In the sixties Sheffield had some great guitar players..Frank White, Dave Hawley, Dave Hopper, Phil Crooks, Frank Miles, George Gill, Roy Barber, Roy Ledger, Mick Grimes, Peter York, Plus others, who's names I can't remember.. ..where are they now are they still playing ?

Frank White & Dave Hopper are still playing, Dave Hawley isn't, not sure about the others

I work with Frank Whites son-in-law, and hes very much still alive and kicking. Still plays regularly at the Pheasant, and the Upperthorpe Hotel, and runs his own promotions company.

Ah, Frank White. Rendered the best version of Hey Joe that I've ever heard. Regretably the lyrics didn't sit well with his religous views (it was said) and it was rarely heard and I guess not at all now.

Originally posted by Ned Ludd
Ah, Frank White. Rendered the best version of Hey Joe that I've ever heard. Regretably the lyrics didn't sit well with his religous views (it was said) and it was rarely heard and I guess not at all now.

I remember one he used to sing at the Blue Bell, Hackenthorpe in the early 70's . It was about a guy who built a car from bits he smuggled out of the car plant in his lunch box. What was it called?

Any one remeber another Bell favourite group, Birthday Cake. They used to do a fine rendition of Communication Breakdown.

Originally posted by Lostrider
I remember one he used to sing at the Blue Bell, Hackenthorpe in the early 70's . It was about a guy who built a car from bits he smuggled out of the car plant in his lunch box. What was it called?

Any one remeber another Bell favourite group, Birthday Cake. They used to do a fine rendition of Communication Breakdown.

i think the one you refer to is titled something like

"the 56, 57, 58, 59 Chevrolet" which i think was performed by someone like johnny cash or willie nelson.

(i may be slightly out...)

PT

Originally posted by Plain Talker
i think the one you refer to is titled something like

"the 56, 57, 58, 59 Chevrolet" which i think was performed by someone like johnny cash or willie nelson.

(i may be slightly out...)

PT

You're correct PT, it was Johnny Cash and the song is called One Piece At A Time. It was hit circa 1971

Originally posted by mojoworking
You're correct PT, it was Johnny Cash and the song is called One Piece At A Time. It was hit circa 1971


thank you mojo!

the bit i quoted was from the chorus...

that's why I couldn't "google it right" as i did not remember the full lyrics!

cheers for your help!

PT

Originally posted by Lostrider
I remember one he used to sing at the Blue Bell, Hackenthorpe in the early 70's . It was about a guy who built a car from bits he smuggled out of the car plant in his lunch box. What was it called?

Oh b****r forgot my response!!
Which was ............. that'd be "The Ballad of Linford Christie"?

Frank still performs, on the last Friday of each month, at The Pheasant, Sheffield Lane Top.
(If you do a search on this site for “Frank White” you will find a previous thread all about him.)
I saw him play two weeks ago, and he was brilliant. Started off with stalwarts “I took a chance on you” and “Mohair Sam” and then shot off at a tangent of Blues and R’n’B.
Highlights for me were a reggae-ish version of Gershwin’s “Summertime” followed by a red hot rendidtion of “On Broadway”, a la George Benson, which included a blistering 5 minute guitar solo.
He seems to be really enjoying himself these days. He’s relaxed, has a great patter with the audience, and routinely asks for requests.
Well worth 4 quid of anybody’s money.
Bushbaby

One of the greatest of all Sheffield guitarists, and an unsung hero in the annals of local music, was a guy called Pete Howe. Pete, who was born in 1948 lived on Parson Cross, and throughout the late sixties and early seventies was an icon to the rest of the neighborhood.
As well as being a guitar genius, he had all the other killer attributes. He had long hair, was good looking, as his long string of attractive girlfriends would testify, and his outgoing persona made him the life and soul of every party, and there were lots of those.
He performed in a number of guises, but the one I remember best was a trio, (Phil on bass, Dave on Drums) which did the rounds of Parson Cross youth clubs, church halls, and occasionally WMCs, during that period.
He wrote much of his own material, and a lot of his surrealistic demeanor was inspired by Syd Barratt.
“King of the Saucepans” and “Hit me over the head with a Fire Extinguisher” are two numbers which stick in mind, but the comedic value was never allowed to eclipse the music, especially the guitar playing.
I’m not sure what happened to Pete after that, but if I was ever to meet up with him again, I would shake his hand and thank him for the great memories.
Bushbaby

Frank still sings Hey Joe it was in one of his sets this weekend

Originally posted by mojoworking
You're correct PT, it was Johnny Cash and the song is called One Piece At A Time. It was hit circa 1971

Ah yes that was the one, I remember hearing JC's version, not a patch on Franks though. Thanks

Originally posted by Lostrider
I remember one he used to sing at the Blue Bell, Hackenthorpe in the early 70's . It was about a guy who built a car from bits he smuggled out of the car plant in his lunch box. What was it called?

