Wyre Forest News
Spirit still willing as sixties band starts comeback shows
11:42am Friday 3rd February 2012
A SIXTIES band which reformed last year will be playing live in Wolverley as part of its string of comeback concerts.
The Spirit of 69 will be performing on Saturday at the Wolverley Memorial Sports and Social Club in Shatterford Lane with the same band members they had in 1985.
The band covers classic 1960s and 1970s songs from a variety of genres, including country and western, pop, rock and soul.
Former Stourport mayor Dixon Sheppard, who plays keyboard and backing vocals in the band, said: “We have started seriously looking to play gigs this year. We are having a good time, it is pleasurable and we enjoy going out and playing.
“Live music is making a come back in Wyre Forest and surrounding areas. That is part of the reason decided to reform in the first place.”
The band also features lead vocalist and lead guitarist Bob Uwins, who also plays harmonica. Other members include John ‘Bill’ Noakes, who plays lead and rhythm guitar and lead vocals, bass guitar and backing vocalist Bob Coxhead, and drummer Reid Helier, who was just 16 in 1985.
The band was originally formed in 1979 by John and Dixon as Spirit with the other members joining in the early 1980s and then leaving for various reasons in 1985.
The band continued with John, Dixon and two other members until 2001 when they “called it a day”.
After talking about reforming about two years ago, the band started practicing again in January 2011 and played at the Stourport Mayor’s Ball in April last year when Dixon was mayor.
After playing another live set, the group discussed reforming and playing gigs again this year.
“For us it is five old friends playing together again,” said Dixon. “We have been practicing every fortnight, or sometimes every week.
“We are really looking forward to playing live again, it is better then second time around – we feel great and we are playing what we want.”