BOB PEARCE - KING OF THE BLUES

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If you have read my own biography page as well as my memories of the Southampton pop group scene of the early Sixties on Call Up the Groups then you might wish to learn about Bob Pearce. He is good pal of mine whose own career was influenced by the R&B boom around 63/64 which was heavily influenced by the likes of the Rolling Stones, Yardbirds and other similar British bands that were playing electric blues. The Beatles had also been playing obscure American R&B covers for some years mixed with their usual output but the 'new wave' of blues influenced bands introduced us to the gritty earthy US artistes such as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Howling Wolf and many more.

Around the time of my own first group - the Abdo-Men, I also got to know of Bob Pearce and his own first band called The Footprints formed around 1964 and the 'Southern Roots' (SR) information shows this lineup:

I have been pals with Bob since those days and he has recently sent me some info plus some old photos including this rare faded photograph below!

This picture was taken at the Carousel Club, a well known venue near Bevois Valley Southampton and Bob gives this lineup as indicated on the photo. Prior to Terry Gilmore, the drumstool was filled by Colin Herriot and Mick Pink according to Bob and the SR notes.

Aldermoor School- old Nissen Huts still used as temporary classrooms and Youth Clubs!

Mick Pink (drums) Bob Stone (bass) Paul Beard (gtr) Denny Witt (gtr) Bob - top right

Footprints - we believe that the gear was all repossessed so the lads had to make do with temporary instruments........

February 2014- Big thanks to former Footprint Mick Pink who has dug up some more great publicity shots taken in the early days so here they are!

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Just look at the massive fees charged by the Footprints! Split 4 or 5 ways after the 10% agency commission

The Footprints were a terrific driving R&B sound and Bob Pearce being the perfect frontman with terrific blues harmonica skills - it was just something that we both picked up and were able to bend notes plus knocking out extended solos mixed in with the usual ad-lib improvised guitar breaks. Bob left the Footprints when being 'poached' by another well known band Quik, a splinter band of the top local MeddyEvils as documented on my other group pages. Bob rehearsed with this new band at the old Waterfront Club at the Cliff Hotel Woolston near the river Itchen and old 'floating bridges' that clanked their way across the water to Southampton centre etc. After a week, Bob wasn't too happy with the change of direction and returned to the Footprints where he was more at home with the blues based sound. SR lists one record made, but not released: - 'Pretty Thing/It Ain't Necessarily So' a driving Bo Diddley track coupled with the old standard showtune that many bands did at that time (along with Summertime etc) Bob may have regretted this, as shortly after- the Quik went on to tour Europe and release some very worthy singles although they didn't crack the record charts.

After more Footprints times, Bob moved across to manage a new band who were formed out of the old YoYos and called Brother Bung (a type of sweet pickle!) with Bob replacing Mike Barfoot on vocals

During 1967/1968, the music scene was gradually changing from R&B into more 'progressive' sounds and Brother Bung, like many others, were being influenced by the new wave of 'supergroups' like Cream and Traffic etc. Bob groomed this new band into a three piece after sacking Mike Barfoot, but then taking over as new lead vocalist as requested by the other lads. However, there was some eventual friction as Bob was then treated as 'one of the lads' by the other musicians and his authority as manager became sidelined. More rare pics-the double B&W image showing Roger then Bob and Kevin below plus a baby-faced Roger in action!

'Mister You're a Better Man Than I/She Belongs To Me' in 1968. This was a cover of a Yardbirds single, coupled with the Bob Dylan song (?)

Things came to a head, when the lads refused to listen to any advice from Bob and so the friction built up, as well as musical differences before resulting in him leaving the band. Shortly after, history was repeated when Brother Bung transformed into Fresh - a new band that had some degree of success on the university circuits. Fresh also released two acclaimed LPS on the RCA label in 1970/71 before breaking up and seeing the musicians going onto join other local bands over the next few years. It was great to have met up with Roger on last year's Brownhills Stamp Duty reunion bash and he is still drumming up a storm after all these years!

Bob's first love was and still is blues-based and his main musical output has not wavered over the last forty years and you may wish to take a look at this other fan website to learn more about his musical success over the years. He has appeared with many of the top R&B stars and in several countries so take a look at this link to find out more about this very talented musician whom I am proud to call a friend and musical colleague.

Just click on this record label below, which will give you a basic outline of what Bob has been up to in recent years as one of the most respected musicians in the business. His dedication to the blues is well known and documented - just do some internet searching and you will find quite a few references to Southampton's own King of the Blues!

By the way- doesn't he look like a young Anthony Quinn!! Also, they do say that 'behind every great man is a woman' In Bob's case, he has had the love and support of his lovely wife Brenda over the decades - it's not easy putting up with the likes of us entertainers and musicians as we are not like other people (civilians) Apart from his amazing harmonica skills, blues tinged voice he also plays superb open tuning guitar plus bottleneck slide technique as well although he has tended to wind down his appearances of late.

