It was 1972 and Dave & Monny turned up at Southacre Avenue, Highgate (which was the home address of John B) to say that they were thinking of forming a group and asked him that
"As he knew at least 4 chords on the guitar (which was 1 more than Status Quo!)
what did he think of joining them?"
John B was a little unsure at the time but was told that rehearsals had been arranged in the upstairs room of the Wellington Pub, Gooch Street the next week,
which gave him a little time to think about it.
Over the next few days John B felt positive about the venture and turned up at the first rehearsal
with his 12-string Eco guitar, Monny was organised with a full drum kit & Dave was
already fixed with an electric guitar and Eagle mike.
Dave, who was keen to waste no time getting 'On the Road' had arranged a photographer to be at the first practice session so that they could organise fliers to advertise the group.
The picture below is one of the few that were taken that night and we have from left to right,
John B, Monny & Dave.
Can you work out what chord John B is playing?
John decided that the three musicians had a future and spent the next
few days organising the gear.
His 12-string Eco was sold and an electric guitar purchased.
But, with being low on funds, a 'Paybond' for £45 was arranged and off he went
to Yardley’s in the City to buy a Selmer Amp.
After just a couple of weeks the threesome were at the Wellington Pub practising songs for their
‘First Gig’ and another local lad John L turned up saying that he had heard on the
grapevine that the threesome needed a Bass guitarist.
He continued to say that, although he HADN'T a guitar at the moment, should he be
given the position he would buy a ‘Woollies Special’ from a store in the
city centre with a bonus he was getting in his next pay packet.
To be continued ...... Hear more about Tony's audition in a few days.
Tony & JB
The lads rehearsed hard and had a Set-List that was mostly covers such as Route 66,
House of the Rising Son, Back in the USSR but also wrote a few of their own
of which No Blood, Mr Ingroo, Step Forward & Clockwork were included in the set.
MATTY IS ON THE ROAD
Photographs taken outside Zella Studios, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Summer 1972
The Incognito, Bogarts, Rainbow & the Annual Sutton Coldfield Carnaval
was just a few of their venues, not forgetting of course the 'ODD' family party.
The Band did have a regular slot at Dudly Rd Hospital Social Club
but was thrilled to be booked at this venue for the Queen's Silver Jubilee Celebrations
which was in the Summer of 1977 and where the VERY patriotic band dressed
in their Red, White & Blue's.
Matty in the papers
Matty at Sutton Park Carnaval - 1974
TONY'S STORY
Please click on the hyper-link above to read Tony's Story on a seperate page !
Matty split as a group in 1978 but have remained good friends ever since
and it has been decided that they should reform for the rhythm guitarists (JB's)
50th Birthday party GIG which was in July 2003.
SEE THE PHOTO's
Matty Now
If you ever saw MATTY or have a tale to tell of this Band then please e-mail us
Over The Years Many Musicians Of Birmingham Have Entertained Us With Their Various Styles:-
Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae, Rock, Punk & more. This Page Is Dedicated To Them.
©Yvonne & Tony O'Brien
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