From the first time I met Alan Silson, in October 1963, to the time that I played my final gig with Kindness, in August 1973, this book tells the story of my time of ten years, as drummer with the band. From our time as schoolboys, Alan, Chris and myself dreamed of being another Beatles or Rolling Stones, as we practiced together, in the hope that one day, we would actually perform on stage. Later, we would be joined by Terry Uttley and we would actually perform one live concert, before disbanding, due to our leaving school. This book details it all.
At college I was invited to join a band called the Black Cats. Their line-up was quickly changed by the addition of Chris and Alan, who together with Arthur and myself, worked hard in building up a following around the clubs and pubs of Yorkshire.This part of the history is described in full detail as I tell of funny stories and incidents that happened to us, during this period.
However, on turning professional, Arthur left and was replaced by Terry Uttley, as we embarked on a hectic music career. This part of the book documents the incidents, accidents, trials and tribulations that we encountered and endured as we toured the length and breadth of Great Britain, playing every kind of venue imaginable. It tells of our time in television, radio and recording studios, of our meetings and workings, with famous, and not so famous people. Details of encounters with audiences, both friendly and hostile, and of our hopes and dreams, that one day we would become famous and have hit records. It tells of record deals, and reasons why we had no recording success. It also tells of why I made the decision to leave Alan, Chris and Terry, and join up with the John Verity Band, and of how I agonised over making this decision. It finally covers the last month of my time with Kindness, and documents the happenings of my final days and last concert with the band. I hope that you will enjoy this book, and discover new things about the group, that you never knew before.
At college I was invited to join a band called the Black Cats. Their line-up was quickly changed by the addition of Chris and Alan, who together with Arthur and myself, worked hard in building up a following around the clubs and pubs of Yorkshire.This part of the history is described in full detail as I tell of funny stories and incidents that happened to us, during this period.
However, on turning professional, Arthur left and was replaced by Terry Uttley, as we embarked on a hectic music career. This part of the book documents the incidents, accidents, trials and tribulations that we encountered and endured as we toured the length and breadth of Great Britain, playing every kind of venue imaginable. It tells of our time in television, radio and recording studios, of our meetings and workings, with famous, and not so famous people. Details of encounters with audiences, both friendly and hostile, and of our hopes and dreams, that one day we would become famous and have hit records. It tells of record deals, and reasons why we had no recording success. It also tells of why I made the decision to leave Alan, Chris and Terry, and join up with the John Verity Band, and of how I agonised over making this decision. It finally covers the last month of my time with Kindness, and documents the happenings of my final days and last concert with the band. I hope that you will enjoy this book, and discover new things about the group, that you never knew before.
