. . . or click on the link here for Audio Player – BBC: London Report with Brian Matthew – Week ending May 5, 1977 – Gordon Skene Sound Collection.
No question; 1977 was a year things were changing. The bubbling-under influence of Punk and New Wave was grabbing attention, and the wrath of the established Rock community was making itself known.
In this segment of London Report, a weekly look at the Pop Music scene via the BBC Transcription Service and Brian Matthew, the interview is with Ken Hensley, founding member and keyboard player of the Hard-Rock/Heavy Metal band Uriah Heep.
Hensley expresses pure disdain for Punk, adding it will never take off. And judging from the reactions of the Press, Hensley had a lot of support.
But it only signifies that any new form or genre of Music is going to be met with disapproval from the establishment. And it’s a question of time before the prejudices fall and gradual acceptance takes over.
However, at the time it didn’t seem likely. But listening to the Music News of this week in May of 1977, you get the feeling the Established Rock Community was never going to change. It’s interesting, listening to reviews of Eric Clapton, Boston, The Eagles and Joan Baez, and realizing what was the status quo in 1977.
Not that long ago, but a different century, nonetheless.
Perhaps you might remember.
