• Stories •

Badƒinger Convention ~ Report & photos by Steve Sage

Bob Jackson and Ron Griffiths

A highlight was Bob Jackson's one man show on Saturday night. The crowd was over the original 150 people (including the Ham's and Ron Griffith and the Panthers guy) [John Horrell] as some other original band family members had shown up by that time. When I talked to Bob earlier in the day he had said he was very nervous about the show since he's always played with three or four other guys on stage before. As it turned out, it was literally a one man show. Bob set up his keyboards, amps and guitars and, by himself, played some of his own songs he's working on for an upcoming solo CD, and also a lot of Badƒinger material. He played his tracks from Head First plus several other Badƒinger cuts, including No Matter What, Day After Day, Just A Chance, Moonshine, and several more. Although he of course didn't sound like the whole band at all, he really caught the heart and soul of those songs and did a great job up there. As he had predicted he would be, you could see he was very nervous through most of it, but when he started playing each time he sounded very good. It was an inspiring performance.

  Morten's "Wish You Were Here" pages  

Badƒinger Convention ~ Swansea, Wales ~ report & photos by Tom Brennan

The Badƒinger convention consisted of one large room filled with numerous pictures, articles, pieces of memorabilia, and a collection of videos playing repeatedly throughout the day. Most of the surviving Iveys & Badƒinger members, family and friends made an appearance at one time or another during the day. The convention portion lasted from 12 Noon to about 7PM.

View Tom's full report and many excellent photos of the event including the displays and Bob Jackson's concert. Ron Griffiths also sang one song along with Bob!

Tom Brennan, Keith James & Janet Sears

Added June 2006: Post-2006 Badƒinger Convention FAQ by Keith James

  Tom Brennan's Badƒinger Library  

Janet Sears paints a picture, and a kitchen in Golders Green - "days gone by..."

It was 1970... I was a fan of the Walker Brothers who had actually split up in 1967. Gary, John and Scott went their separate ways, and I followed each of them devotedly... Scott had some great solo albums over the next few years. John had several hit singles almost immediately and then lost tough a bit. Gary, well Gary, formed the Rain, who were far more successful in Japan than anywhere else. They were Gary Leeds, Paul Crane, John Lawson and Joey Molland.

After an initial hit period with "Spooky" and "Come In, You'll Get Pneumonia", and a tour of Britain in 1968 with The Kinks, The Herd, and The Tremeloes, the Rain split in 1969. Joey moved into Badfinger when Ron Griffiths left.

Myself, in my teens, moved along with Joey and caught up with Badfinger in 1970, and was a great fan for a couple of years. I went to their house in Golders Green quite a few times and saw them on tour quite a bit too. I got to know the boys pretty well. I wish I could remember it all now. I have been racking my brains to try to tell people various stories, but the little things seem to disappear from our thoughts after all those years, don't they?

I remember one day helping Pete paint the kitchen. He was doing it when a few of us went round there, so we couldn't really refuse, could we? I helped put white paint on the glass cabinet. He was in a lovely carefree mood that day, I remember, full of optimism for the future, and we were laughing and joking.

My special story is of one day when two of us went round to 7 Park Avenue. Tommy let us in and said he was writing a song. He was so happy. He seemed to be really pleased to see us. He asked us into his room and said would we have a listen. He then sat on his bed and picked up his guitar and proceeded to play and sing "Without You" - his part - just the chorus. "What do you think?" he asked!! "Yeah, like it" we said. I could never have imagined then what would happen with this song or the group.

That was so long ago now, but I can remember it so clearly. I often wonder what would have happened if I had said no, I wasn't so keen on it. Changed the course of music history?? Guess not, it is such a fine song. It would still have been put with Pete's "If It's Love" verses anyway, and been a massive hit worldwide. I always feel a sense of nostalgia when I hear it in the radio though - that it is just a little bit mine... just a little bit...

I heard that song before most of the world heard it, in its infancy, in its earliest beginnings. I've always been a Badfinger fan, but over the years you tend to drift off a bit in other directions, don't you? I have now come back in a big way!!

