Johnny Mac
ANDY MAC is a local musician, part of a proud musical dynasty.
Andy Mac says "Here's a pic of my late Father ' Johnny Mac ' playing the residency at the Vauxhall club around the mid 70's....The band was called the Barr, Mac trio....Eric Barr played a fantastic Farfisa organ, Kev Smith played a mean bass guitar....If anyone has any memories of my Dad, the band or the Vauxhall, please get in touch. Any photo's would be a absolute bonus."
For Andy's father was the driving force of Johnny Mac and the Collectros, now Andy wants to step everything up a gear and is about to embark on his most ambitious musical project yet.
Today we look at the two generations of musicians and why music is so important in the Mac household.
JOHNNY MAC was born in Scotland in 1921, and served his country in the army during the Second World War. He settled in Coventry, met Andy's mum Christine and they married in 1948.
Johnny began sitting in with bands around the town, and the attention his singing drew convinced him to form his own band.
Former band member Col Williams takes up the story: "I first met Johnny in 1956, at the Angel Hotel, Foleshill, I was 17 at the time. He was playing drums alongside a pianist named Bill Harrison. Johnny had a superb voice and sang all the standards of the 40s and 50s.
"Rock 'n' roll was just taking off and I had just learned to play guitar and sing all the pop songs of the day. I got up to sing with Johnny and Bill - this type of music was new and went down a bomb. It became a regular thing, Johnny singing ballads and me the rock 'n' roll. It was packed every night."
By now the guys were a four-piece, with the inclusion of harmonica player and Johnny's cousin Dennis Scally. That led to the introduction of a fifth player, guitarist Ray Gasgoine, and suddenly they were a five-piece band looking to get paid for their gigs.
"The Angel was paying Johnny and Bill," said Col Williams, "but not the rest of us. When we asked for an extra 10 shillings to each of us extra musos, they said no, and after an almighty row we left as a band and went to the Coronation Club in Keresley."
They dropped the name The Johnny Mac Band and became Johnny Mac and the Collectros. They were also the first local band to appear on TV when they appeared on the Carroll Levis Show, and later her radio show. This put them in big demand.
Colin said: "When we played the Central Ballroom in Coventry, during the 30-minute interval, we used to nip over the road to the Mayoresses Club and perform there for 20 minutes, then it was back on stage at the Central Ballroom."
Andy says: "My dad and his band were always in demand. I think my dad's fondest memories were playing to a packed Keresley Coronation Club in the early 60s. My memories of my dad was when he formed the Barr Mac trio in 1973. He played there for 10 years, as well as slots at the Weavers Arms on the Stoney Stanton Road.
"Something that will always stick in my mind is when he sang Bridge Over Troubled Water. I would look around and the audience were spellbound by his amazing voice. Sadly he died in 1987 aged 65. I remember the huge turnout for his funeral, I was only 17 at the time of his death. I was just starting to get close to him, approaching adulthood, sadly it was never to be.
"Soon after my brother Brian showed me some moves on the bass, I joined a couple of bands, and I was in and out of playing for 10 years. I started writing my own stuff and I'm now in the band Redfoot and we are about to unleash ourselves on the local scene.
"I have worked in factories for almost 20 years now, I have decided enough's enough. I'm looking into starting my own rehearsal room business, so I can make a great contribution to Coventry's great music scene, just like my dad did all those years ago."
There is, however, another major project Andy is working on, and that's to organise the Pinley Music Festival.
To say he has the 'bit between his teeth' is something of an understatement. He's already got mighty Marshall Amplification on board as sponsor, an achievement in itself and testament to his commitment if it were needed.
The Pinley fete is a traditional slot in Wyken's calendar.
"For the past three years I have organised the music, basically a band and a disco," Andy reveals. "I have been songwriting for about 18 months now, Danny (Foulstone) and myself have played at many open mics - this is where I discovered this great scene. Joining myspace helped too, as I would listen to untapped talent and see their progression."
Bands already confirmed are: The Pockets, Cofastree, The Shakletons, Betty Swallocks, The Session, Drag Queen Bingo, Redfoot and the Satin Dolls.
The festival itself will be a hive of activity, with a fun fair, beer tents, food, and market stalls. It will be held at Pinley RFC fields, Wyken Croft, Coventry in aid of the Snowball Appeal and Air Ambulance.
"I started to go to as many gigs as I could," says Andy. "The Golden Cross, Kasbah, Hope and Anchor, Taylor John's, Tin Angel, lots of places. I could hear and see a great vibe happening, that's what inspired me to organise this fest and I think my enthusiasm is channeling through to other people, especially with all the messages of support.
"Coventry has a great music scene that can rival Manchester, Liverpool and London, we just need to get the message out. Why dwell on The Enemy's success, why not use it as a tool to bring these other bands through, with all the messages of support and for tickets, I'm expecting quite a few people there."
It looks like it will be a terrific affair, so not to be missed, and all for a good cause. If you can help, contact Andy below.
Pop Trivia - THE MACS
* IF you are wondering where the name the Collectors came from, well Coll is for lead vocalist Col Williams; the band were using electric guitar and electric harmonica, hence electros. ..TEXT * ANDY has only a few pictures of his father on stage, he is wondering if any readers may have some, or better still a cinefilm of him playing, as he would love to see him in his prime. ..TEXT * IF you can help any way with the Pinley Music Festival go to www.myspace.com/thepinleymusicfestival or e-mail: pinleyrfc@yahoo.com to contact Andy.
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