NEWS.......
20th December 2012
We have been asked who buys Airship vinyl?
Answer: Airship vinyl is popular (apart from the U.K.) in the following countries:
Germany, Japan, Italy, South Korea, Holland, France, Sweden, U.S.A., Switzerland, Belgium and Greece.
18th December 2012
Shelley Hope has contacted Airship regarding the famous Billy Bulb - one time super hero of Bognor Regis.
" .... on the subject of Billy Bulb, I sadly report that about 10 years ago my partner and I saw Billy face down in a shed in Hotham Park, a sad fibreglass shell of the bulb he once was. An image I wish I had never seen as I have fond memories of him leading out the Bognor Carnivals."
Search parties are now out in force searching for Billy Bulb. Soon we will report back to everyone as to his whereabouts. It has been suggested due to Billy's age that he is in one of the many care homes situated in Bognor Regis - his care being paid for by the great British tax payer. A small price considering that in his prime Billy did his best to save Bognor Regis from impending evils. If anyone is interested in knowing more about the intrepid Billy then click HERE and scroll down to find the audio track:
2. Various - Billy Bulb Meets Professor Put-Out (t)
11th November 2012
Karl, the guitartist with Aeon Years has made contact. He writes:
While the band have split 'aeons' ago, I'm still rocking out.
Check my current band HERE
| Recently the Airship meisters of old, got together at Sam's flat in north London for a merry feast. Sam is a bit of a culinary expert and treated Jim and Richard to some fine fare. |
|
left to right: Richard (.. er on the floor); Sam and Jim |
The jukebox is now 'live'. Featuring some studio recordings and Airship releases.
Thanks to Henry Gee for all the hard work putting the jukebox together
and maintaining it.
Click on the jukebox |
 |
16th July 2012
Sam Small has been busy recording some of his original material.
To listen/buy go to: HERE
11th July 2012
Following on an e-mail from a collector, Protos material (e.g. One Day A New Horizon) can be obtained via various online sites these include Amazon (CDs); iTunes and Spotify (downloads). There is also a website for Rory and Steve: HERE
12th June 2012
Rainful Days / Maria Barton is now available on CD. Maria has issued a license for this LP to be released in South Korea on CD, though no licence has been granted in England / Europe or in fact anywhere else.
Even though Airship artwork is splattered all over the product, we have had NOTHING to do with the product - no one asked us if Airship artwork could be used! The CD also appears to have been copied from a vinyl CD and there are typo errors within the item - again nothing to do with us.
If anyone wants to buy a CD you have to ordered it from South Korea! We have also seen the CD for sale, brand new, on eBay.
20th May 2011
Jim has come to the end of his year in office as mayor of Bognor Regis. He has been a very popular mayor. There is now talk of Jim running for President of the United Kingdom .. and maybe beyond.
19th May 2012
Sam phoned a company about purchasing a piece of audio gear and found out that he talking to Howard Jones of the band "Orange"'. How weird was that!! Needless to say they spoke about the old times. Wonderful to have made contact with Howard!
2nd March 2012
Graham Bailey has written in to ask if anyone knows the whereabouts of members of "Caught In The Act". The band was from Fareham and played at a Rock At The Ferneham Hall, circa1981. The band made several recordings at Airship.
20th February 2012
Kevin Sweeney (guitarist with 'Last Resort') has made contact, great to hear from him. Anyone wishing to contact Kevin, please contact the Airship site and we'll pass on details.
9th February 2012
Now here is blast from the past ........ Stuart Reed has made contact. Stuart produced one of the very first records to come out of Airship, an LP entitled: British & American Folk Songs.
Stuart can be found HERE, also Brighton Acoustic HERE.
Stuart has kindly furnished some useful info' that we have added to the site.
Also:
" ........ As for some of the other artists .... Steve Knightley. He's pretty much top of the tree in the folk world these days. Paul Downes can be found HERE has also done pretty well, as has Tim Broadbent HERE. I noticed that someone was asking after Lynn Clayton, who coincidentally contacted me recently, she can found: HERE.
4th December 2011
Don't forget to see what His Jimmyness is up to whilst he is Mayor of Bognor!
For more info' click: HERE
10th October 2011
Rainful Days by Maria Barton will be released (under license) in South Korea / Asia. More details to follow.
8th October 2011
The proposed 'Rock At The Regis' re-union will not be taking place in January/early February.
26th September 2011
Country stats for Airship website visitors in the last four weeks.
21st September 2011
No news from His Royal Jimmyness about suitable dates to hold the Rock At The Regis re-union at the Regis Centre (Jim is the chairman of The Regis Centre). Time is getting tight. If we don't get any dates soon we will put it off for a while - maybe consider doing something late 2012 .......or wait another 30 years.
12th August 2011
The response from musicians to perform at a one off 'Rock At The Regis' has been brilliant. We are now waiting on His Royal Jimmyness for proposed free dates to hold the concert at the Alexandra Theatre, Bognor Regis in late January / early February 2012.
We even have Benny offering his services and equipment to do the sound.
12th August 2011
Where is Mick Travis of Rattlesnake?
answer: He left England and can now be found in Kragero, Norway.
August 2011
It seems appropriate that we update the original Airship team thus:
His Royal Jimmyness, is for the year 2011-12 ...... Mayorial of Bognorium. He has a website ... click: HERE
16th July 2011
We have been contacted by someone who has a copy of the much sought after Paradyne single. If anyone is interested in purchasing this record, please let Airship know and we will pass on your details. Update (August 5th) .. now sold for £343.00.
16th July 2011
Excellent response for the proposed one off re-union 'Rock At The Regis'.
We are waiting for some dates from Jim, and then we will let everyone know of the plans.
14th July 2011
Further interest regarding a proposed release of some of Maria Barton's work.
14th June 2011
An e-mail from Harvey Gammons, " .... could anyone who played in 'The Evening Lights' please contact Airship ..."
