Thanks to the following for their contributions to the site: Raymond Allard, Boz Boorer, Brian, Cornelius, Ray Eden, Andy Ellison, Joe Giorgianni, Martin Gordon, Michael A. Green, John Hellier, Marietta T. Hülsken, Ivan Kocmarek, Mark, Chris Marshall, Cliff McLenehan, John Melbourne, Gavin Ross, Sonia & Matthew, Paul Thompson, Chris Townson, Jeff Watt, Colin Wilcox, Steven Wright.
"[John's Children] sound as if they can actually play but would rather enjoy themselves, which is no mean feat." - Richard Mason, Perfect Sound Forever
7 July 2011
The John's Children gig at Barfly Camden on July 28th is part of London 60s Week. Unlike previously reported on this website guitarist Boz Boorer will not make this gig due to other engagements, so the line-up consists of original lead singer Andy Ellison with johnschildren.co.uk webmaster Mikko Kapanen on guitar, Ville Särmä on drums and Kassu Kapanen on bass. Ellison toured with this line-up in Finland last year. Here's a video clip of the song "Train In My Head" from the Black & White album performed in Helsinki.
22 June 2011
Don't even think about how many years this album was in the making, let alone how many since the last actual studio album was originally released (not to mention recorded) - the numbers will only make you dizzy. Anyway if you've been pinching yourself reading news about it, here is indisputable proof that yes, finally there really actually is a new John's Children album out. Go get yours now if you haven't! Here's also a couple more reviews, one from Record Collector magazine ("...the mighty Townson's Moon-challenging eruptions...") and the other from Mod Speed blog ("...harks back to the 60's line-up at their peak...").
30 May 2011
We're now one week away from the release of the new album Black & White and many online retailers including HMV, Amazon - and of course Acid Jazz's eBay shop - have the CD available for preorder. Don't miss out on this historic release! Here's a review of the album by Modculture. And don't forget the album release gig at Barfly Camden on July 28th!
12 May 2011
Andy Ellison will be appearing with bassist and cult DJ Andy Lewis' band on Thursday 26th of May at the Buffalo Bar Islington, London, singing "Heather Lane" and "Top Of The Tower" plus two John's Children songs. The two Andy Lewis songs are from his solo albums Billion Pound Project and You Should Be Hearing Something Now respectively and featured Andy Ellison on lead vocals.
9 April 2011
The long-awaited studio album BLACK & WHITE by The Legendary JOHN'S CHILDREN finally sees the light of day through Acid Jazz records on June 6th 2011. The 12 track album features original members lead singer Andy Ellison and the late drummer Chris Townson with Morrissey guitarist Boz Boorer (with John's Children since 1992) and Radio Stars bassist Martin Gordon.
To celebrate the album's long due release Andy Ellison will take to the stage at Barfly Camden on July 28th to perform John's Children songs old and new, backed by the band from his Finnish mini tour of 2010: johnschildren.co.uk webmaster Mikko Kapanen (guitarist with Madame De C***), Ville Särmä (drummer with Them Bird Things) and Kassu Kapanen (bassist with Kap Kap).
"The stories and myths abound around the legendary, cult, pop-art/mod, '60s band John's Children, who return for a one off London gig. Known for their wild stage act and some say the forerunners and godfathers of punk. They caused riots and upstaged The Who on a tour of Germany and were promptly deported. Their first album Orgasm was banned and to top it all, they once boasted Marc Bolan on guitar. Their singles are now some of the most collectable world wide. With Morrissey's guitar man Boz Boorer they reformed in the mid '90s. Since then they have appeared sporadically and now have a new album Black & White out on Acid Jazz (June the 6th). After the untimely death of their legendary drummer Chris Townson, three years ago, Andy Ellison has toured with the Finnish JC, Mikko, Kassu and Ville... Lock up your mothers and wear suitable clothing?"
Barfly Camden, 49 Chalk Farm Rd, London NW1 8AN, 020 7482 1268. Tickets £10. Support Andy Lewis & Friends. Underground: Chalk Farm. Facebook event page.
