The unsung heroes of rock and roll
1 of 9
band name
The Blue Diamonds
submitted by
Neil Burman
who's in the picture
Left to right clockwise: Neil Burman, bass; Iain Eggeling, rhythm guitar and lead vocals; David Jackson, lead guitar; John Woolley, drums.
where was the band based
Surrey / South London (Cheam, Epsom, Wimbledon), UK.
years active
1964-1966
musical influences
Shadows, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Kinks, Zombies
notes
Most 60’s bands comprised three musicians and a drummer. The Blue Diamonds had three musicians and a guy who’d purchased a bass guitar because it had only four strings...
David Jackson (lead guitar) and John Woolley (percussion) teamed up as eleven-year-olds doing covers of anything by The Shadows. The two boys separated when they went to secondary school where John persuaded a fellow Kings College Wimbledon student Iain Eggeling (rhythm guitar and lead vocals) to join the fledgling band in October 1963. David then asked a boy from his school, Epsom College, to complete the band in April 1964. I added bass guitar and Van Gogh’s ear for music.
We underwent a name change from The Avengers to The Blue Diamonds and wore uniforms of black cardigans with silver fronts, thin blue ties, white shirts and grey school trousers. Although we didn’t look exactly like four Val Doonicans, we came dangerously close. We played at dances, clubs and private parties for two years including a gig attended by the French Ambassador. Our musical style became known as The Cheam Sound – a style occasionally mentioned in the same sentence as The Mersey Sound, The Motown Sound and The West Coast Sound, but not all that occasionally. We refused to perform easy listening music. Sometimes the audience found it easier not listening and left early.
The Blue Diamonds recorded an EP of three covers and an original instrumental in January 1965, selling several copies to each other. The band broke up just over a year later. Most blamed Yoko, but there were rumours about drug taking. Someone had seen Iain sucking on a cough lozenge prior to one of their final gigs, although David denied supplying it. No hotel rooms were trashed, but John did leave his bedroom in a mess once, deciding at the last minute to clean it up before his mother came home.
Despite their rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, the four survived (although David and Iain now wear obvious hairpieces) and met up in London on March 10th 2008 for the first time in 42 years. In the interim we’d all taken the advice of our parents to get a haircut and a real job, with the exception of John who’d played with Geno Washington’s Ram Jam Band and Bram Stoker for a few years after graduating from university. John and I took the haircut advice too literally.
In March 2008 we reunited. I flew in from Perth and the other three arrived by train at concessional fare rates. Over some anti-cholesterol tablets and a few glasses of red, it was decided that being part of The Blue Diamonds in the 60’s was the most fun any of us had experienced whilst wearing cardigans. So, why not have another crack? (See picture 4)
Any resemblance to the original artists is purely coincidental. © Nic Kersov, aka Neil Burman.
brushes with fame
After leaving University, John played with Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band as well as Bram Stoker. Iain still plays with Mid Life Crisis and is involved with both amateur dramatics and musicals. David Jackson has played in various bands and has a large collection of vintage guitars. Early exploits of the band appear in the autobiography "Blue Suede Slippers" (published 2007) and a more complete history of the band including their 2008 reunion is contained in "Still Waiting For The Fat Lady" a book released in Oz in November 2008. Both books written by Neil Burman
where are they now
David Jackson became a lawyer and worked in the banking industry in Hong Kong. He now runs a financial consultancy in London.
John Woolley is Managing Director of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.
Iain Eggeling is a doctor in general medical practice in Farnborough, Hampshire.
I am a dentist in general practice in Perth, Western Australia
band name
The Blue Diamonds
submitted by
Neil Burman
who's in the picture
Left to right clockwise: Neil Burman, bass; Iain Eggeling, rhythm guitar and lead vocals; David Jackson, lead guitar; John Woolley, drums.
where was the band based
Surrey / South London (Cheam, Epsom, Wimbledon), UK.
years active
1964-1966
musical influences
Shadows, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Kinks, Zombies
notes
Most 60’s bands comprised three musicians and a drummer. The Blue Diamonds had three musicians and a guy who’d purchased a bass guitar because it had only four strings...
