I absolutely love this piece! I played in a semi pro band on what I now call the Average White Band circuit, gigging in pubs and dancehalls all the way up the east coast from Dundee to Fraserburgh, and we played quite a few SAHB songs in our set.
I also remember an interview in the Melody Maker where Alex was talking about Robert Louis Stephenson and his use of language, but in the same interview, he also talked about the ethics of living in a commune, saying, “you’ve got to remember that somebody has to wash the dishes”.
What a fabulous complicated man he was. Thanks again.
Thanks for this great and illuminating portrait. SAHB had a lot of supporters among our readers of Sounds 1971-4 — and the staff too! Do I remember right there was a live album recorded at the Marquee. Or maybe it was the Star Club, Hamburg? I wish I still had it.
I absolutely love this piece! I played in a semi pro band on what I now call the Average White Band circuit, gigging in pubs and dancehalls all the way up the east coast from Dundee to Fraserburgh, and we played quite a few SAHB songs in our set.
I also remember an interview in the Melody Maker where Alex was talking about Robert Louis Stephenson and his use of language, but in the same interview, he also talked about the ethics of living in a commune, saying, “you’ve got to remember that somebody has to wash the dishes”.
What a fabulous complicated man he was. Thanks again.
Thanks, Tim. I love the idea of the Average White Band circuit.
Yes, I believe Alex was quite studious offstage. I may incorporate his warm-up routine to get me through the rest of the winter.
Couldn’t be more appropriate for the times in which we live…
Thanks for this great and illuminating portrait. SAHB had a lot of supporters among our readers of Sounds 1971-4 — and the staff too! Do I remember right there was a live album recorded at the Marquee. Or maybe it was the Star Club, Hamburg? I wish I still had it.
Thanks, Martin. There is an album from the Marquee, I think. Not sure about the Star Club.
Great article! I plan to steal the phrase “aggressively reticent.”
Thanks! (Long, uncomfortable silence).
Never saw them live, but what Indid see of them on Top of the Pops and the Whistle Test, I really liked.
But, as with so many other great bands, punk was a Year Zero and anyone over the age of 23 was razed to the ground…apart from the Stranglers!
Thanks for this, Alastair; it was a nice tribute to a real individual talent!
Thanks, Mark. Glad you enjoyed it.
Wonderful piece. Thank you. Saw SAHB four times, met him. A remarkable performer.
Thanks, Mike. You did well to see them 4 times!
A very enjoyable read. Thanks.
Thanks, Margaret (and for sharing).