York musicians reunite (From York Press)

York musicians reunite

9:30am Tuesday 4th September 2012 in News By Mike Laycock, Chief reporter

SOME haven’t seen each other for several decades – since they used to play in pubs, clubs and theatres across the country.

Now members of some of York’s biggest rock and pop bands of the 1960s and early 1970s have been re-united at a city centre cafe bar – and they immediately picked up guitars for an impromptu jamming session.

The reunion at The Habit in Goodramgate was organised by Stevie ZeSuicide who, before becoming drummer with the top punk band UK Subs, played in one of the York bands, House.

“These guys have not got the recognition for what they have done,” he said. “York had a thriving scene in the 1960s.”

Stevie said he spent ages tracking down some of the musicians, and there were some he had simply been unable to trace.

The musicians said it was “brilliant” to be back together again. “It’s surreal,” said one, adding that he hoped they would meet up again after finally being reunited.

Members of House were taken back to the days when they played all over the country and in Germany, supporting acts such as Mud, Status Quo and The Tremeloes, and even going on tour with Hot Chocolate.

They said the band even brought out a version of the song Chirpee Chirpee Cheep Cheep, which reached the lower edges of the charts before another group, Middle Of The Road, took their version to number one.

Another rocker who turned up at the renunion was Dave Aldo, whose band Gideon’s Few supported groups including The Who and Moody Blues in concert and who played at The Cavern in Liverpool at about the same time as the Beatles.

Dave said that in York, his band played at venues including the old SS Empire, the Assembly Rooms and the De Grey Rooms, and even played weekly “bop for a bob” gigs at New Earswick Folk Hall.