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| From | "Stephen Thorn" <youngthorn@earthlink.net> |
| Subject | Freddie Garrity: an appreciation |
| Date | Sat, 20 May 2006 16:14:24 -0700 |
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Freddie and the Dreamer's stature in 60s rock was validated when Ugly Things
fanzine did its typically exhaustive work and did a brilliant overview of
the band.
http://www.ugly-things.com/
Mike Stax, the father of this great 'zine, does carry some back issues.
It's worth seeking out.
I saw Freddie during a British Invasion revival tour back in 1986. It was a
great lineup: The Searchers (frickin' amazing; Mike Pinder, John McNally and
Frank Allen!), Chad and Jeremy (very good), Gerry and a young crew of
Pacemakers (hmm,,,sounds like a contradiction), The Mindbenders
(unfortunately, no Eric Stewart sighting), and the Dreamers. Freddie had
aged but his acrobatic skills were still in top form.
Freddie also appeared on an episode of Peter Noone's "My Generation" series
on MTV back in the 80s. Not so long after that, he appeared on an NBC sitcom
as himself. Does anyone remember the sitcom?
After spending some time in the UK back in the 70s, it occurred to me that
the vast majority of British males didn't look like John or Paul. But it IS
a land where Freddie look-a-likes abound on every corner....the hotel desk
clerk, the travel agent, the bartender pouring your pint.
And Freddie started out as a singiing milkman--how bloody perfect! He was
the British everyman.
Unlike Gene Pitney, Freddie's passing came as no shock. Apparently, there
was a reunion of the original Dreamers in a social setting a short time ago
and Freddie was too ill to make the trek.
For those who grew up skinny and having cokebottle spectacles (and yes, I
count myself), we had a role model in Mr. Garrity.
Here's a pint to you, Freddie: a great, natural pop voice in the best
tradtion of Gerry Marsden and Mickey Dolenz. .
Steve
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