15 July 2010
FUN IN FINLAND by Andy Ellison
I had always wanted to go to Scandinavia, the beautiful girls, the cheap vodka, the endless fjords, the midnight sun........ the beautiful girls. Anyway, the three bands that I've played in never quite made it that far north, well except when I went to Aberdeen, Scotland, supporting Eddie and the Hot Rods way back in the late 70's with Radio Stars. Then out of the blue, I was asked by Mikko Kapanen, the John's Children's Finnish Webmaster, who lives in Helsinki, to possibly, come over to Finland and play some gigs with Mikko and his brother Kassu, who are both great musicians in their own right, (having played in various Finnish bands).
So in 2009 when Mikko came over to stay at my place on the Thames, near Windsor, and suggested the idea that his brother Kassu and good friend Ville would learn all the songs....... I said 'Yeah!'
So in June 2010, I board a plane at Heathrow, with my good friend, and funnily enough the Radio Stars Webmaster, Steve Wright, as a fellow passenger. We are flying Finnair, or as Steve says, holding tightly to his baseball cap, Thinair. The Nordic captain makes us all feel very comfortable by explaining that he was a bit hung over due to a party he went to with his co-pilot the previous night, so won't be flying at the usual altitude, as his friend who has taken over co-pilot duties, doesn't like heights. We order double vodkas.
Just over two hours and a lot of vodkas later we stagger out into the impressive modern, sanitized, and almost empty, Helsinki airport. It's 11pm at night and still quite bright. We are greeted by Mikko, and his pal Ville, who drive us into town.
Our hotel is in the same road as our first gig on the Friday, and just around the corner from their rehearsal studio. It's 1 am by now, but hey this is Helsinki, the Restaurants may close at 9, but the bars stay open 'till 4 and beyond, so let's go and have a few beers. I sample Helsinki's finest, a strange brew called, "The Rat killer", or at least that's what I thought it was called. Ville, with his pageboy hairstyle and baby face looks, impresses, as does Mikko with their amazing command of the English language, sounding more British than Terry Thomas. In fact they speak better English then anybody I know around norf London. 'Cheerio!' says Ville as we stagger back to the hotel.
The next morning it is glorious sunshine, and Mikko has very kindly taken us to one of the islands on the Helsinki Coast, where we wander around most of the day looking at the wild life. Part of the island has a prehistoric village, all in working order. I photograph the sparse wooden hut, with bear skins on the beds, and send the photos back to the UK saying, "My Finnish hotel room is ample but a little bit threadbare".
In the evening it's back to town for our first rehearsal. We've got two rehearsals before our first gig at the 'Bar Loose' on the Friday night. Somehow Mikko on guitar, his brother Kassu on bass and friend Ville on drums, have, with just a few rehearsals, managed to capture the early essence of John's Children. I'm quite taken aback as I sing out "Sarah Crazy Child", "Jagged Time Lapse", "But She's Mine", etc. This is going to be brilliant!
I must admit I had no idea what I was taking on by coming to Finland and playing John's Children's songs with people I'd never played with or even met before, except, briefly with Mikko in England, the year before, but this was feeling really good.
The following day's rehearsal goes even better.
So after running through the set twice, we call it a day, agreeing we don't want to hone it too much, leave it with the unpredictability of the original JC. So it's off to the nearest bar. I get to know the three of them quite quickly and get on with them really well. Kassu, Mikko's brother, who always wears a hat, (Trilby), is the laid-back cool dude, and looks like he has just stepped off the streets of Camden Town, North London. Ville is also very easy going and a bit of a joker, also the most talkative. Meanwhile Mikko, the main mod, may seem at times quite serious, sometimes staring thoughtfully into the air. But when he picks up his guitar, his whole persona changes into the wild, extrovert, Pete Townshend like figure, with a great sense of humour.
As we approach the Bar, I noticed Mikko had arrived by bicycle and parked it outside on the main street. I say, "Aren't you locking it up"? and he replies, "No-one ever locks anything up in Finland, no-one steals anything". I'm amazed as I tell him, 'You'd only have to leave that in London for 2 minutes and it'd be gone'. I suggest an experiment..........."Let's leave your guitars out in the street and see if they're there tomorrow morning'. Mikko agrees, but after a couple of pints he decides not to test the infallibility of the Helsinki youth after all, and runs out to retrieve the guitars.
