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.
No comments:
Post a Comment