Big shots from Big Bear

As part of their 45th anniversary celebrations Big Bear Records is exhibiting some rarely seen photographs from the archives of Mr Big Bear himself Jim Simpson. I've been lucky enough to have a sneak viewing of some of them and they're a fascinating snapshot of some of the biggest names in music from the 60s including The Rolling Stones complete with their founding father the late Brian Jones.

You'll also get to see Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Nina Simone, John Lee Hooker, Rod Stewart, The Spencer Davis Group and the very first publicity shots of The Moody Blues and The Move.

The exhibition's on at West Bromwich Library from March 1st to 29th and entry's FREE!

Here's a rather fabulous clip of The Spencer Davis Group to get you in the mood. Groovy baby.



PS: THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC: MEET THE DOERS, NOT THE TALKERS

With the exhibition as a backdrop, there will be a series of five events that aim to satisfy any curiosity about what actually happened back then, fill in some of the gaps between then and now, and encourage and inform musicians, aspirant musicians and anyone who is interested in the music business.

Events will take place on four Saturdays during March: 

8th 11:00 to 12:00

15th 12:00 to 13:00 and 13:00 to 14:00

22nd 12:00 to 13:00

29th 12:00 to 13:00

Again admission is FREE, everyone is welcome and each event is followed by a Q&A Session.