It's Friday, the day of the first gig, but first I have to play a solo set at one of Helsinki's best loved record stores, 'Fatty Sounds'. I grab my union Jack acoustic guitar, jump in a taxi and head across town. We are a bit early so, Steve, Mikko and myself, stop off into what has to be the most extensive heavy metal music shop in the world. There are corridors and labyrinths of mayhem, skulls, Rammsteins............ Steve is in his element. I forgot to tell you that the whole of Finland is obsessed with heavy metal. Every shop you go into is playing it, every bar, every young male looks like they are out of some strange tattooed death metal band. No Kylie's, Keanes or Cowell fodder here........... it strikes me as a bit of a breath of fresh air.
I step out of the darkness leaving Steve in the shop and head across to Fatty Sounds. It's 5 PM and I should be playing in the shop. It's a bit daunting playing just with an acoustic guitar, with no mike, especially in a small music shop. I play about five numbers including a couple off my CD, 'Fourplay', sign some posters and cd's and then have to race across town to our sound check for tonight's gig.
Kassu can only stay for a short time as he has another gig to play before ours....... and then another one after we play, and possibly one in the middle of our set.
The 'Bar Loose' is a great venue, there is a bar and restaurant upstairs at street level and then a downstairs club, which is reminiscent of the old speakeasy in 60s London. I had brought with me the JC backdrop, which took up most of my suitcase, and we try to hang it at the back of the stage, below the lights. The Bar Loose sound engineer suddenly appears announcing 'You can't put that up! We have very strict fire regulations here in Finland!' I quickly reply that this is a very special fire retardant material, knowing well, that it's a cheap bit of schmutter that I got from a stall in Petticoat lane, East London, and then sprayed the 'Come and Play With Me in The Garden' logo on to it, with highly flammable fluorescent pink paint spray!
We are not on till 11 PM, so I retire to the hotel. I foolishly think I should have a quick nap. Lying on the bed I drift into a well earned sleep, with Sky news on. Suddenly it reports of hundreds of people who died tonight in huge fire in a club in Helsinki........... I wake up in a sweat. It is ten to eleven! I jump into my white outfit, white jeans and white Ramones T-shirt and run down the road to 'Bar Loose'.
Down in the dressing room, Kassu passes round the Salmiakki, apparently a strong Finnish liquor (The taste of Finnish folklore)........... and very good for your voice.
The gig is amazing, and ends with the band surprising me, smashing up their equipment.... Hey this really is John's Children........... I pull down the backdrop and throw it over Mikko, it all gets messy. Later, when the club has turned into a night club I grab Ville, telling him it is the tradition in JC, that I always dance with the drummer........ we clear the dance floor.
The next morning, (Saturday), we are off to Turku, some 200 miles from Helsinki, and Finland's second largest city, once the capital. We are playing at the Kuka club, a staunch Finnish mod venue. Kuka means Who. Ville arrives at the Hotel with a hired car, I pop down the road to retrieve Steve from the sex shop on the corner.
As I do so we notice this beautiful, young, very pretty, petite and innocent looking girl, going into the shop. Two minutes later she sheepishly appears around the door and notices us as she sidles up the street, quickening her pace. To our surprise she is holding a see-through plastic bag with the most enormous blue dildo.........we look at each other and burst into laughter...... that will surely kill her!
Tonight we have to scale things down a bit, as the stage is a bit limited. Ville has brought bongos. Mikko is going to play my acoustic guitar. Steve and I are staying in this strange computerised hotel a few blocks away. We use codes to get in and get out.......the corridors are like something from The Shining.
The gig is packed, and fun was had again, by all. Including, hopefully, the people who sat at the tables that i jumped on........... A completely different gig from the night before, but still great. Afterwards I sign some posters and Cd's.
I notice Steve is very merry tonight, he usually doesn't drink much, and I watch as he spins around the venue.
Mikko, Kassu and Ville slope off to some more clubs. I think I should help Steve back to the computerised hotel. I manage to steer him out of another sex shop on the way, then he starts chatting to some girl on the corner. I drag him away, saying she was not the sort of girl you like to take to bed. I help him to his room, and then retire to mine.
