[Music historians, John Baker and Shaun Smith]
There is no shortage of guided tours that will take you around Bath and help you appreciate its Georgian architecture and Roman remains, They will walk you through its social history and have many stories to tell about its famous residents and visitors.
However, up to now, l don’t think l have heard of a tour that explores Bath’s rich musical heritage. One that points out locations associated with the likes of Eddie Cochran, The Beatles, Tears for Fears and Kate Bush – to name but a few!
Rock and Stroll Tours is going to be the name of this new intimate and immersive experience being launched soon by two ‘music historians’ who certainly know their stuff.
Bath-born Shaun Smith is a passionate musician (he spent years playing in local bands) who also has over 25 years of experience in escorting tours as a guide on international journeys. He has a vast knowledge of music and history – combined with personal connections to many of the bands that will be featured on the new guided tours. His brother is Curt Smith of Tears for Fears.
His partner is John Baker – an engaging storyteller and a stalwart of the Bath music scene for nearly 50 years. In 1977, John started the band Graduate with Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith and then joined the Korgis and still tours with them today. He also is a true Bathonian with a deep connection to the city’s musical heritage.
I met up with them this morning to find out more. After so many grey days, l have to apologise for a sunspot reflection on my camera lens!
Not forgetting Rod Slade guitarist from
Nero and the Gladiators,
In the late ‘70s/early ‘80s I was a member of Bath Drama Club. In 1980, we performed ‘1066 And All That’ – a potted musical history of this country in song and words (in 2 hours!) in which we all had several parts Musical accompaniment was provided by an up-and-coming local band called ‘Graduate’. Two of its members, Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, went on to even greater things when they formed ‘Tears For Fears’, who found international fame. I don’t imagine they recall the experience and would probably be horrified to be reminded of it. But it was the high point of my (brief) amateur acting career and I have dined out on ‘I’ve sung with Tears for Fears’ ever since! But then ‘Everybody Wants To Rule The World’ so ‘Shout, Shout, Let It All Out!
My other musical claim to fame is that my late mother was on duty as a nurse at St Martin’s Hospital, when Eddie Cochrane was admitted in 1960, following a car crash at Chippenham. Sadly, he died the following day; he was only 21.
Thanks for that Keith. Will pass it on!