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The early days

Well as they say, ‘when I was a lad…..’

My very first attempt at trying to be musical was probably a feeble effort in sucking an’ blowing (pardon the pun!) on this little gem called a GOB IRON (Harmonica.)  Every household seemed to hold one of these infectious little devices.  They were usually put through their paces by merry fathers' on returning from the pub full of keg and inner musical splendor, but in the process, driving the dog berserk to a rendition of Z Cars or the National Anthem and the like.

My first love though was the drums, and for a short while I had a shot at playing a side drum in the local ‘Orange Lodge’ marching band.  This however, came to a very abrupt end when they realized, my then girlfriend, was of Catholic religion.   Ashamed at my lack of knowledge on religion and current world affairs, it was time to quit.

In about 1975/76 there was a pub in Workington on the go called The Matador.  A few of us used to hang around outside on the hot summer evenings, usually glugging on a bottle of Vimto or Dandelion ‘n’ Burdock, listening to the band ‘Nerves’ blasting out their favorite tunes, and Frank Halls’ relentless battering drum solo’s into the early hours.  On a rare occasion we managed to sneak in past this angry looking guy called Rodney.  Wot great memorable days!!!!!!

In time to come we all started to get into the pubs and clubs, going to places like the renowned Slypt Disc on Hagg Hill where a lot of great bands played (eventually got to play there with the band ‘Breaker’).

Not to be outdone in my pursuit of musical happiness, at the age of 17 a second hand drum kit was purchased at Northern Sounds in Workington off laal Bri.  Dad helped me get them back home in the back of his old Vauxhall Viva.  They were carried down the cellar, set up and proudly given a gleaming polish.  No.5 York Street was never to be the same until father hastily soundproofed the joint.   Then, after weeks of practice to Barrie White, ELO, Rolling Stones records etc. etc., a bloke came along to the house and offered me the resident drummers slot in the Station Road WMC backing the weekend ‘Shittie Pipe O’ Singers.  This turned out to be invaluable experience because in the coming months I went on to join my first band – Breaker – with four other local lads – Ian Galbraith (bass), Paul Smith (lead), Graham Ball (keyboards) and Vice Goodwin (singer) who was later replaced by Wilson Hewer of Parton.   Alan Riddick also played with us for a while.

Breaker played the North West clubs mainly and was nominated to contest the Pub Entertainer of the Year in Rochdale, managing a respectable ‘third’……

Eventually like all good things we broke up and went our separate ways in life.  The drum kit stood in a corner in the parlour for ages and was reluctantly sold to help pay for an engagement ring or for my forthcoming marriage (can’t remember which!!!!)

The missing years……

Music took a back seat due to rearing a young family for what seemed to be a lifetime, but, on the odd occasion the urge to be involved again would come flooding back especially when events like Bob Geldof’s Band Aid was beamed around the world stage and into our living rooms.

In the early nineties the chance to visit Monroes Bar in Workington now and again seemed to re-kindle the spirit of Blues and Rock music back into my soul!  Then, on a hazy weekend in ’93 was invited by friends to a gig at Kendal Brewery Arts Theatre to see my all time favorites Dr Feelgood.  That was it!  I’ve been convinced to this day that their brilliant front man Lee Brilleaux planted the seeds in my hazy head that night of what would in later years become OTH (Off the Hook).  Sadly, Lee Brilleaux died the following year aged just 41, but he certainly left a lasting impression on me.

In the mid Nineties another pub in town – the Queens Head – started putting bands on now and again.  Bands such as The Nigels, Solway Deltas, and not forgetting my old mate Nibs and his band Red Lightning Blue.  I can just see him now in full flow spinning his double bass, really whipping the crowd up……. God bless you John Nibs Armstrong……. Gone, but never forgotten.

One memorable occasion in the Queens Head was a ‘sold-out’ charity night.  Several local bands playing……. Sioux Nation, Mad Dog Scone, Sour Mash, Bullfrog and The Navigators – the band which gave me my very first slot at singing and playing harp that very night!!  Unfortunately, the Queens Head faded away just like many other good music venues in the town.  A sad reflection of the times (‘Give me a good old fashioned pub with a piano marra, this old fella in Wukiton used to say to me, I think it was int’ the Appletree’).  But, at one venue that keeps on going, The Carnegie, there was talk of this American guy appearing with his band….. Walter Trout and the Radicals.  He came and he conquered!!  That guy certainly plays mean Blues.  On leaving that night my mind was made up.  I just had to get back into the music scene.

Starting back……

It’s funny how things turn out.  I could never quite imagine that when reaching the 40 years milestone in life that music would have much more of a meaning to me.

That realization became stronger in 1998 at the very first Blues fest in Maryport Civic Hall when the Robben Ford Band headlined.  Their blistering set left me in no doubt that this thing that had ‘burned inside’ for so long had to be released!

The years continued to roll by, but regret was to be no longer an issue.

Finally, in 2000 something happened…….. Off the Hook was born!!...... take a look at the biography…..

The present time…..

OTH (Off the Hook) are looking forward to the forthcoming 2006 Blues fest in Maryport, and finally I would like to add that from watching the many bands perform over the years, and being part of it ourselves, is a truly rewarding experience.

On behalf of Off the Hook I would like to say a big thank you to all the organization and also for the support we have received from each and every one of you.

Take care……..