Elegantly Ageing Hipsters,

There is a great synopsis of our hero's pre-Roxy career on http://www.readysteady.co.uk/

It's a great site hosted and written by Roger Smith.

Rog has been a musician all of his adult life and has played in multiple bands probably most notably 'The Jazz Board'. They were around at the same time as 'The Gas Board' and played many of the same venues. In fact, it was the drummer in 'The Jazz Board' who gave Ferry his first vocal opportunity when he persuaded him to join his previous group, 'The Banshees', as lead singer.

His description of the NE scene is absolutely spot on and the whole thing is well worth reading and following.

As well as his synopsis on Ferry (click on people) there is a series of articles on Mike Jeffries, the guy who started the 'Club a'GOGO' and who went on to manage Jimmy Hendrix - this is essential reading.

The site navigates a little differently insomuch as you click on a subject and then scroll down.

Enjoy - it's fabulous.

a bientôt,

W2

Doesn't look like the link is working, mate.

Cher Bill,
Go onto google and search 'Ready Steady Gone' - you'll get there that way.
I can't explain why the link won't work.
Salutations,
W2

The "gone" is missing from the "readysteady" in your link W2.

http://www.readysteadygone.co.uk/

A most enjoyable site.

Lovely well-written article. While I knew most of the facts and had seen most of the pics before, this provided a fuller background and added a few little gems.

I saw an article in the Sunderland Echo many years ago that explained Bryan had donated a gold disc of Manifesto to the Houghton-le Spring cycling club, to be awarded to their "cyclist of the year" or something.

Cher True2Life,

Un très grand merci.

W2 is always forgetting something. Yesterday it was the second verse to 'A Song For Europe'. He doesn't know what is happening to him !
Did you read the chapters on Mike Jeffries ?
What a great TV series that would make albeit, in a certain way, parts of it have already found their way to the silver screen. W2 thinks Mike Figgis's (ex Gas Board) debut movie 'Stormy Monday' was heavily influenced by that whole scene.
Not a bad film as it happens.
Salutations,
W2

I think this may be the full link:

http://www.readysteadygone.co.uk/bryan-ferry/

Bonsoir!
Merci, W2, trés intéressent!
Wish we could travel back in time...

Thank You WS2
More Brilliant FerryFacts

Cher Oberon,

C'est vrai mais heureusement, W2 has his own time machine.

It consists of a large Talisker and good sounds - it soon has him drifting back.

Seriously, although W2 likes to think that he has remained open to new things, there was something about the quality of the music back then that stands the test of time.

Of course, as today, we had our share of dross but when considered in the round, the best was really the best. Bands learnt their craft in the clubs and as a consequence, by the time they found fame, they could really play.

A lot of people think Roxy were an instant, manufactured hit. Not at all, Ferry had made his bones playing some really rough joints in the NE and although Roxy didn't do the same, they were rehearsed to death and had Ferry fronting them.

Halcyon days n'est ce pas ?

Salutations,

W2