21st May 2011
Jim is now Mayor of Bognor! He holds the post for one year. In the year of office he would like to arrange a few events for his chosen charity. One event could be:
........ a one off 'Rock At The Regis' sometime early 2012.
The event will feature people who performed at the original Rock At The Regis events 30 years ago and also people who recorded at Airship.
Please get in touch if you would like to be involved.
13th April 2011
We do get from time to time enquiries as to where Graham Neill is. We still don't know. However, Roger Tyler sent us information that Graham is playing at The Fox Goes Free, Charlton, Nr. Goodwood in November ... click HERE
Roger also sent this link of Graham playing at a festival ... HERE
13th April 2011
Great to hear from Ralph E. Boy, meister creator of 'The Snoopies Album" - a compilation LP featuring bands in the Richmond, London area, released in 1981.
Ralph writes: I remember sitting in you studio in Bognor and compiling the album. Two things I remember: 1, one of the bands that I was intending to put on the album wanted a specific track to go on, I wanted another. They said ok and sent in the 1/4 inch master. I didn't realise until we were mastering that they had sent in their preference and not what I was expecting - I had to make a quick decision and bumped them off the album there and then. 2. The other thing I remember is that you really liked the track 'Supernatural' and called everyone in the house to the studio to listen to it.
12th April 2011
There are still many musicians who recorded at Airship that are still playing now.
Check out such acts as: The Alibi ....click HERE ; 4 Play ....click HERE
If 6 Was 9 ...click HERE ; Bruce Logan ...click HERE
We have been asked to mention The Cabin, Elmer ...click HERE
The Fountain, South Street, Chichester; Hole In The Wall, Chichester;
Inn On The Green, Chichester; Cheers Bar, Bognor Regis;
The Chichester Inn ....click HERE
8th February 2011
We have received enquiries regarding a drum machine that was available to use
during early 1982.
The machine was a LinnDrum LM2 that Airship had on demonstration with an option to buy. Compared to the beat boxes of the time, the LinnDrum was revolutionary. The earlier LM1 model of 1980 was first programmable drum machine to use digital samples of acoustic drums. The cost, had we bought the LM2 would have been about £2.500.00 - a lot of money in those days. We had the LM2 for about three months and many sessions took advantage of the machine. We have a photograph of the LM2 on the Gallery page
The regular drum machine that Airship had available was a late 1970's Bentley Rhythm Ace. Our machine was known to everyone as 'Gently Bentley'. It had about twenty preset rhythms.
7th December 2010
Could Mark Daniel get back in touch.
We are unable to contact you as you only sent in part of your e-mail address!
6th December 2010
Nigel Bicknell was a member of the band The Machine and has sent in the
following e-mail:
I was in the Chichester based band The Machine with, Ron Hellyer (vocal),
Doug Murphey (drums), Barry Paul (lead) and Tony Waller (organ), and my self on bass, during 1966-1969. I am in the process of putting some old Grundig
tapes onto CD, and would like to track down Ron and Tony, if they are still in the
area. Can you help?
If anyone can help Nigel, then please contact Airship, using the 'Contact Info' button.
25th November 2010
Jim Ed Huston who now lives in Ireland. Writes in, to ask for the whereabouts of
Julia Cooke. If anyone knows, please contact Airship.
29 October 2010
Great to hear from James Perrett who writes: I went on to run Watershed Studios in Portsmouth which attempted to encourage local artists in a similar way to Airship. I now have my own mastering and restoration business at : CLICK HERE
28th October 2010
Issy from the band 'This Way Up' contacted Airship, asking if we knew of the whereabouts of other members of the band. Fortunately we have contacts on file.
27th September 2010
Ray Tulley writes in asking for any information regarding 'Bladder Flask'.
Answer: We have nothing more than what was written on 3rd January 2009 (scroll down).
24th September 2010
We have completed digitizing all the tapes that were found tucked away at 1, Argyle Road. The only tapes to be digitized are about a dozen four track tapes.
19th September 2010
Susan Morgan has e-mailed asking for any information regarding Joan Hinde. She did mention Joan's website: CLICK HERE
Joan cut 1,000 7inch singles in June 1982. We recall Joan's visit to the studio to be one of the most enjoyable sessions during the summer of '82.
12th September July 2010
We have been asked by Sherry Gardiner if we know how many and when Sunday Folk's Monday Songs LPs were released. Also info' regarding the 7inch single released in 1982.
The answers: LP: 1,000 records and released in December 1981.
7inch single: 1,000 records and released in April 1982.
26th August 2010
Thank you to Annie Cook who has let us know the sad news that Martin of 'Strange Brew' died of cancer in April 2009.
11th August 2010
We have just about completed digitizing all the tapes found in the Airship hanger - stored for some thirty years. These tapes are just the ones that were kept at Airship for some reason. In most cases the customer took their tapes with them at the end of the recording session. We have digitized about 65 hours of material that includes voice overs; choirs; rock bands; heavy metal; pop bands; punk bands; folk music; covers bands; church music; blues; classical; instrumental; solo artistes; songwriters; local history; poets; organists; the downright weird.
8th August 2010
We had a very strange e-mail wanting to know if Airship had Chinatown's master tapes for the LP Play It To The Death. The answer is yes we do.
and ...... yes, are aware of the CD copies ripped off from Chinatown LPs that folks are selling that don't have permission from us.
5th August 2010
One of the tapes we have recently digitized is a demo of a DJ (Tony Poole). The demo was created to show off Tony's skills as a DJ (in 1981) ...... very different to what a DJ does today, oh yes, vvvvvvvery different. Now 30 years old this demo tape is almost of historical/social significance!
5th August 2010
Anyone who knows of the whereabouts of Dr. Mary Hobbs, please get in touch. We have a fascinating voiceover tape recorded for Chichester Cathedral back in 1981.
