Issue 2

2

Issue 2

DEDICATED FOLLOWERS OF FASHION

Exclusive interview with Warren Gold, Lord John of Carnaby Street

BEATLEMANIA!

The Fab Four’s Gavin Pring speaks to Up&Atom

A TALE OF TWO TROUBADOURS Catching up with Darron and Joel from The Last of The Troubadours

PICK YOUR PERFECT PARKA

A selection of the best Parkas in stock now

THE KNACK AND HOW TO GET IT Simon Parr gives us the low down on Gibson London and all things mod.

A PINT WITH...

Kevin Stone has a chin wag with mod author, Mark Baxter.

PLUS...

Copa Football, Marmalade Dresses, Delicious Junction, John Smedley and more!

www.AtomRetro.com

2 www.AtomRetro.com No, No, No, nobody can do, the boogaloo like I do

Issue 2 Welcome to this, the second issue of Atom Retro's house magazine, Up&Atom.

We get in a time machine and go back to Swinging Sixties Carnaby Street with a true fashion legend, Lord John himself, Warren Gold.

We also catch up with Top Mod Ace Face (he told us to put that!), Simon Parr, sales executive with Gibson London, who talks to us about the brand and shares with us insights of what being a Top Mod is all about.

After booting Paddington Bear in his furry face because we love Marmalade more than him, we take a look at designer Magdalena Sokolowska’s striking sixties inspired dresses.

The regular feature, 'A Pint With...' sees Baracuta Brand Manager and Vast Agencies guru Kevin Stone chat with author Mark Baxter about his books, his life and his love of all things Mod. Top musician Gavin Pring also gives us some 'Fab Four'-sight into his life as a Beatle in a World renowned Beatles tribute band. He's from Liverpool 'n all yer know. I bet everybody says that... he doesn't half look like George though!

We also chat to Atom's bezzie mates, Pete from Delicious Junction and Darron and Joel give us the lowdown on awesome 'The Last Of The Troubadours'.

There's also a whole host of brand features to peruse as well including a quick look at Peckham Rye, Marmalade, John Smedley and a glance at this seasons Winter worthy parkas.

With everything nicely crammed in, all that remains is to wish you happy reading and thanks for your loyalty and custom. All is much appreciated.

Cheers! AR. PS ...and not one mention of Christmas. This issues got legs to last beyond the festive period!

In this issue...

COPA Football ......................... pg. 3 Dedicated Followers of Fashion pg. 4 Pick The Perfect Parka ............ pg. 8 The Knack With Simon Parr ..... pg.10 Up&Atom is edited by a team of dedicated Mod Kitties John Smedley ......................... pg. 12 A Rather Retro Photo Shoot .... pg.14 A Pint With Mark Baxter .......... pg. 18 A Tale of Two Troubadours ...... pg. 20 Marmalade .............................. pg. 24 Peckham Rye .......................... pg. 25 Gavin Pring .............................. pg. 26 Delicious Junction ................... pg. 30 ...And In The End ..................... pg. 32

Credits...

Special thanks to... Warren Gold, Simon Parr, Kevin Stone, Mark Baxter, Gavin Pring, Magda Sokolowska, Pete & Mel Challis, Darron Connett & Joel Rodgers.

C o v e r p i c t u re b y J a c o b S a c k s - J o n e s / T i n i t e Photography (http://www.tinite.com/) featuring Ace Retro Dress and Avenger Boots by Madcap England.

Written by Alister Poulton, Lindsey Hagston.

Additional words by Simon Parr & Kevin Stone.

All images and text Š Atom Retro, Indie Apparel Ltd, 2013-2014 unless otherwise stated.

No, No, No, nobody can do, the boogaloo like I do www.AtomRetro.com 3 COPA started in 1998 with a football addict and a small collection of traditionally made football shirts. The C O P A collection grew from there and now comprises over 250 replica football shirts - plus numerous footie themed t-shirts, team jackets, sports bags and even their own line of vintage look footballs and the legendary ‘Cow’ football!

Almost every team or country with it’s own football team is represented in the collection from Argentina to Zaire, from CCCP to DDR and from California Surf through to Kettering Town!

We’ve selected some of the best and most iconic designs for the first range of COPA at Atom Retro - highlights including 1960’s Brazil, 1974 Zaire and 1970s LA Aztecs (George Best era). Is there any you’d like to see included that we’ve missed? Send us an email and let us know!

Each football shirt is a lovingly produced replica, made in high quality fabrics and with attention to detail. Each piece is inspired by some of the most historic and memorable teams, players, matches and tournaments in footballing history. The classic football shirts are also presented boxed, making them a great gift idea for any football fan.

COPA football shirts, from The Netherlands have been worn by many a famous face from footballers to musicians and even the Dalai Lama (COPA currently make the kit for the ‘national’ team of Tibet). COPA’s almost equally famous scooter is also worth a look if you’re ever in Amsterdam. A vintage Vespa PK 50, it’s covered in over 1000 equally vintage football stickers from 1970 - 1990 World Cup tournaments. Gives you an idea what to do with all those duplicate Panini stickers!

Find the whole COPA collection here: www.atomretro.com/copa

4 www.AtomRetro.com No, No, No, nobody can do, the boogaloo like I do

Dedicated Followers of Fashion

“The codswallop fashions of perverted father, Joseph known as Johnny Gold, was in peacocks!” - so one newspaper christened the mens clothing business as well and I Carnaby Street in the 1960s. suppose it's in the genes. I knew nothing else.’

Far from being ‘codswallop’, Carnaby Steet was revolutionising fashion. The sixties youth tired of wearing clothes their dads or granddads might have liked - wanted something new, daring, colourful and different, and Carnaby Street did just that.

The move to Carnaby Street seemed inevitable.

Carnaby Street had quickly become the fashion centre of the world. The Gold brothers opened two shops at 27-28 Great Marlborough Street, just off Carnaby Street and what would become the world famous Lord John boutique at 43 Carnaby Street.

John Stephen’s His Clothes opened on Carnaby Street in 1957 and more followed.

John Stephen had as Men’s clothes are a many as eight shops way of life. They can on Carnaby Street alone, and they were control your thinking. joined by Irvine They can definitely Seller’s Mates, Tom Salter’s Gear, Henry control your social life.

Moss and Harry Fox’s Lady Jane boutiques, - Warren Gold, quoted in ‘Town’ Magazine, and of course, Warren Dec. 1967 Gold’s Lord John.

One of the most iconic and enduring symbols of Carnaby Street is the world famous Lord John boutique. In the late Sixties it was painted with a huge psychedelic mural, making it one of the most photographed buildings in London at the time.

Up&Atom sent Simon Parr, a 60s fashion enthusiast and sales exec for Gibson London menswear, to catch up with Lord John himself Warren Gold.

Lord John opened it’s doors for the first time in 1964, but Warren Gold and his brother, David had originally began trading on Petticoat Lane, but as Warren explained, the foundations for what became Lord John began long before then. ‘That really goes back many years,’ Warren told us. ‘David and I lived in Stamford hill, North West London. David was studying to be a master tailor which he achieved. My interest was more on the artistic side of the clothing industry and window displays and then I got involved in actually drawing and designing clothing. We complimented each other. My late

Warren recalls it wasn’t an easy start. ‘David and I opened our first shop in Carnaby Street on February the 13th 1964. The rent was £3000 a year. We had to pay a quarters rent up front.