I'm not sure how long I had been asleep when I am awoken by a loud siren, and the giant 40 inch TV switches itself on, with a loud voice repeating something in Finnish. Just as I am about to unplug it, it speaks to me in English, "Leave the Building now!... Leave the building now!." Initially I think, oh no what has Steve done? When I get a call from him. 'Help! Andy, what is going on....... I was just dancing round the table, when the TV starts speaking to me in my head, I'm confused!' I try to explain to him that we must leave the building. 'Meet you outside'. The corridors are packed with half dressed people scurrying to the nearest lift. Outside the street is packed with half asleep men and women and three fire engines. After about fifteen minutes and still no sign of Steve, we are told we can all go back in. As the first of us enter the main doors back into the hall, out of the lift steps Steve clutching all kinds of John's Children memorabilia and paraphernalia, there was no way he was leaving this stuff behind!
Anyway it's back to sleep....... except that I'm awakened again by banging on my door. "Open up please, open up now!" What the hell is this? With the lights still off I crawl to the door and peep through the spy hole. There are two quite thick set men in the corridor. Bang, bang, again "Open up now!' Thinking they must be part of the Fire Brigade earlier, I begin to open the door. They look very aggressive "You have girl in there"?.... this is strange, "No" I reply, and then they lurch towards me, I slam the door. They are very angry and keep banging on my door for the next few minutes....... and then it all goes quiet. It takes a while for me to go back to sleep.
Ville picks us up next morning and it is back to Helsinki airport. All I can say is that it has been one mad week. And I want to thank Mikko, Kassu and Ville for a great experience. I'd love to come back sometime, just don't put me in that hotel in Turku.
The Pilot announces that his wife will be attending him in the cabin tonight due to his former co-pilot going to a 'KISS' concert the night before..............
"Get the Vodkas in, Steve".
Setlist: "But She's Mine" / "Sara Crazy Child" / "Mustang Ford" / "Arthur Green" / "Perfumed Garden Of Gulliver Smith" / "Hippy Gumbo" / "It's Been A Long Time" / "Cornflake Zoo" / "Come And Play With Me In The Garden" / "Train In My Head" / "Jagged Time Lapse" / "Midsummer Night's Scene". Encore: "Smashed Blocked" / "No Russians In Russia" / "Desdemona"
27 June 2010
Re: previous update... we (Andy and the band) are still alive and well, apologies for not updating sooner. We'll have a full report of the Finnish dates at some point but for now here's some photos and a clip of "But She's Mine":
1 May 2010
ANDY ELLISON & band plays JOHN'S CHILDREN
Bar Loose, Helsinki, Fri June 4, 2010 Bar Kuka, Turku, Sat June 5, 2010
In the annals of rock'n'roll history John's Children - undeniably one of the most legendary cult bands of the 1960s - are mostly remembered for having been Marc Bolan's first band before T. Rex. Aficionados of that era's mod, psychedelic and "freakbeat" sounds will however also know them for a handful of bona fide classic songs of the genre ("Midsummer Night's Scene", "Desdemona", "Come And Play With Me In The Garden", "Smashed Blocked") and their explosive live show that got them thrown off a tour supporting The Who in 1967.
After the first few years of having been together the band members all drifted apart (vocalist Andy Ellison for example eventually forming new wave band Radio Stars who went on to have some chart success). John's Children made a return in the '90s with two original members, Ellison and drummer Chris Townson. Bolan's place was filled by Morrissey's guitarist Boz Boorer with Martin Gordon from Radio Stars filling in on bass. Following Townson's untimely passing in 2008 the band hasn't performed.
Since then Ellison has appeared sporadically accompanying himself on acoustic guitar or appearing as a special guest with other bands. He has never played any of the Nordic countries. In June 2010 this will change when Ellison will be appearing at Bar Loose in Helsinki, Finland, and Bar Kuka in Turku, Finland, performing John's Children material.
Andy Ellison: "This is the first time I have played any Scandinavian country. John's Children, Jet and Radio Stars played all over southern Europe and John's Children finally got to the USA a few years back. So now I am looking forward to coming over to Finland and to playing in the snow, eating reindeer, meeting a Moomin, and hanging out with Tarja and Matti. Lock up your mothers, I'm on the way."
