New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?

Subject: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: LesB
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 02:13 PM

Does anyone remember The New Modern Idiot Grunt Band? What happened to them in the intervening years?
They were a lunatic jug band duo in the early 70's I remember a song called "Mrs Murphy's man is back in town" they used to do.
I first saw them at my 1st and only Rock festival, in Rugby in 69'. It was a complete disaster, only a few hundred paying punters turned up for the whole weekend, I later found out (from Bridget St John) that nobody got payed. What a brilliant line up though...
Free, Genises, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Edgar Broughton Band, Third Ear Band, several blues bands, ( Climax Chicago, John Dummers, Spirit of John Morgan, I think), Strawbs (acoustic 3 piece), Bridget St John (my heroine at the time) and many others.
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 04:50 PM

They were Rob Armstrong (Coventry guitar maker) and Rod Felton (Coventry folksinger). They both used to play my folk club as solo acts in the 1970's.

Rob's still around making guitars. Haven't heard of Rod for a while.

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 08:24 AM

bump

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: Chris Green
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 07:12 AM

The last time I saw Rod was in a session at Brinklow Folk Weekend about five years ago. Dunno what he's been doing since but he seemed quite hale and hearty (if a little pissed) then!

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: Dave4Guild
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 08:33 PM

From time to time, Chris, he drinks with me! A little pissed we do not get! That would be a thing, up with which, we would not put!!
('Twas great to meet you at the Cross on wednesday evening, by the way)
That weekend at Brinklow, incidently, was when I was doing some gigs with him as "Im'n'Im" - a duo of meteoric rise to obscurity! But we had a lot of fun. He is to be found at the Forester's Arms in Coventry, most evenings from about 10pm.

Hic! Dave n Brenda XxxX

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: GUEST,Graham Oliver
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 11:39 AM

I found this thread while 'googling' for a possible recording by the "New Modern Idiot grunt Band" - for a very short time between 1968 and 1970, I ran a folk club in Rugby on Monday nights at what was then called 'Ye Olde Red Lion', in Sheep Street. Rob and Rod were popular acts and the most succesful night we ever had was when they appeared with Alex Campbell.

Personally, I shall never forget the first time that I saw them perform - the act was quite brilliant and extremely funny. Very enjoyable all round - we all are much older now and I sincerely hope they are both in good health and enjoying life.

If anyone knows if they ever recorded anything - I would be most grateful for a message by email to [e-mail]

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: Fran
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 01:14 PM

Ye Old Red lion is now a Thai Restaurant Graham, 'twas before my time as was the festival or I would have gone as I live in Rugby.

I loved the Im and Im gigs Dave!

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: Gurney
Date: 26 Dec 06 - 02:56 AM

And I loved the NMIGB. I could never quite work out HOW it worked, but it certainly did.

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: GUEST,Trev Teasdel
Date: 31 Dec 06 - 09:49 AM

I'm currently creating an archive of Coventry from early to mid 70's from point of view of Hobo - a periodic music mag I ran in Coventry. I've only just started it on a Vox Blog - http://coventrymusichistory.vox.com/
(cut and paste that to your url if its not an active link!). It will take awhile to complete but there will be band / venue / disco / folk and musician directory on it eventually and will include the Grunt band / Rod and Rob and Dave. Rod was great at doing his own posters too - he did a brill one for the Rude Bear Folk Club for Hobo and I have a great flyer for the Grunt band and Rod's own blurbs. Both Rod and Rob are multi- talented - Rob with his guitar making (he made one for Bert Jansch - I have a press cutting!) and Rod's Art is brill - not to mention his songwriting and vocals. It was Pete Waterman who introduced me to Rod in 1970 at the Walsgrave (pub) gig he ran ((Rod was performing with electric guitar for a blues night) (I used to do the door for him), and Pete afterwards described Rod as one of the few true stars Coventry has produced.

Although the band directory etc won't be on just yet awhile, I'll put some of the flyers in the photo gallery this afternoon for you - they are worth seeing!

There's an e mail facility on the Hobo Vox blog if anyone wants to contribute any info etc for the archive or comment.

Happy new - Trev.

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: GUEST,Graham Oliver
Date: 17 Jan 07 - 06:33 PM

Further to my earlier post, when I asked if anyone knew of any recordings and I had one all the time! I have just discovered a tape that I recorded at Ye Olde Red Lion on 24th February 1969. It includes an entire performance by the 'New Modern Idiot Grunt Band' and although the sound is distorted in places (because Rod was banging his foot so hard that it made the tape recorder jump) it isn't that bad. The recording was made with Rob and Rod's full co-operation and consent and gives a fair representation of the impact that they had on the audience.

