Jump to content
British Speedway Forum

Live Bands At Speedway Meetings


Parsloes 1928 nearly

Recommended Posts

Could that Album cover photo been taken at Foxhall

 

Don't thinks its Foxhall. My guess would be Eastbourne back straight 1969/70, prior to the stockcar track.

 

'The Rivals' rings a bell!

 

Stumbled across this on 'The Rivals':

 

https://www.speedwayfiction.co.uk/speedwayonvinyl.html

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It seems pretty clear that either everyone has completely forgotten about the incredible live acts they saw at speedway tracks or, and I accept that I'm going out on a bit of a limb here, there aren't any to remember.

 

Right, opening myself up to all sorts of potential litigation I've uploaded a clutch (see what I did there?) of tracks (how good am I?) with a speedway theme to this link https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xx97wiwbmztilrr/AAByi3O4c_c8KtRRlMYPZ5ORa?dl=0

 

Lots of genres to suit even the most discerning of tastes. There's rock with the Rebel Army doing an honourable version of Billy Idol's Rebel Yell. Or should that be Wyvern Yell? Or the Mythical Beastie Army? You've got to cover these bases nowadays you know.

 

More rock with Rocket Ronnie. It sounds like they did the vocal part as he was plummeting to his death down a lift shaft and I'm seriously concerned about what he departs the scene to do around the 2 minute mark (strangely enough). That sounds like it needs batteries, not methanol. Oh well, each to their own. I know I won't think of a 2-minute buzzer in quite the same way again.

 

We've even got some whacky Swedes who possibly graced Eurovision. While I'm sure it's probably about how the club was started by a guy who fitted an engine to a hollowed-out moose, it's all in Swedish so there is a chance they're actually chanting some sort of Swedish death mantra as Swedish isn't really my forte. Whatever, I bet there's a moose in it somewhere. A really angry one.

 

Our friends from above The Rivals are there with both A and B-sides. I must say there is no mention of these men being held against their will in the article linked to above so it must be just an impression I get. If you ever wanted to define what a wet Monday morning sounds like, start your search here.

 

Did Hoskins ever ride? That would have been great if he had. Old timers could fondly regale us with tales of the various ways he destroyed his helmet after every meeting. Tell me you're not at least guffawing mildly.

 

Enjoy.

 

Oooo, if I said you had a beautiful body, would you gie us a guest booking, ooo yehhhh.......

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Right, opening myself up to all sorts of potential litigation I've uploaded a clutch (see what I did there?) of tracks (how good am I?) with a speedway theme to this link https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xx97wiwbmztilrr/AAByi3O4c_c8KtRRlMYPZ5ORa?dl=0

 

 

Great effort Dave.

 

And not forgetting Amadeus Liszt (Egon Muller) with 'Win The Race':

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBTuilMWX5g

 

And whatever he is signing (I Love The Speedway Sound?) in this clip uploaded by Grachan:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13Lh_W5aB74

 

Music that I will always associate with speedway meetings would include 'Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines' and Horst Jankowski's 'A Walk In The Black Forset' played at the end of meetings at Foxhall Heath.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Kursaal Flyers released a single called 'Speedway' in about 1975. A decent song - and actually about our sport (unlike say, Morrissey's later tune of the same name).

 

There was also a rock & roll band in the early 70's called the Wild Angels, who released an album called 'Live at the Revolution'. From memory the front cover featured the band astride speedway bikes, facing the camera, on what appears to be a speedway track - I never did find out which track. I think they were from S. London/Kent but the 'stadium' looked more rural/undeveloped than any of the London tracks or Crayford.

I believe Morrissey's song 'Speedway' is having a go at Johnny Marr, who is a fan of Belle Vue.

 

 

Swindon had a period of having local bands and singers performing in the interval a couple of years back. I thought it worked well in keeping the atmosphere going, but it didn't last for long.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

The match went ahead, Rebels won 48-30. The original staging date of 14th April was rained off.

Yes sadly I went to the original rained off date (well set off but turned back when heard it was off..) but didn't make the restaging... :-(

Now on this topic (which cunningly could be why I raised it in the first place!!!), gig-going fans can combine Speedway with rock music in a unique 'double header' at Central Park in Sittingbourne on Good Friday (March 25th.)..

 

The SLYDE Kings' match vs. Eastbourne Eagles (start time 6.30pm) in the Good Friday Chase (itself a part of a 'double' of matches that day, the first leg being at Arlington at mid-day..) is followed by, not one but TWO live bands in the main Grandstand large bar after the action.

 

The bands are Mean 'n My Lady and The Grimms.

 

It's free for the bands for those who've been at the Speedway!

 

Full details on the Kent Speedway website.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Apparently the Wild Angels were Gene Vincent's backing band on his tour of the UK in 1969.

 

I've now found a link to the LP cover I mentioned above - evidence of a band being present at a speedway track, if not playing live at a meeting.

https://www.discogs.com/Wild-Angels-Live-At-The-Revolution/master/575009.

There was a band photographed at Rye House in 69 or 70 - and I suspect this is them. . .

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Yes my late brother in law had this album and I always loved it and especially the cover!

 

But surely that's Arlington rather than a pre-league Rye House?

I dont remember the 'grandstand' in the background at RH - but I do remember clearly a band coming and having that type of photo taken. Course they might have had a session at Arlington as well...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Location of the Wild Angels album cover picture had been discussed in a previous thread, with both Eastbourne and Rye House suggested:

 

http://www.speedway-forum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=5198&p=99825

 

FWIW, I think it's Arlington back straight circa 1969/70.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I thought there was something about this Wild Angels cover that seemed a bit...off. Take a closer look at the crowd. Granted it looks like a warm afternoon but do you see any sign of team colours on display? Any programme boards being held? Strange.

 

Is there any case to be made for the Weir Stadium at Rayleigh? Edit: no there isn't now that I've had another look :D

Edited by daveallan81
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. Privacy Policy