5th August 2010
We have a Revox mastering machine and some more digital gear. We are doing another batch of tapes, converting to the digital domain. Many of the conversions are for folks who wish for their old Airship tapes to be resurrected.
5th August 2010
A band by the name of Stranger recorded at Airship on September 11th 1981. Could someone connected with this band get in touch.
4th August 2010
If there is anyone who remembers a band called Drivin' Sideways, please get in touch.
28th July 2010
Folks have noticed that the exterior of the old Airship building is getting a face-lift.
8th July 2010
Over the time this website has been running there have been enquiries about a loudspeaker component factory based originally in Rustington that moved to larger premises in Fontwell, near Arundel. The move took place in 1973. The original company name was Sound Components, then around 1977, the company was bought out and the name changed to Percy Fogg & Co.
Yes it was the place Richard Sharples worked at (from circa 1973 to 1980). Yes Graham Neill worked there briefly. Yes, Nick Shepperd worked there too. Yes other people mentioned in e-mail enquiries worked there as well.
The factory supplied soft loudspeaker components to just about every known loudspeaker company (at the time) in the world. The components being: paper cone; fabric/rubber/foam surround; fabric/aluminum/plastic dust cap; fabric suspension/spider; fabric components for tweeters.
Customers included: ATC; HH; Goodmans; Fane; Rank Wharfedale; Baker; Grundig (Germany); ITT (Germany); Castle; B&W; Magnavox (Australia); SEAS (Norway); Audax (France); Celestion; ELAC; Infinity (U.S.A.); KEF; KLH (U.S.A.); Lowther; Mission; RCF (Italy); Spendor; Siarre (France).
In 1980 the company was sold to a company from the Isle Of Wight, Fibre Resin Developments (FRD). FRD specialized in moulded fibreboard products including dashboards; parcel shelves and door panels for cars. In 1980, FRD moved the loudspeaker component business to the Isle Of Wight. A few years later, FRD closed the loudspeaker component business down, due to increased competition from loudspeaker component suppliers in the Far East.
We will place more information about the loudspeaker component factory soon.
8th July 2010
Pete Lawrence wishes to make contact with anyone belonging to 'Chinatown', the band who released the album "Play It To The Death' in 1981.
6th July 2010
A fan of 'Band Of Wolves' has asked for the whereabouts of Graham Neill. Even going to the band's website does not help! Click HERE
5th July 2010
A collector is looking for a copy of the Lyn Clayton album released in 1980. Can anyone help?
24th June 2010
We have been asked by quite a few folks if we could list all the Rock At The Regis and Youth At The Regis concerts as the list on the CONCERTS link is incomplete. If anyone can help fill the gaps it would be appreciated. Also any photos to add to the CONCERTS link would be most welcome.
13th June 2010
Now here is a blast from the past! Mary English of 'Trapped In Bognor' fame has made contact.
"Just to let you now I'm alive and well and living in Bath. Happily married and Mum to a 16 yr old son. I am the author of 'How to Survive a Pisces' and also a columnist for a Green Magazine.
Thank you for your support in 1981:)" See my website www.maryenglish.co.uk or click HERE
=========================================================================
We receive many wonderful e-mails mentioning how much fun it was recording at Airship. Here is part of an e-mail that we would like to share:
"........... PS! I still write music and am VERY thankful you guys were so complimentary!
It meant a lot to me and gave me confidence to write more. [others would have you shot...]
I think you will find as your contact grows with other Airship folk, the influence your trio of personalities had, was VERY influential in people's lives. I, for one, felt it a very positive experience and it made me laugh an awful lot, which is priceless."
footnote: (6th September 2009). People have e-mailed convinced the above item was written by Sting. We can categorically say, it was not Sting. We would have remembered his pullover.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16th May 2010
Betsy, who lives in the United States is looking for Martin Pelta. Last time she saw Martin was in London in the 1970's. Anyone who knows of Martin's whereabouts, please contact Airship and we will pass on the information.
14th May 2010
Great to hear from Jez Greetham. Jez has a website: Click HERE
13th May 2010
Donna Van Zonneveld who lives in New Zealand is trying to contact Ben Cashman of 'Seance'. Anyone who knows of Ben's whereabouts, please contact Airship and we will pass on the information.
22nd April 2010
Alex Paraskevopoulos from Greece, an avid collector of rare vinyl has contacted the Airship site with an incredible amount of information regarding many of Airship's releases. Some of the information will be of great interest to many who visit the site. Over the next few days we will add Alex's information to the site.
15th April 2010
Great to hear from Barry Goodwin of 'Jump In Your Datsun'. Barry writes:
I recorded at Airship twice. Once for two tracks on the Seaside
Rock LP. It was me that got John Peel to play the record, not Dave, as
mentioned on your site just out of interest. I also got Kid Jenson to
play a track from the LP on TV to promote our gig with The Jam at the Brighton
Centre. It was our recording at Airship that Weller loved. His dad told
Joe Butt's mum that Paul played it non stop in the tour bus for weeks. I have
a clip of the TV video somewhere. If you want it, just let me know. The
second time at Airship was for a whole day for demo purposes attended by
Lol Tolhurst of The Cure who was known to me at the time.
12th April 2010
Many thanks to Edward Rutherfoord once again for unearthing a piece of memorabilia. This time a press report regarding one of the 'Youth At The Regis' concerts. This item has been posted on the 'Concerts' page.
31st March 2010
No sooner do we post the information that a Paradyne single was sold for over £850.00 do we then get a message from a buyer (Hannes) who bought a McFadgin LP at a vinyl fair in Holland. Hannes paid £700.00 for the LP - he said it was a bargain. The McFadgin LP is the rarest Airship record as only 100 were pressed.
30th March 2010
One of the rarest records on the Airship label, Paradyne's 7inch single Down To Amsterdam was sold today via an internet auction site for £854.82
11th March 2010
Terry Stacey of 'After Eight' has been in contact. Terry now lives in Devon. Amazingly the original After Eight 1inch 8 track tapes were still in the Airship hanger! Also found were the master tapes for After Eight's LP. All these tapes are on their way to Terry.
