The Gretsch Pages: Discussions: On the 'tube: Eddie Cochran Documentary

Eddie Cochran Documentary

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- Rated: 29 ↑
Aug 25, 2008 8:33 p.m. Shuie:

From 1982, this BBC 'Arena' documentary-

http://uk.youtube.com/user/moreau1829

If you like Eddie, this is a must-see.
- Rated: 37 ↑
Aug 25, 2008 11:32 p.m. MR TROUBLE:

I have it on DVD. It's interesting to say the least but also somewhat of a disappointment. They show way too much footage of the Teds. The most interesting part of the documentary for me was seeing the home movie footage of Eddie, Sharon, and I believe Eddie's brother Bob in Sharon's apartment in Hollywood. Darrel told me that the original was in color and was unsure why they decided to make it black and white.

There's another UK documentary, much shorter in length, where they visit the hospital in Bath, England where Eddie died.

What a loss.
- Rated: 32 ↑
Aug 26, 2008 2:01 a.m. gagsy:

Remember watching that on TV.

Thanks for sharing
- Rated: 29 ↑
Aug 26, 2008 5:24 a.m. Shuie:

Mr Trouble and Gagsy,

I knew you guys wouldn't be far away when I posted this. How you doing, fellas?

There is a bit too much Ted footage, although Teds never forgot about Eddie and worked pretty hard to memorialise his legacy in the UK. Their quaintly English sentimentality has a curious appeal, I think.

There's also, frankly, too much Sharon Sheeley. There's no doubt that Eddie made a big impression on her. I'm not completely convinced that the opposite is true.

Where it really scores is the Larry Parnes connection. The tour, in a freezing, miserable British 'spring' (don't be fooled, this is winter!) seems all too monotonous. Joe Brown and Hal Carter have great little nuggets- common knowledge now, from this very source.

And seeing Stan Ross in the Gold Star control room is a treat.

Eddie's mum has the most poignant and painful moments. We are all someone's son and she never stopped missing her boy, snatched away so young.

This film turned me on to Eddie's music. I've got a lot to thank it for.
- Rated: 41 ↑
Aug 26, 2008 3:09 p.m. JC:

I remember watching that on tv too,i recorded it back then but have since had to copy it a few times onto other tapes!

I'll have to get that onto dvd,is it still available?
- Rated: 15 ↑
Aug 26, 2008 4:11 p.m. XRAYCAT:

awesome . and sting playing 3 steps to heaven! yea yoh
- Rated: 29 ↑
Aug 26, 2008 4:36 p.m. Shuie:

X-Ray,

Glad you watched it. We can talk about it tomorrow!
- Rated: 7 ↑
Aug 26, 2008 6:03 p.m. halweston:

It is a good documentory, and worth it for the clips of Eddie and the close up look on his guitar. I remember seeing it when it was first shown and never quite 'got' Sharon Sheeley's story, even then I'm afraid. There's an awful lot more to that, and one day it needs to be told properly.
- Rated: 29 ↑
Aug 26, 2008 7:04 p.m. Shuie:

Hey Hal,

How's you? Thanks for dropping in. Haven't seen you around for a while.

There really is some great footage of Eddie in this. There was a time, not that long ago where this film was the only place all these tv spots could be readily found. Alan Yentob did some good research to locate this. The sound clips are very well sourced, too- 'Strollin Guitar', the superior 'A' version of 'Milk Cow Blues' and 'White Lightning' are stand-out choices.

I've talked (and played) with Vince Eager and Big Jim Sullivan who both told me some things which conflict with Sharon's version of events, and other things besides, which tally with their quotes in your book. Vince is especially cagey, although he opened up a bit more when I spent a little time with him. He seems to be saving a lot for his own book.

Perhaps the biggest tragedy of Eddie's life is that he will be forever superglued to Gene Vincent, a man he eclipsed completely in achievement, humanity and ability.
- Rated: 7 ↑
Aug 26, 2008 7:19 p.m. halweston:

Hello Shuie - I'm well, thanks. Hope you're doing good. We had to be careful and my biggest regret is that we skirted around the issue as we didn't want to offend anyone. Basically, our book was a celebration of Cochran the musician. I have a shelf full of taped phone conversations with all of Eddie's close friends that tell a very different story to the Levis advert...
- Rated: 29 ↑
Aug 26, 2008 7:27 p.m. Shuie:

Hal,

I'd love to talk more with you on this, in P.M. if necessary. I'm a good friend of Bill Crittenden's, if you need a reference. He knows me by my real name, Adrian.