Any one remeber another Bell favourite group, Birthday Cake. They used to do a fine rendition of Communication Breakdown.

Dont remember them but other groups on at that time were Lazy Jake and Mcloskeys Apocalyps.
Also on disco nights dj was Ray Stuart who later went on to greater things at radio hallam

Originally posted by robbieb
Dont remember them but other groups on at that time were Lazy Jake and Mcloskeys Apocalyps.


Had a long chat with my guitar tutor about McLoskey's just a couple of days ago.
Great memories of the Broadfield on Friday nights and Weston Park Sunday afternoons with Ray Higgins singing Wild Thing while eating a pint pot.
This is a band that should have made it big time in the early seventies, wrote a lot of original material and were the only genuine prog rock band in Sheffield.

I understand that Ray Higgins is now a builder, Dave Seville lectures in English at Chesterfield college and Mick Wilson is head of compositional studies at the University of Salford.

Someone told me that they reformed a year or so ago for a few gigs, anyone know anything about this?

Originally posted by robbieb
Dont remember them but other groups on at that time were Lazy Jake and Mcloskeys Apocalyps.
Also on disco nights dj was Ray Stuart who later went on to greater things at radio hallam

Wasn't Ray a "Frankenstiens Monster" at one time, and theres a link with the "DAIZIES" there somewhere too.

Originally posted by Timbuck
In the sixties Sheffield had some great guitar players..Frank White, Dave Hawley, Dave Hopper, Phil Crooks, Frank Miles, George Gill, Roy Barber, Roy Ledger, Mick Grimes, Peter York, Plus others, who's names I can't remember.. ..where are they now are they still playing ?

i remember dave hopper very well. my boyfriend at the time in 1968 was martin alcock who was organist for the johnnie calendar group. dave was the lead guitarist with the band and malc hoole (i think i've got his name right) was base guitarist, dave cannon was the drummer. i believe dave cannon has since died, as he was mentioned in the book "not like a proper job". they were all good musicians, and all liked to do thier instrumentals, especially dave hopper. he hated working on the clubs as when he did his instrumental, the pensioners would boo him, obviously they didn't appreciate how he was expressing what a great talent he had as a guitarist. when they got to him, he used to tell them quite bluntly in so many words to sod off.
dave lived on the manor at the time, as we used to pick him up in the van to go wherever they were playing. i know he played for joe cocker at one time, as well as other bands who he played with. it would be nice to see dave again, but i can't see him still playing local, if he's playing at all that is. well it was nice to see that people like yourself still remember him. signed carol walker, unlike my e-mail address.

i remember dave hopper very well as he used to play with the johnnie calendar group in the late sixties. my boyfriend at the time was martin alcock who was the organist in the group and malc hoole was the bass guitarist. dave cannon was the drummer. they were all good musicians. dave hopper used to be joe cockers backing guitarist. as for frank white, absolutely superb. does anyone know where i could get to know where dave hopper will be playing. ide love to see him again after 33 years. i'm sure he's as good now as he was then and the same goes for frank white.

Frank still plays regular gigs at The Pheasant - Lane Top. Usually last Friday of the month, but check beforehand. He also does Jazz gigs at Ruskins (Posh wine bar near Crucible)

Don't know about Dave Hopper though

Originally posted by Bushbaby
Frank still plays regular gigs at The Pheasant - Lane Top. Usually last Friday of the month, but check beforehand. He also does Jazz gigs at Ruskins (Posh wine bar near Crucible)

Don't know about Dave Hopper though
thanks bushbaby. i've made a note of it. i will make enpuiries as to when he is next playing at sheffield lane top.

Frank deserves more recognition for his work. Why that Clapton dullard is revered the world over and Frank isn't is just criminal. When I first went to see him I was simply expecting a competent blues gig, I wasn't expecting to hear the passion and range of styles (Jazz, Country, Funk etc) that I did. It hurt when my jaw hit the floor! He plays a blistering rock guitar, has a great voice and has that X factor that all great performers have, something that touches and transports you and is impossible to put into words.