3rd March 2010
Now here is a blast from the past .... the mighty Mark Burton found the Airship website and has been in touch. He cut two albums at Airship and was a session keyboardist on numerous records and demos. Mark lives in St Ives, Cambridgeshire. He is Head Pianist in the Sofitel St. James Hotel in London. He deputises regularly at Browns Hotel in Mayfair.
Mark writes: I have many fond memories of the gang at Airship and am grateful for the opportunities that I had recording in that little house with a secret in Bognor [err, what was the secret? ed].
I still use the recording techniques that I learned whilst recording my albums with Sam. We must meet up some time soon, it would be great to see you all again!!
17th February 2010
Sticky Wickit a very popular band of the mid 1970's reformed recently to record and release a CD. For more info ........ http://www.stickywickit.co.uk/ or HERE
17th February 2010
Harvey Ashling has made contact asking about Gemini. He recalls watching them perform in front of Chichester Cathedral on July 10th 1981 and buying their LP 'Counterbalance' for £3.75 which was delivered hot off the press - a van arrived from Northampton with the LPs whilst Gemini were playing. Harvey then recalls going to The Sussex Hotel on July 18th to watch the band.
[cripes, Harvey - you have a good memory for dates!]
9th February 2010
Great to hear from Rick O'Rourke. He stumbled across the Airship website:
Now that ... was a trip down memory lane! Well done. I've been living in Ireland for the last 20 years now and still playing with media of various descriptions.
Patrick can be contacted at: www.sleepingwarrior.com HERE
6th February 2010
Warren Lee has e-mailed in to ask if the piano behind Richard on the 'Gallery' page (ref:pic03) is a Yamaha CP80?
Answer from Richard: No it isn't. It is a CP70, which was one less octave than the CP80 (CP70 - 73 keys). I bought it new in 1979 for £2,300.00 which was a LOT of money in those days. It came apart in two sections with each part weighing about 100lbs each. It would fit into my Ford Escort estate car quite easily and off I would go to gigs. Considering how often it was moved about, it kept in tune remarkably well - or was it because I was tone deaf!
It was very useful in the studio. It can be heard on countless records and demo tapes.
6th February 2010
Wonderful to hear from Sue Tregenza. Sue is living in Wales and is still very much playing and writing music for various projects and commissions. She has a MySpace page - HERE
Sue, as well as running a recording studio with husband Steve, has a music shop in Knighton, Wales - HERE
4th February 2010
Stephen Yates of Guildford bought a 'Strike' record from a record fair and inside it was a press cutting. Stephen has kindly sent a copy of the press cutting, which can be seen on the 'Publicity' page.
4th February 2010
Many thanks to Edward Rutherfoord for various photos. These have been added to the 'Concerts' page.
29th January 2010
Hayley Bennett has e-mailed to ask if we know anything about X-It, a band on the Seaside Rock compilation double LP.
James Perrett (the drummer) works at the Institute of Oceanographic Sciences, Portsmouth. James also runs a small studio specializing in the restoring old sound recordings together with mixing and mastering new recordings.
A photo of of X-It has now been posted on the 'Gallery' page.
29 January 2010
Photo of All That's Fiction performing at a Rock At The Regis concert. Kindly sent in by Alan Webb bass player of said band. To see the photo, go to the 'Concerts' page.
27th January 2010
Something one of the Airship meisters would like to share with visitors to this website.
What you are about to read is an e-mail sent (27th Jan. 2010) to the rest of the band........
=========start=================
We have had our first response for the post of drummer. I will leave it you folks as to whether you feel he is the one.
The nub of the telephone call is as follows: He phoned this afternoon (Wednesday). His name is Godfrey Nisbitt and is 52 years old. He lives in "Goring at home" and tells me he can rehearse as much as he likes. Well we can all do that, but then he said his mother wouldn't mind, as she would like him to play in a group again.
.................... Looking good so far I can hear you say..........
I asked him when was the last time he played the drums. He said in the music shop in Brighton as he was looking to buy a kit again. I realised I had to be a bit clearer, so I asked him again, the reply was rather disappointing, he said: "at my archery club weekend 'do' about 1987". He defended the fact that he had not played for so long by saying that he was "unlucky in life but not in playing the drums" - what the hell does that mean?!
I asked him what music he liked to play? His reply did not mention one of the names/groups I put on the advert. I asked him if he had seen our list, and he said the names that he mentioned would be more appealing when we 'go on the road' *. But we ain't going on the road, just doing the occasional local gig. He asked if we would play songs by the Human League, his favourite group.
It gets worse. He asked me what we looked like and whether we put on a good visual show "with movement" with the girl singer. He said he would like to sing some duets with the girl singer, as he had never had "this experience".
I could stand no more ...... I rang my own front doorbell and pretended to usher in the vet. I told Godfrey that the vet was here "to put the old dog down" and told Godfrey I really had to go as the dog had just poohed in fright, at seeing the vet.
I told Godfrey that I would get back to him if I had any positive news after I had spoken to the others in the band. I wonder if he twigged that I did not ask for his telephone number.
* he did mention, amongst others: Roy Orbison; Human League; Celine Dion; Baccara 'Yes Sir I Can Boogie" - he mentioned this song several times. I had to log on to YouTube to refresh my mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fGedKNUQu0 or click HERE
=========end=================
27th January 2010
A photo featuring The Dambusters at a Rock At The Regis concert has been posted on the CONCERTS page.
13th January 2010
Information and photos pertaining to Paradyne can be found HERE.
13th January 2010
Mike Johns of High Risk fame writes:
Nice to see some people still remember us. Crazy thing is we are still doing it, at The Fountain, South Street Chichester this weekend 16 Jan. Me, Max and Steve are still playing with Kev and Al from 'All That's Fiction'. We are called 'The Alibi' and the infamous Benny Lillywhite still does our sound.
