This is a site devoted to the history of Sheffield Rock & Pop music. We all know about the famous bands that come from the Steel City, but we want to devote some space to the bands that nearly made it as well.
Contributions of any kind welcomed – photos, reviews, memories, tickets, flyers, all welcomed. We know most readers will have some memorabilia tucked away in a dusty drawer 😉
One of the joys of getting older is that more and more people you know sign off for the last time. I was sorry to hear that John Morrell (aka “Stratman”) has left us after a long battle with illness. He was a builder (and repairer) of valve amps and guitars of the highest standard, which he hand-built in his workshop in Swallownest. He also had a bad joke for every occasion! He started business after the ten years of working the club scene with his wife Dorothy as a guitar / keyboards / comedy act. One of his many achievements was an see-through acrylic Fender twin combo and an acrylic Strat to go with it, used by Tommy Emmanuel. Dozens of local musicians used him to build and set-up their guitars. We’ve lost a genuinely friendly and funny man and a true expert in his field.
We’re truly sorry to hear of the death of Olga Marshall, the landlady of the Wapentake bar. although at 92 she had a wonderfully long life. Anyone who frequented the Wap will surely have fond memories of Olga, who was like a second Mum to many of us and ran her pub with dignity and consideration for her customers.
Theatre Of Hate Sheffield Polytechnic 27/02/82
From 1974, Renia were described as a “solid, energetic and rather straightforward hard rock band with strong vocals, fine melodies and some progressive influences (almost omnipresent Hammond organ and the mighty mellotron on amazing & truly beautiful ‘Shelter’ track) similar to Stray, Strider and early Nutz.”
Unfortunately, the album went completely unnoticed and the band broke up. Here’s a fairly upmarket apology for missing a gig at the Muck Duck, found on ebay
Hi, just an response to “bands that played the Limit”. It was the night Scotland went out of the World Cup (1982?). a mid week gig by the Really Big Boys, we supported Whammer Jammer, also local. Our line up included Paul McNiff (bass) & John Wilson, previously rhythm section of Coil. Nifta passed some time ago, but Coil still do the occasional gig & I play with another ex-Coil bass player, Mick Philipson, T/A Swandogs.
Keith Slater
38 years ago – In The Nursery’s debut gig at Psalter Lane Art College supporting They Must Be Russians
Darryl Sales, the guitarist from Leave It To Bert, has uploaded every track from the CD to youtube 😉
Great Sheffield CD compilation
The mighty Led Zepp played in Sheffield 4 times
November 23, 1968 – University
January 16, 1970 – City Hall
November 18 1971 – University
January 2nd 1973 – City Hall
The first was probably billed as the “New Yardbirds” and was 4 months before their debut album came out. Their final show was bootlegged and I’d love to hear it, since at one point between songs, I whistled the “Laurel & Hardy” theme tune and bugger me, Pagey heard it and played the lick back to us! I also saw the 71 show, but only by peering through the curtains from outside, along with several others who took it in turns 😉
A cassette-LP (NMX) recorded 19-6-78, released Jun 80, featuring:
They Must Be Russians,
I’m So Hollow
Cabaret Voltaire
The Extras
Sheffield Now Society Greatest Hits-1 cassette-LP (NMX) recorded 19-6-78, released Jun 80