Browsing Tag Scootering

Scootering Magazine  - February 2013

Sadly, time and space prevented a review of the January issue of this great mag, but thankfully, I did manage to get February’s edition in time for the latest NUTSMAG updates. So, we begin by looking at the usual features and this month, the ‘Scootering Sounds’ (records that shaped the broad church we all love so much) focuses on the Virgin Records reissue of The Who’s ‘My Generation’ in 1980. Like many, I too bought it at the time and still have my copy. And I agree that it had a massive impact, ‘Out In The Street is still one of my Who favourites. Moving on, Sticky’s tongue-in-cheek feature on how to spot other road users had me roaring with laughter. For all you Lammy owners, you may well enjoy the tribute to the series one. Sarge has been as busy as ever covering the Northern Noise event at Southend and the Christmas Mod Ball at the 100 Club with Steve Craddock headlining. Wolfy jetted off to the USA to catch up with Mr Townshend and Mr Daltry as they begin their mammoth world tour of ‘Quadrophenia’. My pick of the featured scoots is the Lammy GP 150 at the back of the mag. It’s a beaut. To cap it all off, there’s a free double sided poster to go alongside the calendar from the January issue.

 

Blues Magazine – Issue 3

One of the primary reasons for reviewing this publication, is due to the feature article by Claudia Elliott on the impact of the blues on British bands favoured by mods during the first half of the sixties. As you would expect, all the usual suspects get a mention. Small Faces, High Numbers / The Who, Yardbirds, Meaden, Guy Stevens, Scene and Eel Pie clubs etc. Authors; Barnes, Hewitt and Hellier all get a nod, and on that basis, any reader who does not have prior knowledge will be well informed by this piece. The link between Alexis Korner and Cyril Davis’ contribution in launching many careers that started with a love of blues is a fact often over-looked and it’s inclusion here adds weight to the argument that without them, British music may not have been the powerhouse it became during the decade. That said, the article is accurate with the facts and for those who know nothing about this aspect of mod, it’s a good starting point for the more inquisitive reader who wants to find out more. If you are into blues music, then this magazine will be of interest though. Three other very good articles on John Mayall, Chris Barber and the Blue Horizon label feature prominently and South London’s mod/blues purveyors Get Go have a nice one-pager. Blues Magazine is published by monthly by Future Publishing.

The Action – In The Lap Of The Mods 
by Ian Hebditch & Jane Shepherd with Mike Evans & Roger Powell

With any book about music, film or subculture, the first thing I look at are the photos and graphics. Rest assured, no stone has been left unturned when it comes to the photos and graphics here. This book comes in two formats. The standard edition and the boxed set, which includes the main work plus ‘Where The Action Is’ a meticulous gig guide and press cuttings compilation and a replica test pressing of ‘Why Do You Wanna Make Me Blue’.

Ian Hebditch had spent years working on this project. Sadly, he passed away before it was completed, but his partner Jane Shepherd decided to carry on and finish Ian’s work and what a fine tribute to both Ian and The Action this book is. Intros from Mike Evans and Roger Powell and a Foreword by Sir George Martin CBE set the tone. As you would expect the story of The Action comes in chronological order from the very early days as Mark Twain and The Strangers, which included Keith Moon in the line-up, through to Sandra Barry and The Boys, which was the basis of the band celebrated herein.

The story of The Action is not remarkable in the context of their contemporaries from the Sixties. Many had similar experiences, but in terms of influence on successive generations and having a knack of avoiding the recognition they deserved, it is of particular interest. The interviews with band members and others, such as Pete Townshend are terrific. It’s not always easy getting people to recall events from decades past (I should know, I’ve done it myself) and it is even harder to get them to talk about the difficult times, but Hebditch seems to have managed this. Instead of being a read-it-all-before scenario, I particularly liked the way Ian did not rehash oft-told mod history in the conventional sense. By relating mod history to his own experiences growing up in Portsmouth, the local club, The Birdcage (which The Action played many a time) and Ian’s other mod experiences, it all makes for a refreshing and valid viewpoint.