I will add more info and pictures in due course - Bob has promised to raid his loft and dig out some old stuff like many other musicians over the last few years of my website!

Bob Stone (bass) Bob Pearce (voc/harm) Paul Beard (leadgtr) Denny Witt (rhytgtr)

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Saturday 20th September 2008 - Press release and poster for a special night.

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I was not able to attend due to my Midlands work commitments but heard that it was a terrific night! This is just one of many quotes from a member of the audience:

"It was the first time I had been in this church and it looked beautiful with the light from candles all round the sills; it was such a warm atmosphere. I enjoyed Bob Pearce and his band very much, Bob engaged with the audience and made me feel part of the evening, his stories and chat were very interesting and he talked with inner warmth.

Light refreshments were served in the hall at interval time from a group of ladies whom had a smile for all and a very long queue to get through.The concert continued with a mixture of soul rock and gospel. I wanted too get up and dance, but felt slightly uncomfortable at first being in church but the music and the atmosphere was friendly warm and it didn't take long for the dancing to start! It was a great evening and I came away with a smile on my face. Thank you"

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Another report:

"Blues in the Pews" - Bob Pearce at St Denys’ Church Saturday 20th Sept 2008

After 30 years in the blues industry, Bob Pearce continues to entertain music lovers in the South

St Denys’ Church, Dundee Rd, Southampton, invited the legendary Bob Pearce to perform in the 2nd of their 3 September concerts celebrating their 140th Anniversary. His performance, at this new up and coming venue, was spectacular, as he performed a selection of old and new gospel and blues songs, which had the 200 strong eclectic audience dancing in the aisles.

This Grade II listed building, considered by some, to acoustically be the best new live venue in the area, welcomed all ages to hear Bob test out the next stage of his music ministry. The audience heard songs from his new album ‘Making My Way Back Home’, playing the opening track ‘That Was Then This is Now’ together with old favourites such as ‘Johnny B Goode’, which closed the hugely successful show.

Carol Bunday

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ST DENYS CHURCH - THE PHOTOS

Photos courtesy of Ann MacGillivray – www.solutions-southampton.co.uk

Ann MacGillivray took these St Denys photos just for fun, as a member of the audience but is an accomplished professional in her own right. She has her own very successful PR/Marketing firm based in Southampton and can be contacted through her own website: www.solutions-southampton.co.uk

Ann was really surprised to see Bob 'Duck-Walking' down the aisle, which must be a first in any church! We are both old Chuck Berry fans and I'm sorry to have missed this as well- I doubt if he would do the same at say a funeral though.......

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29 May 2009- Once again- back by public demand!

Here is the poster from that show

Saturday 20th June 2009- £5 for an amazing night!

PRESS RELEASE:

We are delighted to announce that Bob Pearce is playing another full show at St Denys Church - Saturday 20th June 2009

An evening of Blues and Gospel with Bob Pearce On Saturday, June 20th 2009, one of Southampton’s hidden architectural gems - St Denys Church - hosts another evening of Blues and Gospel with the irrepressible Bob Pearce. During his three year ‘retirement’ from the business shortly after the 1998 release of “Why Am I Hollerin”, and with his reputation as king of the Home Cooked Blues intact, Bob Pearce reflected on his faith and his career in music. Inspired by his love for Jesus, and with the loyal support of Blues Etc, Bob returned to the studio to record 2005’s “Unchained" - his first album as a Christian artist.

In 2007, Bob and his friends recorded a second album of gospel songs “Making My Way Back Home” (FPCD011) and resumed a selected programme of dates around the Solent.Bob Pearce continues to promote his testimony through music, alongside favoured blues tracks from his extensive career, playing regularly at venues in Southampton and in churches, with a full band.

St Denys Church continues its development as a music and live performance venue with a series of concerts throughout the summer.

October 2008 continued: Bob dug out some more old pics and here they are!

Bob and ''Papa' John Livermore 1969

British Blues Review

Due South magazine 1982

Promo cards

Dutch based promotion card

The Midnights/Dave Dee/Footprints High Grades? Companions Promis Klix

Footprints The Nite People Mixed publicity

The Quik - Pete Hunt at front

John Roberts, Bruce Roberts (no relation) John Rennie, Pete Hunt, Alex ? (played Hammond)

Misc tickets etc

'Showbiz' weddings!

Lead singer Ramon Taylor of The Daisies

Plus drummer of my last band- The Script/The End- Tony Burnette (best man = Graham Medley!) I took the wedding pics too.

The Earth Angels -managed by Bob and I was their lead vocals/harmonica in 1966

Roy Cooper (gtr) Mel Day (Voc) Derek Edmonds (drms) Ernie Fagg (bass) Barry Morrow (gtr)

This photograph below - taken by Nigel Grundy outside one of Portsmouth's great venues and he has just got in touch with me.