I can definitely say Roy ledger is stll playing...he goes out as a solo artist doing pubs and clubs. His argument being that "drummers are always late" "Bass players too loud" "And MP3 players don't need paid"

That said he still plays the 345 Stereo Gibson he bought in 1963 and does a mind blowing cover of Garry Moore's "Parissiene Walkways"

he keeps threatening to get a band together ... he did one June evening earlier this year when he put a scratch band together for an old pals B'day party.Kenny Slade got up and played drums on a couple of numbers

I accompanied him to a great evening at "Park and Arbethorne club earlier this month...where there were droves of musicians he knew from the sixites... Including Dave Hopper and Frank White

Perhaps this year he'll put his plectrum where his mouth is and go public with a band...he already has a bass player and drummer lined up keen to back him and a nagging partner living with him who thinks its a total waste of his talent not to be playing "proper live music!!"

Originally posted by _mojo_pin
Frank deserves more recognition for his work. Why that Clapton dullard is revered the world over and Frank isn't is just criminal. When I first went to see him I was simply expecting a competent blues gig, I wasn't expecting to hear the passion and range of styles (Jazz, Country, Funk etc) that I did. It hurt when my jaw hit the floor! He plays a blistering rock guitar, has a great voice and has that X factor that all great performers have, something that touches and transports you and is impossible to put into words.

Absolutely right.
But He IS world famous among guitarists, just not the general public. The reason for this is that he is a wonderful live performer and tremendous guitarist. But have you ever heard his albums? I'm sorry but not very memorable at all.

If he were a great writer, as well as performer then he would have gone the same way as Clapton.

I worked for a short time at Johnson Electrics (circa '71). At that time the shop was on Eccelsall road in Berkley Precinct, but then moved onto London Road.

We used to get quite a few guitarists from the local bands in who would pass away the time blowing us away on the instruments we had. However my fondest memories was one of the other guys that used to work there (his name was Jim - cannot remember his surname) - he could make those axes talk - I particular remember him playing some amazing blues and Led Zepp solos.

Does anyone remember him? - and if so, whatever happened to him? - I know he used to play in a band before he worked in the shop and I think was going to join one again once his new born baby had grown a little.

Mal Hooley of the Johnny Calendar group is also still playing quite a bit... when he's not working in his jewellery shop "Trio" at Broom hill.

Has anyone heard anything of Dave Green an excellent Bass guitarist who played in numerous bands in the sixties?...Roy my partner is keen to make contact with him.

Update on some of the other names mentioned Roy Barber and Dave cannon died some time ago and george Gill was living in France the last that Roy heard!!

I remember Dave Green, a nice bloke he used to play a stick bass at one time (like a double bass but without the wood just the neck and the spike at the bottom) He played with lots of sheffield bands like the "Twin Cities Beat boys" and with Joe Cocker's Grease band untill Joe got famous and dave became redundant..I have never heard of him since I left Sheffield...."George Gill", I first met him in the Cannon Hall pub at Page Hall in the 60's when he was playing there with a local band he was about 17 years old, when I told him that I also was playing a guitar..He replyed " I'm Mad about guitars do you have any chords or bits that you can teach me" I declined co's he was far more advanced than I was in guitar playing"..He went to France and met a geogeous "French Bird"and he married her..He lived with her in pitsmoor for awhile..I left Sheffield about then and I've never heard his name mentioned till now..I hope he's still around...By the way is your mate "Roy Ledger".

Originally posted by _mojo_pin
Frank deserves more recognition for his work. Why that Clapton dullard is revered the world over and Frank isn't is just criminal. When I first went to see him I was simply expecting a competent blues gig, I wasn't expecting to hear the passion and range of styles (Jazz, Country, Funk etc) that I did. It hurt when my jaw hit the floor! He plays a blistering rock guitar, has a great voice and has that X factor that all great performers have, something that touches and transports you and is impossible to put into words.

Just because Frank White is a gifted guitar player, that doesn't make Clapton a bad one! Let's not be silly about this.

I'll concede that Clapton's albums have become tailored to the bland US FM radio market in recent years, but that doesn't take away anything from his legacy. His influence is incalculable and he has done more for the blues than almost anyone else alive.

With John Mayall he brought blues guitar to the masses. With Cream he virtually invented heavy metal and his early solo career was hugely influential. It's just not possible (or fair) to compare him to Frank White who is, let's face it, basically a talented pub guitarist, with very little influence outside Sheffield.

Timbuck Wildfire is my partner...she's just told me about this forum...looks like a great way to renew old contacts.

I still play regularly round the pubs and clubs as a solo artist. I use the 345 stereo Gibson I bought in my early days with "The Sheffields" to replace the old Colourama that I started my career with.

I'm being hassled by Mal Hooley a very close friend to get myself in gear to put a "Proper band" together . Two drummers have also voiced interest...Steve Mitchell aka Bubbles and John Reilly!! Who knows what 2005 will bring!!

