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Last Updated 29 September 2011 12:13

BORN HERE

Michael Crawford, Salisbury, 19 January 1942
Well, I suppose I should say 'some mothers do 'ave 'em', and this one was 'ad 'ere and Christened Michael Dumble-Smith. Better known as an actor he had a hit single with Sarah Brightman with that song from 'Phantom Of The Opera'

David ‘Dave Dee’ Harman, Salisbury, 17 December 1943
As a police cadet David Harman was one of the first on the scene when Eddie Cochran was killed on the A4 near Chippenham in April 1960)

Michael ‘Mick’ Wilson, Salisbury, 4 March 1944
Mick Wilson later worked as a driving instructor in Salisbury

Ian ‘Tich’ Amey, Enford, 15 May 1944

John ‘Beaky’ Dymond, Salisbury, 10 July 1944

Trevor ‘Dozy’ Davies – Enford, 27 November 1944

Ray ‘Ugli’ Teret (Radio Caroline DJ), Salisbury.
Ugli’s main on-air theme tune was ‘Jungle Fever’ by The Tornados but he also used ‘The Ugly Bug Ball’ by Burl Ives. His sister Janet fell in love with Caroline DJ Mick Luvzit and they were involved in offshore radio's first and only on-air wedding on 20 September 1966.

Kenny Minnear (of Gentle Giant)

Brian Protheroe (later better known as an actor but had a big hit with ‘Pinball’ in 1974)

Jazz legend Andy Sheppard is from Salisbury and has a site at www.andysheppard.co.uk

Colin Newman (of Wire) – Salisbury, 16 September 1954.

Keith James (Singer/songwriter, who made four now collectable albums in the early eighties), Salisbury.

Dave Hitchins
The former Bishop Wordsworth's School pupil moved back to Salisbury in 2000 having spent the 80s and 90s living in Surrey and playing in increasingly good rock and indie bands including stints playing live with Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Rick Wakeman and Feargal Sharkey. His latest project is Mama Huhu and he invites you to take a peek at http://www.myspace.com/mamahuhumusic or http://www.amazing- tunes.com/artistHome.aspx?hID=511.

LIVED HERE

I’m not really intending to give out celebrities’ addresses here – but the local people know where they are/were.....

Sting and Trudi Styler
Best local gossip about the weirdies at the big house: Sting would often take his house guests, such as Bruce Springsteen, to local boozers for a few games of pool followed by a late night feast at the nearest kebab van. In his book 'The PR Strikes Back' Keith Altham recounts a number of embarrassing brushes with celebrities at Gordy and Trude's wedding anniversary party at the house.

Robert Fripp and Toyah
Best local gossip about the weirdies at the big house: Toyah records were on almost perpetual repeat play on the Hi- Fi

Madonna and Guy Ritchie.
On 16 August 2005 Madonna spent part of her 47th birthday at Salisbury District Hospital after falling off a horse (which was apparently a present from her husband). She suffered three cracked ribs, a broken collarbone and a broken hand.

Mick Fleetwood’s Mum

Lemmy 'Motorhead' Kilminster’s Mum

DIED HERE

In January 1986, while having a go at drying out in Clouds House near East Knoyle, Phil Lynott was taken into Salisbury Infirmary and sadly died there at the age of 36. He was suffering from pneumonia, heart failure, kidney malfunction and severe liver deterioration. Legend has it that just before he passed a nurse heard him whispering, and as she leant towards him to hear more clearly she realised he was singing ‘My Way’. For all his personal problems Phil Lynott was a great talent and a proper rock’n’roll star. There really ought to be a blue plaque up there now.

THE GIGS THAT GOT AWAY

Jerry Lee Lewis was due to play at the Gaumont on 21 June 1958, but this date was part of the schedule for the tour where The Killer was sent home in disgrace after marrying his teenaged cousin. The Treniers took his place as headliners.

Eddie Cochran was due to have appeared at the Gaumont Theatre on 6 May 1960 as part of his double header tour with Gene Vincent. He was of course tragically killed in a car crash on the A4 near Chippenham in April, and was replaced by Jerry Keller.

I once heard a rumour once that the Sex Pistols had Salisbury pencilled in as part of their anonymous ‘SPOTS’ tour in 1977 – can you imagine the reaction?.

Another rumour but who knows? The story goes that the Students Union where offered Dexys Midnight Runners for the College of Technology’s 1980 Xmas dance. Dexys had a huge smash that year with ‘Geno’ but the Union bods opted to go with the now unmentionabale Gary Glitter. Few tickets were sold and the gig was pulled.

