Gloucester Civic Trust
Press Release:
Saturday 16th October at 12 noon
“Joe Meek – the Man and his music” a talk by Rob Bradford
Take a trip down memory lane and come along to this fascinating talk on Joe Meek.
The talk takes place on Saturday 16th October 12 noon at St Michael’s Tower, on Gloucestershire’s own famous son of pop, Joe Meek.
Joe Meek shot to fame as a record producer in the 1960’s. His hit records, including “Have I the Right”, “Just Like Eddie” and “Johnny Remember Me”, were world wide smash hits. His songs have been covered by many contemporary artists. Joe Meek’s most successful recording, “Telstar”, was the first song by a UK group that went straight to the top of the charts in the USA.
Joe Meek was born and bred in Newent, where his family still live today. Newent cemetery is his final resting place. He first jobs were in Gloucester working as a TV repair man for Curry’s, the MEB and then Broadmeads – all local. He soon began building his own recording equipment which led to his record producing days. Joe moved to London where he worked recording many famous artists such as Petula Clark, Marty Wilde, Heinz, Lonnie Donegan and Kenny Ball. Plus, of course he had his own band the Tornados. Many of the artists he encouraged went on to play in famous bands such as Deep Purple and the Jimmy Hendrix Experience.
Joe Meek was a genius, from a humble background and like most geniuses his life was complex with a sad ending. He is now hailed as a man ahead of his time and a pioneer of sound recording.
The Joe Meek talk is given by Rob Bradford, a family friend, Music Journalist and editor of the Joe Meek Society News Letter. The talk will include rare sound clips never on release to the general public before as well as archive photos.
Places are limited so please call into St Michael’s Tower on The Cross to book your place. Tickets cost just £2.00 for this not to be missed talk. Our telephone number: 01452 526955.
End of Press release.
Marilyn Champion
Gloucester Civic Trust, Reg. Charity no. 264719
