Jim Onslow INTERVIEW

Brum Beat veteran performer Jim Onslow was recently interviewed by Roy Wood super-fan Martin Kinch. Jim was at the center of the Birmingham music scene during the 1960s when he played in bands that included future members of the Moody Blues and The Move - later to become The Electric Light Orchestra (E.L.O.)

Martin Kinch (shown on the left in the photo) is likely the leading source of knowledge on the amazing Move/E.L.O./Wizzard founder Roy Wood. He operates the excellent "Cherry Blossom Clinic" website which is dedicated to Roy and many of the talented musicians he has worked with over the years. Jim Onslow (who is still an active performer today) also operates his own website at jimonslow.bizland.com but has not spoken much about his involvement in the early Brum music scene until now.

One of Jim's earliest bands was Gerry Levene and The Avengers who were known throughout the West Midlands during the early 1960s. The band's drummer was Graeme Edge who helped to form The Moody Blues and with whom he remains to this day. Jim Onslow, along with Graeme Edge and the rest of The Avengers, recorded a rare single titled 'Doctor Feelgood' in 1964. This record is significant as the earliest known recording to be released that has Graeme Edge on drums and Roy Wood on guitar.

Roy was part of the Avengers line-up for a few months before joining Mike Sheridan's Nightriders. Jim's connection to The Moody Blues and E.L.O. didn't end there as he later joined future Move/E.L.O. drummer Bev Bevan in The Diplomats as replacement for Denny Laine - also a founding member of The Moody Blues.

To read Martin Kinch's exclusive interview of Jim Onslow, visit the Cherry Blossom Clinic web site at www.cherryblossomclinic.freeserve.co.uk

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