Chris Brown, Kevyn Gammond, John Bonham, Paul Lockey, Robert Plant
This Band of Joy was originally formed in West Bromwich, near Birmingham, England by Vernon Pereira, also the lead guitar player in the Wellington Kitch Jump Band
and great friend of John Hill, who was later to die in a tragic road accident when his then band’s (Possessed) van was in a crash with a stationary truck.
However this Plant/Bonham lineup was the definitive and legendary one
1967-1968
Robert Plant lead vocals
Kevyn Gammond guitar, vocals
Chris Brown organ
Paul Lockey bass guitar, guitar, vocals
John Bonham drums
1968 last lineup
* Robert Plant – lead vocals
* John Bonham – drums
* John Hill – bass guitar
* Mick Strode – lead guitar
Roadies
* Noddy Holder
* Ross Crutchley
* Steven Latham (aka Big Bruce)
* Ben Randle
The band is notable as the last of several line-ups included two musicians, Robert Plant and John Bonham who went on to join Led Zeppelin; and, to a lesser degree, because the band’s roadie was Noddy Holder.
The earliest incarnation of the group was formed in 1966 by Plant.
Conflicts with the band’s management led to Plant leaving the group after a few months.
He quickly tried to form his own Band of Joy, but it soon folded. A third incarnation of the band, including Plant’s childhood friend John Bonham, lasted from 1967 to mid-1968.
Their brand of soul and blues was popular with Birmingham mods.
The final lineup recorded a number of demo recordings in early 1968, but broke up in May 1968 when a recording contract failed to materialise.
At some point the lead guitar duties were taken by Dave Pegg, who later played the bass guitar with Fairport Convention and Jethro Tull.
The story was recalled by Robert Plant when he joined Fairport at the Cropredy Festival in 1986, with Dave Pegg recalling, that it was Plant who fired him from the band.
The very last line up of The Band Of Joy consisted of Robert Plant, John Bonham, John Hill and Mick Strode in 1968. John Hill was a great friend of Bonham,
they were at school together, he was playing bass in a band Called Uncle Joseph.
This was a blues three piece with Simon Fox on drums, later the drummer with Be bop Deluxe.
At a famous art students party in Lye, a black country town, Robert and John co-opted Hill and strode into the band to complete a tour of scotland for the infamous promoter Duncan Macinon.
Please read George Melly’s first book where he devotes a chapter to Duncan. There are many fond memories of this tour, alas not for Bonzo. John Hill continued playing in The Wellington Kitch Jump Band and also did a stint with the Foundations.
In the 1990’s he was the bass player with Vincent Flatts Final Drive ( stage name Boss Hog ), they produced two albums and more recently with The Notorious Brothers
( stage name Johny Flambe ), also producing two albums. Mick Strode is still playing fine blues guitar. Plant and Bonham eventually joined Led Zeppelin.
Kevyn Gammond (stage name “Carlisle Egypt”) and Lockey subsequently formed the country-rock band Bronco, with singer Jess Roden, bassist John Pasternak,
drummer Pete Robinson, and future Robert Plant sideman Robbie Blunt.
They made two albums before breaking up after a serious road accident.
In 1977 Gammond and Lockey revived the Band of Joy, rounding out the lineup with Pasternak, Robinson, and keyboardist Michael Chetwood.
They invited Plant and Bonham to contribute to their 1978 self-titled album, but nothing came of it. The group released a second album in 1983 before breaking up.
Gammond later joined Robert Plant in the Priory of Brion from 1999 to 2001.
A few years after BOJ split up, Gammond and Lockey went on to play in Bronco when Jess Roden left Bronco to go solo.
Pete Robinson, from an earlier incarnation of BOJ, was on drums, with John Pasternak (bass) and Dan Fone (keyboards). Jess Roden and Paul Lockey were never in Bronco at the same time.
Discography
2003
Sixty Six to Timbuktu – Robert Plant retrospective album includes some Band of Joy recordings
With Special Thanks to
Copyright-© John R Woodhouse
Brum Beat
My involvement with the BOJ was both professional and social.
We were all from West Bromwich, and as such knew each other very well.
All the bands intermingled with one another, with musicans all playing in the same bands
at some time or another.
I worked and recorded with Paul Lockey, and co-wrote and recorded several songs together.
Keith Law, Mickey Cox, and Chris Brown
Chris Brown was another local musician I had the pleasure to know and work with.
