Vince Taylor and his Playboys

 

Vince Taylor and his Playboys

By Pete Clemons

I was recently reading an article about a song called 'Brand New Cadillac'. Joe Strummer famously noted that 'Vince Taylor was the beginning of British rock'n'roll. Before him there was nothing.' The Clash went on to immortalise the song globally by covering it on their seminal 1979 album London Calling.

The Vince Taylor in question was leader of Vince Taylor and his Playboys. A band from the late 1950s led by the leather-clad Vince Taylor (born Brian Maurice Holden). This influential 1950s/1960s rock and roll group is immortalized for the classic track 'Brand New Cadillac' released during April 1959. Additionally this band served as a major inspiration for David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona.

While technically a B-side to 'Pledging My Love' on its original pressings, 'Brand New Cadillac' quickly became the track that defined Vince Taylor's legacy. Sadly though, at the time, the single was not a commercial success. But what failed to take off for Vince in the UK suddenly ignited in Europe a couple of years later.

Vince Taylor and his Playboys were formed in London during 1958 and featured numerous line-up changes over the years. Musicians during that time included drummer Bobbie Clarke, Brian Bennett another drummer later of The Shadows, Brian Locking ("Liquorice" Locking) on bass and again, later of The Shadows, Tony Sheridan on guitar and vocals along with many others.

During 1960 and 1961, Vince Taylor and his Playboys regularly gigged across the UK. The Co-operative Society (Co-op) owned prominent community halls that doubled as major regional music venues. During this time the band appeared at the Co-op hall in Rugby as well as the Milano Cafe on the Radford Road in Coventry. For the Coventry gig however Vince was backed by The Beat Boys.

The Beat Boys were one of the earliest backing groups assembled by music impresario Larry Parnes to support Billy Fury. They backed him during his early 1960s live performances and recordings before he transitioned to other famous backing units like The Blue Flames and The Tornados.

The most definitive line-up of the band I can find who possibly played that day consisted of the following musicians: Jim Crawford – Lead guitar and vocals, Alan George – Piano and organ, Alan Sanderson – Bass guitar and vocals, Andy McMullen – Drums, Ken Brady – Tenor saxophone and vocals, Tony Tait (Stage name Tony Damond) – Guitar, trumpet, and vocals.

Because he never quite broke into the big time Vince Taylor was left with animosity when it came to booking agents. In one interview from the continent his memories of England were tinged with bitterness. 'The kids liked me but I couldn't get across to the agents. They didn't like me'. As such he remembered the British Isles as 'A knife in my back'.

During the same interview Vince recalled his thoughts on what became known as the Great Black Leather Controversy. Responding to claims by Don Arden that it was Gene Vincent, Vince was asked 'who wore black leathers first you or Gene Vincent'?.

Vince responded 'Me!. I know that Gene and I dress alike, but I wore my outfit first. Jack Good put me in 'Wham' - (a TV series that lasted just 8 episodes) - he was aiming to make me as big as Cliff and Marty Wilde, who had just completed their own successful television series. I was given the full treatment, black leather and everything. I think it was the first time they'd been used in Britain.

But then Gene Vincent came over from America. He was a big name in Britain although he'd fallen off in America. Anyway he came and they threw in all the black leather gear. Gene had never worn that gear until then. So I was out - but I still wore the black leathers. And so did Gene.

We both appeared on the same bill once - I think it was the Granada, Tooting - dressed identically. It was very embarrassing'.

Johnny Kidd, who had read this ongoing leather debate responded by letter to a music magazine. 'I have read the recent controversy over who wore black leather first. The claims made by both Vince Taylor and Don Arden (for Gene Vincent) have been a joy. But might I add a confession, that whoever it was who wore them first.....IT WASN'T ME !. But I have written this letter sitting in a leather covered armchair'.

To back up Vince Taylor's claims and add a bit more weight, all I can find is that prior to his December 1959 British debut, Gene Vincent favored traditional 1950s rockabilly stage attire, which typically consisted of bright red and green shirts, wild patterns, and white trousers. When traveling or offstage, he apparently dressed simply and casually in slacks, suit style jacket and flat caps. Maybe Vince had a point?.