd love to hear King Crimson do "Looking On", and I wonder how Elvis Costello would do "Whisper In The Night" ... >What is the one burning question that you have never had answered >in relation to Move/Roy Wood history or music? Many questions have been answered over the last 5 years - the latest one being Rob's recent explanation of his "5 year plan" with regard to ELO and Move/Wizzard/Woody reissues. I'm really looking forward to "Live At The Fillmore", "Boulders", "Wizzard Brew", and the long awaited "Super Active Wizzo" and "On The Road Again" CD releases. Of course the question we may never get answered is "Woody, when are you going to release an album of new material?" ;-D (couldn't resist that) >Are you having trouble finding any Move related music on CD? Thanks to Lynn, Rob, and the people of this list, not at all!! ********** Subject: Re: Tell us the news about yourself... Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 12:52:41 -0700 From: "Ian Leatherbarrow" >Your name, age, location, occupation. Ian Leatherbarrow, 40, Wigan (UK), Civil Servant; >How long have you been a Move and/or Roy Wood fan? I bought ELO I (No Answer) in 1978 (my first ELO album, on the strength of hearing Wild West Hero. I'd been promised Out of The Blue for Xmas and couldn't wait till then to hear more), discovered that he was on it, and ever since then, really. I knew about Roy from his Wizzard days, though. >What was your first Move related experience? Very, very recently, when a number of list members contacted me, volunteering to send me a copy of Super Active Wizzo on tape/CD-R (my own vinyl copy being in my ex-wife's attic, and unheard since I bought it in the late 1970's) - thanks guy's, you know who you are! >Tell us about your top 5 favorite Move related tracks. The Words of Aaron, Chinatown, Blackberry Way, When Alice Comes Back To The Farm and California Man. Subject to change... >What's your favorite Move related album, and why? Blue Moons, by Trevor Burton. A peerless blues album. >What topics would you like to see discussed on this list? Everything Move related goes, really. >If you've seen the Move or any member of the Move in concert, tell us >about that show. Seen Roy a number of times, at Southport and Warrington with his 'Army'. Just fabulous showmanship, superbly crafted music, and oh, those twins....; >Tell us about an amusing or interesting situation that has happened >as a result of you being a Move/Roy Wood fan. Probably at Roy's Warrington concert - Pete Gibbons was the support act, and he was so bad that someone mentioned at the interval that he was only there to 'make Roy look good'! I was more intrigued that anyone would think that Roy had to be made to look good; >Who are some of your other favorite artists/bands? Funnily enough, I'm not a great band lover, apart from ELO, ELO II, Orchestra of course. I'm more of a singer/songwriter fan, Chris De Burgh, Martyn Joseph, Jim Croce being top of the tree; >Which Move related song do you wish one of your favorite bands >would cover? ELO (current line-up), playing Do Ya!; >What is the one burning question that you have never had answered >in relation to Move/Roy Wood history or music? On Jeff's debut gig with the Move in Dublin, he was very nearly electrocuted by a short circuited microphone. Bev's book said that 'If Jeff had touched that microphone with his lips he would have been killed for sure.' If the worsts had have happened would the Move/ELO projected have folded there and then, or would it have continued - if so, how, in what direction and who with?; >Are you having trouble finding any Move related music on CD? I can get the odd compilation on CD, but they sound as if they've been recorded in a marshmallow factory, and underwater to boot. Roll on Rob C's remaster programme. End of Useless Information #475 ******************************* [This digest is the copyright of the Move "Useless Information" Mailing List. Re-publication or re-distribution of "Useless Information" content, in any form whatsoever, is expressly prohibited without prior written consent.]