Black Grape and Dodgy were due to headline an open-air bash at Hudsons Field in the early 1990s. The licence application was turned down.

Ryan Adams was due to play a show at Stonehenge as part of the 2007 Salisbury International Arts Festival. The show was cancelled because organisers hadn't anticipated the high demand for tickets.....for the first popular music event at Stonehenge in more than twenty years.....like, hellooooo.....

SONG AND ALBUM TITLES AND SLEEVES

'Salisbury Plain' is an old folk song recorded by Mr Fox, Saffron Summerfield, Elmer Gantrys Velvet Opera and Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick. Another folk song 'The Earl of Salisbury' has been recorded by Pentangle, John Renbourn and The BBC Symphony Orchestra.

Richie Havens released an album called 'Stonehenge' (Verve VLP 6021 - 1969)

Ten Years After took the heads obsession with the tumbledown circle a step further and released the album ‘Stonedhenge’ (Deram DML 1029 - 1969)

Uriah Heep released an album called ‘Salisbury’ (released on Vertigo 6360 028 in 1971)

Mike Oldfield recorded a track entitled 'Woodhenge'

Spinal Tap recorded a song called ‘Stonehenge’

The Levellers recorded ‘The Battle Of The Beanfield’, about a confrontation between police and travellers at an early 80s Stonehenge Festival.

Shots of Stonehenge have appeared on the following covers:
Out Of The Past Vol 1 (A Jot Records doo wop compilation album)
The Association (album by The Association) (Warner Brothers W(S) 1800 - 1969)
Holy Magick (album by Graham Bond) (Vertigo 6360 021 – 1971)
The Soft Boys' 'Only The Stones Remain' 7" single (Armageddon AS 029 - 1981) and album (Armageddon BYE 1 - 1982)
Lola (7" single by Cud)

There was an obscure 1960s American band named The Druids of Stonehenge. They have had an EP reissued on Sundazed records.

THE BEATLES ON THE PLAIN

From 3 to 5 May 1965 the Beatles were filming part of the ‘Help!’ movie at Knighton Down near Larkhill. The fabs booked in at the Antrobus Arms in Amesbury at 11.20pm on Sunday the 2nd and departed during the afternoon of Thursday the 6th. A lot of filming was completed including an open- air mimed performance of 'I Need You' amongst troops from the real-life 3 Division, which was at the time using the Plain for exercises. The Antrobus recently underwent a change in ownership and the new people have revamped one of the rooms with a Beatles theme.As well as the film, various stills have appeared of The Beatles on The Plain, including on a French EP cover that can be seen at www.rateyourmusic.com/list/snellius/bea tles__french_discography___eps

THE IVY LEAGUE AT THE CATHEDRAL

Gordon Griffiths: ‘In December 1965 the Ivy League, who’d had one or two hits, issued a Christmas EP on the Piccadilly label, called ‘The Holly and The Ivy League’. A promotional film, probably for Top of the Pops, was recorded in the Cloisters in the Cathedral. I remember going to watch the filming as a (young) reporter for the Salisbury Times, which carried a picture and short piece. It was a grey, misty morning, suggesting it was during the preceding November or October. http://www.oocities.com/fabgear6366/ivyl eague.htm links to a page which lists the tracks on the EP'.
More From Gordon: ‘I've been able to check it out, and I'm glad to say the memory was pretty accurate - Searching the Salisbury Times for something else I found my brief report, appearing in the "Here and There" column, written under the nom de plume Christopher, with two photos. It is headed (quite inaccurately!) "Guitars and drums in Cloisters" and says the Ivy League were filming two carols, The Holly and the Ivy and Good King Wenceslas, for the Christmas Day edition of Day by Day (the Southern TV news magazine programme introduced by Barry Westwood, I think). The date of the paper was 10 December 1965 (which would have been a Friday) and it says the recording was the previous Monday. So I was a month or so out, but that's not bad after 45 years!’

SOME STUFF THAT WON'T FIT IN ELSEWHERE

23558538 Gunner Ravenscroft J (that's John Peel to you and I) was one of many thousands to have completed a part of his National Service with the Royal Artillery at Larkhill.

One of the promo clips for John and Yoko's 'Happy Xmas - War Is Over' includes some footage of the Cathedral.

Between leaving Deep Purple in 1973 and forming his own band in 1975, Ian Gillan concentrated on business matters including investing in a motorcycle business in Salisbury

Mark Price (later of All About Eve) was the kid seen pushing his bike in the ‘Hovis’ advert filmed at Gold Hill in Shaftesbury

Billy Bragg’s song ‘Island Of No Return’ includes the lines ‘After all this it won’t be the same, messing about on Salisbury Plain’.