We h a d a b i t o f money in the family, something like £700, but we didn't have enough to satisfy the landlords. We asked an uncle if he would lend us four or five hundred pounds, but he said, "No, I can't do that because my money is my business.” He was a money lender; a very wealthy man. We managed to overcome that and got the money.

As the years went by, this same Uncle, Uncle Len his name was - a lovely man! He wanted to invest in our business when we had about 15 or 16 shops, and being very respectable, from a nice Jewish family, we politely told him to piss off!’

In the sixties, fashion designers became celebrities in their own right for the first time.

Warren remembers a taste of this, ‘At times I used to sign customer’s receipts. They said, "Lord John would you please sign this?" and I'd say ‘With pleasure, yes’. They loved it!’

(Right) Warren Gold stands outside of Lord John, 43 Carnaby Street in June 1966.

Photo by R. McPhedran / Getty Images

Lord John catered for the new ‘mod’ look which was sweeping the nation in the mid sixties. The latest trends were stocked whatever you might see on Ready Steady Go! that week, you could nip down to Lord John and buy it the next day. The shop was frequented by pop stars, from The Rolling Stones to The Beatles - and perhaps most famously, The Small Faces. ‘All the celebrities or many of them; The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Hermans Hermit, The Kinks, The Small Faces, The Animals and so on and so forth... the list is endless. [They] were customers and friends.’

Don Arden, manager of The Small Faces, paid the group ‘a wage of £20 a week each, along with accounts in clothes shops in Carnaby Street, in particular, Lord John. Warren remembers, ‘The Small Faces, their style, part of their success was giving away clothes. Their main office was in Carnaby Street, at number nine. Their manager was Don Arden. He was the father of Sharon Osbourne. The Small Faces used to come in every day and buy r e p l a c e m e n t clothes because over night, they'd given away their shirts and trousers to their fans!

We l o v e d i t ! D o n Arden wasn't always happy because we were presenting him with the bill every day.

Lovely business!’

Standing out from the crowd, and wearing something no one else was, became of p a r a m o u n t importance. The Small Faces promoter and co-manager, Tony Calder recalled, ‘I had a phone call from L o rd J o h n s a y i n g

Ronnie Lane wanted to buy some shirts - all of them. We had a hundred delivered to the office...

R o n n i e couldn’t have someone else wearing the same shirt as him!’

Lord John - Warren Gold today Wa r r e n a l s o counted John Lennon as a friend and customer. He told us a story about what was to be John Lennon’s last order from Lord John.

‘John Lennon ordered this cape [Pictured below] which is in the office. Sadly he passed away, suddenly as we all know, and he never actually picked it up. I am planning when I've got a bit of time to donate it to the Victoria and Albert Museum. I’ve often been asked what value financially I'd put to it. I don't know is the answer, but I'd like the museum to have it.’

In 1967, the Gold b r o t h e r s commissioned artists David Vaughan, Douglas Binder and Dudley Edwards to paint the famous psychedelic mural over the Lord John building at 43 Car naby Street.

Warren told us, ‘If you look at the photographs, the mural is ‘Lord John’

Warren Gold was speaking to Simon Parr for Up&Atom Words by Lindsey Hagston

lettering. My brother David worked with the artists to create this, very cleverly and very beautifully. Sadly when I was in Carnaby Street a year or two ago the building had been painted yellow, so that's lost, which is very sad.’

‘The Big Red Building’ is now located in Golders Green, London, still selling menswear, and with Warren Gold still serving his customers. Warren told us, ‘The Big Red Building in Golders Green Road has been going 20 years as of last month.

We sell discount men’s clothing, formal predominantly and carry a huge stock of mens suits in all fittings. We had as of last week over 4,000 garments in stock and can pride ourselves on being able to outfit virtually anyone.’

By the end of the sixties, the Gold brothers had expanded to eight boutiques. This included a large five floor shop on Oxford Street, London, which came complete with VIP area for celebrities and pop stars to shop in private.

There were eighteen franchises in Macy’s stores Carnaby Street today is as much a tourist in America and more shops in continental attraction as it is a shopping street. Every day Europe. During the visitors from all over the seventies they world come to see expanded to 30 Carnaby Street, shops. However, the f a s h i o n ’s m o s t It' s hard to explain to golden age of famous street and people that didn't Carnaby Street itself perhaps to shop in appeared to be experience what I did, some of the coming to a close. re n o w n e d f a s h i o n how electrifying Carnaby S t r a n g e l y, t h e n a m e s w h i c h a re Street and Kings Road pedestrianisation of there today. From it’s was. the street in 1973 glory days in the seemed to spell the sixties, to the decline end for it as the in the seventies, - Warren Gold, 2013 centre of British Car naby Street is fashion. As big names climbing again. Trendy moved in, the fashion labels compete independent boutiques closed or moved onto for a key location on the street still and in 2012 other things. the Rolling Stones celebrated their 50th anniversary right in the heart of the street with Warren says, ‘I think that in the seventies there their limited time only pop-up shop. was less interest because there was nothing new. It wasn't until the latter parts, '78 onwards, that some excitement was created and some Warren told us he still visits too. ‘I go there as new talent came into the design studios and often as I can which is usually two or three times created some beautiful clothes.’ a year,’ Warren tells us. ‘I've got eight grandchildren and three of the oldest boys, Still working in fashion and menswear retail James, Robbie and Max; they are 14, 16 and 17 today, the Gold brothers still run the family years of age; they love it. I often go up and business. The Lord John shops were sold and down and drive them mad with some of my became a public company and the Gold stories! I think it's great. It’s really expensive, but Brothers moved on to ‘Goldrange’, one of what isn't? It's hard to explain to people that London’s very first outlet stores in Petticoat didn't experience what I did how electrifying Lane, taking the Gold brothers full circle and Carnaby Street and Kings Road was. People, back to where they’d begun in the early sixties. retailers, wholesalers, celebrities, members of A radio jingle advertised the business as being the public by the thousand, were coming to the in ‘The Big Red Building in Petticoat Lane’ - and street to buy any item, just as long as it had the name stuck.

Carnaby Street on it.’

Picking The Perfect Parka The parka. A mod essential, and we think just generally a wardrobe must-have. Everyone needs an excellent, quality parka to keep them warm in the winter, and an investment in the right one should see you through. Here’s a selection of some of the best styles in stock now at Atom Retro.

Alpha Industries Alpha Industries is one of the few clothing brands who really have a right to call their parkas, the authentic fishtail parka. The original mods in the late 50s and 60s who bought their fishtails from army surplus outlets, would have probably been buying Alpha parkas. Starting in 1959, Alpha made clothing for the US army (and still do today). Surplus stock was sold to the public who recognised Alpha’s excellent value as their clothing was the same high quality and fabrics as the military counterparts.

It was exceptionally difficult to choose just a few Alpha Industry parkas for this article as their range is not only wide and varied, but all of the parkas are fantastic styles and colours - but - here are what we’ve chosen as our faves for this season.

