Coventry Music Museum curator Pete Chambers BEM writes for the Observer.
ALL hail Dave James – one of Coventry’s top musicians and a man who knows how to rock whether it is as a member of bands such as Some Kinda Earthquake, The Eager Beavers or The SixOne20s or as a true fan of rock ‘n’ roll.
Dave, a huge Eddie Cochran fan, has just returned from a personal pilgrimage to America.
Here is Dave’s story in his own words:-
On June 6, 2022, myself and my wife Jacqui embarked on a second trip to the birthplace of Eddie Cochran in Albert Lea Minnesota.
It gave me chance to meet up with some of Eddie’s childhood friends and view some of the locations associated with his 14 years living in Minnesota.
I have been a fan of Eddie and his music since 1978. Fortunately, I have had chance to perform at several Eddie Cochran events in the UK and USA.
I have also befriended the Cochran family, Con ‘Smith’ his legendary bass player and
Sharon Sheeley – Eddie’s girlfriend during his short life.
Eddie played at the Gaumont Theatre Coventry (now the Ellen Terry Centre) on January 28, 1960.
He did a matinee and evening show. Also on the bill were Gene Vincent and Vince Eager.
Eddie died at age of 21 in a car crash in Chippenham, Wiltshire, but not before he had hits with ‘C’mon Everybody’, Somethin’ Else’, ‘Sittin’ in the Balcony’, ‘Summertime
Blues’ and ‘Three Steps to Heaven’.
He was the reason the Beatles formed as John Lennon was so impressed that Paul
McCartney knew the words to Eddie’s hit 20 Flight Rock.
He also influenced the likes of The Who, Marc Bolan, Jimi Hendrix and even the Sex Pistols.
Myself and my wife Jacqui attended the 35th Eddie Cochran Celebration and Car Cruise between June 10 and 12.
I was interviewed about Eddie on Albert Lea’s Radio Kate.
Perhaps the biggest thrill of my musical life was being invited to the unveiling of a new street in Albert Lea dedicated to the area’s famous son.
This has been an ongoing project for years which has finally come to fruition.
I had the honour of being Europe’s only representative and got to say a few words at the unveiling.
I was interviewed on ABC and KDAV TV stations.
I’m also working on a documentary with Ruben Gerard in LA which is nearing completion.
So little old me born and bred in Coventry got to contribute to a deserved dedication to one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll stars of all time.”