Andrew Collins’ biography of Billy Bragg (‘Still Suitable For Miners’) makes a passing reference to a ‘dirty weekend’ in Salisbury (or was it ‘a bunk up’ – I can’t remember now).

Kate Bush's 'Sat In Your Lap' has a lyric about going to a monastery in Salisbury or something or other.

The BRIT award presented to the KLF for ‘Best British Group’ of 1992, was later ‘found’ buried in a field near Stonehenge.

Whilst on probation in November 2007, Pete Doherty of Babyshambles and ex- Libertines fame paid a visit to the Sharp Practice tattoo parlour. He wanted an anchor done but the shop staff were too busy to fit him in without an appointment. He later visited the Kludo bar where he stuck to tomato juice.

Former Blur bassist and modern day blessed cheesemaker Alex James was a panel member on BBC One's 'Question Time' recorded at the City Hall on 24 January 2008 and broadcast later that very same evening.

REM's critically acclaimed 2008 album 'Accelerate' includes a track called 'Living Well Is The Best Revenge'. The song title is taken from a line by George Herbert, the Metaphysical poet who was the Parson of Bemerton between 1630 and 1633.

In July 2010 Status Quo filmed the video for a revamped version of In The Army Now at Bulford Camp – all proceeds from the single will go to charity: the British Forces Foundation and Help For Heroes.

In the extras on the DVD version of the rather brilliant 'Oil City Confidential', Wilko Johnson makes a passing reference to Salisbury when talking about a pre- fame Dr Feelgood being enlisted wholesale to back Heinz on a tour of the west country.

LOCAL VENUES

Alex Disco – Was at the Alexandra Rooms in New Street

Black Pig – Milford Street, hosted a heap of thrashy-punk-ska gigs during 2001 to 2003.

The Chapel- Gert big night club in Milford Street.

Churchill Gardens – The Skate Park was the venue for the Salisbury Skate & Mosh, Skate Park, 2001.

City Hall (formerly The Odeon) – Municipal War Memorial in Fisherton Street. See Wha'sson and buy tickets at www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk

College of Technology – Educational establishment in Southampton Road - usually the main hall, but the students common room has also been used for gigs

Downton Memorial Hall - Does exactly what it says on the nameplate - a hall opened as the village war memorial circa 1920. During the 60s there were bands playing here almost every week - more of which in our book.....and then later......Tony Clayden: 'I put on a concert in Downton Memorial Hall in 1979 or 80 with three punk bands who's names I can't for the life of me remember. One was one of Pete Hancock's bands from Bishop's school, another was Ian Palmer's cousin's band and the third was a band from the Fordingbridge area - all punk bands and quite an eye opener for the mostly Downton teens that turned up!'

Fisherton Arms – Public house in Fisherton Street

The Gallery Club – Based in Fisherton Street Conservative Club from 1998 to 2000.

Gaumont (now The Odeon Cinema) – New Canal

The Grange (later Concordes night club, the site has now been redeveloped for housing) – St Marks Avenue

The High Post, night clubby effort on the road between Salisbury and Amesbury

The Mill – Big trendy cavern of a ‘pub’ in Fisherton Street, somewhat implausibly played host to an Anti Nowhere League gig.

Old Ale House - Public house in Crane Street

Reuben Langfords (now Mr Chesils) – Wine bar in Fisherton Street

Old Sarum - Indie band Cud played in the car park once. The castle probably hosted shows by wandering minstrels until an arrow was fired into the meadows to the south

Royal George - Public house in Bedwin Street

Salisbury Arts Centre – Bedwin Street. See Wha'sson and buy tickets at www.salisburyarts centre.co.uk

Sarum 76 - Sort of community/youth club effort in Brown Street. Tony Clayden: 'He (Tony's brother Vincent) organised a concert with The Kitchens, The Mental (including members from the later Subhumans), Sterile Androids, Kinetic NRG Irritations on Saturday 26 January 1980 at Sarum 76. A load of Hells Angels turned up and were going to start a ruckus until they saw the size of some of the punks at the concert!'

The Tavern – Endless Street.