For the ladies, (above) the Vintage Fishtail - your authentic fishtail parka with faux fur lined hood in olive and also the Explorer padded Parka with faux fur lined hood in khaki (also available in navy). And for the gents (right) the Vintage Fishtail for men in Olive (also available in black) and ‘Hooded’ Fishtail in Coal Brown (front) and Coal Green. If you want a truly authentic, high quality winter Parka, look no further than Alpha Industries. www.atomretro.com/alpha_industries and www.atomretro.com/alpha_industries_womens

Merc The Merc ‘Tobias’ Parka - a modern day classic. Merc’s own take on the mod fishtail parka features all the credentials you’d expect - bellow pockets and chest ‘hand warmer’ pockets, fishtail reverse, drawstrings for fit, but - here comes the twist - the coats finished with red tartan lining and hood inner. Tobias is available in the classic combat green and also new colour, navy. Also worth checking out is the ‘fashion’ parkas merc make for their winter collection - don’t miss ‘Schultz’ in a fab check pattern! www.atomretro.com/merc

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Ben Sherman You can count on Ben Sherman to have a few parka options in their range! This season sees the padded ‘Staples’ Snorkel parka (left in the image) with faux fur lined hood and available in ‘Jet’ black or ‘Forest Night’ green - as your classic mod option - and also this shorter, lightweight ‘cagoule’ parka style (right), which is not only a modern, on trend version of the classic parka, but also features taped seams to make the jacket virtually waterproof. If you don’t fancy lugging a heavy, full length parka around with you, this makes a great alternative. www.atomretro.com/ben_sherman

Lambretta The Lambretta M-51 parka has become a winter staple. Each winter Lambretta bring out a slightly different version of this mod classic, with different sleeve patches - and for the first time this season - in navy. A faithfully authentic ‘M-51’ style, the parka features faux fur lining to hood, 2 flap pockets to the front, sleeve patches, fishtail reverse and warm detachable fleece lining - all at a price which won’t break the bank! www.atomretro.com/lambretta

David Watts New to Atom Retro this season is David Watts.

Named after The Kinks song, David Watts have exploded onto the scene with a fantastic range of mod inspired classic styles in polos, jumpers, shirts - and of course parkas. There is a classic olive green parka in the range, but it’s going to be this Union Jack Parka which turns heads!

Available in iconic red/white/blue union jack and also mono grey and white, this Who inspired parka also features a military applique sleeve patch. Alright, it might not be a trip-down-thepub coat, but it’s gonna look amazing paired with the Vespa or Lambretta scooter of your choice! www.atomretro.com/david_watts

But Wait! There’s more!

To see the full range of Parkas, go to www.atometro.com/parkas. Many more mens & womens parkas in colours and styles to suit all! Is this the biggest collection of Parkas online?!

10 www.AtomRetro.com No, No, No, nobody can do, the boogaloo like I do

The Knack, and how to U&A - What’s your favourite piece of clothing and why?

SP - Has to be a Baracuta Harrington! I have a large collection of some quiet rare ones at home. I just love the Ivy League look. For me; a white t-shirt, Baracuta G9 Jacket, Levi’s and Clarkes Desert Boots smashing!

U&A - Can you give us any sneaky inside info about the latest developments within the Gibson range?

SP - The new collection coming for Autumn/Winter 2014 - tweed still features heavily, but with a twist.

Covered buttons, collar detail and linings all help Gibson stand out from the rest. A new range of knitwear and shirting as well as ties and tweed trousers all look amazing!

U&A - You’ve worked at Gibson for quite a few years now. Tell us how it’s changed in that time.

SP - Gibson has changed quite a lot. I The year was 1964. The streets of London were remember a few years ago wearing a striped alive to a new beat. From Carnaby Street to suit with wide lapels and 22 inch bootcut Savile Row a sharp, flamboyant style was emerging with an explosive effect. An era defined by individual expression and a vibrant music scene – a new “Britishness” inspiring cultural change and a new way of life from Southend to Liverpool... so starts the Gibson London story.

Since starting in 1996, Gibson London has carved out its own niche in the tailoring industry. Known nowadays for its mod and 60s influences, country heritage looks and faithfulness to the true ‘British’ look, Gibson is not only dapper and distinguished - it’s an absolute must-have. Up&Atom caught up with Gibson’s sales exec, and top mod ace face, Simon Parr to get in the know.

U&A - Simon, what’s your background in the fashion industry?

Simon Parr - I started in 1989, at Next, then onto Review which was part of Michael Barrie and Woodhouse. I got into the wholesale game via my dad, who had his own mens shop in Ely, Cambridgeshire. He knew the Van Heusen rep who was leaving, and I got the job! After that I worked for Martinique and then Gibson. While at Gibson, I also had the chance to work with Baracuta.

No, No, No, nobody can do, the boogaloo like I do www.AtomRetro.com 11

get it - Gibson London trousers! Got a few shouts and whistles from of petrol, so out of the back of the van came a builders! Also in my collection I have a green Vespa to go and find a petrol station. A few jumbo cord double minutes later, we were breasted bootcut suit on our way again! lovely!

We g o t t h e r e a t U&A - What are the 7.30am and spent the influences behind the day riding up and coming Spring 2014 down the seafront (no crash helmets!) Then range? we did the scene SP - The inspiration for where we run up the SS14 come from guys stairs, into the pier holidaying in places and beat the rockers like Miami in the 50s up! There were 50 and 60s, sitting outside mods on one side and cafes and bars in 50 rockers on the bright coloured suits, o t h e r. W h e n t h e y drinking cocktails, called ‘Action!’ we all l o o k i n g c o o l . We ran up - not sure if wanted to get away anyone made it to the from grays and blacks rockers before they and get a bit of colour shouted ‘Cut!’ On the in the range. We have beach we were given bright cotton mix and rubber rocks to throw match suits in royal at the rockers on the and pale blue, white pier. I think a few real and navy, linens with ones might have been contrast panels and lobbed as well! When suits with Prince of the film came out, I Wales checks cut on looked for me and the the bias. scooter. Sadly they seemed to have U & A - Yo u ’ v e mostly missed me, managed to get but I did turn up in a Gibson on the backs o f a p l e t h o r a o f Gibson Suits - Left - Marriott Suit in Navy Check S a g a b r o c h u r e a d v e r t i s i n g celebrities.

(Search G13221MN) Right - Hemmingway double Eastbourne!

SP - Yes, we have breasted pinstripe suit (Search G13215SKD) U&A - The Jam, Style had a lot of celebrities Council and solo. As in the showroom over time. I’ve been lucky enough to meet a lot of my a Weller-ist what's your favourite era? idols; Paul Weller, Martin Freeman, Eddie Pillar, SP - I love Paul Weller when he was in The Jam. Jonny Owen, Jonny Harris, Steve White, Bruce My favourite record is When You’re Young. I Foxton, Dean Chalkley, Warren Gold and remember dancing at a youth club to it, but I Damien Lewis. Last week Steve White, Gary could never remember the name. I had to ask Crowley, Mark Baxter and Paolo Hewitt turned for like, ‘Er, mate, do you have that Jam record up. They all sat around, reminiscing about the that goes ‘woo woo woo’?!’ good old days in the 80s. I just sat and listened - they had some amazing stories!