The story of the band does not end in 1969. They split up and some formed the Mighty Baby. Alan King joined the band Ace with Paul Carrick on vocals, and then many years later our own Rob Bailey begins the painstaking process of getting all the band back together in 1998 for some gigs that will live long in the memory and rock folklore. Perhaps fittingly, the epilogue is provided by long-time fan, Phil Collins. It is a pleasure to read, a joy browsing the photos and interesting absorbing the details of an often-overlooked band. If you ever want to know about The Action, this is the only book you will need.

 

Record Collector – October 2012 Issue

Not every issue of Record Collector is of interest to us, but as and when an issue does appeal, I’ll happily review it. October’s offering is one such issue. The Kinks are on the front cover and with good reason. Within the pages of the mag is the first of a two-part special about the ‘Muswell Hillbillies’. Ray Davies gives a fairly candid account of the technical side to Kinks songs. The production, the studios, the technicians… all fascinating stuff.

Aside from The Kinks, there are another three great features of interest; Bunny Lee, The Dells and The Merseys.

 

Scootering – October 2012 Issue

The institution that is Scootering Magazine comes out with all guns blazing for the October issue. The ‘Scootering Sounds’ feature has been a very enjoyable and welcome addition, this time looking at The Clash’s ‘London Calling’.

Then we move on to a really good feature on the inside story of the Olympics closing ceremony and those 50 scooters, but without doubt, huge thanks goes to Sarge for a terrific three-page report on the NUTS Brighton August Bank Holiday. Plenty of great pics (as you’d expect) and we have the first sighting of a new descriptive term: comedy mods. Those of you who were there and witnessed the comedy mods will know what Sarge was taking about. He concluded by saying this year was the best so far, many would agree.

Further in to the mag and we find a nice two-pager on Euro Ye Ye, an interview with Bruce Foxton and Russell Hastings about Bruce’s new album ‘Back In The Room’ and a very nice review of the Strypes EP ‘Young Gifted and Blue’ by Paul Hooper-Keeley.

To top it all, this issue includes a 48 page supplement looking back at reports about the Isle Of Wight Rally from the past. October 2012 will be one of those collector editions I suspect.

 

Ugly Things – Spring Summer 2012 Issue

For those of you with Garage/Psych/Freakbeat tendencies, you may well know about this very substantial publication from Mike Stax based in La Mesa, California. At $9.95 (£6.21 at time of writing) plus postage, this is quite an impressive offering. I freely admit, I’m not as into this music as some, so I did wonder what there might be to grab my interest.

How pleasantly surprised I was to find some fascinating articles about the San Francisco scene, an interview with Johnny Echols (former member of Love) and my favourite, an interview and article on the Craig (who were formed out of the King Bees).

Meticulous in its research, thorough in its interviews and great photos. A must for anyone who is in to the era.
Website: www.ugly-things.com
e-mail: uglythingsmag@gmail.com

 

Uncut – Ultimate Guide to Paul Weller 

When you think of the most high-profile influencers on mod and pop culture of the last 35 years, there is only one name that springs to mind, Paul Weller. Love him or loathe him, his impact on British music is without comparison.

So this major retrospective of his career is a timely reminder of the astonishing output spanning over three decades. Every album, from ‘In the City’ to ‘Sonic Kicks’ is re-evaluated. Key interviews are reprinted and there are lots of photos.

This is just about as ‘ultimate’ as you can get for a magazine guide to Weller’s career, whether you’re a long-time fan or someone just discovering Weller for the first time, this publication is a ‘collectable’ in the making. Coming from someone who has been a fan for 35 years, that’s saying something.

This year, the New Untouchables team had decided to move the date of the Timebox weekender to the first bank holiday in May. This meant that the Buckingham Palace Rideout was now on the 5th as opposed to later in the month. This, in hindsight, was nothing but a good thing as any other date over the two bank holidays would have meant massive road closures throughout the route. Can you imagine 200 scooters attempting to cross Central London during the Jubilee weekend? Or during a London wide marathon? In a torrential downpour???