There is no doubt that Frank White's reputation spreads a lot further than Sheffield. I first heard about him in a pub in Hampshire run by Herbie Armstrong(Ex lead guitarist with Van Morrison) he regarded Frank technically as a far superior guitarist to Eric Clapton but said that Frank was also very much his "own man" and would have found it hard to cope with the pressues placed on commercial musicians by agencies and management companies.

I do believe that Frank has often been heard to say "They'll wait for me old boy" and is not the best at turning up in time for gigs!!

One then has to ask the question Would he have been better off if he had "Made it"?

Fame is not everything and Frank is obviously very close to his family and very much in control of his own life.

I've seen him on numerous occasions ... he's been brilliant on some nights... my hairs stand on end when he plays "Louisiana" a number that really suits his gravelly voice.

There have been nights... usually those when he is aware of other guitarists in the audience when he seems reluctant to fully display his true skills.

One theory I've heard is that he is wary of them copying some of his unique techniques !!

Oh dear, I understand that as the partner of a "singer/guitarist" you are obviously trying to drum up some enthusiasm and give him a little publicity on the forum but does that really have to include smearing a respected guitarist such as Frank White (even if it was wrapped around with some praise). Do I hear the sound of sour grapes being regurgitated.

Rainbow ... if you interpreted my posting as sour grapes I need to rethink my literacy skills. I have carefully reread my posting and I reckon the positive comments outway the negative!!

There is no doubt that Frank White is one of the best guitarists in the world. Others in this thread have described him as no better than an "excellent pub musician" yet you did not jump on them!!

I also tried to point out that in his own way Frank is a very successful and happy man. If one looks at the lifestyle and history of many guitarists who have "made it" many are pushing up the daisies after dying at a very early age and other live as recluses... Van Morrison being a prime example.

I admire Frank not only for his musical skills but also his obvious devotion to his family.Both his son and daughter are often seen on stage with him and his wife is often in the audience. He is also very commited to his chosen religion.

He is a strong character who has never submitted to the temptation of commercial gain.

He is very much the richer for it!!

I remember McCloskeys Apocolypse. They used to paly in Weston Park and places like that. They sang a song about masticating human meat

I went to two of the reformed McCloskeys Apocolypse gigs at the working mans club on Ecclesall Rd cos my step dad was mates with them in the 60s and used to follow them around taking photographs at gigs etc.

Very strange musically and lyrically - one that stood out was about parking boys in Nigeria! Parking boys, we are, we are ,we are parking boys......... :loopy:

Have also heard the legendary stories about Ray eating pint pots, drinking ashtrays etc while on stage. Nothing so exciting at the newer gigs tho, think singing while riding a unicycle was the highlight.

Not so apocolyptic now! Don't tell em i said that tho! :bigsmile:

Originally posted by Timbuck
In the sixties Sheffield had some great guitar players..Frank White, Dave Hawley, Dave Hopper, Phil Crooks, Frank Miles, George Gill, Roy Barber, Roy Ledger, Mick Grimes, Peter York, Plus others, who's names I can't remember.. ..where are they now are they still playing ?


Timbuck

Unfortunatlely I believe Roy Barber passed away quite suddenly a couple of years ago.

Mogbad

Agree with all that's been said about Frank White, but does everybody realise what a wealth of other guitarist talent there is around Sheffield these days?
Guitarists such as Harris Nixon (Carnival and Sour Mash), Ian and JJ from Mag 7 spring to mind, as well as other bands that are on the pub circuit locally.
Check out the jam sessions at The Woodseats pub any Sunday afternoon - no entry fee, the muso's do it for bugger-all and everybody has a great time as well.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RiffRaff
Agree with all that's been said about Frank White, but does everybody realise what a wealth of other guitarist talent there is around Sheffield these days?
Guitarists such as Harris Nixon (Carnival and Sour Mash), Ian and JJ from Mag 7 spring to mind, as well as other bands that are on the pub circuit locally.
Check out the jam sessions at The Woodseats pub any Sunday afternoon - no entry fee, the muso's do it for bugger-all and everybody has a great time as well. [/QUOTE No doubt about it Frank W hite is a brilliant guitarist, but how long is this debate going to go on without a mention for Phil Brodieanother one of sheffield,s greats.

Well its good to see there is still some frank white fans out there. I first saw frank in (wait for it) 1969 playing in the ancholme inn at brigg north lincolnshire, he was a bit wild then.
We came across him again when visiting sheffield about 10 years ago, we have seen him a few times at the pheasant, including 2 of his "final gigs". The last time we saw him was at the riverside playing with a band called "dixie chicken", it turned out to be a very good night. My wife thinks his "sunshine of your love" is the best, but i have to stay with his louisiana although all the tracks he does are brilliant. We are in sheffield again this weekend -1st /2nd april and it would good to see him again, does anyone know if he is playing anywhere please ?
Just a final word, if you like blues music you ought to try the upton blues festival in worcestershire in july, its a very good 3 day free event
from spotlite....

