Once upon a time, in the town of Stratford, lived a famous playwright, William Shakespeare was his name. Perhaps the most famous lines he ever wrote appeared in his play Hamlet.
Those lines were:-
"To be or not to be, that is the question"
Upon those lines an established Birmingham Rock group, now base all their hopes and ideas. They are known as WALRUS GUMBOOT. Four highly talented musicians who have hit out at the dull rock scene in Birmingham with their fast and exciting music. Already acclaimed by many, to be the most outstanding group in Birimingham on the semi-profressional front.
Then why are they not a professional group you may ask/ Well, for a group such as Walrus Gumboot, it it the same old story - loack of publicity. But for a group that is forward thinking and holds such high ideals about themselves and their music, very soon everything will change. For believe me friends they will be a name to be reckoned with.
The personel of the group:-
Jim Slater - Lead Guitar (A fast flowing guitarist with an excellent showman streak in him)
Terry Lawson - Rhythn guitar and lead vocalist. (Many have said that the days of the Rhythm guitar are long gone, but Terry will tell you different.)
Dave Mullen - Drums and vocals ( The main driving force behind the group. Songwriter, drummer, showman and vocalist - what more can one say)
Peter Slater - Bass Guitar and vocals. Establishing himself fast as a very funky and inventive bass guitarist.
After witnessing Walrus Gumboot live you will obviously agree with me that the days of lifeless heavy groups are
certainly numbered. On August bankholiday, quite recently, Walrus Gumboot supported Stackridge at Malvern Winter Gardens, Worcestershire. Stackridge, whose reputation stretches wide and far were always very good. The audience had obviously come to listen and enjoy their favourite group, but after Wlarus Gumboot played their set, the crowd screamed for more. Such is the very electric atmosphere created by the group. The need in Birmingham now is for a group with a different approach to pave the way on which others may follow. A new group to hold a guiding light as did Cream in the sixties. Walrus Gumboot might hold that light. The need for a group of this calibre is an obvious asset to any rock scene but especially to Birmingham's.
For the future Walrus Gumboot are certainly 'to be'.
See you around - Craig Ward -Sunshine Music Agency (1974) (From one of their Sunshine Bullsheet band profiles).
Comments