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Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone who wrote with kind remarks about the first issue and suggestions for future ones. Thanks also to those of you who sent gig flyers, ticket stubs, photos etc which hopefully will find a place in future editions. The main suggestions/questions were for a discography and info on Wilko's back-catalogue, both of which have been taken on board with this issue (it's your vote that counts folks). It's the first ever (?) published discography for Wilko and it includes as much information about the back-catalogue that your intrepid editor could find out. Just for the record, the first edition of S.K.O.H. reached about 130 copies and hopefully, we can keep up in the future so don't forget your S.A.E. for the next one due early July. (Please send it to Al for the paper version of the complete newsletter: SOME KIND OF HERO, c/o A.P. Grundy, 11 Darley Avenue, Farnworth, Bolton, Lancs, BL4 7RU, UK. Thanks! Gabi)

Apologies for any omissions in the gig list of S.K.O.H. #1. Listing the gigs up to 3 months in advance, can cause some problems with dates or venues changing, gigs being added at short notice etc. I try too keep things as accurate as possible but it's always wise to check with the venue beforehand. To this aim, the subsequent listing will include phone numbers for the venues where possible (thanks Irene!). Apart from the tour dates featured the last time, the band played in Northern Spain at the end of February (6 shows in 7 days!) before returning home for a charity concert in Chelmsford on the 27th followed by a long slog up the motorway to Chester on the 28th. If the guys were tired or jet-lagged, they certainly didn't show it with a great show at the Telford's Warehouse. Even better was the first date in March at the Witch wood, Ashton-u-Lyne where two new (to me) songs were showcased - ""Your Beauty" and a tune written whilst in Spain - "Beautiful Madrilena".

A firm Witchwood favourite, the three-piece line-up of Wilko, Norman Watt-Roy and Salvatore Ramundo provides one of our most eagerly awaited gigs. Remembered forever for their punkesque backgrounds, Wilko (Dr Feelgood) and Norman (Ian Dury & The Blockheads) are two timeless heroes whose energy and passion of performance remains as vibrant and stimulating as ever. "Wilko" is a true no holds barred kick-ass guitar blues gig that on this occasion has the extra attraction of Georgia Skin whose 30 minute set will reveal a strong Paul Weller / Ocean Colour Scene influence.

The band also played at both BUTLINS R&B FESTIVALS in Skegness and Bognor before headlining the sell-out afternoon session of the BURNLEY BLUES FESTIVAL on Good Friday 28th March. Anyone attending this may have seen the adverts for the Blues Festival videos but sadly, Wilko and the band weren't filmed. After a few days back at home, our much travelled trio set off for France (which is a good link for the next bit!).

Legendary Dr Feelgood fretman Wilko Johnson headlines the afternoon session with his band. You can be sure they'll be sending the audience into orbit with their 100mph set. Great blues and 110percent effort are guaranteed from this three piece powerhouse of a band! Famous for his driving riffs, stuttering machine gun frenzy and real guitar heroics - Wilko's startling stage performance has been one of the classic images of rock'n'roll. As explosive as a stick of dynamite near a naked flame, you simply can't afford to miss today's eye popping extravaganza from one of the greats of the British blues scene.

A few readers have asked me if I have any news on the current activities of Mick Green & The Pirates. Mick and a new line-up of the Pirates have a Swedish only CD out at the moment- "We've Been Thinkin´" - BMA Records - BMA-C-0317-S which features re-workings of some old tunes including "Going Back Home" as well as Lemmy taking the vocals for "Blue Suede Shoes". I've no idea if this line-up plans to tour, if I can get any further info, I'll include it next time (anyone with details, please get in touch - with S.K.O.H. or the Dr Feelgood Info Service). There are also a couple of other new releases: "Home And Away" - Live in the 90's - Bootleg quality live recordings with Pete Taylor on vocals, Mick's son Lloyd on bass, Andrew Golden drums -- Angel Records SJPCD003 and "Two Greens Make A Blues" re-release with bonus tracks - features Mick, Peter Green, Gypie Mayo etc - Castle-CLACD426.

Unfortunately, there's no further news on the album front although it is hoped that when a deal is finalised, it will include licensing for some of the back catalogue. On the solo side, Norman has just completed an album with Ian Dury & The Blockheads which should be out in the summer with the possibility of some live shows to promote it. He has also just finished all the bass parts for the next Madness LP.
 

The next issue of S.K.O.H. will feature any additions plus the final part of the discography guest appearances, productions credits etc.