1973 Benn Gunn
Left to Right :
Brian Devlin (Bass), Davy Lawson (Guitar), Dave Clark (Drums) and James Devlin (Flute / Vocals)
Background
We rehearsed together in 1972 – 1973 in Oxgangs, Edinburgh.
Our first major influences were local bands East West [ Ian Bairnson (1953-2003) and the still excellent Dave Swanson (drums) ] , Writing on The Wall and we all remember the Covenanters – “Have I right to hold you?”
We were all listening to Rory Gallagher, Rod Stewart, Taste, Brian Auger, Canned Heat, Cream, Jimi Hendrix and Jethro Tull.
Yes the middle picture with Mr. George Murray Melville is Davy holding a Rod Stewart LP ( that’s a Long Player for the youngsters amongst you).
When we began rehearsing together the name “Benn Gunn” was suggested from friends at Boroughmuir, Viewforth (the school we all attended) … something to do our long hair … good looks etc..
Gigs 1973-1976
We did some ‘open nights’ at The Harness – Tollcross and were offered the Friday night residency.
Shortly afterwards a monthly Sunday residency lunchtime gig in The Falkland Arms – Kirkcaldy.
Did loads and loads of weekend gigs (Friday,Saturday and Sunday) in Edinburgh, Fife , Glasgow and across The Borders. We were often the “headline band” at Edinburgh College of Commerce and Napier College “dance” and fresher events.
We then played at all the regional Universities, and Polytechnics including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Herriot Watt, Sunderland, Dundee, Ponteland and Newcastle opening for bands like Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, Nazareth and Chicken Shack. This was due to the efforts of our first manager Heather, and then subsequently Brian Smith.
Photos form the Manfred concert : Tom Kidd