David Jackson (lead guitar) and John Woolley (percussion) teamed up as eleven-year-olds doing covers of anything by The Shadows. The two boys separated when they went to secondary school where John persuaded a fellow Kings College Wimbledon student Iain Eggeling (rhythm guitar and lead vocals) to join the fledgling band in October 1963. David then asked a boy from his school, Epsom College, to complete the band in April 1964. I added bass guitar and Van Gogh’s ear for music.
We underwent a name change from The Avengers to The Blue Diamonds and wore uniforms of black cardigans with silver fronts, thin blue ties, white shirts and grey school trousers. Although we didn’t look exactly like four Val Doonicans, we came dangerously close. We played at dances, clubs and private parties for two years including a gig attended by the French Ambassador. Our musical style became known as The Cheam Sound – a style occasionally mentioned in the same sentence as The Mersey Sound, The Motown Sound and The West Coast Sound, but not all that occasionally. We refused to perform easy listening music. Sometimes the audience found it easier not listening and left early.
The Blue Diamonds recorded an EP of three covers and an original instrumental in January 1965, selling several copies to each other. The band broke up just over a year later. Most blamed Yoko, but there were rumours about drug taking. Someone had seen Iain sucking on a cough lozenge prior to one of their final gigs, although David denied supplying it. No hotel rooms were trashed, but John did leave his bedroom in a mess once, deciding at the last minute to clean it up before his mother came home.
Despite their rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, the four survived (although David and Iain now wear obvious hairpieces) and met up in London on March 10th 2008 for the first time in 42 years. In the interim we’d all taken the advice of our parents to get a haircut and a real job, with the exception of John who’d played with Geno Washington’s Ram Jam Band and Bram Stoker for a few years after graduating from university. John and I took the haircut advice too literally.
In March 2008 we reunited. I flew in from Perth and the other three arrived by train at concessional fare rates. Over some anti-cholesterol tablets and a few glasses of red, it was decided that being part of The Blue Diamonds in the 60’s was the most fun any of us had experienced whilst wearing cardigans. So, why not have another crack? (See picture 4)
Any resemblance to the original artists is purely coincidental. © Nic Kersov, aka Neil Burman.
brushes with fame
After leaving University, John played with Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band as well as Bram Stoker. Iain still plays with Mid Life Crisis and is involved with both amateur dramatics and musicals. David Jackson has played in various bands and has a large collection of vintage guitars. Early exploits of the band appear in the autobiography "Blue Suede Slippers" (published 2007) and a more complete history of the band including their 2008 reunion is contained in "Still Waiting For The Fat Lady" a book released in Oz in November 2008. Both books written by Neil Burman
where are they now
David Jackson became a lawyer and worked in the banking industry in Hong Kong. He now runs a financial consultancy in London.
John Woolley is Managing Director of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.
Iain Eggeling is a doctor in general medical practice in Farnborough, Hampshire.
I am a dentist in general practice in Perth, Western Australia
2 of 9
band name
The Blue Diamonds
submitted by
Neil Burman
who's in the picture
Left to right: Neil Burman, bass; John Woolley, drums; Iain Eggeling, rhythm guitar and lead vocals; David Jackson, lead guitar.
band name
The Blue Diamonds
submitted by
Neil Burman
who's in the picture
Left to right: Neil Burman, bass; John Woolley, drums; Iain Eggeling, rhythm guitar and lead vocals; David Jackson, lead guitar.
3 of 9
band name
The Blue Diamonds
submitted by
Neil Burman
who's in the picture
Left to right: Neil Burman, bass; David Jackson, lead guitar; John Woolley, drums; Iain Eggeling, rhythm guitar and lead vocals.
band name
The Blue Diamonds
submitted by
Neil Burman
who's in the picture
Left to right: Neil Burman, bass; David Jackson, lead guitar; John Woolley, drums; Iain Eggeling, rhythm guitar and lead vocals.
4 of 9
band name
The Blue Diamonds
submitted by
Neil Burman
who's in the picture
Left to right: Neil Burman, John Woolley, Iain Eggeling, David Jackson.
notes
On 16th September 2008, the boys reunited in Tin Pan Alley Studios, London.
band name
The Blue Diamonds
submitted by
Neil Burman
who's in the picture
Left to right: Neil Burman, John Woolley, Iain Eggeling, David Jackson.
notes
On 16th September 2008, the boys reunited in Tin Pan Alley Studios, London.
