Final preparations are under way for the Walk and Talk – or rather a stroll and sharing of musical memories on Saturday 5th May. Stephen Dorril will be sharing a host of stories – not all folk – about the major artists who played here including Elvis Costello, Dire Straits, Talking Heads, The Jam, The Stranglers, Joy Division, Folk, Reggae, the Mod revival and the Killermeters, the beginnings of Punk and the Sex Pistols, and lots more.
Stephen has memories of Brian Lawton too: “He turned up to lots of the gigs in the 70s and took many photographs. Unfortunately, they have either disappeared or were damaged in storage.” Even so, there are thousands of photographs – in colour and in black and white – that reflect Brain’s wide musical tastes and his love of taking pictures.
Stephen said: “I thought it would be good to get some of the history of this down on paper before I forget it. When I did look at my diaries of the period I realised that there really was a lot going on in that period.” As a student at the then Polytechnic and Social Secretary from 1976 to 1979, and later as a DJ at the Coach House Club, Stephen organised many concerts involving, as he does a quick count, “over 100 national bands, 40 local bands, nearly 30 Mod bands plus Reggae and other genres. Lots of good times and good stories to tell.”
The Walk and Talk begins at 1.00pm outside the Harold Wilson Building on the University of Huddersfield campus and ends at the Northern Quarter (The Builders Club), Wood Street for the exhibition of Brian’s photographs and live music. From c. 2.00 pm, the focus will be on Folk music. We’re delighted to have live music from Emily Druce and Steve Jones, and the Ribble Beck Band.Free.
We’re also putting together more newly digitised photographs and uncovering yet more prints from Brian’s collection. There will be displays, folders of prints and of course we’ll be asking if anyone can add any details to any of the photographs and share any more memories. Other members of the project team will be around so look out for Ken Boulton and Bob Newton (in charge of scanning the images), Stephanie Smith (co-opted local historian) and Heather Norris Nicholson (project coordinator).
Parking in paying car parks nearby. Access involves a few steps up from the road. Bar open for drinks but no food. All welcome.