Special thanks to Bob Jackson! It means so much to get back into Badfinger.

Janet Sears - July 2003

"Faced with yet another day of the sex, drugs and rock'n'roll lifestyle..."

Bob Jackson recently contacted me and wanted me to pass along some of the Latest News from his side of the pond.

Bob, a member of The Fortunes, finished up an extensive month long tour of Australia in December of 2002. They did make it home just in time for Christmas eve... After recovering a bit in January, they began their extensive 2003 touring schedule. The month of February will be mostly spent in the Nederlands, (Holland). The shows in Holland are together with The Tremeloes and The Buffoons; spanning twenty days and covering seventeen cities! It will be a theatre tour. Two of the cities on the tour that I visited long ago in another lifetime, are Apeldoorn and Nijmegen...

  The Fortunes webpage  

As briefly mentioned a little over two years ago, Bob had a growth removed from his left index knuckle. The problem ended up not being with the growth, which was benign, but in the complications that developed because of the surgery - scar tissue. It left Bob's finger sore, stiff and not very limber - it was affecting his keyboard/guitar playing. "I miss playing guitar greatly....."

But on a positive note, Bob went into theatre, the operating kind, several weeks ago and had another operation on his finger. Bob reports that his finger is still very stiff, but he does go to the physical therapist three times a week, and the early indications are encouraging. "With some effort I can achieve about 90% of the original movement." I told Bob that with lots of work on his part, "that 100% cannot be far behind..."

As a side note about the operation, Bob stated that he remained awake during the entire procedure! "I actually watched the surgeon from start to finish whilst he operated, cutting, pulling up the tendon, stitching etc. Couldn't feel a thing..It was quite a surreal experience..." Bob comments that he is determined to get it working again and hope that in another month or so it will show a real improvement. Obviously, we all wish Bob a complete recovery!

  Email: Bob Jackson  

Bob Jackson - Ron Griffiths - Roy Anderson - Alwyne Jackson - Marilyn Jones - Dave Duffield

They all met up with MIKE GIBBINS in Swansea, Wales this past month!!! Here are some of their stories...

Swansea Gig - the stars were in alignment??!! - A report from Bob Jackson

Just a quick note to say that the Swansea gig worked out well. By some coincidence Mike, Ron and myself all met in the bar before the gig! Incrediblurrr!! And the photo is there to prove it. Great to see the boys again...I also managed to see Marilyn, (from Swansea Library) and husband; Dave Duffield and daughter; and Gaynor (Gibbins) too. I did ask after Roy Anderson but he didn't show apparently.

The show went well as usual, but I must confess to making a HUGE gaffe... When introducing 'Without You' and slightly nervous, I mentioned that 'everyone here must remember this number....it was co-written by Peter Ham from Liverpool!!!!!!!?????' (I had meant to say, 'Peter Ham from Swansea and Tommy Evans from Liverpool). As I began the vocal, I knew I'd said something wrong but it was all in the moment and I had to wait till later to correct myself. ('I mentioned it once but I think I got away with it!'...Basil Fawlty). My brain obviously needs an MOT...

Well that's the update. Gigging most every night and tonight is no exception.

Best to you Rick, -Bob Jackson

It is early in the morning as I write this....is there no end to my good nature!!!????" - A report from Ron Griffiths

I asked Ron: "Bob Jackson tells me that you, Mike and he met up before the Swansea Fortunes show in the bar - and there are photos! Ummmm... Do you have any copies of these incriminating photos that you would be willing to share? Isn't that a first time meeting of all three of you at the same time? And now on that Ron-Bob-Mike collaboration - what's the REAL story?"
-Rick Kellogg

It was great to meet up with Mike last weekend. Another ex-resident of 7 Park Avenue who became re-united with me last year, (2000) at Peter's 25th anniversary bash, was also present..Dave Duffield, the former Kinks tour manager. He came across to my place on Thursday the 11th and we picked up Mike at the airport Friday morning and drove down to Wales - laughing most of the way... Mike was present before the gig and a couple of photographs were taken by Marilyn Jones, (Swansea Central Libraries) of the three of us. I believe you are correct in recognizing that Mike, Bob and myself had not previously been in each others company. The only collaboration likely, is when I eventually do some guesting with Bob on his project - just as soon as there is time available. Nothing seems on-going with M.G. - at least, nothing was discussed. By the way if anyone asks, the disc centres, (labels I sent with the "Permissive Paradise" liner scans) were presumably to stick on either side of the flexidisc. 'til next time. best wishes. -Ron Griffiths

Photo Copyright © 2002 Marilyn Jones

Roy Anderson's report...