With Chris Brown, Paul Lockey and Harold Barber (all three BOJ)
at a night out at The Factory night club in Birmingham
Complied by Keith Law
The picture here is NOT the Band of Joy. I know a couple of the guys in the picture (Aitch(drummer) and Mickey Cox(guitar) )but cannot remember that bands name but it was definitely not BOJ.
Yes it was Paint. Mick taught me how to play the shadows, still remember all the chords, still remember Mick. In Spain the
other day, local supermarket, saw back of person, long hair, tight jeans, Mick all over, not of course, miracle not.
The very last BoJ (for only a short time in 68)was Rob Plant, John Bonham, Mick Strode (guitar), Johnny Hill (bass).
I was lucky enough to see the 1968 line up of Band of Joy practice at the Langley Institute, I was 15 at the time, and was a friend of Mick Strode’s younger brother Steve. The Strode’s lived just about 10 minutes walk away from the Langley Institute.
This is a picture of Paint. My husband ‘H’ Barber(Left) was the drummer. H was a Band of Joy roadie to several of the lineups. He’s just finished writing a book on the Band of Joy and his memories of that time.Also in the picture is Mickey Cox(Right) also from the BoJ’
That’s my grandad, mickey cox is my mothers father!
I have now inserted a picture of the BOJ
Sadly, Micky Cox passed away last week, he will be missed by everyone who knew him. He will be cremated on Tuesday 5th April at 10.00am at West Bromwich Crematoriam.
Mick cox great man i miss him so much
i miss you grandad always will
brilliant musician wonderful human being and our lives are better for knowing him
Way back in 1968 I was invited by a friend to go to the Langley Institute to see a band practice my friends name was Steve Strode and his brother Mick played lead guitar with the band. I was 15 at the time and count myself as being very lucky to have been ib the right place at the right time.
I think some of the musicians who played in the various Band of Joy line ups but who tend to be omitted from histories of the band should be acknowledged.
The first Band of Joy consisted of Robert Plant on vocals, Vernon Pereira on guitar (Vernon and I left The Stringbeats to join Robert in this enterprise) plus Pete Robinson on drums (from The Shooting Stars) and John Mathews on bass with me on organ. When Robert left we recruited Mickey Cox on guitar and vocals plus Paul Lockey on bass and vocals, both from The Shooting Stars, renamed the band A Good Egg and set off immediately to pick up some Band of Joy dates in Scotland where we were very successful. Further UK dates followed.
Robert, Kevyn Gammond on guitar, whom I knew from the Shakedown Sounds, and I formed the best known Band of Joy with Paul Lockey on bass and John Trickett on drums. Dave Pegg and John Bonham who played in The Way of Life had originally been going to play bass and drums but they decided to stay where they were. John Bonham replaced John Trickett soon afterwards having changed his mind while Dave Pegg went to play in the Ian Campbell Folk Group.
So, I hope this sets the record straight in amongst the considerable amount of misinformation about the Band of Joy which has appeared on the web and in print.
© Chris W Brown
Thanks Chris for acknowledging the musicians who played in the Band of Joy.
Pete Robinson is still working and depping for bands, and is also our drummer in GasFoodLodging. He dosen’t talk much about the eary years but when we’re out and about folk still remember him from the band Bronco.
Pete Taylor
Good update Chris, I always find it frustrating that so many stories of the BOJ lineup are inaccurate,
Well cleared up Chris,
I realise your comments were posted a few years back but I hope this post finds you well and still enjoying your music. I have lovely memories of our time in the Wellington Kitch Band with yourself, Charlie Grima, Vernon Pereira, Bob Chatwin and Frank Fern. I don’t suppose you have any photographs of that time ? I remember a photo shoot in Zurich. I caught up with Robert and John in 68, did the old Scotland tour for Duncan Mc’inon ,,, as The Band Of Joy. I still have the occasional jar with Sir Percy
Hi John, sorry this reply has been so delayed but I don’t look at this site very often these days.Still, better late than never.
I too have fond memories of our time in Wellington Kitsch, both in Zurich and in Hof, Germany. Sadly I don’t think I have any photo’s from that trip. It was a very good band though and I remember some of the american servicemen in Hof making very favourable comments about some of our jazzier improvisations.
I hope you’re keeping well.
Well cleared up Chris, for all readers, this is the correct story. It would be great to catch up again chris, don’t know if you can get my email from here ?
Great to hear from you Chris. There was a set of photo’s we did in Zurich, but they went missing when I split up with Bridget. Some were taken in a building site trench, wish I still had them. Whatever happened to the blowers Bob and Frank ? Are you playing these days ?