After 6 years of running the Bar Italia Scooter Club, it’s fair to say i’ve cut my teeth on organising these sort of things. Armed with a spring in my step after the amazingly successful Kickstart Ride in March and my little black book of contacts, it was easy peasy to notify ‘Babylon’ of our intentions this time around.

I was also fully prepared with my cagoule and waterproof shoes on the day. This was pretty handy as, en route from our cheeky coffee at the ‘clubhouse’ (Bar Italia to the un-initiated) to Carnaby Street, the Big Man upstairs decided he would let us have a sprinkling just to remind us of who’s boss.

So, after a rather soggy arrival it was time for the meet and greet with the usual faces (and some new ones) and the polite reminder enforced that it’s a 2pm SHARP departure. Of course 2pm arrives…and as usual, im gassbagging about the latest accessories/clobber/tunes. Oops! After a prompt from the missus, it’s on the other faithful to lead the charge of 200 odd scooters and we’re off on another jolly boys (and girls) outing through Central London. Along to Piccadilly for some tourist snaps, then down to Trafalgar square where we successfully navigated some rather large lorries unloading Olympic regalia, and on through to the Mall. Here it’s the pause and regroup for the obligatory photo opportunity (I am still waiting to see the one of me saluting the Palace), then off to Westminster Square and over to Embankment to cruise along the Thames river with stunning vistas of South London. A quick zig into Clerkenwell, and zag over Old Street into Curtain Road for the finish line at the Strongroom Bar to partake in some authentic tunes, BBQ munchies from the kitchen (always impressed with the food) and sample some brews from the ever expanding beer menu. Rather easy all told! I will, however, admit that somewhere near Clerkenwell, the LI decided it was too hot to handle and decided to pack in on me. Running rich was the diagnosis. Thanks to the gang who helped me at the side of the road as I grumbled incessantly at my ‘infernal contraption’.

Scooter competition time quickly arrvived and it seemed that, as some clubs had decided to leave after a short tenure on site, it was a tad difficult to judge in good time and then collar the potential winner to convince them to hang around to claim their prize! A thanks here goes to Andrea from the Smart Drivers Scooter Club for assisting with the chin stroking and decision making. Between us and fellow Bar Italia SC members, we finally narrowed it down to:

Best Vespa- GS160- V00 600

Best Lambretta- LI150 S1- 738 HUA

Best Mod Scooter- Lambretta TV175 s2- Reg number lost! Sorry! Great two tone blue with hints of lilac

Massive thanks to co-organisers Rob Bailey and the New Untouchables, all clubs and individuals who attended and of course the marshals we had who managed to keep the ride together.

For some more great photos click HERE

It falls on my shoulders as ‘El Presidente’ of the Bar Italia Scooter Club to write about the 2012 Kickstart Rideout. To tell the truth it’s that this year I can’t help but feel a little smug about.

This ride marks the ‘start’ of the scootering season and is usually slightly earlier in the year. However, due to the previous two years’ miserable weather, I decided to push it back to the end of March. Also, the decision was made to move it from a Sunday to a Saturday thanks to various charity sporting events taking place in the capital (this means even more roadworks and diversions) as well as the Ace Cafe running their Scooter Day on Sunday. Controversial as a few people pointed out, but nonetheless, it had the desired effect.

As this is the tenth year that the Bar Italia Scooter Club has ‘officially’ been running (although Mods and like-minded types have used it as a hang out since the 50’s), I thought it might be an opportunity to celebrate this and up the ante a little. After the last couple of years riding to Epping Forest, perhaps a change of venue might help?  The issue with organising a rideout, in case you hadn’t guessed already, is logistics. Where can you have hundreds of scooters and riders park and catch up with mates comfortably after a safe run and acceptable length of time on the road? Particularly when you start from a Central London location?  Thanks to a fantastic stroke of luck, I happen to know someone at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. As they showed an interest, after some gentle ‘persuasion’ final terms were agreed to use this iconic London heritage site as the final destination. The first time classic scooters have ever used the space. You’re very welcome.