5 of 9
band name
The Blue Diamonds and their 2008 album Rough Diamonds
submitted by
Neil Burman
who's in the picture
Left to right: John Woolley, Neil Burman, Iain Eggeling, David Jackson.
notes
On 16th September 2008, the boys reunited in Tin Pan Alley Studios, London. We recorded the album Rough Diamonds in a little over a day and a half, having not rehearsed or played as a foursome for nearly 43 years!
band name
The Blue Diamonds and their 2008 album Rough Diamonds
submitted by
Neil Burman
who's in the picture
Left to right: John Woolley, Neil Burman, Iain Eggeling, David Jackson.
notes
On 16th September 2008, the boys reunited in Tin Pan Alley Studios, London. We recorded the album Rough Diamonds in a little over a day and a half, having not rehearsed or played as a foursome for nearly 43 years!
6 of 9
band name
The Rough Diamonds (formerly the Blue Diamonds)
Soundbaker Recording Studio, Perth, Western Australia, 2009. Left to right: Glenn Winter-Smith, Neil Burman, Mike Tan, John Trotter.
Buoyed by the success of their 2008 reunion album, recorded after a 43-year hiatus, Neil Burman did everything possible to persuade The Blue Diamonds to reform for another farewell album in 2009. However it was not to be.
In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, David “Lightning” Jackson left the investment advisory business and is enjoying a new career as relief doorman at the Pink Pussycat Nightclub. Mention their album for half-price entry and free box of tissues. After agreeing to play slide guitar on High Heel Sneakers, David is considering fronting a Blue Diamonds tribute band based in London.
John “Ginger” Woolley has composed a thirty minute drum solo to accompany the computer generated voice of Stephen Hawkin reading from his groundbreaking work ‘A Brief History of Time’. As yet there are no definite plans for a public performance. John is considering fronting a Blue Diamonds tribute band based in Surrey.
Iain “Blind Willie” Eggeling decided to concentrate on writing original music. Unfortunately his first solo album Only Women Breed, which combined lyrics taken from The Obstetrician’s Handbook with a selection of interesting minor chords, was met with critical indifference. After being blackmailed to sing on this album, Iain is considering fronting a Blue Diamonds tribute band based in Hampshire.
Neil “Cottonbelly” Burman booked himself into a Californian clinic for the treatment of sex addiction. The clinic’s psychotherapists found he didn’t have one, forcing Neil to leave via the side entrance taking both sheep and a copy of Livestock Monthly with him. He returned to Western Australia to front the first Blue Diamonds tribute band – Rough Diamonds.
Rough Diamonds consists of Neil and a number of far more accomplished musicians though, to be honest, circus seals biting rubber car horns have more musical ability than the Blue Diamonds’ former bassist. He harnessed the considerable talents of Glenn Winter-Smith (The Firm, The Neons), John Trotter (Manfred Mann’s Earth Band) and Michael Tan (Daren Reid and the Soul City Groove) to fill out the blank bits around his bass lines. Iain Eggeling (The Blue Diamonds, Mid-Life Crisis) put down his stethoscope for long enough to record the lead vocals except on The Zombies classic, ‘Time of the Season’ where the lead was taken by Carmen Jones. Carmen also performs ‘Take Me Back’ an original composition by Neil and Glenn whilst Neil monopolises the vocals on ‘High Heel Sneakers’.
The music choices on Cut & Polished represent the most eclectic mix of 60’s song styles since the invention of the eclectic light switch by Thomas Edison’s younger brother Alice. Apart from three tracks, all were staples from the Blue Diamonds playlist. Everything from hard rock to soft rock plus a bit of indeterminate, medium density, somewhat squishy rock in between. The original Blue Diamonds had a large following amongst female geologists.
So send your spouse to the bowling club, turn up the bass control, strip to your underwear and relive the magic.
© Nick Kersov July 2009
band name
The Rough Diamonds (formerly the Blue Diamonds)
Soundbaker Recording Studio, Perth, Western Australia, 2009. Left to right: Glenn Winter-Smith, Neil Burman, Mike Tan, John Trotter.
Buoyed by the success of their 2008 reunion album, recorded after a 43-year hiatus, Neil Burman did everything possible to persuade The Blue Diamonds to reform for another farewell album in 2009. However it was not to be.
