Birmingham Yamaha Music Point Gets it On & Bangs the Gong For Childline With T-Rex Legend
Photos by Sharon Johnstone
Saturday 20th November proved a night to remember for 50 mums, dads and students at the Birmingham Yamaha Music Point, who were treated to a unique evening of outstanding musicianship and Glam Rock nostalgia, by T-Rex drummer Bill Legend, who performed some of the group’s classic hits with musician friends Neil Robinson on electric guitar and vocals, and Simon Seeney on bass.
Prior to the event, Yamaha Music Point owner Gary Seeney transformed the main teaching studio into a stage area, dressed up with T Rex posters, photos and feather boas wrapped around the mike and cymbal stands. Members of the local T Rex fan club also lent a hand, bringing along some rare posters.
After the audience had reminisced about the wonderful “Glam Rock” days of satin jackets, scoop neck T Shirts, platform shoes and 70s loon pants, Bill Legend took centre stage for what became a highly memorable and inspiring evening.
Interviewed by Neil Robinson, Bill Legend gave a fascinating insight into the history of the band and its charismatic frontman, Marc Bolan, talking about T Rex on the road and in the studio. This included how Marc Bolan had played “Get it On” to him for the very first time on an acoustic guitar sat on his bed in a hotel room, whilst Bill played on his snare drum. Bill also had the audience in stitches as he told how he “disappeared” at one gig in America after raising his sticks in the air and falling 6 ft down the back of the stage – Marc Bolan and the rest of T Rex wondered why there was no drumming and turned around to find their drummer had disappeared.
The band played three songs and Bill invited 11 year old Caleb Asmah to play bongos, for a special finale of ‘Get it On’. He then posed for photos with fans and students and signed posters and drumsticks.
The charity event was organised by Gary & Gail Seeney, Neil and Bill in aid of Yamaha’s ‘Childline Rocks’ appeal, and raised £200.
Gary Seeney told us, “What a fantastic evening and what an inspiration Bill was to our students and families who were bursting with questions. Not only is Bill a brilliant drummer, he is also a very talented sketch artist and he spent many hours sat in studios with T Rex sketching Marc Bolan and the rest of the band. Many of these sketches are now on display, along with Bill’s drum kit at St Pauls Gallery who are supporting our fundraising ‘Design a Christmas Card’ competition. The winning Christmas card design will be picked by Neil Robinson, director of St Pauls Gallery after the closing date for entries of 30th November and we will have it printed as our Christmas Card AND St Pauls Gallery will blow up the image and produce a number of high quality limited edition prints, signed by the artist (our winner) for display in the gallery, and sell them to raise money for Childline.”
The Birmingham Yamaha Music Point is run by Gail and Gary Seeney and teaches electric guitar, keyboard and drums in a fun and practical way to children and adults of all ages from 7 years upwards, offering a free first lesson to anybody interested in ‘having a go’.
If can would like to book a free music lesson you can contact Gary or Gail at info@byms.co.uk or by calling 0121 208 7416
ENDS
CONTACT:
Peter Ross - DJPR / 0161 796 6636
Gary Seeney – Birmingham Yamaha Music School / 07950 444484
Tags:
