Rockin' Buddy - The Story

The story begins in 1974, with being born into a Rock'n'Roll family. I was named Buddy, after the great Rock'n'Roll singer Buddy Holly. From the age of 2 and up, they clothed me in 50's style retro clothing. And at 5, my hair was styled into a quiff.

In England around the 70's, Rock'n'Roll was in its Teddy Boy faze. Clothing included wearing drape style jackets, and suede shoes called creepers. The family was big around that time, and they would host alot of big Rockin' parties. Almost for any occasion ie New years eve, christmas and any birthday or aniversary. You name it they would have a party for it. And being brought up this way, I assumed that was what the way of life. It was a great childhood, must admit it was all alot of great fun, and happy times.

Uncle Bill with my Mum

Lots of my favourite family members that hosted the best parties, are sadly not with us today. And will always be remember. My Uncle Bill would DJ, playing some the greatest Rockin' tunes I have ever heard. A taste of what was to come, I got hooked to music called Rock'n'Roll and Rockabilly. I started to listen Rockin' Bands of the time like Crazy cavern, and Matchbox. Must admit alot of the kids at school could not understand my ways, while they were listening to 80's hip hop and pop. But back to Rock'n'Roll, some of the most beautiful cars you would ever see was owned by my family. Which included 57 Chevy to Vauxhall PA Cresta, and mixture of cool 1950's cars.

At 16, I left school to go into the world of work. Damn I do wished I had waited, but thats another story. But not all was bad, with money came alot of great nights out. Even as young as I was then, more good times lay ahead. Meeting lots of new faces, that would end up becoming good friends that I have now. Everyone remembers them days today as if it was yesterday.

On a Saturday we used to go to the Notredame in London, you would have DJ's like Jerry Chatabox or Tom Ingram. There was loads to choose from on a Saturday, like the Verulam Arms in Watford and various gigs and other clubs. Sunday was a blinder! You had Mouse playing at The Boston Arms (Tuffnell Park), or The Clay Pigeon (South Ruislip). Monday was back to London for the Notredame, and Tuesday was the The Winning Post. Wednesday back to London for the Russell Arms, where Mouse was the DJ. And Thursday was a busy night with The Tennessee Club, playing top bands with top DJs. And the one club I remember the most was the Golden Lion in Hatfield. All my mates would be there, and the beer was cheap. DJ was a bit rubish, but it was such a good night out. But you knew the weekend was just around the corner. And Friday was The Horn of Plenty in St.Albans. A good night, good music, good bands and people.

As time moved on there was lots of new clubs, but lost some the original ones. Saturday was Camden Workers, with top DJs Jerry Chatabox, Cosmic Keith, and Little Carl. Sundays was down to the Ace Cafe, this was about 1996, and the Ace Cafe was just getting re-opened. The Ace was only open on Sundays then. I would help Mark Wilsmore, my mate, to run the place. The Ace cafe has a large connection to the British youth culture 'The Rockers'. The Tennessee Club had moved from Thursday to Friday and changed venue, but still played good music. The Horn of Plenty had stopped, but Fridays were massive. There was the Rockin' Ball in London, a really posh venue.

Molly my amazing daughter

In 2008

Times have changed alot since then, there seems alot of politics in the scene between DJs. And Hemsby Rock'n'Roll weekender has almost came to its last days, due to problems with the owners of site making it hard for the organisers. The Rockabilly Rave is a one the best weekenders at the moment, due better bands and lower prices. But I am not knocking Hemsby, maybe one day it will have its raise to fame again. The face of the scene has lots of new clubs, The Hillbilly Hop is one of the best gigs in town at the moment. Hosted by Leo, the Hop grows from strength to strength. The Ace Cafe is still going strong, and deserves too with all the hard work that went into reopening it. The Boston Arms is still a great place for gigs, and Dingwalls.

As for me now, my life has had some major changes for the best. This my me and my beautiful wife Dora who I love very much.

The Rockin' scene is growing more everyday. And younger people like how I was, and people of all ages need a Gig Guide to follow. I would'nt change them years for all the tea in China, I hope this site comes of use to you.

And long live Rock'n'Roll, - Rockin' Buddy