U&A - What are you listening to at the moment?

U&A - You are into the mod scene in a big way?

SP - I’ve been into the mod scene since 1979, when I got my first scooter - a Vespa 50 Special. I own two scooters now - a TV 175 Series 3 and a Vespa 150 Super Eddie Grimstead replica. I was lucky enough to be in the Brighton Rock film. Three of us went down to Eastbourne in a van. On the way, we ran out

SP - I tend to listen to CDs in the car - Northern Soul, Small Faces and Weller. At home it’s vinyl.

I like putting an album on and listening to the whole thing - crackles and all!

Find the current Gibson collection at: www.atomretro.com/gibson_london

12 www.AtomRetro.com No, No, No, nobody can do, the boogaloo like I do

John Smedley celebrates 230 years of exquisite knitwear in 2014, making them one of the oldest clothing brands in the world.

Recognised throughout the world as a trademark of premium quality and design, all of John Smedley’s knits are still made in England - in Lea Mills, Derbyshire to be precise - as they were in 1784, when the company was founded by ‘the first’ John Smedley.

John Smedley have always been at the forefront of fashion technology. They were one of the first to use ‘Cotton’s Patent’ fully fashioned knitting machines in 1825. In 1893, they developed a production line capable of manufacturing fine gauge, fully fashioned underwear and outerwear, and followed this with the introduction of Sea Island cotton underwear in 1923.

This luxurious fine cotton is still a staple of the John Smedley brand today, along with Merino wool, which make up the majority of the garments. John Smedley’s New Zealand Merino wool is recognised as a premium, fine wool; good at regulating temperature, especially when worn against the skin, an excellent warmth-toweight ratio compared to other wools, and is one of the softest types of wool available.

Further advancements in technology in 1993 saw new Japanese fine knitwear machinery installed at the Mill, meaning more intricate patterns and fine knits could be made. In 2006, they introduced John Smedley ‘One’ pioneering seamless knitwear - using a special whole garment machine to knit a totally seamless, one piece garment.

Still owned by the original family today, John Smedley’s range currently consists of John Smedley’s classics (staple styles, some of which date back decades), John Smedley Fashion (limited edition garments made seasonally), a sports heritage range - featuring a 1934 jay bird logo - rare, as most John Smedley garments do not feature outer branding and John Smedley Signature - heritage pieces, influenced by and drawing from John Smedley’s rich archive.

John Smedley also won the Premium Fashion Brand of the Year 2013 Drapers award recently. www.atomretro.com/john_smedley_mens www.atomretro.com/john_smedley_womens

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Key Pieces: Get them in your wardrobe!

John Smedley designs and produces many brilliant knitted garments from polos through to jumpers; all of which could be considered essentials! It’s been hard to choose, but here are some of our faves, all of which will feature in the John Smedley Spring 2014 range.

Belvoir

Seth

(left)

(left)

Belvoir is John Smedley’s Merino wool, classic slim fit roll neck jumper. Fashioned shoulders allow for a supreme fit and smart, streamline silhouette. The jumper is finished with fine rib to waist, cuff and neck.

Seth is one of the few full button through shirts in the John Smedley range. In a comfort easy fit, with classic polo collar, fashioned shoulder and long sleeve with turnback rib cuff. A beautiful garment which can be worn smart or casual.

Fashion colours for Spring ‘14: Indigo, Pimento

Adrian (left) Adrian is one of our top summer polos, made from John Smedley’s Sea Island cotton in short sleeve, with 3 button placket, retro collar and open welt waist for a more casual feel.

Slim fit, for that essential mod look!

Fashion colours for Spring ‘14:

Fashion colours for Spring ‘14: Navy, Tourmaline Blue

Isis (left) One of the oldest styles in the John Smedley classic range, Isis was originally introduced in 1932.

A classic easy fit, 3 button polo with fashioned shoulder, large retro collar, in short sleeve and with rib hem and cuff.

Fashion colours for Spring ‘14: Radicchio, California Poppy

Charcoal, Gooseberry Bush

Dorset (left) The Dorset Polo is our fave long sleeve polo from John Smedley.

Considered by many to be the quintessential mod polo shirt, Dorset is made from Merino wool, in a long sleeve, comfort ‘easy’ fit. The polo features a 3 button placket and a large, retro style collar. Dorset is available in many colours, with new seasonal colours arriving all the time.

Fashion colours for Spring ‘14: Pimento

Striped Top (left) Not always a regular in the John Smedley range (but it is quite often!) is the Smedley take on the long sleeve striped top. Very 60s, very Brian Jones style, lightweight Sea Island cotton top with crew neck and raglan sleeve and contrast colour collar, hem and cuff. Look out for ‘Longnor’ which will be the Spring 2014 version of this fantastic top. A mod essential.

Fashion colours for Spring ‘14: Navy/White/Shadow, Silver/ White/Blue Reflection.

14 www.AtomRetro.com Hang around, stick around, get your kicks!

15

A Rather Retro Affair You may have noticed these lovely 1960s inspired pictures throughout this issue of Up&Atom, taken by photographer Jacob Sacks-Jones of Tinite Photography. We caught up with Jacob to get the low down on the shoot.

U&A - What made you first want to become a photographer?

Jacob Sacks-Jones: I think most photographers, when they pick up a camera for the very first time myself absolutely included - do it for fairly mundane reasons. Whatever it might be, photographing friends and family, or maybe something specific you needed an image of, you begin to realise you love taking photos. It was really thanks to studying art at school I got my first, tiny compact camera at the age of fourteen and started taking pictures of all sorts of things. Mostly people, because that’s always been my basic interest. I got given an entry-level SLR camera for a birthday a bit after that, and it really went from there.

Photography was (and still is) exciting. You met all sorts of people, and you got to do all sorts of weird things.

For me, it was always about the process as much as the final image. I loved (as weird as it sounds) the long stressful hours, trying to make sure things worked out, usually in terrible weather. I love the feeling of getting home, probably soaked from rain, or frozen, starving, aching, putting down all your photography bags and feeling absolutely exhausted because you’ve had a really productive day. You can’t beat the satisfaction of getting to a computer, or the darkroom, and seeing pictures you’ve taken that - after all that - you’re moderately happy with, even sometimes proud of!

U&A - You recently used some clothing from Atom Retro for a 1960s themed photoshoot. What was the inspiration behind that?

JSJ: I love the 1960s. Recently, David Bailey particularly his classic set from New York, 1962 - has been a big inspiration, so the photoshoot partially came from that. I’d done quite a big 1940s shoot earlier in the year, and I really wanted to add to my vintage photography. So the idea was to shoot with one model in a lovely location with just natural light. That was it, the team was just the four of us, plus our model, Darla.

Looking for clothing for the shoot, we decided that Atom Retro’s dresses were perfect for the concept. And The Ace Retro Dress by Madcap England.

Search: ACE RETRO DRESS All images © Tinite Photography. Images used by permission.

p e r h a p s e v e n b e t t e r, t h e i r b o o t s w e re phenomenal. The outfit came together amazingly.