Whenever you're in the mood.
- Rated: 27 ↑
Aug 26, 2008 8:07 p.m. audiodrome:

It doesn't seem like his mother has any plans to sell his guitar. I love the part where she's demonstrating the Bigsby and it sounds like something snaps!
- Rated: 83 ↑
Aug 26, 2008 10:42 p.m. Deed Eddy:

Duane was in England, in April of 1960, on tour with Bobby Darin. He was able to spend quite a bit of time with Eddie and Sharon whenever their paths would cross on the road. They discussed their plans, all of them looking forward to seeing each other soon, back home in America, after their tours were finished.

Eddie and Sharon were particularly happy to tell Duane that they were engaged, Eddie introducing Sharon as his fiancee. There was no doubting their happiness, and there was no end to Sharon's heartbreak when she returned to the States alone.

She was his faithful champion until the day she died, and she earned her place next to him, where she lies now, forever.
- Rated: 9 ↑
Aug 27, 2008 7:59 a.m. Rock Lajoint:

Shuie said: Perhaps the biggest tragedy of Eddie's life is that he will be forever superglued to Gene Vincent, a man he eclipsed completely in achievement, humanity and ability.

Shuie, Isn't that a little harsh on Gene Vincent? He was an extremely able and talented vocalist who produced some classic tracks.
- Rated: 6 ↑
Aug 27, 2008 8:56 a.m. stuartm:

I think Eddie and Gene were very different performers each with great ability and certainly star qualities. I never saw Eddie Cochran perform live but I was at a perfomance of Gene Vincent's when he and the Shirelles were supporting acts to, top of the bill, Duane Eddy at the Liverpool Empire (1963 I think?). I was there to see Duane but that whole evening has lived in my memory ever since.
- Rated: 29 ↑
Aug 27, 2008 7:02 p.m. Shuie:

Rock La Joint, ya know...I agree with you. It was a harsh and unfair of me to knock Gene. Out of order.

They're just such disparate forces. Gene was in decline, too, whilst Ed's prospects looked so bright. Eddie seems to have been very considerate towards Gene. To me, Eddie is such a positive force. Gene's appeal comes from a darker place. I admire them both- but in a different way and for different reasons.

Hope I've expressed myself better this time.

Deed, your gentle words have quite pierced that little kernel of vague mistrust I've felt for Sharon. Perhaps it's that obsessional trait that she presented when talking about her relationship with Eddie. This man can't help but feel a bit wary of that kind of woman. If that is indeed the kind of woman she was. I hope you know what I mean.

Stuartm, that's one gig I wish I could have seen. Tell us about that gig, man! My father saw Gene and Eddie at the Glasgow Empire and saw Gene's shows several times after. Tell us about that gig, man!
- Rated: 7 ↑
Aug 29, 2008 6:03 a.m. halweston:

According to Tony Barrett from Rockstar Records, it is a cenotaph to Sharon Sheeley that is placed next to Eddie's grave. Her remains are buried elsewhere.
- Rated: 6 ↑
Sep 2, 2008 12:58 p.m. stuartm:

Hi Shuie, It was a great night and I don't remember the order of appearance on stage but I know Duane was the last act, as befitted his star billing. There was some delay between the acts coming on and I remember we heard a deep twang from behind the curtain and a great cheer went up in the theatre. The whole night was a highlight of my life and has remained high up there since. Duane Eddy has given me so much pleasure over so many years. The immense excitement of getting his latest single 45rpm record and the joy of the latest LP being released ... those thrills of youth .

Gene Vincent performed in his usual style that night with the mic stand as a support and his eyes looking up in to the air. The Shirelles were great too but as I said I was there to see Duane and I only wanted the other acts to be over so the main man could appear. Happy days ...

I wonder if Duane remembers that tour? I believe it as the time when US supporting musicians were having problems performing because of the trades unions here.

Stuart
- Rated: 83 ↑
Sep 2, 2008 2:11 p.m. Deed Eddy:

Duane remembers that tour very well, Stuart. It was a shock to be told that his band would not be able to work with him, as you can imagine. The tour began under difficult circumstances, as Duane's equipment had not arrived by opening night, and the promoter could not have cared less. But, the show must go on, as they say.

The Shirelles had finished their act, Gene Vincent had come offstage, and now it was time for Duane to go on. He came out from behind the curtain, carrying his gut string guitar. He spoke to the crowd, explaining that he was very sorry, but he would not be able to play his electic guitar as his amp had not arrived. He took questions from the audience, and he played a few tunes on the acoustic, adding that anyone who was unhappy could have their money refunded. Only two asked for their ticket price back.

