NME writer from 'golden age of music press' to visit Harrogate on Saturday

A legendary writer from the golden age of the NME in the 1970s is coming to Harrogate tomorrow, Saturday from London with firsthand stories of music legends of the 1960s.
1966 nostalgia - Part of the back cover of The Beatles' album Revolver.1966 nostalgia - Part of the back cover of The Beatles' album Revolver.
1966 nostalgia - Part of the back cover of The Beatles' album Revolver.

Chris Salewicz is the author of 15 books including Redemption Song: the Definitive Biography of Joe Strummer, Mick & Keith: Parallel Lines and McCartney and is a close personal friend of Mick and Keith.

He was one of the most important figures in the 'golden age of music journalism' and knows more rock legends than almost anyone on the planet.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His visit to Harrogate is part of Spirit of 66, an independently-promoted day of creative events celebrating 1966 - all happening in Harrogate from 4.30pm at RedHouse Originals gallery on Cheltenham Mount in Harrogate.

Chris Saleswizc will be in conversation with artist Dudley Edwards, member of mid-1960s design collective BEV responsible for Carnaby Street shop designs and Paul McCartney’s ‘magic piano’ which he uses on tour to this day. Edwards lived with McCartney for six months in 1966.

Hosted by gallery owner Richard McTague and Graham Chalmers of the Harrogate Advertiser and Charm, the event also includes the launch of a new exhibition of rarely seen World Cup 1996 final photos, classic 1966 music photographs by Gered Mankowitz, who shot the cover of The Rolling Stones’ Between the Buttons album, and artwork by the likes of Sir Peter Blake, Eduardo Paolozzi, Dudley Edwards and Pete Kee.

Richard McTague said: “1966 was such a year of excitement and this new event aims to recreate that with some VIPs. As well as special guests Chris and Dudley, we've got a performance of pop classics from 1966 by a string quartet from Harrogate Symphony Orchestra and a classic bit of beatnik poetry by Heath Common. ”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 'In Conversation' and exhibition runs from 4.30pm to 7pm followed by a refreshments break before the evening's climax inside one of Harrogate's most historic and exclusive venue - The Club.

Located on Victoria Avenue, this stunning 19th century gentlemen's club will host a gig by bright young Leeds band The Chessmen who will bring their hallmark brand of “Sixties-licked psychedelic garage madness” with a swirling light show from 8.30pm with a 10pm finish.

Ticket holders for the gallery event get a free Roosters beer each. The Club is fully licensed.

A limited number of tickets are on sale at www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk or in person at Harrogate Theatre box office which is open Monday to Saturday from 10am-5pm.