So, with a route and final destination in place, various councils and Police notified, trophies sorted and permission granted from the London Eye security, I thought perhaps a chance to spread the word further afield than the usual social networking sites and Scooter based publications might help. Queue articles appearing in the London/National press (in the Timeout ‘Top 5 Weekend events’) and a very unexpected radio interview with Robert Elms on BBC Radio London. Apparently it was even mentioned on the radio in Venice, Italy!

The end result? 400+ scooters met at the London Eye on a very warm and sunny 24th of March at 11am. Police kindly closed the roads for us to leave at high noon and off we went. Marshals at the front in their yellow vests (thanks to all of those in Bar Italia SC and Mark from the Wasps SC), me of course refusing such a fashion faux pas and opting instead for a canary yellow sailing smock.  Off we went in a haze of two stroke, and in no time, despite some heavy traffic, were entering the larger than life gates of the Old Royal Naval College to be greeted with an eager and excited crowd all taking photos and cheering as we parked in the designated area.  Thanks here to staff at the venue who were somewhat in awe of double the anticipated turnout, but still managed to find parking for everyone. After parking the trusty ol’ Lambretta, it was time to start judging the scooter competition. Needless to say, with a seemingly endless stream of scooters arriving, this was a long and drawn out task for myself and fellow judges. In the end, however, we found our bikes and announced the winners. A thanks here to Tim at the Raihna Santa Roast Hog company who not only provided some of the nicest pig in a bun I’ve ever had, but also sponsored the trophies. Winners this year were twice as lucky as we had photographer and all round top fella Darren Russell on hand as the official snapper for the day, who was providing each winner with a print of their winning pose.

So, a major coup for a location, great weather and quite an easy ride. I have to chalk that up as a success in my book.  No time to rest on my laurels though! The next rideout to organise- Buckingham Palace Ride on the 5th of May. See you at Carnaby Street (Marlborough Street end) for 1.30pm. We’re leaving at 2pm sharp! You have been warned!

Trophy Winners

Best Vespa - Vespa GS160- Graham- V00 600

Best Lambretta – Lambretta S1 LI- Clive-

Best Mod Scooter – Lambretta S3 TV175- Ray -

 

Nicky Bubbles - El Presidente – Bar Italia SC

‘Something has hit me, I’m outta my mind…’ To paraphrase Reggie King.  I was definitely out of my mind in retrospect. A worrying account of how things can change.

All was going well on that sunny June morning. Riding from South East London into the West End for work on the burgundy 1964 Vespa with the PX 150 engine that had been my pride and joy for a year or so at that point. Two up with the lady in pillion, us both sporting our open face helmets and period goggles.The middle of summer with the sun shining. It was a lovely ride indeed.  Embankment along the river, then up to Trafalgar Square. Smiles on our faces and not a care in the world. It wasn’t until we turned into The Mall in the direction of the Palace that the heart stopping moment occurred. Out of nowhere, a rozzer stepped into our trajectory and waved me vigorously into the layby area used once for the carriages of her majesty. This did not look good. The conversation went something like this:

Rozzer: Morning son. Please turn your engine off for me.

Me: Good morning Occifer how can I help?

Rozzer: (To soften us up). Enjoying the ride?…. Are your helmets both legal?

US: Yes of course *gulp* (both helmets were illegal however one of us at least had a kite mark/BS Mark showing it was at some stage legally approved for use in the UK)

Rozzer: Uh huh. And are those goggles you’re wearing road legal?

Me: Of course (I think the wording on the packaging was ‘for show and display use only’)

Rozzer: I see. What size engine is in your scooter?

Me: (the panic started to set in at this point) 150cc (could he check?)

Rozzer: Right and what motorcycle licence do you have at the moment?