A special feature of these gigs is also the backing band which is made up of local musicians. Accompanying Andy Ellison will be guitarist Mikko Kapanen (Madame De C***, ex-Flannelmouth) who has been running the John's Children website since 1999, drummer Ville Särmä (Them Bird Things, Kevin) and bass player Kassu Kapanen (Kap Kap, Koivuniemen Herrat). The three of them have previously played together in a Who tribute band so the authentic sound and spirit of John's Children is guaranteed.
In addition to the actual two gigs Ellison will also be appearing solo at Fatty Sounds record store, where he will be performing a few acoustic numbers and doing a signing session on Friday, June 4th at 5 p.m.
Well they say 'There is a first time for everything', and on Friday September 18th I witnessed Andy Ellison in one place for just over 35 minutes. It seemed strange seeing him walk on stage with his Union-Jack acoustic guitar, but this was the 'mild side' of Andy Ellison. The 'wild side' was still to come from the 'Godfather of Punk' !! It was good to see Andy in all white and wearing his Ramones t-shirt too !! I had gone down to London for the gig from Yorkshire as I wanted to lend him my support, which is now in its 32nd year (Yes, I am old too !!). I was also doing the merchandise for Andy and T-Rextasy.
There was a great John's Children family gathering as Andy's daughters Jo-Jo and Tanzi came to support their Dad, along with his girlfriend Sharon. Sammi Townson, the eldest daughter of the late 'great' Chris Townson was also there too. Some of my friends also came along, Phil Madden, Kevin Hook and Julie Skattabu from Norway. Yes Julie came all the way from Norway to see Andy perform, and she was proudly wearing her Radio Stars website (www.radio-stars.com) badge !! She is still buzzing from the gig !!
Andy walked on stage to a big cheer and sat on his stool as "It Must Be Love" by Labi Siffre was pounding out of the PA. You would have expected the person in charge of things to have faded the song out so Andy could start his set, but he didn't !! Andy said prior to starting things off with "Mustang Ford", "That was the most exciting intro' of all time !!" Andy thanked everyone for coming and the song got a rousing reception from the crowd. This was followed immediately by one of my favourite John's Children songs "But She's Mine". Towards the end of the song Andy flicked his plectrum into the audience, then proceeded to do his 'Joe Satriani impersonation'. He put a 'stop' at the end of it and this totally caught the audience out as they started applauding thinking it was the end of the song, but it wasn't as Andy came back in !!
"Hippy Gumbo" was next, and Andy introduced it by saying that John's Children used to rehearse the song with Marc in their club in Leatherhead and they had bought it as they had had some success in America with their debut release. Part way through talking Andy told the audience to 'Shush' as they were talking quite loudly, and rightly so and this got a big cheer !!
Andy's debut 1967 solo single "It's been A Long Time" followed, and Andy introduced it by saying that after John's Children had out who'd The Who during a gig in Germany and got thrown off the tour, when they on the boat home from Calais, Marc was very drunk and entertained the passengers by standing on a table reciting poetry !! Plus when they got back home they found out that their equipment had been confiscated in Germany. A few months later the band split up. Andy then found himself in the studio recording "It's Been A Long Time" and the songs ended up in the film "Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush". The chorus sounded really good with it's choppy sound and every time I hear it, it always reminds me of the 'German Goosestep' for some reason !!
My all time favourite Andy Ellison song was next, "Cluster Bombs". This really is a killer song and is from Andy's "Fourplay" EP that he released in 2008. Andy did a short version compared to the one on his EP. It didn't surprise at all when the song went down very well. John's Children performed the song live during May 2007. Andy then came up with a very interesting surprise, "Smashed Blocked". This was the debut release by John's Children back in 1966 and Andy did a good version of it. Prior to the song Andy told the crowd "Simon Napier Bell went to America to record it with session musicians, and on the plane back he came up with the name psychedelia for it. So this song became the first ever psychedelic song." The only other occasion it had an outing was when John's Children played in London during February 1998.
Another song from the pen of Marc Bolan was "The Perfumed Garden Of Gulliver Smith" and this virtually went straight into "Train In My Head". This song was another one of Andy's, and actually started life back in the early 80's. It has even had the John's Children treatment along the way !! The song went down very well and appears on Andy's solo album from 2006 "Cornflake Zoo". "Sara Crazy Child" was next and this was followed by another surprise, a version of The Beatles song "Eleanor Rigby". The 90's version of John's Children used to perform this, although originally the idea and arrangement came from when Andy was in Radio Stars during the early 90's. The song ended with Andy doing another 'Joe Satriani impersonation' !! He was attacking his guitar in quite manic fashion !!