The play list (with a few jokes in between)is:

San Francisco Bay Blues (Jesse Fuller)
Salty Dog Blues (Traditional American)
Colouring Book (As We Go Sailing On) ?
Skin Game Blues (Peg Leg Howell)
Your Ugly (Armstrong/Felton) ?
Anthem - Keep on Grunting (Armstrong/Felton) ?
Grunting Everywhere (Armstrong/Felton) ?

Gospel Blues (Traditional American)
Lady Baby Gypsy Queen (Felton)
Everybody Loves a Nut (Clement)
Can't You See That I'm Just Crazy Over You ?
Harry Rag (Davies)
Mrs Murphy's Man is Back in Town ?
Yat-tat-tat-ta-tat-tat Yat-tat-tat-ta-tat-tat ?

In some cases, for instance, where I am not sure of the proper title or the songwriter, I have put question marks. If anyone reading this is familiar with the former duo's repertoire, I would be most grateful for any assistance in correcting the titles and origins.

If you can help, please email me on [e-mail]

I intend to transfer the tape onto CD and, 'when I get round to it', I will add a suitable page to my website with some .wav samples.

At the moment the website is mostly about our narrow boat but it will expand - www.grahamoliver.com

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 17 Jan 07 - 06:40 PM

Rob also made some parlour sized guitars for the late George Harrison - he has framed the cheque.

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw
Date: 18 Jan 07 - 04:41 AM

Somewhere in my tape archive, I have several recordings of the Grunt Band - recorded at Burnt Post Folk Club, The Freemasons (worth a thread on its own?!) and the Come Together concert in 1983. Some of that was broadcast on Mercia FM at the time, so quality not too bad in parts. (Note to myself - must look them out sometime)

I first remember hearing about them in about 1968/9 when we were doing a gig in London with the late great Alex Campbell, and he was raving about them, having just been up to COventry.

We later met them in Cov, which was when I realised it was Rod Felton, who I had previously met in London when he was sharing a house with Diz Disley.

I later, in 1970, moved to Coventry, and becamse good friends with Rob and Rod. I have to say, to my shame, that I don't see much of them these days. Must get out more!!

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: GUEST,Graham Oliver
Date: 18 Jan 07 - 09:25 AM

Graham Bradshaw in the post above said "I first remember hearing about them in about 1968/9 when we were doing a gig in London with the late great Alex Campbell, and he was raving about them, having just been up to COventry."

I think I arranged that particular meeting - at the beginning of May 1969, Toni Savage (one of the nicest and most helpful folk music impresario/agents you could want to meet)was trying to arrange some bookings in the Coventry and Leicester areas for Alex - we agreed to book him for the Monday night - which I think may have been a Bank Holiday or at least a day that most people took as a holiday even if it wasn't official. I took the whole week off and followed Alex to all the other gigs which included the Town Arms in Leicester and the Mercers Arms in Coventry as well as Warwick and possibly Monks Kirby - all great fun - what a great man he was both on and off stage - but that's a completely different story.

To make something special out of the Monday night at Ye Olde Red Lion, I managed to get an extension to 11.30 (which was late in those days) and permission for the show to go on until midnight. In addition to Alex I also billed The New Modern Idiot Grunt Band, Ernie Hudson and Geoff Smedley. The Coventry Evening Telegraph and Rugby Advertiser did us proud with brilliant pre-show write-ups and john Phillpot used the headline 'A Folk Bonanza' - in truth it was more of a Comedy Bonanza.

My contemporary diary indicates that I paid out £35 to the performers and probably bought them drinks on top of that - admission was 7/6 (£0.375 in today's money) and the room was packed. Nevertheless, for an all acoustic show with no microphones or amps, it was brilliant and the audience were incredibly quiet exept when laughing or applauding. Alex C\mpbell had never seen Rob and Rod perform before and during the 'interval' he told me that he thought their act was 'amazing' - praise indeed from the great man.

During Alex's second half he made several references to the duo and the art of 'Grunting' he also mentioned them from the stage at the Town Arms when he told the audience that they should make a point of getting over to the Coventry area to see them. Toni Savage was with also us in Rugby on the Monday night and brought along a number of his new protegies as floor singers with the intention of show-casing them to the other club organisors that would have been with us. I think in this instance it worked the other way round because, thereafter, Toni became a great fan and promoter of Rob and Rod . . .

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Sep 08 - 11:18 AM

Hello Grunt Fans
A little bird told me the lads had a private grunt this very year.
Their album "Live at the Three Crowns Barwell is available as a down load from www.raremusez.co.uk
Coopz

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: SunrayFC
Date: 24 Sep 08 - 11:42 AM

I well remember the NMIGB- they were fantastic, during my time at the HOLLY BUSH Folk Club (Nuneaton) and the Woolpack (Bedworth) and one in Bulkington.