In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, David “Lightning” Jackson left the investment advisory business and is enjoying a new career as relief doorman at the Pink Pussycat Nightclub. Mention their album for half-price entry and free box of tissues. After agreeing to play slide guitar on High Heel Sneakers, David is considering fronting a Blue Diamonds tribute band based in London.
John “Ginger” Woolley has composed a thirty minute drum solo to accompany the computer generated voice of Stephen Hawkin reading from his groundbreaking work ‘A Brief History of Time’. As yet there are no definite plans for a public performance. John is considering fronting a Blue Diamonds tribute band based in Surrey.
Iain “Blind Willie” Eggeling decided to concentrate on writing original music. Unfortunately his first solo album Only Women Breed, which combined lyrics taken from The Obstetrician’s Handbook with a selection of interesting minor chords, was met with critical indifference. After being blackmailed to sing on this album, Iain is considering fronting a Blue Diamonds tribute band based in Hampshire.
Neil “Cottonbelly” Burman booked himself into a Californian clinic for the treatment of sex addiction. The clinic’s psychotherapists found he didn’t have one, forcing Neil to leave via the side entrance taking both sheep and a copy of Livestock Monthly with him. He returned to Western Australia to front the first Blue Diamonds tribute band – Rough Diamonds.
Rough Diamonds consists of Neil and a number of far more accomplished musicians though, to be honest, circus seals biting rubber car horns have more musical ability than the Blue Diamonds’ former bassist. He harnessed the considerable talents of Glenn Winter-Smith (The Firm, The Neons), John Trotter (Manfred Mann’s Earth Band) and Michael Tan (Daren Reid and the Soul City Groove) to fill out the blank bits around his bass lines. Iain Eggeling (The Blue Diamonds, Mid-Life Crisis) put down his stethoscope for long enough to record the lead vocals except on The Zombies classic, ‘Time of the Season’ where the lead was taken by Carmen Jones. Carmen also performs ‘Take Me Back’ an original composition by Neil and Glenn whilst Neil monopolises the vocals on ‘High Heel Sneakers’.
The music choices on Cut & Polished represent the most eclectic mix of 60’s song styles since the invention of the eclectic light switch by Thomas Edison’s younger brother Alice. Apart from three tracks, all were staples from the Blue Diamonds playlist. Everything from hard rock to soft rock plus a bit of indeterminate, medium density, somewhat squishy rock in between. The original Blue Diamonds had a large following amongst female geologists.
So send your spouse to the bowling club, turn up the bass control, strip to your underwear and relive the magic.
© Nick Kersov July 2009
7 of 9
band name
The Rough Diamonds (formerly the Blue Diamonds) and their 2009 album Cut and Polished
Glenn Winter-Smith, lead and rhythm guitars, handclaps.
John Trotter, percussion, shakers.
Michael Tan, keyboards.
Neil Burman, bass guitar, backing vocals, heavy breathing, handclaps, tambourine.
Iain Eggeling, lead vocals.
Carmen Jones, lead vocals tracks 5 and 9.
David Jackson, slide guitar, High Heel Sneakers.
Thanks to Rob Agostini at Soundbaker Studios, Perth and Steve Kent at Tin Pan Alley Studios, London for their patience, skill and for being cool. The fact Steve played bass with Picketty Witch in the 70’s will always remain our secret. Rob also provided great coffee. He added tambourine and percussion by tapping the body of an acoustic guitar on I’ll Follow The Sun.
Thanks to Glenn Winter-Smith and Janet Goodheart in Perth for helping Neil with everything except his dress sense.
Special thanks to John Lennon, George Harrison, Keith Moon, Kurt Cobain, Buddy Holly, Louis Armstrong, Freddie Mercury, John Entwhistle, Elvis Presley and Otis Redding. Undoubtedly these performers would have made guest appearances on this album had they not already been dead.
C.D. booklet design by Gareth Andersen.
Photographs by Gareth Andersen (Perth) and Ed Miles (London).
Band Management: Brian Epstein (answering machine only).
Neil’s hair by Ashley of Goodfellas Hair Studio and his parents’ lack of genetic counseling.
Glenn’s hair by Gillette.