BTW. On your 'Gallery' page the pictures of the drummer with the large golden
kit is Russell Payne from High Risk. He is a close mate of mine and also
still plays.
Cheers for a nice site. Mike
PS. HERE for more info on The Albi.
7th January 2010
Glenn Greatwood has e-mailed, and writes:
Nice memories from the 1980's. 'Blue Orion' on 'Seaside Rock' by 'Airship'. Great stuff, nice to show the family.
"Oooo, I've seen that record cover before dad."
Yep, one of the only records I have - these days preferring MP3 files.
Thanks for the time in the 1980's and the memories in the 2010's Airship.
18th December 2009
Some treasured master tapes have been digitized by a professional editing house who specialize in the transferring old tapes to the digital domain.
The tapes were first analized for their condition. Fortunately Airship used decent quality quarter inch tape for mastering. These have lasted all these years without the need for baking or any other pre' transfer work.
7th December 2009
We have had a request for information on what the original Airship folks are doing now. Above is a recent photograph of the burgermeisters. Up to date information will be posted soon.
6th December 2009
Paul White of Paradyne fame, has made contact and will be forwarding information and photos of Paradyne very soon.
4th December 2009
We shall be posting a jukebox on the site showcasing some of the music created at Airship. We will have the jukebox up and running by the end of February 2010.
24th November 2009
Further master tapes have been digitized.
30th October 2009
More Airship vinyl has been sold recently. For information go to the
'Collectibles' page.
25th October 2009
We have been asked by Mary McCracken, who is back living in Scotland for the whereabouts or any information regarding Mark Burton.
Answer: Mark originally came from Cheltenham and was performing at Butlin's in Bognor Regis from 1980. During the summer of that year he self financed an LP of covers. A very versatile keyboardist, Mark was soon playing on many Airship records as a session keyboardist. In 1982 he cut another LP, this time featuring the songs of Barry Manilow - well someone had to. We, at Airship have very fond memories of Mark with his very dry sense of humour. We also remember that he never drank tea or coffee - though he would fall asleep during late night recording sessions!
7th October 2009
Olli Klemm from Germany has e-mailed a request for information about Paradyne.
Answer: Paradyne were a four piece band from the Chichester area. They released a single on the Airship label in 1982 titled: "Take You Time'. We think 250 were pressed. It might have been 500, but definitely no more. The line-up was: Mark White/guitar; Paul White/guitar; John Biddiscombe/bass; Gary Halls/drums. They were a popular live act in the Chichester area.
If anyone has any more information on the band or the whereabouts of any of the band members, please get in touch with us, here at Airship.
22nd September 2009
Space 77 (interesting name) has e-mailed to ask about a short lived Bognor based magazine that was published around April 1981 supporting the local music scene.
Answer: The name of the magazine was called "Trapped In Bognor" and was the brainchild of a diminutive 19 years old Londoner called Mary, we don't remember her last name. The first issue came out March 3rd (give or take a day or two) in 1981. It was either a fortnightly and monthly publication. The magazine was printed by Scott's, a printer to be found in one of Bognor's dark alleys.
Mary just appeared out of the sea mist one day at Airship's HQ in late January 1981. She was very eccentric and a rather fragile person. She had boundless enthusiasm and a very infectious personality. She had a vision to create a magazine for the local music and fashion scene. Her publication would rely on advertising for its survival. Airship always keen to support interesting ideas gave her a desk in the Airship office for free, and for three months she was wonderful company. When, after three months it was apparent the magazine idea sadly would not last, as quick as she appeared, she left.
Mary, Mary, where are you now?
19th September 2009
The mighty Sam Small, on film in 1972!
Click: HERE
14th September 2009
Great to hear from Rob Spooner, bassist with Last Resort. Rob was also in demand as a session bass player at Airship.
6th September 2009
Thanks to contributors, information regarding the sale of rare Airship vinyl has been posted on the 'Collectibles' web page.
6th September 2009
We receive many e-mails from collectors interested in old Airship vinyl. The most popular enquiries are regarding the rarest records. These are: Paradyne (7inch); Traitor (7inch); Voltz (LP); McFadgin (LP); Maria Barton (LP); Protos (LP); Gemini (LP); Strange Brew (7inch)
They do crop up from time to time on internet auction sites; internet vinyl shops and vinyl fairs.
3rd September 2009
Steve Forshaw has sent in this link for anyone interested in the Bath Blues Festival archive, click: HERE
2nd September 2009
Steve Forshaw has e-mailed information regarding 'Just Before Dawn'. To find out more, click: LMS Before 1979.
2nd September 2009
Mo Stephens who attended many of the 'Rock At The Regis' concerts, asks whatever happened to Benny Lillywhite?
Benny ran the P.A. at the concerts. If anyone knows his whereabouts, please get in touch.
30th August 2009
Simon Maynard has made contact enquiring about Andy Waite. Yes, it was the same Andy Waite (who designed many of Airship's record covers) exhibiting his paintings as part of this year's Arundel Gallery Trail. Click HERE for more info.
21st August 2009
We have been asked by Nick Howard for any information regarding the Chichester Rock Society. This venue was very popular in the late 70's and 80's. He recalls many of the local bands playing there. Coincidentally Eddie Rutherfoord has recently been in contact.
One link that might be of help is: HERE
20th August 2009
Tony Rooke has made contact. He is living in Chichester and is still very much involved in music. We shall post more information as soon as we get it!
19th August 2009
A blast from the past ..... the one and only Eddie Rutherfoord has made contact. Eddie is living in London. Eddie wrote a music column in the local Observer series newspaper. His weekly Rockaround column ran during the late 70's and early 80's championing the local music scene.
18th August 2009
Interest continues from around the world regarding Maria Barton and her rare LPs.
We are constantly asked if any of Maria's work will be released on CDs. Hopefully one day they will. Please check back to the 'News' page every so often to see if there is any progress.