Hi Rick, Good to hear from you again - Unfortunately I could not get to the Fortunes gig as I was 'out of town' that day. It was connected with work for a very good customer of mine so I had little choice in the matter.

The BBC interview has taken place with myself, Alwyne and his brother Dave who came all the way down from Taunton on the Day....(expenses paid). They tell me it is to be shown some time in June - they will let us know. They were also kind enough to take us out for several meals and plenty of beer!!!

The production company asked us where we thought would be the best place to do the interview - and I came up with the idea of using the pub where Alwyne and I often go to watch live music - The Uplands Tavern ( www.uplandstavern.co.uk/ ) They were very pleased with this location - we did the interview on the stage which you can see on their web site.

Tuesday night of this week, Alwyne and I visited a local Blues club run by local drummer Terry Williams (ex-Dire Straits). Terry has his own web site if you are interested Rick - but I don`t know the address, I'm sure you will find it via the search engine for him, or links from Dire Straits. Anyway while we were at his club who should walk in none other than Mike Gibbins! So we spent best part of the evening talking to him - we are supposed to see him at a different club on Friday night. I think he leaves for home next week......

Take care Rick be in touch soon..." -Roy Anderson

Quick note from Mike Gibbins

Hello to all! I would like to say for everyone back home in Wales...I had a great time and it was great to see everyone again. Really enjoyed playing again and having a few pints. Until the next time...Keep Rockin'
-Mike Gibbins

Historic photos provided by Marilyn Jones - Swansea Libraries

Hi Rick. Nice to hear from you! Yes, I did take some photos on the night of Bob's great gig with the Fortunes here in Swansea. We got together in the bar of the Grand Theatre just before the show. There was Ron, Mike, Bob, Dave Duffield, Dave's daughter and her friend, my husband and me. Gaynor joined us later. I will happily forward the photos to you as the boys are happy about it and they're my personal pics.

So, as promised, here are the scanned photos of Bob, Mike & Ron in the Grand Theatre bar, Swansea, on the evening of Friday 12 April 2002, before Bob's gig with The Fortunes. The one, (shown below) I think is really nice. I hope that you and everyone else enjoy seeing them. We certainly had a good night!

Best wishes -Marilyn Jones

Thanks Marilyn! I'm certainly glad that you were there to capture the moment! Great photos!!!

From the Reverend Bob Jackson: The Fortunes - Solo Recording - LIPA

Hello my son!!! Oops..just slipping into my Rev persona!!

The band, (the Fortunes) has been busy as always and things show no sign of letting up. Denmark last week with both Holland and Australia slated for tours over the next 6 months. The work is always a double-edged sword. It does eat into your time and slows down domestic and personal stuff. I'm still moving forward on my solo thing and Ron Griffiths, at last, has indicated that we will be able to get together soon. I also decided to change my recording setup recently and am very happy with the upgrade. Of course, there was a price to pay. Five manuals of technical info ...a pretty steep learning curve..but I'm getting there.

Bob Jackson & Beverley	Bob belts one out!
Photos used with permission - Mick Smitham - The Fortunes website administrator

On the tour in Denmark I met up with Morten (Vindberg) and his boys. It was great to meet them all - we got on really well together. I think they enjoyed the gig and we had a fun just chatting. The promoter booked the band back straight away, so I hope to be meeting up with them again.

Regarding Bill Collins; of course I met him many, many times, but I wouldn't say that I ever really got to know him. He had a very strong ego, that could be difficult to get past and, of course I didn't go through all the earlier stuff, so I didn't bond with him in quite the same way as the guys. All the same, it's never pleasant to hear sad news and my thoughts are now with Anne, his partner, and how she will cope.

