The Early Years.
100 artistes needed for the new series of ATV’s New Faces auditions to take place Thursday 20th and Friday 21st January 1977 at the New Tito’s Club Cardiff - 09:30am to 17:00pm.
The big day arrived Friday 21st and without any hesitation the cars were packed with the gear and the boys and myself set off for the auditions being held at “The New Tito’s Club” a hot spot in Cardiff known for it’s national and international cabaret acts and to where I was to become compere aproximately one year later.
Arriving at the venue which was held in the centre of Cardiff we unpacked the cars, (i.e. Microphones – Guitar and amps and the drums ) and took our place in the queue along with hundreds of other acts and artistes from around the region. It was just after 16:30pm our names were announced and by that time anyway, we were all exhausted due to the long wait. Unfortunately Patricia had fallen ill that morning and was unable to perform with the band. Finally we were there in front of the panel of judges, Les Cocks announced, OK when you’re ready. We had chosen a Leo Sayer song. The Show Must Go On.
After performing the song Les Cocks the producer of the show asked me to approach the panel and asked, do you normally carry a female pianist? Yes I replied ? Mr Cocks said alright. Could you please perform the song one more time ? Certainly Mr Cocks I replied ! As requested we performed the song and when it was finished I was again called over to the panel of judges. All sorts of things were now going through my head ? I felt very confident about the performance but, as I’m sure you all know, we were all waiting for the worst ? Mr Cocks looking me straight in the eye said, drop the girl, get a bass player and you’ve got a spot on the show. On shaking my hand he simply said, we’ll be in touch. Can you imagine my excitement as I announced the good news to the boys ? But, the worst was yet to come especially for John the drummer as we had to go back and tell his wife she was going to be replaced by a bass player.
Arriving back at John’s home the news was broken and a dead calm hit the air and Patricia in her disappointment walked out and into another room. Bernie and myself did not stay very long and left the O’Brien’s home feeling like we had just come away from a funeral. But, as everyone knows in this business, “The Show Must Go On” ? Two working days later and sure enough the phone call I had been waiting for. A detailed plan of how to get to the ATV Studio in Birmingham arrived a few days later.
Bass Player:
I received a call from John with the news of a 16 / 17 year old bass player by the name of; “Dave Evans”.
Dave passed his audition with flying colours. But talk about being a “star for a day” !
We arrived at the ATV Studio’s in style. Rehearsals were organised and then the show was performed and recorded.
This all happened over a period of three days and being of a superstitious nature I suddenly realised the show was being recorded on the 1st March, Saint Davids Day. We had engaged a bass player called Dave and we were all Welsh. All that on it’s own added up to an extremely good feeling inside and that night we were voted the winning act.
With regards to “Dave Evans” neither one of us have seen him since that day and in my mind that really does make him “a star for a day”.
Meeting of the Judges:
The panel of judges;
Muriel Young: I’ve always has a soft spot for this woman and there we were having conversation.
Heart of gold and a wonderful person.
Alan Freeman: Direct and abrupt but a nice person.
Clifford Davis: Seemed to be a very nice person but he turned out to be quite the opposite.
Micky Most: Former 1960’s star turned producer. Founder of the famous recording company RAK.
He unfortunately passed away recently and I will never forget his generousity and encouragement. A real privilage to have met you Micky. You’re missed by many !
Homeward bound:
During the voyage back to Cardiff, 3rd March, I asked Bernie if he was capable of putting some chords together in the attempt of creating a song. I had been writing lyrics since 1973 and at that time could’nt play an instrument so it was the ideal opportunity to get the ball rolling. Obviously, the answer was yes, and 29 years on we’re still collaborating together only now, it’s by post or via the internet.
Saturday 5th March 1977:
The show was broadcast on national television on Saturday 5th March 1977 and we were all sat in front of our television sets feeling proud of becoming winners of the ATV’s New Faces.