Happy days

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: Gurney
Date: 25 Sep 08 - 01:50 AM

To the several and various people who have private recordings of the NMIGB: PLEASE get them turned into CDs and then tell me where to buy them from!

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: GUEST
Date: 21 May 10 - 04:30 PM

I was just given a copy of "Live at the Three Crowns" by TNMIGB. Rob Armstrong's son lives in Canada and our sons are friends. Not the best sounding recording but it definitely captures the spirit of the band. Impressive. Those must have been fun times!

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: GUEST,Jasper
Date: 23 May 10 - 03:09 PM

I saw Rod at Ian McAllister's (who ran the Beer engine,Coventry) wake in April (2010). I've known him for years without knowing he was in the band, we are both old school sign wrighters and got to chat. Good bloke. Below is a link to buy some of their stuff.

http://www.dandoshaft.com/raremusez.co.uk/musez/index.php?option=com_maian15&view=album&album=3

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Mar 11 - 01:18 PM

I first came to know Rod about 1965 or 66 we lived in a house with about 10 or 11 other like minded people of the times,I was what was referred to as a Beatnik,we had a Mod known as Rommel,there was another marvellous guitar player known as small,Bongo Ted was also there a lot,there was a lass called Sandy,(chlorodine Sandy)Two girls called angela,there must be some photos of the period in the coventry telegraph archives,they took pics at the house,primrose hill street comes to mind,but I think that is the main road our street ran parallel to the main street,I believe it was demolished and flats or something similar built,talking NMIGB can anyone remember the name of the third member of the band who stood on a pedestal and at some point was guaranteed to lose his head,if you read this Rod all the best,Charles.

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: GUEST,Scott Clements
Date: 18 Feb 12 - 08:38 AM

I first met Rod Felton in 1965 (man I,m old)at the Heart of England Folk Club in Leamington Spa.In those days he was principly a blues man.He, and Rob Armstrong were regular floor singers at the club, both as soloists, and as the Grunt Band.Other regulars included June Tabor, Polly Bolton,Nigel Jenkins etc.halcyon days.Rod was also part of the Fenny Compton Coke Shovellers,a loose collective of regulars,we would turn up en masse at other folk clubs,and perform a cappella songs like Pinball Wizard to the tune of the White Cockade and Clementine to the tune Cym Ronda. Both men were great musicians and entertainers,and the Grunt Band was an inspired partnership,if some one out there could arrange a re-union,I will be first in the queue.

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Sep 12 - 01:57 PM

I too met Rod in 1965, but at the Cofas Tree Folk Club at the Wine Lodge in Coventry... I loved his Harmony Sovereign guitar so much that I bought one although it doesn't come out much now since I replaced it with a Martin... I MC'd the City Arms Folk Club in Earlsdon for a couple of years and that was where the Grunt Band played first.. as Rod and Rob were the organisers. Those were the days....

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: GUEST,Ben S
Date: 23 Oct 12 - 03:26 PM

I remember several great nights at the City Arms folk club. The grunt band fronted by Rod Felton in Native American attire playing a hybrid American Indian version of Interstellar Overdrive ...

Itmust have been about 1967 ... I had a couple of Arhoolie and Vanguard records at home featuring people like John Hurt, Son House, Mance Lipscombe, and yes, 1930's jug bands

Rod and Rob showed me my tastes were not that weird ... by providing great music and real entertainment.

Rod also opened my eyes to an MC being able to swear and belch through a microphone - my strict parents would have hated it, I loved it - Thanks to the Grunts for the good times

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: GUEST,Ben S
Date: 23 Oct 12 - 03:38 PM

Just remembered, queueing for Chips and Chicken and mushroom pie at the 'Pope's Nose' ( officially The Parson's Nose) chip shop opposite the Burges on a Saturday night having missed the last bus home to Coundon.
Rod Felton turns up, and we all go into the Taj Mahal opposite - where Rod is treated as a king by the chef - each week he tries to make the hottest curry ever to disturb Rod's taste buds.... mad fool ... Rod's the coolest thing going, nothing fazes him as he hugs the chef and says 'Better luck next time Uncle !' Happy Daze....

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: GUEST,Nicemark
Date: 04 Jun 14 - 03:40 AM

Interesting !
Are any of these recordings in circulation ?
I have purchased and can heavily recommend the "Three Crowns" download.
I also have a recording I made if them at the RNLI club in Stafford in the 70s.

Mark Watson

Subject: RE: New Modern Idiot Grunt Band Remember?
From: GUEST,Nathan Armstrong
Date: 05 Nov 16 - 12:40 AM

Hi Folks! Just following this thread and saw I was mentioned! So good to see the following for this period in time. It sure was a blast.. Cheers from Canada! Nathan