LOCAL RECORD SHOPS

Dereks - Tiny place opposite Marksies in the Old George Mall

Rods Records – Was above the Fisherton Arms in Fisherton Street

Stand Out – Fisherton Street

Subway Records, New Canal – Gaz: 'Possibly Salisbury's greatest record shop. I spent many days upstairs off my trolley and this was the venue for a pre-Royal Wedding get together before celebrating Charles and Diana's wedding by getting 'situated' at the Arts Centre. Not sure where he is now but Jed (Blake?)(could be Ged Babey – ace punk reviwer for ‘Record Collector’?) who used to work at Subway produced a regular fanzine in the Southampton area.' Vince Clayden also worked here for most of the shop's existence.

Suttons – Endless Street

Wilmers – A clothes shop in Catherine Street that had a little rack of punky type singles

LOCAL FANZINES

100% ATTITUDE – Late 1990s-2002. Edited by Gaz who says: 'Sporadic but eventually about ten issues were printed. The fanzine folded after death threats and threats of violence from far right extremist groups after an article about the elections and the influx of the NF and BNP in the south of England! This fanzine covered the local music scene, theatre, politics, a bit of sport and anything that would wind people up.'

CHANNEL 4 - 1978-79 - Edited by Tim Aylet, who put the Adam and The Ants gig on at the College and went on to manage The Glaxo Babies.

DEFENDERS OF ROCK – Late 1980s Metal mag based in Fovant

GRAVEDIGGER – Garage/Psych/Frat/Mod type thing based in Landford and edited by Mojo from The Nuthins. Mojo is now based in London and produces a highly respected garage rock magazine called ‘Shindig’ (also available online I believe).

IGNITE - 1976-78 - Anybody got any old copies of this? I would love to look at one. Edited by Richard and Nancy from the Art College, who can probably lay claim to being Salisbury's first punks. Richard was photographed (with Gareth and Michelle - more Salisbury based students) by Caroline Coon in the queue for a gig at the 100 Club in Big London.

POINT OF VIEW – Early 80s second/third wave of Punk (UK Subs etc).

PRAMZINE - Seems to have been a one off connected with the early 80s band called The Prams.

THE SECOND COMING, which later became THE RAMBLER – Downton based 80s and 90s ‘lifestyle’ fanzines for blokes. Extensive musical content.

THREE LEGGED STOOL - Early 80s. Published by brainy nippers at BWS including Jon Gurney.

VAGUE - 1979-84 - Sheer brilliance. Initially Salisbury based and collectively edited by Steve 'Tom Vague' Thomas, Perry 'M' Harris, Chris 'The Kid' Johnson (later a member of All About Eve), Iggy Zevenbergen, Jane Austin, Sharon Clarkson and Christine 'Taz' Nugent. Tom later took more control and Vague became a seminal post-punk publication before eventually turning into an annual-ish compendium on various aspects of social and political revolution. Mr Vague also wrote for ZigZag for a bit and has completed an online history of pop culture in Notting Hill, where I believe he now resides.

WOBBLY JELLY – Early 90s indie - some connection with the Jane From Occupied Europe/7% fraternity if memory serves.

OTHER RECORDS

Salisbury Cathedral Choir recordings incude: An English Choristers Songbook; Carols From Salisbury; Music From Salisbury Cathedral; Sing Choirs Of Angels; Anthems From Salisbury.

Chris Dearnley, Richard Tear and Michael Murray are Salisbury Cathedral organists who have made records.

The St Johns Singers and Salisbury Brass Ensemble recorded 'Wassail - A Celebration of Christmas'.

The Salisbury Festival Chorus appear on John Surman's 'Proverbs and Songs' album.

The Salisbury based youth choir En Masse appear on Isla St Clair's CD of Scottish music 'Amazing Grace - Anthems To Inspire'.

Woodfalls Band albums include 'The Woodfalls Band' and 'Woodfalls Brass'.

Salisbury Operatic Society produced an LP to mark its diamond anniversary in 1968.

Brief extracts from the Oak Apple Day ceremony, when villagers from Great Wishford go to Salisbury Cathedral for their service and proclaim their rights to collect wood from Grovely, were recorded in 1951 and issued along with some other Wiltshire folk music on the Folktrax label.

'A Portion Of Jethro', a cassette and video release by the Cornish comedian Jethro, was partially recorded live at the City Hall.

I love this! - The 'Bulleid Pacifics' EP (Argo Transcord AF 87) (1965) Features recordings of steam trains at various west country stations, including Merchant Navy Class Pacific No. 35023 'Holland Afrika Line' leaving Salisbury for London in February 1956. The front cover features Merchant Navy Pacific No. 35022 waiting to leave Salisbury.

Another cracking item - When Viscount Montgomery was given the freedom of the City in 1949, his speech was preserved on a gramophone record, now held by the Wiltshire and Swindon Records Office.