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1974 was the year that a certain young group called Cockney Rebel took
Aylesbury by storm. Playing in January, they quickly came back in May
and such pandemonium ensued, they played again a fortnight later. By
August when they played the fourth time, they were one of UK's biggest
bands.
Steve came back to Friars in 1976 and
again in 1980 and 1981 where he was certain of an assured Friars
reception. Steve was acknowledged in the mid seventies as one of Friars
greatest icons and received the Friars Aylesbury cup for 'sensation of
the year' in 1974 (picture below). Steve is still playing and filling
big venues in 2010. Step forward, Steve Harley, true Friars Hero.
Steve Harley:
In the 70s, Friars was the gig of gigs. We could
play 40-date tours of the UK, to all towns and cities, and still carry
that air of anticipation throughout the bus, waiting especially for
Aylesbury. Dave Stopps was a sensational 'spotter and Promoter; finger
on the pulse, hip to his fingertips to all that was happening out of
everywhere that boasted new bands. In 1974, Cockney Rebel played Friars
four times - in January, in May, in June and again in August. All sold
out and all buzzing. Unforgettable.
Steve Harley
accepting the Friars Heroes Award, Suffolk, April
2010.
Picture: Mike O'Connor
Steve's history at Friars
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Steve Harley receiving the FA Cup
1974 from David Stopps - courtesy of Stephen Daglish
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