Coventry Music Museum - The Primitives

 

Coventry Music Museum - The Primitives

by Pete Clemons

For getting on for 15 years the Coventry Music Museum, which has been at it's current location on Ball Hill since around 2013, has showcased the wealth of musical talent this city has been fortunate enough to have been gifted.

From its beginnings at Coventry University Pete Chambers has made the museum a focal point since around 2010 – if not earlier than that.

To achieve this longevity the museum has had to overcome many hurdles. And those issues have taken dogginess, commitment, sheer hard work and much more besides in order to press on. Pete's determination and resolve is unparalleled in these parts, if not more widely. The museum is indeed a labour of love.

And incredibly, since the pandemic – and despite initially battling against a tide, the museum appears to be going from strength to strength. Growing evermore in it's popularity.

Each year Pete attempts to freshen things up by introducing a new feature exhibition. And this year that accolade belongs to The Primitives and, in particular, their hit song Crash.

 During a speech for the official opening of the exhibition Pete attempted to describe what made Crash, for him, the perfect pop song. Difficult to put into words, it was a visitor who gave him that lightbulb moment when the comment was made that The Primitives 'Made it look easy'.

A Primitives line up of Paul Court on guitar, Tig Williams drums, Paul Sampson bass and Tracy Tracy vocals were there to help celebrate the opening of the section of the museum dedicated to them and all they have achieved.

 The quartet also performed a really wonderful acoustic set that included Through the Flowers, Don't Know Where to Start, Buzz Buzz Buzz, Way Behind Me and of course Crash.

 The exhibition is representative of the art and the music that The Primitives created. And, as you would expect from Pete, meticulous attention has been paid to detail.

 This homage maps the band from their beginnings in 1984 to the present day and the collection contains instruments, memorabilia and much more.

 The museum may be Pete's vision but a whole lot of credit is due to the team of knowledgeable volunteers who support the venture. And Pete is quick to acknowledge this. The exhibition includes an area for choreographed images which, I'm sure, will prove to be immensely popular.

 As far as I understand the exhibition will remain for the duration of the year. It is a must visit venue.