Me: (feeling nails dig deep into my sides from my pillion passenger) err (time to come clean and face the music. ) C.B.T.

For those not aware, the law currently states that to ride on two wheels you have to you complete a day of ‘Compulsory Basic Training’ with a riding school both in a safe environment and on the roads. This will provide you with a certificate enabling you to ride anything on two wheels up to 125cc. It is valid for two years and used as a ‘provisional licence’ until you take your full test (this currently includes a theory, followed by a ‘track section displaying manoeuvres, then an on road competency section). Until you pass the full test you must display ‘L’ plates on the front and rear of your vehicle and you cannot take passengers. Also it’s worth noting that helmets pre 1985 are not actually road legal even if they display the British Standard mark aka kite mark.

Rozzer: I see. *walks around to the rear of the scooter and completes a full circle of the bike* (Then, after the worlds longest pause….) Nice scooter. Very nice mate. Ride on and enjoy your day.

About half a mile down the road I started to breathe again at around the same time I had realised that I had managed to blag my way out of a fine/impounded vehicle or potentially arrest and suspension of my provisional licence. My pillion passenger summed up the experience rather succinctly as is her way: ‘If ever there was a sign for you to take your bike licence that was it’.

 

Manifesto, issue 126

An A4 magazine with glossy cover shot featuring new soul diva Beverly Knight and covering all things soul-related past and present. Well informed news on the current northern soul scene with a comprehensive venue round up accompanied by photos. More northern related articles with Tim Brown ‘Talks’, Soul Sam ‘On Tour’, plus ‘Soul in the Southern Hemisphere’. Features include the ‘Brothers of Soul’, Jimmy McCracklin ‘Soul Years’, ‘Motown Players’, a great article on the musicians who created that distinctive sound, and the significance of Andrew ‘Mike’ Terry and Jack Ashford’s departure from the mothership in 1966. Other artists include the Impressions, an interview with cover star Beverly Knight, plus a roundup of recent record releases from the Kent label and current soul artists. Available from http://www.manifesto.com

Double Breasted, issue 10

Last and final issue of the great A5 magazine from the Glasgow- based Jennie and Colin Baille. Issue 10 features include a look back at the Ronnie Lane memorial concert in 2004, Terracina Mod Weekender 2010 and International Ska Festival 2011. This is another magazine that’s covering the Impressions, as the two UK summer performances were fast approaching at the time of going print. Other bands covered include Groovy Uncle, there’s a look at the recent ‘Ready Steady Go’ mod exhibition in Reading, and style tips from DNA Groove’s Claudio Di Rossi. A round-up of club news, record releases and a free CD from Scottish band the Laynes completes another great issue.

Shindig! Quarterly, Number 3

A firm favourite here, Shindig! never disappoints. The cover stars this issue are the Left Banke, complete with an exclusive inside story on the New York baroque pop legends by Marco Rossi, accompanied by some great images. A staggering 146 pages since changing to the new quarterly format crammed full of features, rare photos and interviews. Bands featured in issue 3 include Liverpool lads the Wicked Whispers, there’s a look at Buffalo Springfield’s formative years recording at the acclaimed Gold Star studio. Other artists covered include The Rain Parade, Nashville Ramblers, Annette Peacock, The Apricot and High Lamas. Plus a comprehensive review of new records, books and films releases. http://www.shindig-magazine.co.uk

Scootering, Issues 303 & 304

A4 full colour magazine with 160+ pages on scooter tips, sales and events. Issue 303 includes a review from our recent STAX show and an interview with Stax legend Donald ‘Duck’ Dunn, plus the usual round up of recent scooter rallies and events from around the world, a comprehensive guide to clubs and events, scooter sport, scooter club contacts and recommended music releases. Issue 304 includes reviews from our recent Brighton Mod Weekender and Euro Ye Ye events, accompanied by some fab pictures from Sarge and Nacho. You can pick this up at almost any newsagent or subscribe monthly at http://www.classicmagazines.co.uk