Yeah, Phil Brodie too....
Plus a guy I haven't seen for years, Paul Hill...
Many bands in his time, including a stint as 'resident' guitarist at whatever-you-called-that-nightclub-near-the-Black-Swan....
Plus, as regards bass players, Mike Shedd....

Frank is at the Upperthorpe on Friday and his band has a gig somewhere in Dronfield, I think, on Saturday not sure where. I can find out if you pm me

Yeh I remember Paul Hill with fond memories in the 70's ,looked as though he'd been pulled through a hedge backwards ,but with that wide grin could charm the birds off the trees .A good all round musician and a truly nice guy .

Originally posted by 60s_chick
I remember McCloskeys Apocolypse. They used to paly in Weston Park and places like that. They sang a song about masticating human meat

I think I remember that show. Was it was the one where Dinky Dawson who was a roadie for Fleetwood Mac turned up with the entire F.Mac PA system in the back of his van and set it up in the park for the local bands to use?

I once heard a story after a few drinks that Eric Clapton once said that "Frank was the best guitarist in the world"
Anybody confirm this?

Did he also get an offer to go to America on tour with Joe Cocker?


Anyway a few more names for you

Richard Hawley - son of Dave and nephew of Frank, 3 albums to date and new one due this year called Coles Corner, fantastic stuff. Just signed a new deal with Muse records.

Shez Sheriden - Session musician and guitars behind Dizzy Club/Djangoism and other local bands.

Cary Bayliss - Session musician and guitars behind Acoustic Angels

reading the thread about sheffield guitarists brought back a memory of my teenage years. frank miles was playing at the rock club frecheville with, i think, dave berry, when his girlfriend (i presume) rushed up and said "kiss me quick frank, while my lips are still sticky ". strange how silly little things from over 40 years ago stick in your memory when half the time i can't remember what i did last week.

3 pages in..maybe someone should mention Chris Spedding.
Pete Browns Battered Ornaments, Jack Bruce,Bryan Ferry and a bunch of pretty good solo albums..as well as producing some early Pistols demos.

[QUOTE=mikey]I once heard a story after a few drinks that Eric Clapton once said that "Frank was the best guitarist in the world"
Anybody confirm this?

I think this is a "local myth" I heard the same story about a superbe Leeds guitarist who used to play Sheffield a lot in the 60,s
The band was a trio called "The Crestas" but the name of the guitar player escapes me at the present time ( Richard sombody) he played a lot like "Chet Atkins"...His brother played Bass..But I remember the comedian drummer was called Johnnie...All the Sheffild bands used to idolise them...If we,re looking for the best Guitar player in the world we have look world wide at all types of music..For me the the best British guitarist has to be "Albert Lee"..The only british guitarist to get Albums into the USA Country charts...And he did play with Joe Cocker and many other Stars.Check him out here www.guitarweekends.co.uk/Artists/albert_lee.htm He make Franks career rather drab...I still think frank's good tho, and I try to get to see him play when I can.

Yeh I remember seeing the Crestas at the Blue Belle Hackenthorpe.His name I think was Richard Harding and wow what a guitarist,he used a lot of echo.Also watching was Frank White who sat at the table nearest him watching his fingers going up and down the fretboard.Hence the saying ; It don't matter how good you are theres always someone better.

The Cresters were originally formed by Mike Sagar from Bradford as his backing band - they were later known as Malcolm Clark and the Cresters, and then simply as the Cresters, following the unfortunate death of Malcolm Clark.
The trio comprised Richard and John Harding on guitar and bass, and Johnny Casson on drums, and were active from the 60s through to the 80s.
Casson has been on TV a lot as a comedian, on such programmes as The Des O'Connor Show. I don't know what John Harding is doing these days, but Richard Harding is currently a member of country band Dillinger.

He's probably the best undiscovered guitarist in the world, an absolute top class player by any standards, and has been since the 60s. He plays better than just about anyone you can think of, and was a kind of underground legend in the 60s and 70s. I still remember his version of the Brubeck hit "Take Five" with awe - the Cresters were a total knockout, I have an old tape of them playing some instrumentals which is amongst my most treasured musical possessions.

I,ve just been listening to Richard Harding playing I found him on this link www.dillingercountry.co.uk.. No way! could Eric Clapton play like this..Richard is now faster than ever.

What's his name again?

I,ve just been listening to Richard Harding playing I found him on this link www.dillingercountry.co.uk.. No way! could Eric Clapton play like this..Richard is now faster than ever.