Check out his superb work at www.imagesafloat.com Nigel is now looking through old files and hopes to send some more great pictures that he took back in the Sixties

Brother Bung with Bob

Roger Chantler (drms) Bob Gorman (gtr) Kevin Francis (bass) Bob

Bob Pearce Blues Band-one of many line-ups

Ron Calloway (bass) Stuart Barnes (drms) Bob P and Jon Lawrence (gtr

Bob Howard-sadly died in an accident at Ocean Village Southampton 1988

More great photos and posters below- just waiting for more info/dates etc

Royal Pier Southampton Cellar Club Poole

The Waterfront Club - Cliff Hotel Woolston Southampton Top Rank Suite Southampton 1982

Royal Pier Mountbatten Theatre Southampton 1983

Top Twenty Club Chippenham (see Bridgwater links)

MARCH 2010-E-MAIL:

Hi David,

I found your biography on Bob Pearce on the net and was amazed at his success, but not really surprised. I came to Australia from Southampton in 1967 After reading your article my memories started to return. Back in 1957-58? and during the school holidays local kids would get together in an area we called the ‘Dump’ and we played soccer, cricket or made up games. Bob lived on one side of the ‘Dump’ in Olive Rd as did Michael Linden; I was on the other side in Coxford Drove.

I remember playing with a few other kids and it was suggested that we should form a group. (Skiffle was big and so was Elvis) The names that I remember were Bobby Pearce, Michael Linden, one other and myself - Barri Morland.

A box was used for a drum, an old tea chest and a stick with a string for a bass. The band lasted about three days, there was a major rift because the leader was very serious about the band and did not appreciate the others messing around, and so (Bobby) was showing the start of his professional talents even then.

When Bobby started the Foot Prints and was playing local gigs, I was driving around the streets of Southampton in a black 1948 Vauxhall Velox with Canary Yellow wheels. (good for pulling the girls) In the rear window was a poster stuck on a piece of plywood, on the poster there were two feet up and two down with the caption – ‘BOBBY PEARCE AND THE FOOT PRINTS’ In small print it had his address in Olive Rd, this was before anyone had a telephone. SEE BELOW

I do hope that my advertising was helpful in his career and if Bob considers that it was, he could always send me a cheque. In about 2005-06 I had the pleasure of meeting Bob's wife and some other people at a Shirley Warren School reunion, unfortunately Bob was not there, he attended another school.

Since I have discovered the older Bob Pearce I'm trying very hard to locate Bob's recordings. If you are reading this Bob, I was kidding about the cheque, records would be fine.

I hope life has been kind to you, (how's your memory)

Fondest regards, Barri Morland.

The Footprints - first business card

State of the art advertising eh?

BOB PEARCE WEBSITE AT:

www.bobpearce.co.uk

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MARCH 2013-Da book!

‘Beginning To Beginning’? An unusual title for an autobiography, unless you know Bob Pearce and will be aware of his amazing story that covers half a century in the music business as a much respected Blues man. I have known Bob from the times when we were both starting out as long-haired lead singers with Southampton ‘r&b’ bands as we were labelled in the Beat Boom of 1964. On both sides of town - we ‘covered the covers’ of classic blues numbers, inspired by the Rolling Stones, Yardbirds, Pretty Things, Alexis Korner and many more. We sang the blues, played our harmonicas and shook our maraccas in the style of those exciting times, although I then went with the flow of the ever changing commercial pop music scene for the next few years. Bob Pearce was -and is - firmly rooted in the original blues scene and has become well known throughout the UK and overseas with live shows, recordings alongside many star names of the genre.

Bob’s book was actually started back in 1982 when a pal suggested he should ‘write his story’ but it got shelved for another 30 years until finally hitting the bookstores. In that time, Bob was able to make the effort and I enjoyed reading it from cover to cover as it struck many a chord with its early Hampshire content but then progressed through the following years. Incredible details of his family background, performing and managing local 60s groups are mixed with hilarious stories that offer a personal insight into life ‘on the road’ as many bands criss-crossed the country in beat up old vans, cars or even buses to nearby dance halls! The story then moves onto his varied career as a leading bluesman over the next 30 years as well as his new ‘beginning’ which changed his life yet again.

The comprehensive back pages contain a nostalgic list of Southern venues, discography plus names of many top rated musicians who have formed the nucleus of an ever changing line-up headed by Bob Pearce. Although it has a ‘local appeal’ in some ways, it also makes a great read for anyone who enjoys the stories behind the spotlights and especially written by the first person narrative! This book has been professionally published with some great photos throughout and I thoroughly recommend it, especially purchased direct from the author as it would be priced much higher in retail outlets!

Available direct from Bob Pearce- only £7 + £3 p&p- contact him on: bookings@bobpearce.co.uk

Official website:

If you live in Southampton you can collect in person (Lordshill) or at any gig

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