13th August 2009
Many thanks to Paul Mellers (drummer with 'Last Resort') for some great information about the local music scene past and present. Especially with regard to a band called 'The Salamander' and a current band 'The Alibi': http://www.the-alibi.org.uk
2nd August 2009
Airship vinyl continues to make good prices on internet sites including eBay and also at vinyl record fairs. Thanks to Robbie Cotton for prices.
27th July 2009
Further digitizing of master tapes. Go to the web page 'From The Hanger' for more details.
23 July 2009
Jim Ed Huston writes in to say he is still living in southern Ireland. Jim performs mainly as part of a duo. For more information visit: www.jimedhuston.com
22nd July 2009
Many thanks to Ian Balcanquall (bassist with 'Park Avenue' and 'Loose Talk') for information on the local music scene pre' 1979.
4th July 2009
Great to hear from Joe Butt. Joe was a member of 'Jump In Your Datsun', a band on the double LP compilation album 'Seaside Rock'. Dave, another member of the band managed to get John Peel to play the two Jump In Your Datsun tracks on his late night Radio 1 show. Thanks also for the photos. To contact Joe, please visit: www.joebutt.co.uk
27th June 2009
Gonzallo from Spain sends an e-mail, concerned about an illegal CD of Voltz/Knight's Fall. This is a problem for several records issued on the Airship label. We also know of an illegal CD: Chinatown/Play It To The Death; illegal CD featuring work by The Eckels Brothers.
1st June 2009
Cataloging and in many cases digitizing tapes found in the Airship hanger. Go to the 'From The Hanger' page to see what has been found so far.
Amongst the tapes found are SIX master tapes of Mr. Keith James's material. A total of over 30 songs found.
31st May 2009
Sold on eBay, 7" single I've Got A Feeling by Strange Brew for £25.99.
27th May 2009
In the last month, we have noticed various Airship records have been sold on internet auction sites. Recent sales: Soundwave (the Horsham compilation LP); Reach Out - a band from Ford Prison who cut an EP with all proceeds going to charity; Human Beings 7inch single; After Eight (an LP of covers); Maria Barton Rainful Days - sold for £210.00.
17th May 2009
Alex Johnson one half of the 'Lost Souls' who contributed two tracks on the 'Seaside Rock' LP e-mails to ask if the two tracks can be digitized.
10th May 2009
E-mails continue to arrive into the Airship in-tray from around the world with regard to Maria Barton.
At moment there are no plans to release any of Maria's material on CD. It is hoped the situation might change.
5th May 2009
Andy Hamilton e-mails with regard to The Regis Trio and Guy Delaverde.
Found in the Airship hanger, a master tape of material performed by the trio!
19th April 2009
Recently sold via an internet action house:
Sham Rock's I'll Love You Forever (7" single) to a collector in Greece for £21.00.
Seaside Rock compilation LP
sold to a collector in the U.S. for £22.00.
7th April 2009
Strike - No More Marseilles (7" single) £22.73 recently sold via an online auction house.
3rd April 2009
Brian Roper and others have asked if we have any information with regard to 'Goodwood Music' as Brian remembers going to see Jennie to try and sell her some of his songs.
Answer: Jennie Beaumont set up Goodwood Music, a music production company in a building on the Quarry Lane Industrial Estate in Chichester in 1980.
In 1980 Jennie was keen to build up a portfolio of acts and songwriters that she could take with her to the MIDEM Convention in Cannes in January of 1981. MIDEM was and still is, an international music marketing and networking place in Cannes, France.
Some of the acts on Jennie's books at the time were: Jennie & The Joystix (yes, Jennie was the Jennie!); Last Straw; All That's Fiction; Citizens Banned (an act attempting to ride on the popularity of the then CB radio craze); The Stoat Brothers; Warrior.
The Quarry Lane building also housed rehearsal rooms (see the ad' shown on the 'Publicity' webpage). For a while it was a wonderful place to be around with Jennie's boundless enthusiasm and confidence along with the friendliness of her two assistants, Oona and Jane.
Jennie released a few singles and LPs, with Airship helping out with their knowledge of vinyl and sleeve production. Some of Jennie's acts performed at several 'Rock At The Regis' concerts.
Jennie did her best to promote her acts and songwriters but none gave her the break she needed and deserved. After about a year she downsized her operation in Quarry Lane and then ran her business out of a smaller office in Chichester. After a few months closed this down and Jennie left the area and went to the Middle East.
Apparently these days Jennie lives and works in Leeds.
On the 'Gallery' web page there is a photo of Jennie in the Airship office.
-thank you to several contributors for putting the above information together-
1st April 2009
Counter Balance by the band 'Gemini' bought via an internet vinyl shop for £136.00.
Rainful Days by Maria Barton bought recently by a Swiss collector for £210.00.
30th March 2009
Thank you to Mick Grant who has supplied various newspaper clippings and other local music scene information (1975 to 1983). All to be added to the Airship site over time.
30th March 2009
Today one of the Airship meisters had the pleasure of meeting up with Nick May.
Nick is still very much performing and releasing material.
For more information and dates as support for 'Focus', go to:
http://www.myspace.com/whimwise and
http://www.whimwise.com/
29th March 2009
Howard Morley has asked when was the first 'Rock At The Regis' and who did the sound? Howard mentions that is was the first rock concert he ever went to. He was mightily impressed with the P.A. !!
Answer: The first 'Rock At The Regis' was on November 24th 1980. It featured, in order of appearance: 'Strange Brew'; 'All That's Fiction' and 'High Risk'.
Benny Lillywhite was the soundman. He also supplied the P.A.
Benny was also the soundman for 'High Risk' regarded by many as one of the local bands.
24th March 2009
Lynn Clayton LP sold via an online auction for £22.15.
22nd March 2009
Maria Barton LP, The Preacher And The Songwriter, sold to a collector in Italy for £84.00 via an online auction house.