My daughter is off to University soon to start a 3 year music degree course. She managed to get a placing at LIPA (that's the McCartney backed thing in Liverpool - The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts). The competition is so fierce, with applications from all over the world so she did well to get in. The course has a contemporary approach and really sounds great- I wish I were doing it!!

  www.lipa.ac.uk/  

Anyway, I'll finish there.. Hope that you and yours are 'in the pink.'

Keep in touch mate, best to you all. -Bob Jackson

From Morten Vindberg - Wish You Were Here webpage:

Bob Jackson and The Fortunes Gigs in Denmark

On August the 10th and the 11th The Fortunes, with former Badfinger-member Bob Jackson, played in Denmark. Saturday night's show was in Holstebro and on Sunday night they played in Randers on a small festival where The Mersybeats and Marmelade were also on the bill. They did a terrific one hour show and with Bob as lead singer did powerful versions of Badfinger's "No Matter What" and "Without You." Most of the Fortunes' well known hits were there and another highlight was a "new" song called "From a Distance." Before and after the show Jesper, Thomas and I had a very pleasant time with Bob, who besides from being a very talented musician is also an extremely nice person.

Look out for a more detailed report on this site with pictures of Bob before and after the show.

  Bob Jackson and The Fortunes Gigs in Denmark  

Report from Mick Smitham - The Fortunes website administrator: 14th August

Denmark! Now there's a country. LOTS AND LOTS of country!

We did a couple of shows there last weekend with Marmalade & The Merseybeats. The first one on the Saturday, was in Holsterbro in an amphitheatre which I think originally might have been a quarry or something similar. The seats started off at stage level and rose to a neck breaking height above our heads! I saw a few Danes who were, shall we say, rather the worse for wear, start to walk 'down hill' quite sedately but ended up galloping like demented Vikings before eventually going arse over tit into tables full of beer and salami! Hilarious!

-MORE-

  The Fortunes  

"How I Met Mike" by Brenda Watkins - "blodwen"

"My sister, Linda, and I were excited about going to Chicago Beatlefest - 1987. Scheduled to appear were Joey and Mike - with a newly reformed Badfinger! Well, when Joey walked onto the stage, he told the audience that Mike was ill and couldn't make it. (We later found out he'd actually quit the band just days before due to a conflict with their then agent - the infamous Bob Evans.) We met Joey briefly that day and had a nice natter with guitarist Randy Anderson following the performance." "...Sunday morning we all hit the road - myself, Randy, Linda, Paul, Kevin, and friends, Dave & Gina - we had to take two cars. When our convoy arrived at the venue, we saw a man setting up a drum kit, and a tremor of excitement went through our group. At long last - it was Mike!"

Brenda & Mike

  "How I Met Mike"  

"That'll Be The Day" - Experiences of Beatlefest 2001 by Peggy-Sue

Written by: Peggy Morris Burneka & Sue Groseclose Combs

Sue: "...We were enjoying watching all the Beatlefest activity bustle and hustle four floors below us. I caught a glimpse of my husband as he got on the ground floor's elevator and, as I tried to catch his eye with my wave, I saw another familiar face. Hey! That looks like Mike! I said, "Peg! Look! Mike!" She wasn't sure what I meant for a split second but then recognized who I meant! Yes! It WAS Mike Gibbins and his lovely wife Ellie!"

Peggy: "I impulsively shouted out, "Hey, Mike!" which echoed all around this cavernous courtyard. He looked around as if saying, "What the .....?" but couldn't see us. When they got to the bottom of the escalator and were within sight, I shouted, "BADFINGER FOREVER!" (I couldn't believe I was doing this, but I was just so excited to see him!) This time he spotted us and waved, and we waved wildly back and yelled that we'd be down to see him, (events didn't start for another hour or so...) I'm sure he wondered what kind of loonies would show up!"

  "That'll Be The Day" - Beatlefest 2001 by Peggy-Sue