And I found a little gem......
In the foyer and bar of the Rhodes Arts Centre in Bishop's Stortford there is a collection of memorabilia, mainly old posters of some of the acts who have performed there over the years - some big names.
But this one really caught me, as I am a big fan of Gene Vincent.
This poster dates from 1964, when Gene was recording for Columbia records. It was a difficult time for him.
He had been seriously disabled in an accident during his service with the US Navy. His left leg was in a brace, and was in constant pain. Performing onstage was an agony for him. He was also still suffering emotionally from the death, in 1960, of his close friend, the Rock n Roll legend Eddie Cochran. They were involved in a car crash near Chippenham, in England, in which Eddie sustained injuries from which it was impossible to recover. He was just 21 years old.
Gene never recovered from this incident psychologically, and his physical condition deteriorated.
However, England and France loved him, and although his career waned in his home country, the USA, he played to packed houses in Europe until the end.
He died in 1971, a broken, but much loved, man.
I love the line at the bottom of the poster that states the first 50 girls will be admitted to the concert free of charge. Gene had a bit of a reputation in that department, but 50....?
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