I couldn’t wait to get out and shoot it. On the day, when the model emerged from styling, it was such a transformation. Dress and boots, coupled with brilliant hair by Vicki Ralph, and incredible makeup by Laura Whelan - it all just worked so well. I have to say, it was one of the most enjoyable shoots I’ve done - it was simple and the overall look was fantastic. I don’t think, as a photographer, you can ever have done enough 60s photoshoots - it was such an amazing decade for fashion.

U&A - Away from photoshoots like that, a lot of your photography is journalistic photography of current events, as they happen. What's been the most memorable?

JSJ - Photographing protests was, when I started out, an entirely new, extraordinary, sometimes eye-opening, experience. They’ve been a lot of surreal moments. Photographing Bill Gates was an odd one, as was finding myself inches from Julian Assange’s face. I’ll never forget the slight terror of covering my first demo (I say ‘covering’ - I wasn’t entirely sure what I was doing). Riot police were charging back and forth, flares were being thrown about, and people were getting hurt, too. You have to be very aware of everything that is going on around you, trying to anticipate where you need to be to get the photographs, but stay safe at the same time.

Another protest, by quite a nasty organisation, I also remember in particular - we were walking over to a station where some of the protesters were being contained by police, and suddenly, out of nowhere, a smoke bomb went off a couple of metres in front of me. I was lucky not to have been a few seconds faster getting there. At the same protest, along with a bunch of other journalists, I got trapped between a police line and the back of a line of police horses. There’s honestly very little scarier than getting pushed towards rather large, slightly agitated horses. I was convinced someone was going to get kicked or trampled. Luckily, one of the horses decided to move a bit to the side at the last moment and we were able to squeeze through the gap that opened.

U&A - If you could photograph any person throughout history who would you choose?

It would have to be someone who lived before photography was invented. More recent figures have been photographed so many times, by so many amazing photographers, there would be less space to do something new and different.

I tell you what - and perhaps this is a bit of an odd one - I think it would have been really interesting to take a portrait of Charles I, just before he was executed. Imagine the sort of image you could get - a king, who had ruled by divine right in a lavish court, and lived in splendour, now wearing two shirts in the cold winter afternoon so as not to shiver and appear fearful in front of the crowd, about to be executed by rebels in an unprecedented experiment. Maybe a bit morbid, but the emotion and tension and significance of that photo would be unbelievable. But hey, I also probably wouldn’t say no to photographing Shakespeare, if the offer was on the table (and I wasn’t too busy, obviously)...

U&A - What projects are you working on currently?

JSJ - Quite a few things, actually. I’m working on putting together some really exciting shoots over December, with all sorts of things going on - there’s Pre-Raphaelite painting inspiration, there’s a ribbon dress, there’s one based around the incredible aesthetic of Victorian early prisoner mugshots. So that’s all very exciting. But the biggest thing I’m involved in at the moment, which I’m really loving, is a low budget independent film that’ll be shooting (if all goes to plan - fingers crossed!) late next summer. In essence, it’s a fairly naturalistic film about one complex, manipulative central character. I’m co-producing, cowriting and will be Director of Photography on it, so it’s a bit of a departure from the photography stills world. I can’t wait until we start filming.

Check out more of Jacob’s amazing pictures at www.tinite.com

A Pint With... Mark Baxter based around my day to day life in the deep south and thankfully the punters like them. The new novel is called 'Elizabeth, Peter and Me...' and it looks at the older, retired people of the area. My mum is in sheltered housing and once visiting her, I met a fellow resident who was a bit of a 'rascal', up to all sorts in his younger days, which got my imagination going. So, this is the story of Elizabeth Taylor and her diamonds, grave robbing and bingo! Hopefully people like the vibe of it.

KS - You've written two books with Paolo Hewitt.

How did this writing Mark Baxter was born in Camberwell, London in 1962. In a varied career, he has partnership come about? worked in 'The Print' and many a post room of a multitude of companies. As well that he Bax - I knew of Paolo from his writing in NME has been a DJ, event promoter, band and his book 'A Beat Concerto' which was on manager, PR, writer and film maker. He The Jam. I had also seen him DJ at Paul Weller loves a sharp crease in a trouser, Tubby gigs over the years but didn't know him to talk Hayes and Millwall Football Club. Kevin to. Anyway, in 2000, I was selling a few photos Stone caught up with him for a quick drink... from the 1960s and somehow Paolo got my number and rang me looking for a few images Kevin Stone - Hello Bax, what are you for his book 'The Soul Stylists'. We arranged to meet in Bar Italia the following week. On the drinking? day, Paul Weller walked in and I realised he Bax - Hello Kevin, good to was meeting us too - only Paolo was late, so I spent half see you, mate. A glass of an hour talking to Paul. I am a Merlot will fit the bill nicely sir. massive Weller fan so this was a real pleasure. Finally Paolo KS - So Bax what have you been up to? I hear you have turned up and after selling him a few photos, I gave him an a new book coming out idea on a fashion and football what is it about? book that I was trying to write.

He told me he was too busy to Bax - Busy as ever mate! get involved at that time, but I Fifty percent of my time is kept plugging away and a year spent writing and that could or so later we met up again. be books, film and TV ideas, That became 'The Fashion of plays, blogs... Books wise, Football' which Paolo wrote they always say write about and I researched. It came out w h a t y o u k n o w, a n d I in 2004 and it was voted one of completely adhere to that. the top 50 football books of all So, after spending all my life time by 442 magazine, which I in South East London, I know was delighted with. the area and the people very Our next book was ‘The well, and it is a joy to write Mumper’, a tale of 7 guys in a about them. Only, the people pub who buy a race horse. We I t e n d t o k n o w a re a l l sold the film rights and that characters with a story to tell, came out as 'Outside Bet' so I write down the ideas

starring Bob Hoskins and Jenny Agutter in 2012. That was pretty special. Paolo and I have also written 'The A-Z of Mod' which was a joy to do.

KS - What were you doing before turning your hand to writing?

Bax - Blimey mate, I have done all sorts!

One job has never been enough for me. Even when I was working in a 9-5 job, I was out at night DJ-ing, running events and clubs or working on vintage clothing stalls at weekends. I worked in ‘The Print' in and around Fleet Street from 1982 to 1996 and that was a fantastic way to earn a living. I have also had a clothes shop for three years.

putting you on the spot - what are your 3 alltime favourite Weller tracks?

Bax - The music of Weller from The Jam, to The Style Council to his solo stuff has been the soundtrack of my life for the past 35 years.

That quote is an honest assessment of him and his influence on me. When I first met him, he asked what book, film, TV or play I had read or watched recently and he would judge what kind of person you are from the answers! The likes of Paolo and Paul, coming from their working class backgrounds, made me realise I could do the things I wanted to. I am currently making a documentary film on my jazz hero, Tubby Hayes, which is a result of that kind of thinking.

As for the top three - how about one from each era? 1.English Rose, 2. Have You Ever Had It Blue and 3. No Tears To Cry. KS - ‘Mod’ is a broad church Bax, what does it mean to you today?

Bax - Mod is a very tricky beast I find. It means so many different things to so many people.

Parkas, scooters, the 'roundel', Carnaby Street, Brighton... For me at my advanced age of 51, I now think of myself as an old style '60s influenced Gent' rather than a Mod, but I still think it's the greatest youth cult of all time and will never die out. My entry point to it all was the film 'Quadrophenia' and hearing The Jam for the first time. I have never ever let that feeling get too far away from me since. As PW KS - Fashion plays a big part in your life, once famously said, ‘you can bury me a Mod'.

Bax. You PR for several brands, can you share with us who you work with?

KS - You can often be found hanging out at the legendary Bar Italia in Soho. What is its Bax - The PR work is looking after the likes of appeal and what does it mean to you?

George Dyer the bespoke tailor, Delicious Junction footwear, Peckham Rye and Gibson Bax - I've been going there since the early 80s, London, as well Nicholson and Walcot, who when I was a member of Ronnie Scott’s, across make bespoke scarves. the road. I now do the PR for the bar and the Polledri family. I admire them for leaving the KS - Your lovely other half, Lou has a great place the same as it as always looked; a brave brand called Nicholson & Walcot. Scarves, move when everybody was updating. For me, all hand made in the UK, indeed I have a few it's the best coffee in London and it's a great pieces myself! Tell me how it is going and place to hang out in. who's the latest celeb to wear it?

KS - Bax, its been great catching up, thanks Bax - She does and it's doing very well. She for your time mate. One last question from sold a few pieces to Isetan in Japan. It’s worn me, what are you reading

by Martin Freeman, Mr Weller and assorted at the moment? 'mumpers'!

Bax - My pleasure Kev, KS - I know you’re a big fan of Paul Weller, thanks for the vino. I am indeed I remember you once saying ‘We are currently re-reading ‘An forever thankful to Paul for putting us onto Affectionate Punch' by Justin other music, books, films, clothes... all of deVilleneuve, which I highly which provided me with an education I recommend! didn't get at school.’ It’s a fantastic quote; Interview by Kevin Stone you’re clearly a fan and a friend to Paul, so

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A Tale Of Two

Troubadours The Last Of The Troubadours; rock and roll with style. Starting out in 2011, they’ve released 2 EP’s and are currently touring supporting The Rifles. If you haven’t heard of them, you certainly will soon! We caught up with founding members, Darron J. Connett and Joel Rogers.

Clean/Ego Ascending on vinyl as a double Aside then put a band together and played some great venues including the 100 Club, The Cavern, The Marquee, Clapham Grand to name a few.

Then I formed CONNETT... That went on to record two albums; one in Chicago in the USA. Weller got hold of our album and said he Tell us a bit about yourselves and your Paul loved my writing and voice, so he invited us to background in the music biz... record at Black Barn. When we had gone as far as we could, I decided to do something else.

Darron: After a chance meeting with Joel Rogers we decided to form The Last Of The Troubadours, I’ve been involved in music most of my life, and thats where i now reside. from school bands to the present. Got a record deal straight from school, recording songs that Who are your major musical influences never saw the light of day, then started hanging and why? round with Bass-o-matic in the very early 90s where Steve Roberts, who had a massive hit, decided I had something so I recorded demos, My musical influences are varied and wide classic pop, indie... I just love a great etc. That spawned a monster! Recorded solo soul, voice and a well constructed song with a EPs with the Animal Farm producers that lead melody (Who does that these days?!) The on to a solo career, where I released Soul

No, No, No, nobody can do, the boogaloo like I do www.AtomRetro.com 21 Beatles, Elvis, John Holt, Marvin Gaye, Faces, Who else have you worked with?

The Stones, T-Rex, amongst loads of others, were the soundtrack to my early childhood as Well, obviously Rob Pyne from The Rifles was my mum loved these bands and artists. once a founder member of TLOTT and he played on the EPs. Rob’s a ledge in his own You are a well dressed band (and that's right and he'll always be a Troub! We also had not just because you wear Madcap Buzzcocks legend, Steve Diggle play a solo on our single Never Forgive You and even got him England gear!) What your favourite doing backing vocals which was amazing! items/styles of clothing and who are

your fashion icons?

I’ve always been aware of style and always been drawn to great dressers. Paul Weller never lets me down, but I draw inspiration from the 60s which was the best dressed decade. I love Brian Jones, and everything in between right up to Liam Gallagher and Miles Kane. It’s important that if you’re in a band never to be off duty - I don’t give a shit what people think of my hair or clobber; people automatically know I’m in a band, I’m not a dressing up box, this is how I roll! But, OK, hands up, I did once own a shell suit and thats the last time i admit that...!

Tell us about The Last of The Troubadours - what are you up to currently? Any releases or gigs?

The Last of The Troubadours have been going for two years. We’ve released two EPs, Sooner The Better and Don’t Stand On Shadows. We now have the definitive line up with Luke Jeffries on drums, Tony Marshall on guitar and Daniel Smith on bass. We have had a great run lately doing the Isle of Wight Festival, Carnaby Sounds Fest and we’re about to head north to support The Rifles.

Meanwhile we have designed a shoe called The Troubadour with our sponsors and great friends at Delicious Junction, so it’s fair to say things are going well! Personally I’d love an album out for 2014, things are already in the diary for next year so bring it on...!

Don't Stand on Shadows and Sooner the Better EP's are available on i-tunes.

Give us the lowdown on them...

All the songs from the EPs are written by Joel and myself and were recorded in Off Licence in Camberwell, London with part of The Machine from Florence and The Machine. Horst Driedrich did the photos for our artwork and is a lovely fella, famous for his coffee table books on mods, rockers, cycling, etc. A real gent who’s done a great job.

Have you got any tips for budding musicians?

Yeah, don’t do it!! Music is either in you or it’s not, you can’t deny or force it. If you want to be a millionaire, stop being a prick and become a banker. Enjoy what you do, make sure you do it as best you can and aim high, be yourself, stay true and have no regrets. Music first, always first, and never look like the fella in the pub you’re in a band, for f*cks sake!

Tell us a bit about yourselves and your background in the music biz...

Joel: Before TLOTT I was a solo acoustic artist. The whole idea of writing with someone else was quite a strange one and one I wasn't sure about. I had a little music promo thing going on, Leamington Daze Music, and after meeting Darron, that led to me hosting the album launch of his then band. We got chatting all things music and decided to sit down with a guitar and a few ideas to see what happened.

It went well and in a very short space of time we had 3 or 4 tracks, that was the basis of a set and the first EP. Rob Pyne had just left The Rifles and was looking for something else so we lucked out really getting him on bass. After a second reshuffle with The Rifles, Rob was back involved with them, so we were toying with a few options as to a replacement. I ran into Tony Marshall at an Ocean Colour Scene afterdo and we really got on. We invited him to join as a bass player. Tony was an out and out guitarist, but had gone out of his way to learn the Bass parts before the first rehearsal.

During that time, Dan Smith had been in touch to say he would love to be involved. Dan is an amazing player so it all fell in to place really. I did feel a bit guilty when Tony turned up after working hard to learn the Bass parts only to be faced with Dan. It all worked out perfectly as

22 www.AtomRetro.com No, No, No, nobody can do, the boogaloo like I do Tony has really addes the final piece of the asked friends The Broxton Hundred to be jigsaw. involved too and we play Paper Dress Vintage. After that its back to business with Who are your major musical influences writing an album. We have a few great ideas bubbling over and Tony has also added and why? something new with some great tracks too.