Recorded and mixed at Soundbaker Studios, Perth, Western Australia. Iain’s vocals and David’s guitar solo recorded at Tin Pan Alley Studios, London, UK.
Produced by Walking Horse Music, Perth, Western Australia
band name
The Rough Diamonds (formerly the Blue Diamonds) and their 2009 album Cut and Polished
Glenn Winter-Smith, lead and rhythm guitars, handclaps.
John Trotter, percussion, shakers.
Michael Tan, keyboards.
Neil Burman, bass guitar, backing vocals, heavy breathing, handclaps, tambourine.
Iain Eggeling, lead vocals.
Carmen Jones, lead vocals tracks 5 and 9.
David Jackson, slide guitar, High Heel Sneakers.
Thanks to Rob Agostini at Soundbaker Studios, Perth and Steve Kent at Tin Pan Alley Studios, London for their patience, skill and for being cool. The fact Steve played bass with Picketty Witch in the 70’s will always remain our secret. Rob also provided great coffee. He added tambourine and percussion by tapping the body of an acoustic guitar on I’ll Follow The Sun.
Thanks to Glenn Winter-Smith and Janet Goodheart in Perth for helping Neil with everything except his dress sense.
Special thanks to John Lennon, George Harrison, Keith Moon, Kurt Cobain, Buddy Holly, Louis Armstrong, Freddie Mercury, John Entwhistle, Elvis Presley and Otis Redding. Undoubtedly these performers would have made guest appearances on this album had they not already been dead.
C.D. booklet design by Gareth Andersen.
Photographs by Gareth Andersen (Perth) and Ed Miles (London).
Band Management: Brian Epstein (answering machine only).
Neil’s hair by Ashley of Goodfellas Hair Studio and his parents’ lack of genetic counseling.
Glenn’s hair by Gillette.
Recorded and mixed at Soundbaker Studios, Perth, Western Australia. Iain’s vocals and David’s guitar solo recorded at Tin Pan Alley Studios, London, UK.
Produced by Walking Horse Music, Perth, Western Australia
8 of 9
band name
The Blue Diamonds
Tin Pan Alley Studio, London, 2009. Left to right: Neil Burman, Dave Jackson, Iain Eggeling
band name
The Blue Diamonds
Tin Pan Alley Studio, London, 2009. Left to right: Neil Burman, Dave Jackson, Iain Eggeling
9 of 9
band name
The Blue Diamonds
Tin Pan Alley Studio, London, 2009. Left to right: Iain Eggeling, Neil Burman
band name
The Blue Diamonds
Tin Pan Alley Studio, London, 2009. Left to right: Iain Eggeling, Neil Burman
1 of 3
band name
The Chevrons
submitted by
Gary Songhurst
who's in the picture
Gary Songhurst, Lew Baglow, Mike Carless, Mitch Warburton.
where was the band based
Ilfracombe, Devon, UK
years active
1962 - 1966
musical influences
Shadows, Rolling Stones, Beatles
notes
After the band broke up, Mike went on with a band called Hard Meat (made 2 albums), Mitch went on with Goodship Lollypop (recorded Maxwell's Silver Hammer) I played with Lew & Mitch in other bands. We got back together last year, after 40 years apart, for 3 60th birthdays. We finally recorded a CD together.
brushes with fame
We came 2nd in the 1965 Melody Maker National Beat competion
where are they now
I live in Berrynarbor near Ilfracombe, Mitch & Lew live in Barnstaple, Mike lives in Glastonbury.
band name
The Chevrons
submitted by
Gary Songhurst
who's in the picture
Gary Songhurst, Lew Baglow, Mike Carless, Mitch Warburton.
where was the band based
Ilfracombe, Devon, UK
years active
1962 - 1966
musical influences
Shadows, Rolling Stones, Beatles
notes
After the band broke up, Mike went on with a band called Hard Meat (made 2 albums), Mitch went on with Goodship Lollypop (recorded Maxwell's Silver Hammer) I played with Lew & Mitch in other bands. We got back together last year, after 40 years apart, for 3 60th birthdays. We finally recorded a CD together.
brushes with fame
We came 2nd in the 1965 Melody Maker National Beat competion
where are they now
I live in Berrynarbor near Ilfracombe, Mitch & Lew live in Barnstaple, Mike lives in Glastonbury.
New comment: Requires approval