Playing faster than everyone else just gets you to the end of the song too early.:hihi:

I think Dave Hopper runs 'Traditional Music' Shop in Wakefield.
It looks like him.
Seems miserable enough.

Yeah, Phil Brodie too....
Plus a guy I haven't seen for years, Paul Hill...
Many bands in his time, including a stint as 'resident' guitarist at whatever-you-called-that-nightclub-near-the-Black-Swan....
Plus, as regards bass players, Mike Shedd....

Hi ,Paul Hill is my Dad , hes still playing and has gigs all over the country and is abroad a lot of the time. He often mentions 'the good old days' and I recognise a lot of the names you have all mentioned from the stories hes told us!:)

Hi ,Paul Hill is my Dad , hes still playing and has gigs all over the country and is abroad a lot of the time. He often mentions 'the good old days' and I recognise a lot of the names you have all mentioned from the stories hes told us!:)

Hi Sallie...
Last time I saw your Dad he was living in K'marsh....Station Road, maybe?
Played a pretty mean blues piano, too!
Give him my regards (although it's so long he'll not remember) and maye get him to have a look at the forum too!

Hi Sallie...
Last time I saw your Dad he was living in K'marsh....Station Road, maybe?
Played a pretty mean blues piano, too!
Give him my regards (although it's so long he'll not remember) and maye get him to have a look at the forum too!
Was a while since he lived in Killamarsh! just shown my dad the forum, he asked me to sa Hi! :)

Hi Sallie,
I also knew you dad from the 60's and 70's. I was a DJ at The Cavendish / Baileys going under the name of Alan Fenton. Worked with them in the Latino Lounge when they were the Variation Show Band and then Later Paintbox. Went down to London with them once and stayed in some crap B & B in Sussex Gardens. They appeared one night at a small club off Regent Street. Last time I saw Paul was in the 70's when he was living in Woodhouse. Only other band member I have seen since is Jock when He ran the Midland Pub in Killamarsh. Still got a copy of "Get Ready For Love" on viny and will possibly give it a play when I do a show on RedRoad FM a community radio staion going on the air in March. Give my best wishes to you Dad and I hope he remembers me.

I think I remember that show. Was it was the one where Dinky Dawson who was a roadie for Fleetwood Mac turned up with the entire F.Mac PA system in the back of his van and set it up in the park for the local bands to use?

I organised that and several other free concerts from 1969 to 71.I remember Dinky setting the gear up for us but didn't realise how sensitive the mikes were, and I uttered a bit of what my mum calls 'football language' from what I considered to be a safe distance, but was in fact heard by about 3000 people.Frank White also did an excellent show for us.I'd been reluctant to put him on because of his terrible timekeeping,but a delegation from Ecclesfield promised that if I'd put him on they'd get him there on time,and they kept their word.It was the only time I've ever known Frank to be on time.Kenny Slade was on drums.A great gig.Happy days.

If my memory serves me right didnt Pete Green (Fleetwood Mac) play at one of the freebies in Weston Park

That's right.He'd just left the Mac and came along and jammed with Readhead Yorke a Brighton band featuring Sheffielder Pete Warren.That was about May 1970.

Is Karl Heard still knocking around Sheffield. He used to play the jolly buffer about 15 years ago?

In the sixties Sheffield had some great guitar players..Frank White, Dave Hawley, Dave Hopper, Phil Crooks, Frank Miles, George Gill, Roy Barber, Roy Ledger, Mick Grimes, Peter York, Plus others, who's names I can't remember.. ..where are they now are they still playing ?
I visited Sheffield last week..and met up with some of my old mates..including "Bobby Knutt"...we went to the Pheasant at Lane Top and had a few lagers together and reminised over the old days ( The Pheasant is not the same as I remembered it) ..."Neil Bridges" who was an original member of the "Whirwinds" brought along a photo album and it was full of pic's of the band from the old days, Johnny Ryder, Dave Hawley, Lynne and Jeanie, Frank White, Pat Lesley (Georga), and many others were in it....... I was informed that "Dave Hawley" past away about a month ago after a long illness...There is going to be a charity night in his memory at The Park and Arberthorn Club on the 12th April...Admission £5 on the door..proceeds are going to a local hostpital.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RiffRaff
Agree with all that's been said about Frank White, but does everybody realise what a wealth of other guitarist talent there is around Sheffield these days?
Guitarists such as Harris Nixon (Carnival and Sour Mash), Ian and JJ from Mag 7 spring to mind, as well as other bands that are on the pub circuit locally.
Check out the jam sessions at The Woodseats pub any Sunday afternoon - no entry fee, the muso's do it for bugger-all and everybody has a great time as well. [/QUOTE No doubt about it Frank W hite is a brilliant guitarist, but how long is this debate going to go on without a mention for Phil Brodieanother one of sheffield,s greats.