16 March 2009
Sue Paul is the latest person to ask, "What ever happened to Billy Bulb?"
We will find out and post a page dedicated to the hero of Bognor Regis.
15th March 2009
Some questions from Richard Houston concerning the EMT Gold Foil reverb unit that
Airship owned and how recordings were made, direct to the Studer A80.
Answer: Airship's reverb unit was the model 240. It was basically a long and large metal box that sat on the floor. Its size comparable to a large holiday suitcase and very heavy. It was made by Elektro Mess Technik, a German company. At the time the 240 was considered one of the kings of reverb units. In 1979 the unit cost a few pounds short of £2,500.00 - a lot of money! Today, if you can get hold of one, would cost many thousands of pounds.
The unit was superb, giving a wonderful warm and rich reverb. Many customers used Airship because of the reverb unit coupled with direct recording using a Neumann U87 microphone through the modified/uprated Soundcraft desk and straight on to the Studer A80 mastering recorder. This set up, believe it or not was of a quality comparable to any studio in the world - and Airship was in Bognor!
15th March 2009
Many thanks to Stu Rowlatt for supplying information on the very rare release:
'The Preacher And The Songwriter' by Maria Barton.
11th March 2009
'Voltz' LP sold to a collector in Greece for £207.99 via an online auction house.
10th March 2009
Great to hear from Eddie Renouf of 'The Biggly Band'. He informs us that a band called 'Sticky Wickit' that he played in, circa 1976 has reformed and will be releasing a CD soon.
Eddie was also one of Airship's much sought after session guitarists.
8th March 2009
There has been a steady stream of interest regarding Maria Barton and her releases. Hopefully in the future we can offer more details of her catalog of recordings and vinyl.
23rd February 2009
It is quite amazing just how many musicians who came through the door of 1, Argyle Road all those years ago .... now over 27 years, are still playing. Many professionally and many semi-professionally. It has been suggested if we could have a link to a page listing those folks from the local music scene in the mid to late 1970's /early 1980's who are still playing.
For now, some of the dated entries on this page have links to websites featuring folks who are still playing.
21st February 2009
Today, a 45rpm EP Must Be Crazy in good condition, by the band 'High Risk' was sold on eBay for £26.00.
Also a 'Voltz' LP in good condition was sold to a collector in Belgium for £107.11.
10th February 2009
Mark Robotham has made contact and has confirmed that he is indeed the drummer in the photo (ref: drum01) on the 'Gallery' page.
7th February 2009
Two more Airship releases went under the hammer through an on line auction.
A single by the band 'Reach Out' was sold for £8.59.
A single by the 'Human Beings' was sold to a collector in Greece for £10.99.
30th January 2009
Counter Balance by the band 'Gemini' sold on eBay for £42.67.
Memories Of Summer by Mark Burton sold on eBay for £14.50.
24th January 2009
Digitized the two track master by the band 'Carnage'.
23rd January 2009
Today a 45rpm EP by the band 'High Risk' was sold on eBay for £68.58 to a collector in Germany.
22nd January 2009
Airship is pleased to announce the forthcoming release on CD of Fresh Powder by The Eckels Brothers. The LP was originally released in late summer of 1983. It was the last but one release on the Airship label.
21st January 2009
Quite amazing the value of Airship vinyl. Today a secondhand LP Rainful Days by Maria Barton was sold at auction for £172.00.
In the last month, various Airship records have been sold for between £72.00 and £225.00. So, if you are looking for a good investment, then buy old vinyl on the Airship label, much safer than putting money in any bank!
16th January 2009
'FROM THE HANGER' web page added to the Airship site.
12th January 2009
The Airship meisters are carefully sorting and cataloging the 1inch 8 track studio tapes; quarter inch 4 track studio tapes and quarter inch 2 track master tapes. There are over 300 tapes to go through.
Some initial tests on a quarter inch mastering machine have shown the tapes to be in remarkably good condition despite their age. All the tapes are between 26 and 30 years old. Airship used quality and expensive Ampex Grand Master 456 tape all those years ago - it is paying off now!
There are quite a few tapes and boxes that are unmarked, so it won't be possible to know who is on the tapes until they are played, even then we might not know.
The plan is to digitize as many tapes as possible. Some will not be digitized until Airship has contacted the rightful owners of the tapes.
There are a few tapes we have found that the artist(s) still owe Airship money on. You know who you are, so pay up, and you can have your tapes!
Airship plans to start digitizing tapes in about two weeks time.
12th January 2009
Hello to Dave Jenkins who asks the where abouts of Lynn Clayton. Sadly we don't know. Anyone out there know?
8th January 2009
Could John Bracewell or Rod Morris of 'Streetlife' get in touch with Airship.
5th January 2009
Thank you to Doug Owen from Newcastle, for supplying details of a single, to add to the Airship database.
Airship ref: AP189 'Gynecologists'. A side: The Red Pullover; B side The Offence.
4th January 2009
Great to hear from
Sev Lewkowicz. Sev produced the 'Chinatown' LP, Play It To The Death. You can find out about Sev by going to: www.sevlewkowicz.co.uk
4th January 2009
Anyone connected with 'Wilbury Jam', please contact Airship.
4th January 2009
Anyone connected with 'Bachelor's Gate', please contact Airship.
4th January 2009
Nick Wren of 'Gemini' has made contact. He lives in London and is still writing and producing.
3rd January 2009
Pete Greaves asks who were 'Bladder Flask'?
Answer: 'Bladder Flask' is the band name of the Rupenus brothers from Northumberland. Their 1981 album was titled, One Day I Was So Sad That The Corners Of My Mouth Met And Everybody Thought I Was Whistling. The LP comprised of one long twenty five minute track on each side. A reviewer said it sounded like
".. a Dadaist reverie, a sublime mixage of musique concrete and instrumental collage".