Andy's voice sounded good throughout and it was nice to hear that he had slightly rearranged the melodies a little on various songs, as well as the arrangements. Andy finished his set off with "Anyway Goodbye" and this song appears on his 2006 solo album "Cornflake Zoo" and his "Fourplay" EP.
Andy performed a good selection of John's Children songs with his own songs, and to say this was the very first time he had performed an acoustic set, he did brilliantly. Andy has a great attitude when it comes to performing on stage and the crowd know that and they showed it when they gave him a wonderful reception.
T-Rextasy put on a great performance performing every T-Rex hit and more. It was a very enjoyable set by Danielz and the boys and they are by far the best T-Rex tribute band around. During the sound-check I had the pleasure of meeting Danielz and his wife Caron, along with bassist Paul Marks.
Danielz introduced Andy back on stage for the encores. His Ramones t-shirt had gone and he had a Union-Jack flag wrapped around his waist. The first thing he did was throw water into the crowd from his bottle !! The first of three encores was Radio Stars' "No Russians In Russia". Sammi and myself weaved our way through the crowd and headed right to the front. I really got into the song and was singing every word because the song sounded big and full and really punky. Plus it had lots of attitude with the 'twin guitar attack'. The song was also faster than usual, and it sounded brilliant. I kept bumping into people as I was punching the air and playing my air guitar (not at the same time !!) due to the sheer excitement and enjoyment as Andy was really working the crowd into a frenzy, well he did me anyway !! The spirit of '77 had really got hold of me and I was unstoppable !! Andy was bouncing around on stage like he was 20 years old, and obviously enjoying every minute of it. First he was on the drum riser, then on his knees and then strutting all over the stage. Amazing stuff !! There might not be any Russians in Russia, but there was certainly plenty of energy inside Andy Ellison !! The reason Andy & T-Rextasy did this song was because Radio Stars performed it on Marc Bolan's TV Show 'Marc' during September 1977.
"Desdemona" followed and Andy moved up to another gear in the entertainment category. Again he was bouncing all over the stage, but at the start of the second verse he invaded the crowd and bisected them straight down the middle as he headed towards the bar. I followed him to make sure his microphone lead didn't get caught up around anyone !! As he retuned to the stage to finish the song off he got individuals to sing along. Andy went off to a great reception, but Danielz brought him back for the final encore, "Hot Love". Andy proceeded to waft everyone with his towel as he came back, and then he drenched a few more of the crowd with water !! Andy sang along and got the crowd to join in.
A very enjoyable evening was had by all and I bet T-Rextasy enjoyed playing "No Russians In Russia" and "Desdemona" as it was something different for them. Hopefully Andy will perform more acoustic shows in the not too distant future, but what I would love him to do is assemble a band featuring two guitarists and go out and perform under his own name. Keep going my friend, there is still plenty of energy left in your tank !! Umbrellas and raincoats will be made available next time !!
22 September 2009
Andy Ellison played a solo electric/acoustic set supporting T. Rextasy on Friday the 18th. Andy did encores with T. Rextasy of Radio Stars' "No Russians In Russia" and John's Children's "Desdemona".
Andy Ellison will be appearing solo (supporting T. Rextasy) at The Marc Bolan Commemorative Anniversary Concert on Friday, September 18th at The Standard Music Venue (Blackhorse Lane, Walthamstow, London, E17 6DS). Andy shall be playing John's Children songs and some of his new material. Tickets £10 (www.standardmusicvenue.co.uk).
9 December 2008
The text for the history section of the website is being rewritten by Andy Ellison himself. So far we have Andy's take on the story up to the band getting signed by Simon Napier-Bell. The rest will be uploaded later on.
6 December 2008
Radio Stars play the Forum, Kentish Town London, next Saturday the 13th, and then the following night in Southampton at Talking Heads.
5 December 2008
It's been long overdue but the website has finally been moved to a new host (no ads) and as you can see, everything has been redesigned (big thanks to Mr. Tuomas Vanamo for the visual design). A new discussion forum will open soon, everything else is operational already. Hopefully you'll like the new website. More updates soon.
