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the
beginning -
a jug band
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Brownsville Banned was originally
formed in Manchester in 1967 as Brownsville Jug Band (the name Brownsville coming
from the birthplace of Sleepy John Estes), and played in the local blues &
folk clubs in that area.
The
line-up of Brownsville Jug Band was at the time as follows (all the band members
used stage names even from the start): King George (Alan Knight) - vocals &
guitar, Rambling Washboard Tweedy (Roger Tweedy) - washboard & jug, The
Lizard (Steve Blakesley) - harmonica, Magoo (Ray Schofield) - drums, Harry (Keith
Harrison) - banjo & mandolin
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a while they ran their own club in an upstairs room in a Manchester pub, until
in August 1970, the band, with the exception of Harry the banjo player (replaced by Gerry
Philips), gave up their day jobs and went to Sweden to play professionally.
They
played and remained there for six months until lack of work permits became problematic,
forcing their return home.
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| Brownsville Jug Band 1970 |
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George & Harry 1968 |
Upon returning to Manchester in 1971 (in an orange Swedish-registered VW van),
the banjo player was again replaced, this time by Doc Roberts, (Graham Roberts)
who would remain as a member until the final dissolution of the band some 14 years later.
In addition to banjo & mandolin, Doc played guitar, fiddle, and a little alto sax.
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As
a musical comedy act they were able to work many different types of gigs, from
folk clubs to working-men's clubs, with a few festivals in between. In fact the level of bizarre comedy in the show
was increasing, and their agent at that time, Jasper Carrot, suggested that the
band's name be changed to reflect the changing nature of the act, and so
Brownsville Jug Band became Brownsville Banned.
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Brownsville Jug Band 1971 from L to R:
king George, Lizard, Magoo, Tweedy, Doc Roberts |
| after
rehearsal 1971 |
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