NEWS

Tuesday 4th March saw Uriah Heep play at London's historic Koko venue in Camden Town, North West London.

Koko, (previously called 'The Camden Palace') and co-owned by

Steve Strange & Rusty Egan in the mid 1980's was originally called the 'Music Machine' in the late 1970's and early 80's where both Dumb Blondes bands regulary played along with anyone else you could think of from that period.

"Even if you wasn't playing there that evening, you would be there just to hang about, It was like a second home to us all" recalls Pete, who remembers going to see bands like Spider, Bethnal, Mungo Jerry, Japan, Heavy Metal kids to name but a few. In those days at the Music Machine, the stage would be about 15 feet off the floor and there was an alcove underneath the stage where people would dance, Gary Holton fell off and broke his collar bone one time but still carried on and finished his set with the HMKs

Regulars and VIPcard holders could stand at the 'Star Bar' by the side of the stage!

When Pete was about 14 and at school, on his way home he would occassionally pop into Mick Box's mum's home in Walthamstow (Elmsdale road) and admire the Uriah Heep records on the wall of his bedroom and chat to his mum over a cup of tea!

During the mid to late 1990's Pete played in a band called Metalworks which are still going to this day and which Davey still frequently gets up and plays with when he is away from touring with Heep.

Around 1999/2000 Russ and Pete played together in a pub covers band called Preacher which quickly changed into a Black Sabbath tribute called The Sabbath although Russ had so many other things going on too.

Al Walter the official 'Original' Dumb Blondes photographer reunited with a couple of his subjects after 34 years !

Jeff Hepting's band ARCHIVE playing at the White Swan in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire on Saturday brought together Al Walter, Pete Webb and of course Jeff to a well overdue meet- up, this time it was Al who was on the other side of the lens!

"ARCHIVE were absolutely brilliant!" said Pete who has only seen them twice before over the last couple of years "My favourite of the evening had to be Python Lee Jackson's - In a Broken Dream"

It was the first time Al had seen the band but promises it not to be the last.

The three strangers said they will all meet up again very soon and hopefully with Freddie and Phil

Mick Box & Bernie Shaw of URIAH HEEP together with local band The 2FBS performed to a 1,000 people at Hilly Fields Bandstand, Enfield today and raised over £1400 for the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre in Lancaster Road, Enfield of which Mick is proud to be associated with.

Money was raised by the signing of memorabilia that was then raffled to the crowd.

Our very own Dumb Blonde Pete Webb attended the event with partner Jackie and CoCo their dog (pictured) and said it was a fantastic day!

Trevor Bolder, Uriah Heep's former Bass player also well known for his work with David Bowie (Ziggy Stardust & the Spiders from Mars) died of pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

29 - 12 - 2011

The 'Original' Dumb Blondes reunited at last!

With the conclusion of Def Leppard's Mirror Ball tour at Wembley two weeks ago what better chance of a Dumb Blondes reunion!

With the invite of Phil and wife Helen who had a few more days left in the UK before heading back home to the States, Pete, Freddie & Jeff along with their wives and partners headed out to Phil's London address in Holland Park for a good old 'chin wag' and reminisce. Tea & biccies did flow as stories of great humour from days gone by were once again re-ignited!

Martin 'Rocky' Blackman along with partner Darien was also present and managed to get his son's guitar signed by Phil (better keep that under lock and key Martin!)

Tony Miles arrived with wife Priya and Pete with partner Jackie. It gave Pete and Tony a chance to catch up immensely as they had not seen each other since 1977 where Pete saw Tush play at the Spread Eagle public house in London's Shoreditch. The then manager of the Spread Eagle and Tush (Victor Andretti) would later become the manager of the 'Original' Dumb Blondes.

Freddie came with his cousin Brian and Jeff arrived with wife Tracey.

Original members Pete, Phil, Freddie and Jeff managed to recreate a Dumb Blondes picture 'pose' from a photo taken back in 1978 (as pictured)

When's the next reunion boys?

09 - 12 - 2008

'Original' Dumb Blonde members Freddie Ball & Pete Webb took the chance to meet up with fellow 'Original' Dumb Blondes guitarist Phil Collen tonight in London.

The Def Leppard axeman was at the Water Rats in London playing the last of four UK club shows to promote the debut album 'Surreal' from his side project band Manraze which includes Sex Pistol Paul Cook and Simon Laffy of Girl fame.

Also known as Pinky, Phylis and Pet Roleum, the three Dumb Blondes had a great evening after all these years, catching up and talking about old times but were a little sad that fourth member Jeff Hepting (Jean Harlow) was unable to attend to make this an 'Original' Dumb Blondes re-union.

Oh well, maybe next time I'm sure boys!

Friend and musician Ray McVeigh formerly of the Professionals was also at the show.