Duane's band, The Rebels, were able to work on a few shows, but only because the "substitute" British group, The Flintstones, were late coming back from the pub!
- Rated: 6 ↑
Sep 2, 2008 4:00 p.m. stuartm:

Hi Deed, I think it must have been a night the substitute band stayed out of the pub that night in Liverpool, but strangely I have no recollection of seeing them. They must have been in the background somewhere. I have to admit to being somewhat star-struck and guess I was only interested in seeing Duane. It was 45years ago !! I do remember the bank of speakers and amplifiers behind Duane as he played.

It was a great night, the most exciting concert I was ever at and please pass on my very belated thanks to Duane for coming over, despite all the problems.

It's amazing to think that it was that year, '63, when the Beatles were to burst on the UK scene and may well have been playing in the Cavern Club just down the road from the Empire Theatre on that very night.
- Rated: 29 ↑
Sep 2, 2008 5:05 p.m. Shuie:

Musician's Union rules were very strict at this time. American acts found it very difficult to bring their backing bands over which is one reason why the very competent Sounds Incorporated got so much of the backing work for visiting U.S. acts in England.

It's a wonder how Bill Haley and Buddy Holly managed to bring their bands over. Perhaps they were booked as 'The Comets' and 'The Crickets' with no reference to the singer, at least until the publicity took over...

At any rate, when Eddie Cochran was in England, he was prohibited from bringing his road band, 'The Kelly Four' over for the tour. He was supplied with Marty Wide's backing group, 'The Wildcats'. This was a talented group by the standards of the time with Brian Bennett on drums, Liquorice Locking on bass (both 'Shadows'-to-be), Jim Sullivan (prolific sessioneer- check him out) and Tony Belcher on guitars. Eddie was fastidious in rehearsals, taking great pains to ensure the band had the right sound, to the extent of playing Bennett's drums to demonstrate the syncopated bass drum patterns essential to his music, which hadn't been seen by Brian until this point.

Eddie seemed to struggle with the flatulent British amplifiers, especially on the 'Saturday Club' sessions, where his voice also sounds tired.

It's no wonder Duane wanted his own amp and rued the backing bands, likely assembled with little care by the promoters. English rock 'n' roll bands tend (with some notable exceptions) to make up in enthusiasm what they lack in finesse.

Mrs Shuie's mum saw Duane on more than one occasion, in and around Grantham in the mid-sixties. She recalls the Drill Hall and the cinema in Grantham itself and Boston Aerodrome. There were a lot of American airmen stationed in the area at the time, which may explain the profusion of U.S. acts booked to appear in that part of England.

Stuartm, your recollections are great. Keep 'em coming.
- Rated: 83 ↑
Sep 2, 2008 7:41 p.m. Deed Eddy:

Stuartm said: It's amazing to think that it was that year, '63, when the Beatles were to burst on the UK scene and may well have been playing in the Cavern Club just down the road from the Empire Theatre on that very night.

George told us that they went to the show at The Empire, in Liverpool, in 1960. Duane was staying at The Adelphi Hotel, an elegant Victorian place, so very posh that a string quartet was playing in the lobby! George explained that "We hung around outside, hoping to see Duane, as they would have tossed us out of the door for not being properly attired!"

By November, 1963, The Beatles were having a bit of a tough time living a "normal" life. They played the Royal Command Performance on November 8, 1963, and we know how crazy it had gotten by that time.

Duane sends you his very best, Stuart, and thanks for your kind words.
- Rated: 83 ↑
Sep 2, 2008 7:56 p.m. Deed Eddy:

Duane's first tour, in 1960, caused quite a sensation, and the fact that he brought his band (no Union problems, yet) was obviously so important. So many people that saw that tour remarked how amazing it was that the live sound was "exactly like the records!"

The British backing group, The Flintstones, featured Terry Slater on bass, who years later would become President of EMI Records. One of the opening acts was Mickie Most, who became an incredibly successful record producer (The Animals, Herman's Hermits, Donovan...).
- Rated: 212 ↑
Sep 2, 2008 9:01 p.m. Proteus:

Thank you all for sharing these intimate recollections here; it makes a time of legend a bit more accessible and real.

Again, what an privilege and treasure it is to have such near access (in Duane via Deed) to a living legend who was part of it all.

It was a magic time for all involved, I'm sure - and some of that magic transfers when the rest of us read about it.
- Rated: 58 ↑
Sep 2, 2008 9:22 p.m. yettoblaster:

Hear hear!