Phil was a phenominal guitarist - amongst the best - where is he now?

Saw Frank playing in The Peace Gardens on Saturday, 25 Jul '09, at "The Sheffield Festival". He looks very well although one or two things he said suggested he has been a bit off for a while. Crackin' version of "One night with you"
I've posted a few fotos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bushbaby387/

Phil is still very well and still playing as good as he ever did. He goes out as the three piece Phil Brodie Band with Neil Wathey on drums and Gerry Scanlon on Bass. Sometimes one of his sons gets up and plays as well I believe.
Check the gig guides, or his website.

http://www.philbrodieband.com/

Chris

Has anyone heard anything of Dave Green an excellent Bass guitarist who played in numerous bands in the sixties?...Roy my partner is keen to make contact with him.

Update on some of the other names mentioned Roy Barber and Dave cannon died some time ago and george Gill was living in France the last that Roy heard!!

dave green dave hoper dave burke and most of the others were friends of my brother steve[dolphin] he was a drummer he died in 2001 .this my first day on forum i worked at the birley hotel when all of them first started out

I occasionally meet up with Dave Jones from the Hillbilly Cats. Frank Peach, a vocalist from that era, is the father of our singer in the quite originally named Peachy (http://www.myspace.com/peachy1969).

I know that Frank White hasn't been too good health-wise lately. Been on the same bill as him a few times.

The best guide to the "old" Sheffield bands is the book "Not like a proper job"

george gill
lives since nearly 25 years in a little town near stuttgart germany as a steetmusican
he made his own cd and was doing well most of the time
right now he is figthing the terrible thing calld cancer
anyway he is on a good way to defeat his sickness,with the help off his friends.

In the sixties Sheffield had some great guitar players..Frank White, Dave Hawley, Dave Hopper, Phil Crooks, Frank Miles, George Gill, Roy Barber, Roy Ledger, Mick Grimes, Peter York, Plus others, who's names I can't remember.. ..where are they now are they still playing ? George is living in Germany, at this moment in time. at the moment he is being treated for throat cancer.

I occasionally meet up with Dave Jones from the Hillbilly Cats. Frank Peach, a vocalist from that era, is the father of our singer in the quite originally named Peachy (http://www.myspace.com/peachy1969).

I know that Frank White hasn't been too good health-wise lately. Been on the same bill as him a few times.

The best guide to the "old" Sheffield bands is the book "Not like a proper job"
I'm in that book sat in Bradley's window advertising our band Who's Who?

About 28 years ago i used to play with a guitarist called Alistair Mckinnon who played with Frank White years ago. unfortunately he died from smoking while asleep, frank did a tribute to him in a pub on london road, if i remember right the hermitage but i may be wrong, i did hear dont know if it is true that gibson built their first twin neck guitar for frank white
mel

www.melrandall.com

About 28 years ago i used to play with a guitarist called Alistair Mckinnon who played with Frank White years ago. unfortunately he died from smoking while asleep, frank did a tribute to him in a pub on london road, if i remember right the hermitage but i may be wrong, i did hear dont know if it is true that gibson built their first twin neck guitar for frank white
mel

www.melrandall.com
No they didn't build it for him. Frank saw one in the early 60s and to quote Frank "It's cool, I need one of them" he ordered it from Wilson Peck and had to wait months and months for delivery, but when it arrived, I believe it was the first Gibson Doubleneck in England. Phil Brodie's got it now. Towards the end of Frank owning it, it was in a bit of a state, the 12 string neck had frets missing and Frank used to use it to hold his plectrums. We used to joke that it was the most expensive pick holder in the world!

In the sixties Sheffield had some great guitar players..Frank White, Dave Hawley, Dave Hopper, Phil Crooks, Frank Miles, George Gill, Roy Barber, Roy Ledger, Mick Grimes, Peter York, Plus others, who's names I can't remember.. ..where are they now are they still playing ?

Hi Timbuck,
Phil Crookes is my Dads half brother.The last I heard about him from the family is that he is living in the USA. Still in the music business
Cal.

anyone know where Roy Ledger is these days ?

hi hohenloher
I go to this town every year and have been15 times,seen this guy playing in the street never realizing it was george gill.The people said he was english and they think fondly of him in fact i believe they had a collection to help him over his illness,When I went last year they said he was much better but I will telephone my friends on the town council and see how his condition is and will post it on here.Correct me if i'm wrong but the town is ohringen in hohenlohe.

anyone know where Roy Ledger is these days ?Dronfield.

