User:Al Grindley

Al Grindley was the founder of several Andover bands in the early 60’s.

THE REDWOODS: He formed the redwoods in 1963 along with his school friends, Chris Penfound and Dave glover. He asked Chris Britton to join, Chris stepfather was Al’s godfather. Dave glover went on to become a session bass guitarist, for DJM records playing with “the lott and hook foot”, he also featured on Elton johns albums, “notably tumbleweed connection”. Al then formed “men Friday” with Dave glover and Jon Bates, Richard Hannon now the famous champion horse race trainer was the drummer, men Friday folded when Jon bates the singer got a solo recording contract with CBS records.

THE TROGGS:

Al Grindley was the founder of several Andover bands in the early 60’s.

The Troggs early line up was Dave Wright, ginger (Mansfield) Reg ball (Presley) and Ronnie Bullis (bond) When ginger left and moved back to London. Dave wright asked Al to replace him on guitar. Al played with the Troggs for about a year and a half, with Dave Wright , Reg ball and Ronnie bond in 1965 Al left to get married followed by Dave Wright shortly afterwards. Reg and Ronnie joined by Chris Britton and Pete staples from “ten feet five” another off-shoot from Al’s original band “the redwoods” to join together to form the “Troggs” 1966 the Troggs recorded “wild thing” Al wrote and performed “she’s a winner” for the lout with Dave Wright, released on page one records it was a big hit in Europe. Produced by Ronnie bond from the Troggs, in addition to the sessions were the legacy piano player who Recored with the “rolling stones” Nicky Hopkins, Rodger pope (ex Elton john) and “hall and oates” and dave glover.

In 1993 when Al returned to Andover from abroad he formed “still crazy” which featured tony Murray on bass (ex-Troggs member for 17 years) Dave Wright founder member of the Troggs, Dave Bullis on drums- son of the original band member Ronnie bond, Eddie Vincent on lead guitar, plus Al on rhythmic guitar. “still crazy” Recorded “hitting across the line” the title written by Al for his official documentary on Sir Vivian Richards life story.

Since then besides his TV interests Al has been writing and recording this new album “Remember me” to be released in early 2014.