As a teenager I used to attend quite regular with my best mate Bob Bryer the touring rock and roll shows at the Gaumont. Being such a large venue, all the top stars of the USA and UK artists would play there. Just for a night with two performances an evening usually 6.15 and 8.30. All the various artists performing are mentioned in the book.
I am now into reading Chapter Nine about the 1960s. I reached the bottom of the page and astonishingly read my name. WOW! I shouted out aloud to my wonderful wife Christine. I am in the book. She was incredulous as I was to see my name in print. As was all my Facebook friends over the coming days.
During my teenage years I was a prolific letter writer to Readers Letters feature in the Telegraph and Argus. It was the Facebook of the time. I would write on many subjects from late buses, weather, Bradford events to name a few. At the bottom of Chapter Nine was a story about the Gene Vincent / Eddie Cochran concert on Saturday January 30th 1960. During his act Gene Vincent had acted strangely. It caused controversy and many letters were sent to the T&A. One of those letters was from Adrian P. Hartshorn Aged 16 ¾ of 110, Elmfield Drive, Odsal…….This letter’s content was mentioned in the book. I was gobsmacked. But so joyful. I got in touch with Mark the author who was excited as much as I was.
The rest of the book is just as joyful. Living my teenage years again.
Mark later came across another letter of mine to the T&A about a Cliff Richard concert at the Gaumont.
The book is available at Waterstones, and Impressions Gallery Bradford priced £20 and worth every penny. Please buy a copy. You will not regret it.
My involvement with Bringing the Beat Back to Bradford Exhibition has been one of the most amazing chapters of my life. I feel reborn at eighty years old and knowing there is even more excitement to come with the opening of Bradford Live.
My thanks to the Impressions Gallery, BORG, Bradford Live especially Mark, Anne McNeill and Kirsten Branston.
After about a week after the publication of the letter in the T&A I received a letter from a lady in Eccleshill, Bradford. She had been impressed with the kind words I had said about Vince Eager, also appearing on the Gene Vincent/Eddie Cochran show. Vince was her nephew. Would I like to meet Vince? I said, of course, and Bob and myself duly met Vince. We had an amazing day. We also become great friends of the Eccleshill family and were invited to their get-togethers and family parties. I have kept in touch and have a Facebook friend in Anne, one of the family members.
Imogen in Matilda