My influences are pretty varied. The biggest Don't Stand on Shadows and Sooner influence are The Beatles. I’m something of a Beatle NERD! I love the diversity and range of the Better EP's are available on istyles. I must confess to be slightly obsessed, tunes. Give us the lowdown on them... particularly with George and his solo work. All Things Must Pass is by far the best of any of The first EP really was the result of Darron and post Beatle work. I was brought up with, not me sitting down with a guitar. We really only The Beatles and Stones but all the crafted those songs together and it all Motown and Stax artists. happened quickly. The second EP was slightly different. There are a few tracks on there I was a huge Nirvana fan growing up and then which were written in the same way, with when I was 14 Oasis came along and Darron maybe having an idea, and me adding completely blew me away! The 90's really had a verse, or chorus and vice versa. But also it all for me. It seems hard to believe when there were a couple that were ideas brought you look at the industry main stream today, in completed.The title track of the new EP but the likes of Ocean Colour Scene, The came from my daughter, Lyla. I had picked Verve were topping the charts and Weller was her up from school and we were walking at his peak, it was a really cool time to be a home. It was a hot sunny day and we were music fan. I am inspired by the likes of playing silly games, eye spy and the like. She Kasabian, Arctic Monkeys and Miles Kane at wanted to play a new game and said "Ok the moment.

Daddy, don't stand on shadows." I just thought it sounded great. I sat on it for a while You are a well dressed band (and and as we were getting ready to get in the that's not just because you wear studio I wanted a completely new track for the EP. The rest of the tracks had been in our Madcap England gear!) What your favourite items/styles of clothing and live set, so I wanted something no one had heard. who are your fashion icons?

Who else have you worked with?

I’ve always been interested in clothes and looking sharp. I have a thing about coats and shoes!! I am a believer that there is a world of difference between style and fashion and I’m quite traditional in what I like, be it formal or simple everyday wear. It’s an old saying but you really can tell a lot about someone by the shoes they wear. Maybe it’s the wrong way to be but its served me pretty well up until now. I blame my Dad!! He is the only bloke (apart from Darron!) that has more clothes and shoes than me! I mean he has a whole room full of wardrobes and at least 100 pairs of shoes. He has always taken a lot of care in dressing well and I guess I picked it up from there.

It was a big thing for us to have Steve Diggle play on Never Forgive You. It had been discussed many times over a drink that it would be great to have him on one of our tracks and he had always said he would love to. Once we had finally booked the studio dates, I put it to Steve again and he said he would be up for it. It was a freezing Sunday in January, London was under 4 inches of snow and we were recording in the arse-end of South East London in an area you wouldn’t let your dog out on its own! And bless him, he came from North London on the underground and did his thing.

Tell us about The Last of The Troubadours - what are you up to currently? Any releases or gigs?

It was a great day, we had a good few beers during and after he got his part down and we are so grateful that he did.

Have you got any tips for budding Well, we are just about to head off to support musicians?

The Rifles on the northern leg of their UK tour which is going to be amazing! We have one more show after that in 2013. It’s now Make sure you’re doing it for the right reason!! become a tradition to have a Christmas show Make sure you love doing it. Simple as that!! and big party afterwards. This year we have

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‘The Troubadour’ by Delicious Junction.

Delicious Junction shoes, in collaboration with The Last of The Troubadours, added this rather stylish and supremely mod shoes to their Winter 2013/2014 collection. The shoe was designed in collaboration with the band, creating what they’ve called a ‘Chelsea Shoe’. A slip on shoe with a side gusset, low block heel and a slightly pointed toe. The shoes are lined in contrast red lining and are finished with a red sole, bearing The Last Of The Troubadours signature logo.

Darron describes the shoe as ‘[It’s got] a lovely shape to it, very Beatles, it looks great with a nice slim cut suit or skinny jeans and it represents the band very well.’

Available in Black leather or Blue Suede, they’re in stock now at www.atomretro.com/delicious_junction.

24 www.AtomRetro.com No, No, No, nobody can do, the boogaloo like I do

Marmalade Marmalade, designed by Magdalena Sokolowska, started life in 2001 - although you’d be forgiven for thinking that should read 1961! Drawing on inspiration from the sixties, Marmalade is a range of A-line, mod inspired dresses, with occasional seasonal coats, jackets or skirts.

The new collection is one of Marmalade’s best yet! Classic mod shapes with divine sixties inspired design. Highlights include the ‘Circle Pocket’ Dress (pictured in the middle below) in blue with Peter Pan collar and cut out pocket detail. Also the ‘Work or Play’ dress (far left in picture) is already proving to be a favourite - a black mini dress with bold white collar and four button detail to the front.

A Marmalade classic is back with an update in black and white houndstooth, (second left in image) with contrast solid black hem and shoulders. The ‘Airline’ Dress (far right) is a nod to 1960 air hostess dresses in blue and cream with geometric design to sleeves and shoulders.

And last but not least, this season’s Marmalade coat is already a much-desired piece in cream with black faux fur trim to hem and cuff. Absolutely gorgeous! These tend to sell out quickly so make sure you bag your faves first! www.atomretro.com/marmalade

No, No, No, nobody can do, the boogaloo like I do www.AtomRetro.com

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Peckham Rye Not every scarf comes with a 200 year old pedigree. The Peckham Rye scarf does.

Peckham Rye is Cockney rhyming slang for Tie, but it’s the fine silk scarves which have attracted the attention of the mods for several years. Handmade in England, in 100% silk, Peckham Rye scarves are available in just about every colour and pattern you could think of!

Peckham Rye have a rich and illustrious history in tailoring that dates back some 200 years. A family business at heart, the sixth generation of master tailors readily uphold the traditions that have served them so well. Origins that can be traced back to a Victorian London tailoring family from whom the art of design, styling, craft and the classic London cut are still maintained to this day.

The current generation of the Peckham Rye family honed their tie making skills in London's prestigious Savile Row Inspired by the excesses of the Regency era and the more refined sensibilities of Victorian times, each Peckham Rye scarf is expertly handcrafted in the UK. Featuring exquisite hand knotted ornamental silk fringe and made from finest graded spun and nett pure silk twill.

Thoughtful indulgence in every aspect of design, subtle intricacies and carefully chosen patterns come together to create a masterpiece. Each scarf being of perfect width and length is suitable for a variety of wearing styles. Ideal for that dapper and dandy Beau Brummel look, Italian Sixties Mod style or the essential contemporary Indie vibe, Peckham Rye have a style to suit all. www.atomretro.com/peckham_rye

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Beatlemania!

An interview with The Fab Four’s

Gavin Pring

The sound of 1960s Mersey Beat echoes through Liverpool, so much so that you can still hear it reverberating out of Matthew Street and The Cavern Club to this very day. We catch up with Gavin Pring of world famous tribute band, The Fab Four. Gavin takes time out of his busy schedule to chat to Up&Atom about his life growing up in 'Liddypool', his uncanny turn as George Harrison, a career that's taken him all the way to the States, and of course a meeting with none other than Sir Paul McCartney himself...