I can confirm george gill is on the mend and his two daughters from france and australia have been to see him.If anyone is interested the local newspaper the hohenlohe zietung ran an article on him on november the28th and can be read on the net in german only,and now I have been incontact are going to run another one shortly.I have passed good wishes on from his friends in england and I will visit him next year.

george gill is moving to a small apartment which his friends in ohringen have found for him,unfortately at this point in time george cannot speak but his friend can take a message,anyone wishing to contact him can pm me Ihave a phone no for him.

Calling all Frank White fans!!
You just gotta see this video. It is glorious

http://cryinggame.co.uk/page22/page5/files/page5-1007-pop.html

This was the first "Double Arm" guitar in the country. When Frank tried to import it from The States, HM Customs delayed it by months 'cause they didn't know exactly what it was!! (pratts)

Tried to open that link but it asks me to download something I already have on my pooter and then dosen't work anyway.
Any suggestions?

Played at a Jam night with Russ Dennet (ex Human League) last week, Hayden Oldham our guitarist in 60s band the 'Drumbeats' was in the pub.Hayden is back in the UK now after spending time in India but Ian the original singer with the Drmbeats is off to the Phillipines soon to retire there.
I've still got my Blue/silver Lame' suit from way back in 63, it won't button up now of course.
I dropped out of the sheffield scene in 66 and joined the army where I became a full time musician in the regimental band (24/7 job in those days) playing Bass guitar in the Rock Band and Dance Band and Saxophone in the Regimental Band from which I attended a course at the Royal Military School of Music (Knellar Hall). On leaving the army the Sheffield music scene had changed, gone were most of the pubs, dance venues, church halls, youth clubs etc it was by then mainly down to the cursed but money making venues of the WMC circuit.
See Roy Ledger & Ron Blyth every now and then in Dronfield but not many others.

John Swift ex Drumbeat, ex 23916261 Bandsman 1 Y&L Rgmt

Calling all Frank White fans!!
You just gotta see this video. It is glorious

http://cryinggame.co.uk/page22/page5/files/page5-1007-pop.html

This was the first "Double Arm" guitar in the country. When Frank tried to import it from The States, HM Customs delayed it by months 'cause they didn't know exactly what it was!! (pratts)
Great to see old footage of Frank with his double neck although Frank was just miming to Big Jim Sullivan's guitar parts on that clip.

Great to see old footage of Frank with his double neck although Frank was just miming to Big Jim Sullivan's guitar parts on that clip.

Yeah - Big Jim and Little Jim if I remember rightly

Any suggestions as to how I can get it to work?
Maybe someone could actually put it on the Forum.

Yeah - Big Jim and Little Jim if I remember rightly
No, Jimmy Page wasn't on Crying Game, it was actually Eric Ford on rhythm guitar.

No, Jimmy Page wasn't on Crying Game, it was actually Eric Ford on rhythm guitar.

I bow to your knowledge!

On the same site is film of the band live in Holland. I never realised that Dave and Frank could create such mayhem - and this time you get a small chunk of Frank playing that lovely guitar LIVE!!

http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=43954

Any suggestions as to how I can get it to work?
Maybe someone could actually put it on the Forum.

Well it worked for me you old git.

Hi Zeke

Anybody heard Derek Bailey's music? He was born in Sheffield, in Pitsmoor apparently. He played in a free improvisation groove, got to be honest, didn't get it at all. Mind you, I don't get anything nowadays.

Does anyone remember the Carl Herd band? (Used to play Hendrix stuff)
Are they still playing?

I've put a few pictures of Frank on my Flickr site - from about 1965

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bushbaby387/?saved=1

Have read through this thread and also like some of the guitarists that have been mentioned. I also enjoy listening to Frank White playing . Kevin Stephenson is also a decent player. I don't agree though with comparisons because each player has his own qualities. The word BEST guitarist I find inane because it all comes down to each individual listeners taste. Playing fast doesn't necessarily mean a good guitar player because such a player will play a fast solo one night and on the next night can't remember what he'd played the night before, then plays a different solo completely. This happens often with hard rock and heavy metal bands.

My three particular favourite Sheffield Guitarists are:-
1. Derek Bailey - made loads of albums and he also proves that music doesn't have to be melodic.
2. Chris Spedding - Spedding has released lots of albums and played hundreds of sessions.
3. Stephen Caudel - released albums including 'Wine Dark Sea' and 'The Earth in Torquoise'.

As a matter of (un)interest my fave non-Sheffield guitarists are:-
1. Jan Akkerman
2. Philip Catherine
3. Django Reinhard
4. Pat Martino
5. Richard Thompson
6. John Lees
7. Glenn Phillips
8. Steve Rothery
9. Andy Latimer
10. Rene Thomas
11. Peter Green