The Portsmouth Music Scene |
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TRUFFLE
TRUFFLE. John Bedford says they ran two bands. “Truffle” the rock band, and the MAFIA who did covers and often played at the Salutation on Mondays nights. |
MAFIA
Richie Stopforth Lead guitar, vocals |
Facebook comments about the bandsI remember Truffle, and The Mafia (aka: The Monday Mafia) They didn’t change their name, they just worked under multiple names because they had more than one set lust for different audiences, if I remember rightly, and also, the line up was slightly different, at least it was on Monday nights at The Salutation in New Road. I only remember “Battle of the Bands” being held at “The Gaiety Bar” on South Parade Pier, so yours may have been earlier. I was in a band called Rock Therapy in 1985, I think, when we won our heat, only to be informed that the overall winners of the competition had already been chosen, WAY before the final. We returned for the next round, but we knew it was a waste of time. I don’t remember the name of the band that won it that year, but I do remember knowing weeks before. Peter Patterson, was the drummer in Truffle and the Mafia, and you’ve just reminded me to send him a copy of the recording session we did with our mutual friend, and Pompey legend in his own right, Greg Watkins. Greg was an incredible multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, who also recorded and engineered the majority of my early sessions at John Gordon’s studio in Denmead, and also from his own mobile studio, built into his van, called “No Fixed Abode”, which was also the name of his own band. I think Pete was the drummer in that band too. It was all very integrated at times. Peter Patterson Hey Rick McKay good to hear from you my friend & hope you & your "Tammy" are doing well? ?? ?? Greg & I were in Truffle together, then he asked me to dep for No fixed abode & then when we started Mafia he said he would do Mafia if I joined No fixed abode permanently ...so we were then in 3 different bands together ?? ?? They were some fun days weren't they? ?? Would definitly be fab to hear that old stuff we recorded back then ?? Rick McKay Hi Peter. Great to hear from you. That all makes sense now. I just remember watching The Mafia and No Fixed Abode at the Sally. I never saw Truffle, but I did get to ride in that big, converted removals van you all used as a gig bus once. I’m just digging out those recordings now (I’m sure I converted them to digital for you a while back) and will send them to you if you PM me your address. Rock Therapy Rick McKay it was An American in Paris who won that year (1986) I think they went on to achieve precisely nothing! Rick McKay Rock Therapy Good! ?????? Rick McKay Rock Therapy I still remember Paul Haines delivering my favourite public acceptance speech of all time the night we won, but found out that was as far as we’d go in the competition. The compère said, “How does it feel to have won your heat and be through to the next round?” to which Paul replied, simply, “Bollocks”, at which point we left the stage. ???????? Peter Patterson Cheers for the kind words Mick ?? ...this is our 37th year (as Mafia) & of playing the same 4 Would be great to have a chat about the old days next time you come along ?? Rick McKay Peter Patterson Has your setlist changed much? ?? Debbie Rohleder Pat was my mother in law. Much missed. |