| About Pete Dodds | Pete Dodds has been involved in various aspects of the North East music scene for many years and whilst rarely making the headlines, he has been connected with several household names. His long overdue step into the spotlight comes with his solo CD 'Banks of the Tyne', released in January 2002. With 'Banks of the Tyne' Pete returns to his roots as an engaging singer/songwriter, all the more a happy event now he is happily in remission from a potentially life-threatening disease. During the '70's Dodds was a member of legendary Newcastle-based band Half Breed, who were signed to the Beatles-run record label, Apple. They were co- managed by Beatles tour manager, Mal Evans. Half Breed recorded a demo produced by George Martin, but commercial success eluded them. Nonetheless Dodds vividly remembers mixing and partying with such personalities as Keith Moon, legendary drummer Jim Keltner and Klaus Voorman, the bassist who befriended the Beatles in Hamburg and perhaps is best known for his design for their 'Revolver' album cover, and as a member of Lennon's post-Beatle group, The Plastic Ono Band. When John Lennon and Yoko Ono wrote two new songs in the cause of supporting what they felt was the wrongful arrest of three editors of OZ magazine, it was decided to release a single. It was Billy Elliott - Pete's long time colleague in Half Breed - who sang the lead vocal on one of the songs, 'God Save Us'. Dodds subsequently became involved when Half Breed were hired by Lennon (who was either unable or unwilling to play live himself) when the ex-Beatle decided to send an Elastic Oz Band on the road to promote the single. When subsequent 'live' activity with the band ended a few weeks later, Half Breed's Billy Elliott left the band and with Bobby Purvis and re-emerged as Splinter, best remembered for their 1974 hit single, 'Costafine Town'. Dodds and his colleagues hired two new members as replacements, including future long time Lindisfarne member, Marty Craggs. In 1974, Dodds left the group to concentrate on a solo career which he has done ever since. In 1989, with a partner, Pete opened Uncle Sams, a recording studio in Newcastle. Probably the studios' biggest success came with the Lighthouse Family, who recorded their triple platinum, million-and-a-half selling album 'Ocean Drive' - which included the duo's first major hit, 'Lifted'- at Sams. Uncle Sams was also where the Spender theme was recorded for Jimmy Nail, who returned to the studio to record tracks featured in both series of Crocodile Shoes. Pete's 1990 solo single 'Cardboard City' (Dingles) was 'A' listed by several UK radio stations, as well as Downtown Sound in Northern Ireland. Pete also worked with Glen Brown and Dennis Humphries of Bodgers Mate and Proper Little Madams, as well as the late, lamented Rick Gretsch, formerly of Blind Faith and whom Pete had known from a solo tour whilst touring with Leicester favourites, Family. Forced to sell his interest in the studio in 1999 following discovery of his cancer, Pete Dodds remains anxious to let the world hear his own work, having supported so many others musically in the past. Among musicians who appear on the many of the often thought-provoking songs are Marty Craggs, Kathryn Tickell and noted session guitarist Jim Hornsby. The exceptional line up of musicians is completed by Tony Davis, Brian Duffy and Neil Harland. Also featured is Pat Hedger, who not only designed the CD booklet, but also supplied backing vocals on a couple of songs, including the insinuating title track of 'Banks of the Tyne'. Sympathy is not Pete Dodds' aim. He is more than willing to be judged by the standards as every other singer/songwriter who has something to say. It's the latest instalment of a life in music that has already achieved success with involvement from John Lennon, Jimmy Nail and the Lighthouse Family, among others. Maybe it's about time Pete Dodds got recognised in his own right. John Tobler, 2001 |
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