Bell & Pump Edgbaston

Subject: RE: Bell & Pump Edgbaston
From: GUEST,Blg Al Whittle
Date: 12 Sep 20 - 08:48 AM

Yes you could have a lot of fun filling in the blanks on that site.

I think I saw the folk area as extending to Any Caven's club in Walsall, Andy Dwyers in Orton on the Hill, Taf thomas in Cosely, even arguably - The Priesthouse in Castle Donnington. Definitely Dave Sampson's club in Coventry, and Brandywine Bridge's in Quorn.

We all seemed to know each other in those days. looking back on all the people I knew, I think I was firmly based in the lunatic fringe.

A trio called Flagellation ran the Navigators on the Tyburn road.

Subject: RE: Bell & Pump Edgbaston
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Sep 20 - 02:53 AM

yes Tom, it was the Black Diamond Folk Club website that got me thinking about gigs in those days. A true labour of love. I was chuffed to see the handbill for the folk club at Birmingham Rep for the date I played - another memorable gig in a great club. I asked Phil's permission to use the jpeg on my FB page. One for the Bell & Pump would make my day now.

Subject: RE: Bell & Pump Edgbaston
From: GUEST,Tom Patterson
Date: 10 Sep 20 - 04:29 AM

For those interested, the Black Diamond Folk Club website has a wonderful history of Birmingham folk clubs which has been put together by Phil Cross. The page on the Bell and Pump is, I believe, the most visited one on the site.

Subject: RE: Bell & Pump Edgbaston
From: Mr Red
Date: 10 Sep 20 - 01:59 AM

I seem to remember Victoria Wood
Well she was at Birmingham Uni

Subject: RE: Bell & Pump Edgbaston
From: GUEST,Big Al Whittle
Date: 09 Sep 20 - 03:08 PM

yes the Bell and Pump was there in the years I was starting out. they booked a lot of my favourite artists - Derek Brimstone, Downes and Beer, The Ian campbell Folk Group, Ying Tong John. I seem to remember Victoria Wood getting a gig there. And Richard Stylgoe.

I think for a while Malc Stent's band The Timoneers were resident. Afterwards a bloke called Terry who played piano took over the residency.Agency.

It was a very showbiz sort of place. Run by Derek Grinell, and seemed to be the basis of his Perrots Folly Agency. Later on Derek moved to the Weston area, read on mudcat.

I can't remember playing there - although I was making a nuisance of myself most places asking for floorspots everywhere.

Subject: RE: Bell & Pump Edgbaston
From: JHW
Date: 08 Sep 20 - 04:01 PM

They tried to talk down the fee on the night, place seemed busy so I agreed to play for the door money + raffle. Better income than my original ask.

Subject: RE: Bell & Pump Edgbaston
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Sep 20 - 01:56 PM

well, it knocked £20 off my fee that night. It was usually only an option when attendance had been lower than expected.

Subject: RE: Bell & Pump Edgbaston
From: JHW
Date: 08 Sep 20 - 05:46 AM

Doing it for the door can be lucrative

Subject: RE: Bell & Pump Edgbaston
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Sep 20 - 05:04 AM

yes, 8 April. I was Wounded John Scott Cree and worked that night with Garbo (much taxi interference), and Mad Jocks and Englishmen. I'd worked with Mad Jocks the night before at the Lord Raglan, where the hoarding said "Tommy Burton's Sporting Pub". Both clubs were run by Derek (Grimshaw?). The Wolverhampton night was another of those "How much was it again" nights. Few turned out in the appalling weather and I said I'd do it for the door. Fair play to Derek, he redressed the balance by topping up my fee on the Friday, after a memorably good gig.

Subject: RE: Bell & Pump Edgbaston
From: Mr Red
Date: 08 Sep 20 - 03:57 AM

Er.... Given the nature of Easter, a date for Good Friday would be useful. April 8th. What was the "act" called?

Can't say I went that night, but I did go several times to the St Philipian's venue. Can't remember going to the Lord Raglan, would that be in Tommy Burton's time as landlord? Tommy was a respect Trad Jazz musician.

Subject: RE: Bell & Pump Edgbaston
From: JHW
Date: 07 Sep 20 - 04:48 PM

Good idea for a different story in this odd era. Remembering great nights.
Never been to Edgbaston though I'm afraid.

Subject: Bell & Pump Edgbaston
From: GUEST,Wounded
Date: 07 Sep 20 - 01:06 PM

Hi All, in the absence of live gigs, I've been reliving memorable ones. A stand out for me was at the Bell and Pump, Edgbaston on Good Friday 1977. I'd had a rotten gig the previous night at The Lord Raglan, Wolverhampton after a dreadful drive through a blizzard. AS so often happens, the next night at Edgbaston made it all ok. The PA was interrupted constantly by taxi drivers' messages, so I had it switched off. A great crowd. If anyone has the handbill for the night, I'd love a jpeg for my Facebook page. Thanks for your help and I hope we'll be able to get back to live gigs with audiences soon.