SKINNERS RATS
This page is dedicated to two of Britain's greatest unsung Musical heroes. Barry Laing and Peter Currie who are the only surviving personnel of the original Ceilidh/Barnyard (Folk) Band - Skinner's Rats. For the clueless, this musical genre is the true Traditional music of the British Isles (covering Irish, English and Scots Music- really ought to ask them what they've got against the Welsh).
Barry and Peter started out in the late sixties as part of the Hartley Morris Men. Now there has been a tendency for the ignorant to simply dismiss Morris performers as a bunch of twits in funny hats and white shirts, jumping around with handkerchieves. Undoubtedly there do exist persons who may be aptly described as Twits amongst the fold (or indeed prats )come to think of it, but such a cadre is a Global malaise rather than purely localised to Morris Men, amongst whom are some extremely talented and proficient musicians- as these two gentlemen most definitely are.
Skinners Rats was formed about 1970 in the Kent Countryside by these two gentlemen and another chap called Paul Thompson. The line up being Barry on Fiddle, Peter (Blossom) on the Accordion and Paul on Harmonica. One of their high points being a memorable performance at the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm as part of the line-up in the Greasy Truckers Concert in 1971. Legend being their stealing the show during the Power outage (remember the Miners Strike and the three day week- oh bliss..) to the tumultuous reception of a huge crowd of well err...greasy truckers and other Beatnik types with the symbolic raised lighters.
The personnel of this Band changed several times over the years though the consistent denominator remains Peter and Barry. Performers over the years included Ian Petrie, Rick West, Steve Shorey, Dave Olsen and more, all being highly talented/respected artistes in their own right.
My personal admiration of these fellows being their solid consistency and professionalism over the years and faithfulness to their art and heritage (an oasis in a sordid commercial age), In addition their uncommon decency and Integrity as human beings never fails to endear.
Attendance at a Skinners Rats performance (my last being on St George's day last year, I of course succeeded in missing this years performance after forgetting the date) promises to warm the heart and take one back to a time of wonderful simplicity and pure unalduterated Joy.
The Band has also recorded prolifically and probably their best recording has to be the album - "The Boys can play anything". My personal favourites being "John Barleycorn" and "Carrickfergus".
These guys are unlikely to play the Royal Albert Hall (though I pray they do) and are unlikely to have swooning teenagers at their feet (unless one counts the 19 year old lad passed out at the George and Horse after a few Pints too many), however they embody true musicianship, hard graft, consistency and professional integrity, which is to be celebrated ahead of transient commercial hype.
I cannot commend them enough to you. Please, take time and visit their Website and show your support.
Barry and Peter started out in the late sixties as part of the Hartley Morris Men. Now there has been a tendency for the ignorant to simply dismiss Morris performers as a bunch of twits in funny hats and white shirts, jumping around with handkerchieves. Undoubtedly there do exist persons who may be aptly described as Twits amongst the fold (or indeed prats )come to think of it, but such a cadre is a Global malaise rather than purely localised to Morris Men, amongst whom are some extremely talented and proficient musicians- as these two gentlemen most definitely are.
Skinners Rats was formed about 1970 in the Kent Countryside by these two gentlemen and another chap called Paul Thompson. The line up being Barry on Fiddle, Peter (Blossom) on the Accordion and Paul on Harmonica. One of their high points being a memorable performance at the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm as part of the line-up in the Greasy Truckers Concert in 1971. Legend being their stealing the show during the Power outage (remember the Miners Strike and the three day week- oh bliss..) to the tumultuous reception of a huge crowd of well err...greasy truckers and other Beatnik types with the symbolic raised lighters.
The personnel of this Band changed several times over the years though the consistent denominator remains Peter and Barry. Performers over the years included Ian Petrie, Rick West, Steve Shorey, Dave Olsen and more, all being highly talented/respected artistes in their own right.
My personal admiration of these fellows being their solid consistency and professionalism over the years and faithfulness to their art and heritage (an oasis in a sordid commercial age), In addition their uncommon decency and Integrity as human beings never fails to endear.
Attendance at a Skinners Rats performance (my last being on St George's day last year, I of course succeeded in missing this years performance after forgetting the date) promises to warm the heart and take one back to a time of wonderful simplicity and pure unalduterated Joy.
The Band has also recorded prolifically and probably their best recording has to be the album - "The Boys can play anything". My personal favourites being "John Barleycorn" and "Carrickfergus".
These guys are unlikely to play the Royal Albert Hall (though I pray they do) and are unlikely to have swooning teenagers at their feet (unless one counts the 19 year old lad passed out at the George and Horse after a few Pints too many), however they embody true musicianship, hard graft, consistency and professional integrity, which is to be celebrated ahead of transient commercial hype.
I cannot commend them enough to you. Please, take time and visit their Website and show your support.
posted by Seal67 at 10:01 pm
5 Comments:
The Rats are playing Knebworth tonight Thursday 25th at 7pm. For details call Barry on 020 8303 6882.
Very pretty design! Keep up the good work. Thanks.
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Interesting website with a lot of resources and detailed explanations.
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Really amazing! Useful information. All the best.
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Your are Nice. And so is your site! Maybe you need some more pictures. Will return in the near future.
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