I never remember Dave Pegg actually playing in the BOJ. Robert and I met him on the high street West Bromwich to talk about him joining but I don’t believe he ever did. I don’t remember Noddy Holder roadying either but I was never there 100% of the time. I am still in touch with Chris Brown by email occasional and see Pete Robinson from time to time. His memory is a bit vague as a result of the accident that Bronco had. A wonderful drummer I always thought. Robert I last saw a few months before 66 to Timbuktu came out. He wanted my copies of the BOJ demo tracks which I had cassettes of. A lot of the musicians from those days were unfortunate to remain unknown and under appreciated. The BOJ were always better than Zep IMHO. Paul Lockey was/is a tremendous guitar player and could sing and write great songs too. i am disappointed that RP never really gave all his old friends a break when he made it – perhaps there was too much personal water which had passed under the bride by then.
what ever happened to Paul Lockey..
He married Pat (they were together from mid sixties until the present day) and he lives in Spain where he still plays regularly and has a radio show. He has a daughter Saskia who runs a clothes business.
what happened to Paul Lockey
Paul and his wife Pat are living in Nerja, Cota Del Sol Spain. He is still performing at local music venues. He hosts a regular jam session as well as his own gigs. A good performer always pleases his audiences.
Still at it, just saw these posts. Alternate Spain England, nice thing when old faces turn up and say hello in Spain, the best gigs, when did I ever get to love gigs? About 1964. Never realised till now.
Howdy paul, great to hear you are still playing, i was over in spain recently with Glen, Percy’s bro’ inlaw. Would be great to catch up sometime. Am still at it myself, Vincent flatts, The Notorious Brothers and currently The Stanford Hill Mob.
Hi paul
Just seen your message. Started to think back on some good days in great Barr, no one could do enough to help each other to play guitar tunes. Like yourself and mick. Sadly no longer with us and sadly missed. Just to let you know I’m still strumming. I might get it right eventually. Respect mansi
Found tonnes of gigs for Robert Plant & His Band of Joy in the British Library (best source is Fabulous 208 magazine). The ones below, however, do not include the dates featured in Harry Barber’s excellent book ‘The Band of Joy”. I have not noted down the 1968 dates from Fabulous 208 but I know there are tonnes.
1967
15 April – Elbow Room, Aston, West Midlands
21 April – The Morgue, Bearwood, West Midlands
25 April – Carlton Club, Erdington, West Midlands
26 April – Case Fiesta Disco, Crown, Stourport, Worcestershire
3 May – Cedar Club, Birmingham with Denny Laine’s Electric String Band
10 May – Cedar Club, Birmingham with Denny Laine’s Electric String Band
19 May – Chateau Impney, Droitwich, Worcestershire
19 May – Frank Freeman’s, Kidderminster, Worcestershire with Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound
16 July – Le Metro, Birmingham
12 August – Clouds, Derby, Derbyshire
15 August – Pitlochry Town Hall, Pitlochry, Scotland
16 August – Douglas Ballroom, Aberdeen, Scotland
17 August – Caledonian Hotel, Inverness, Scotland
18 August – Victoria Hall, Dunblane, Scotland
23 August – Seven Club, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
24 August – Palais de Dance, Nottingham, Notts
25 August – Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, West Midlands
26 August – Town Hall, Oxford, Oxfordshire
27 August – Ritz Ballroom and also Plaza Ballroom, Birmingham
28 August – Golden Torch Ballroom, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
30 August – Club A Go Go, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear
1 September – Cofton Country Club, Birmingham with Virus
2 September – Penthouse Club, Birmingham with Delroy Good-Good Band
3 September – Cavalier Club, Warwick, Warwickshire
4 September – Queen’s Hall, Wolverhampton, West Midlands
7 September – Ritz Ballroom, Hereford, Herefordshire
8 September – Yeoman’s Club, Stafford, Staffordshire
9 September – Boston Gliderdrome, Boston, Lincolnshire
10 September – Olympia Ballroom, Cromer, Norfolk
10 September – Swan, Yardley, Birmingham with Flowers
19 September – Empire Ballroom, Neath, Wales
20 September – Cofton Country Club, Birmingham
21 September – Ringway Club, Birmingham
22 September – Town Hall, Kendal, Cumbria
23 September – Majestic Ballroom, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear
25 September – Magpie Club, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear
30 September – 400 Ballroom, Torquay, Devon
1 October – Country Club, Warrington, Cheshire
2 October – Magpie Club, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear
3 October – Jazz Cellar Club, South Shields, Tyne & Wear
4 October – Ice Rink, Ayr, Scotland
5 October – Naval Base, Arbroath, Scotland
6 October – Victoria Hall, Selkirk, Scotland
7 October – Miners’ Wallace Institute, Kirkconnel, Scotland
8 October – Kinema Ballroom, Dunfermline, Scotland
9 October – Burma Ballroom, Kirkcaldy, Scotland
11 October – Mr Magoo’s Club, Edinburgh, Scotland
13 October – Queen’s Hall, Barnstaple, Devon
14 October – Bent-Jade Club, Birmingham
15 October – Crofton Country Club, Birmingham
19 October – Penthouse, Birmingham with Haig & Al Capone
21 October – Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire
22 October – Penthouse Club, Birmingham
3 November – Winter Gardens, Penzance, Cornwall
4 November – Blue Lagoon Ballroom, Newquay, Cornwall
5 November – Tabernacle, Stockport, Greater Manchester
7 November – Hillside Ballroom, Hereford, Herefordshire
8 November – Club A Go Go, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear
9 November – Magpie Club, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear
15 November – Blue Horizon Club, Wolverhampton, West Midlands
16 November – Crystal Ballroom, Newcastle Under Lyme, Staffordshire
16 November – Penny Farthing, Hanley, Staffordshire
17 November – Purple Onion Club, Hull, Humberside
18 November – Gainsborough Drill Hall, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire
19 November – Coatham Hotel, Redcar, Teesside
20 November – Queen Mary Ballroom, Dudley, West Midlands
14 December – Technical College, Kidderminster, Worcestershire
15 December – Technical College, Basingstoke, Hampshire with The Loot and The Kynd
16 December – Southampton College of Art, Southampton
19 December – Sybillas, London
21 December – Blue Horizon Club, Wolverhampton, West Midlands
22 December – St Michael’s Hall, Oxford, Oxfordshire
22 December – Malcolm Locker Youth Centre, Erdington, West Midlands
23 December – Ritz Ballroom, Birmingham
24 December – Cofton Country Club, Birmingham
24 December – Penthouse, Birmingham
26 December – Frank Freeman’s, Kidderminster, Worcestershire
30 December – Time & Place, Manchester
31 December – Mercer’s Arms, Coventry, West Midlands
1968
1 January – Corn Exchange, Bristol
26 January – Middle Earth, London with Fairport Convention, Pegasus, The Flute Girl
28 January – Foseco Sports and Social Club, Tamworth, Staffordshire
8 February – Marquee, London with Edwin Starr and The JJ Sound
11 February – Nottingham Boat Club
23 February – Marquee, London with Tim Rose and Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation
8 March – Westfield College, Hampstead, London
10 March – Carlton Club, Erdington, West Midlands with Zoot Money
30 March – Ewell Technical College, Ewell, Surrey with Herbie Goins and The Night-Timers
25 May – Rhodes Centre, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire with The Raid
Fabulous 208 magazine was an excellent source for regional gigs while Birmingham Evening Mail helped with Birmingham area gigs. Melody Maker was another useful source for London gigs.
I went with the BOJ to the Chateau Impney gig in 1967. It was raided by the drug squad so the band never got to do their set. They took the band’s equipment topics in their search including Bonham’s drums which upset him greatly as he had spent ages tuning them. None of the band were arrested,
No but i bloody was, they did play a few numbers, it was dave pegg on bass. He did a bass solo with his bear feet just before the raid. I had gone there with Bonzo, he was my good mate, we started a rock band at school. I remember Robert, John and Peggy laughing their bollocks off staring out of the window on the paddy wagon coach …. the whole raid was a flop ,,,, nothing was ever found and they chucked us all ouy in the morning. lol happy days all the best Hilly
Just saw yourlist of BOJ gigs. Thanks for the reseach, forgot most of these, but happy memories nevertheless.
What an excellent and interesting list of gigs all these years later. So many well known venues of that time and we really did get around didn’t we?
Yes interesting to see this list Chris, many excellent venues back in the day ,,,
Found a few more in Fabulous 208 from 1968
5-6 January – Purple Fez Club, Plymouth, Devon
7 January – Warmingham Country Club, Chester
27 January – Majestic, Wellington, Somerset
2 February – Westfield Technical College, West Ham
3 February – Paddington Technical College, Paddington