Solid Silver 60's Tour 2019

Solid Silver 60's Tour 2019

by Pete Clemons

It is always pleasing to hear about somebody who has achieved goals that they may have set themselves. So, it was particularly good to hear that Coventry drummer Rick Medlock had successfully accomplished his aim of touring as a professional drummer once again.

After years away from music, Rick’s passion returned several years ago. And since getting back behind a kit Rick went on to appear in bands such as Cupids Inspiration, SixOne20s, The Mosquitos and Honky Tonk Rose to name a few.

Rick is incredibly dedicated towards any task he sets himself. And hopes for the same in return. As such, he believed he still had it in him to complete a nationwide tour.

Rick’s break came toward the end of 2018. An invitation from guitarist, an old band mate from Smackee days, Michael Smitham, led to Rick stepping into The Fortunes to cover for Glenn Taylor. This included a three month 60s tour of the UK including a sell-out date at the Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Thankfully Glenn made a full recovery and has returned to the band.

With Rick’s other bands, such as Honky Tonk Rose, being on hold, due to bass player Horace Panter’s commitments with The Specials, the turn of the new year, musically speaking, looked bleak for Rick as he faced the prospect of no work for the foreseeable future. How quickly that all changed.

With the unavailability of Vanity Fare drummer, Graham Walker due to illness, a 30 date Solid Silver 60s Show tour beckoned. Vanity Fare had been on the previous 60s tour and knew of Rick’s capabilities so invited him to tour with them. Once again Rick was thrown in at the deep end with only three days of rehearsal. But before that, a further opportunity cropped up. And that was a few dates with the original Tremeloes. The down side was that there was no time for any rehearsal. So hastily was Rick rushed in, in fact, that while on stage lead singer Chip Hawkes kept turning around trying to figure out who the drummer was.

The Solid Silver 60s tour spanned the country. From Aberdeen to Swansea, Torquay to Southend concluding at the prestigious Liverpool Philharmonic.

The format of the show was two one-hour sets. Vanity Fare opened the show with several of their numbers followed by a set by Brian Poole whose final tour this was to be. The second half of the show began with Dave Berry and finished with Peter Noone. As to be expected, nuances and preferences came with each of the artists.

Brian Poole requested a slow tempo, not too fast. He is 77 don’t forget. Dave Berry was great fun to be around. Dave loved Rick’s drum fills and gave him a solo in his set. Peter Noone, at just 71 wanted nothing fancy. No fills, just keep the right beat except for the odd hi-hat sound to lift and move on to the next section. And Rick seemed to have impressed all round.

The artists that Rick was working with are, without doubt, all giants of the 1960s music scene. And judging by the audience sizes and venues, still draw a lot of people who are fans of the 60s music. These legends are still more than capable of attracting a huge and loyal following.

Rick returned to Coventry enthused and very impressed by the management company who organised the tour. They had provided Rick with a drum kit, a road crew and a sound engineer who also doubled as a drum tech. So, no lugging around of his own equipment. The only preference Rick had was for his own snare drum and some of his own cymbals.

A lasting and overriding memory Rick has of the tour was a deeper appreciation for the musicians who originally appeared on, and recorded, the songs played. ‘Their musicianship, particularly their timing, was immaculate’, Rick says.

With contacts now made, fingers crossed for more work to follow. Who knows what the future holds.