The LP master tapes have been found in the Airship hanger, so could someone from 'Bladder Flask' get it contact with Airship.
2nd January 2009
Found inside the Airship hanger, in a corner are lots of master tapes. None have been touched for over twenty five years. We shall go through these and let you know what we find.
29th December 2008
Hello to Karin Rottke in Germany. Thank you for your e-mail. We shall post the information soon.
26th December 2008
We have been given some interesting information regarding a 'William Grimlett'. An itinerant musician who was seen performing near Bognor pier in the late 1890's. Sadly he was not able to use Airship as the studio did not open until 1979.
11th December 2008
Steve Mason has e-mailed to ask who were the bands who played at a 'Rock At The Regis' on February 6th 1981. This concert was special for him, as he met his future wife in the bar during an intermission!
Answer: The Dambusters, Gemini and Strike.
9th December 2008
Mike Scammell of Guildford was at the live recording of Chinatown's Play It To The Death at The Agincourt, Camberley, Surrey in May 1981. Mike asks how was the LP recorded?
Answer: We hired a 16 track mobile recording unit, Zipper Mobile. We also hired a producer, Sev Lewkowicz to oversee the music production side. The 16 track tapes were then taken to Tim Wheatley at Chestnut Studios in Frensham, Surrey for mixdown on to master tapes. Airship was at the time 8 track, hence using our good friends at Chestnut. Airship still has the Play It To The Death master tapes.
4th December 2008:
Luca Corleonie has supplied information regarding Keith James. The Airship meisters would love to meet Mr. James sometime.
Mr. James has a website: www.keith-james.com
25th November 2008
Sylvia Nordstrom writes of information regarding 'Bachelor's Gate'.
Go to: http://home.arcor.de/kai63/bachelorsgate.html
24th November 2008
Andy Waite, meister graphic artist was responsible for the design of a great number of Airship sleeves. He still lives in Arundel and is an acclaimed painter.
Go to: http://andywaite.sussexart.com/
22nd November 2008
How bizarre is this, two people e-mailed last week with information about one of the photos on the 'Gallery' page. The photo is 'drum01'. Thanks to Steve Anscombe who writes:
"I believe the drummer to be one Mark Rowbotham - then of Valkyrie, now of Thieves Kitchen. Should this be so - then I can assure you that sleep would have been impossible. Mark, bless him, great drummer - no "quiet" pedal ! "
Thanks to Nina van Buyten who lives in Germany for her information regarding Mark Robotham, go to: http://www.thieveskitchen.com/
20th November 2008
Another 7inch release has been unearthed. On the Airship label by 'Sham Rock'. A four track EP with picture sleeve released in 1982. Produced and engineered by Sam Small. Thank you to Debbie Hayward for the loan of the EP.
19th November
A 7inch single has been brought to our attention: 'Uxbridge Road' by 'Crystal Brothers'.
Released on the Airship label in 1982. Thank you to Rob Hurst for the details.
18th November
The appreciation of Airship vinyl continues. Recently on eBay a 'Voltz' LP was sold for £220.00, to a buyer in Japan.
12th November 2008
Guido Gevels from Belgium has contacted us with information regarding 'Paradyne' and prices that some Airship records have been selling for on specialist vinyl sites.
10th November 2008
Thanks to Tim Gayle for some very useful information, especially regarding 'Paradyne' and 'Traitor'. Thanks also for the scans of various records.
9th November 2008
Thanks to Christian Bonera from Italy for the 'Gemini' cover.
8th November 2008
Thanks to Tim Gale for the 'Strange Brew' picture sleeve.
6th November 2008
We would like to point folks to: http://www.blues-business.co.uk/
A great blues band. Note the legendary Mr. Bruce Fryer on geetah. The band has released an excellent CD.
5th November 2008
We have been asked by a contributor, "What was the local music scene like before Airship opened and created such a buzz in the area?"
Answer: Perhaps sometime in the future we can add a button, pointing to a page featuring the local music scene before 1979. If anyone has any info' please let us know.
4th November 2008
Further to the mention of 'Wilbury Jam' on 30th October, here is a link to the band: http://uk.myspace.com/wilburyjam
4th November 2008
Link to Rory Ridley-Duff and 'Protos': http://www.protosmusic.net/
3rd November 2008
Message from Julia Cooke in Ireland. She mentions Jim-Ed Huston who released an LP on the Goldring label, through Airship in 1981. He is living and still performing in Ireland.
2nd November 2008
Meister Jim tells us that Steve Knightley, is still very much playing, as part of 'Show Of Hands'. For more information go to: http://www.showofhands.co.uk/
31st October 2008
Steve Heckthall has written in to say Graham Neill is still very much playing, and has asked us to mention: http://bandofwolves.com/
30th October 2008
Bruce McFadgin has made contact. Another musician still performing. His latest song I'm Not Bothered can be checked out: www.myspace.com/purplebruce
30th October 2008
According to Ben Graham, 'Wilbury Jam' who released a single and an LP on the Airship label have produced a CD entitled A Silver Spoonful. Ben saw them playing live not long ago. Good to hear the trio are still going strong!
23rd October 2008
Item added to 'RELEASES' page. Thanks to Christine Cyplak for the image.
20th October
Item added to 'RELEASES' page. Band added to 'BANDS/ARTISTS' page. Thank you to Sarah Bingham for the information.
17th October 2008
Thank you to those who have made contact to date. One interesting point is the number of musicians who are still playing live.
16th October 2008
It seems the ‘Rock At The Regis’ concerts were really great times for those who played on the great stage.
We have also received e-mails from people who were in the audience at 'Rock At The Regis' concerts, commenting on the great atmosphere.
14th October 2008
Great to hear from Nick May, who has very kindly sent some photos. Some have been added to the site, the others to be added later.
4th September 2008
Great to hear from Rory Ridley-Duff. Rory has kindly sent some photos and information.
27th August 2008
Airship website posted. |