How did you first get into music, The At the audition there were two brothers who Beatles and the whole ‘George’ thing? were in a local tribute and they were looking for a George to join the band. They liked my look I imagine my life growing up in Liverpool was and asked me to join, so that's where the pretty much like any other normal (British) lad tribute thing started... to be honest, chasing girls and dodging bullies, playing football and leaving it 'til the last minute to do homework... Unlike other places though I You play George in the Fab Four. How did always noticed that the movies based in that gig come about?

Liverpool were always of people 'escaping'...

To quote an old Willy Russell film (showing my The Fab Four audition came about in early age too!) "dancing thru the dark" I remembered 2006. I was living in Chicago and the lads from they mentioned that there were only two ways the Fab Four had already seen me perform at out of the city; "Boxing or Footy"... But I was Liverpool Beatleweek a couple of years before. always sure that if you wanted to 'leave’ a city They were looking for tribute artists to cover a you were born, then music should've been an long-term engagement in Las Vegas and I was option too? about to move back to Liverpool so I thought, I may as well audition, it's best to regret You can ask any musician what job's they've something you've done, rather than regret done and almost every time you'll get a list as something you never tried, so I went for it... long as your arm. I think it's because most musical people really don't have the patience After playing 6 nights a week at The Aladdin for for a 'real' job, maybe their souls yearn for three years we ended up moving to the main some form of artistic contribution to the world room at the Sahara which was a fantastic step or just maybe, there's not enough money to up for us and eventually I ended up performing fake being happy, whatever the reason, with the road cast and that's what I do now.. musicians (or at least the musicians I know) have given many jobs "a go”. In my life I’ve We travel to a different city every week across been a bartender, waiter, door to door the United States and I have about 4 days at salesman, cook, fast food employee, etc, etc home in between so I get to see a lot of the but never really found them to be what I country. wanted to do forever but great fun none-theless. And it's always handy to know how to The most exciting George era for me is the cook, pull a pint and sell a story, what more 'Early’ suits and boots look... The Beatles does a man need? started early in Britain and Europe and by the time they hit the United States in 1964 When I was around 20 years of age there was a Beatlemania was in full swing, most Americans, newspaper article looking for people who especially Baby Boomers, remember first 'resembled' the Beatles, I didn't think I did, but seeing the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show. an ex-girlfriend of mine thought so. She ended After JFK was assassinated the whole country up auditioning me for this documentary movie was depressed but the arrival of the Beatles being filmed in Hayman's Green about the first changed everything.

'Fifth' Beatle, Pete Best... "Best of the Beatles”.

When we perform, you can literally see the I got the part as George Harrison, and after that audience getting younger!! It sounds weird, but (brimming with confidence) I auditioned for for 90 minutes, people I've never met will forget another film called "Lennon, In his life" but they their problems and not worry about bills and weren't looking for a George at that time, in just have a great time... fact, the Harrison part had already been cast...

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What are the highlights of your musical Apart from The Beatles, what is your career to date? favourite music?

Without a doubt the most stand-out moment for me was performing at the Empire theatre in Liverpool in 2001. George had just passed and we were invited to perform some of his songs as a tribute to him.

Yeah, obviously the Beatles are number one but influentially speaking I love all 60's music, love the fashion. I just think back then, it didn't matter what you looked like, your singing and song writing skills were what was most important. I think bands were more distinctive Rumour was, Macca himself was gonna turn and recognisable. Actually, even today if you up and perform too, but after playing our hear Weller or Bowie, they still sound songs and still no sign of McCartney I started completely unique. to believe that it was just part of the rumour mill, and then, out of the shadows, he actually Luckily I had a step dad who had an extensive did arrive...! record collection. He brought me up on the greats: Zeppelin, Stones, Hendrix and of He sang Yesterday a cappella and dedicated it course The Spice Girls, I mean, The Beatles... to George, even substituting why ‘he’ had to go instead of ‘she’.

You've been a regular at Cavern City Tours Beatle Week. What does it mean to you to Later on Bill Heckle (Director of the Cavern play Beatle Week?

Club) said to him, ‘Hey Paul, this is Gavin, he plays George.’ McCartney turned to me and Beatleweek is a chance for me to come home said, ‘Actually, you look a little bit like George,’ and get some proper chocolate, the chocolate to which I responded, ‘That's funny, 'cause over here is pretty bad, nothing beats a dairy you look a little bit like Paul!’ milk!!

It was a great night, one I'll never forget...

In all honesty, playing Beatleweek is still pretty

www.AtomRetro.com No, No, No, nobody can do, the boogaloo like I do 29 exhilarating. It's not just about the Beatles, it's kind of like a big party with friends who like the same thing; drinking, socialising and good music. There's a flea market on the Sunday so you can pick up a lot of great memorabilia but it's always gonna be special for me because I was born there.

but Ringo Starr was left handed too...

Every time I go back, things seem to change but I still love the people, still love walking down those cobbled streets. It may be going forward but Liverpool has always been rich in it's history and seems to have a foot in the past. I think every city should be proud of where it's been and of course, the humour!!

You know we've played all over the world. Last year we recreated the Budakon set in Tokyo, Japan. No one understood a word we were saying but they knew (phonetically) every Beatle song... Amazing!

I'd love to play in the UK. I think the English audience would appreciate the American (vegas style) take, on the Liverpool Lads...

Have you got any plans to tour the UK? Oooohh, The Fab Four touring England! That would be a dream come true for me, forget The Letterman show!

So, yeah! I still and always will love performing We actually get a lot of response from English at Beatleweek. viewers on our Youtube clip so it's not out of the realm of possibility.

What’s a typical Fab Four Vegas style show like?

What's next for The Fab Four? Have you got anything exciting in the pipeline?

The magic of The Fab Four Show cannot be explained in mortal words... Only joking... No The next big thing for us, and probably a lot of but seriously it can't...! other tribute acts is, 'next year'... Next year is the 50th anniversary of the Beatles arrival in In a nutshell, I suppose it's reminiscent of the the United States, you know, that classic popular "Beatlemania" show which was a footage of the lads descending the steps of the successful production on Broadway in the aeroplane and waving to the masses and was early 80's. Many groups have copied that followed immediately by that legendary press blueprint and put their own twist on it. conference where George said he'd had a The thing that sets The Fab Four apart from haircut "yesterday"! many other bands is that we perform a lot of It always makes me laugh - whenever you see the studio stuff with just four people on stage. a "Behind The Music" documentary on VH1 In other groups there's always some shady there's always one of two stories; A, a kid in keyboard player hanging around in the his pyjamas saw the Beatles on The Ed background like the Wizard of Oz, behind the Sullivan Show and it curtain, on the left... doing inspired him to play music... all the orchestration... well, As he explains the story we're the only band that do you see the Beatles waving the psychedelic stuff as a 4 to the crowd, and now he's piece..! uber-famous... Or B, The band was already doing The other thing (apart from really well but then the my natural scouse accent!)

Beatles arrived (waving at is the fact that our "Paul", the crowd) and it ruined Ardy Sarraf, is a natural them ... 'right-hander' who painstakingly learned to It would be a dream come play left-handed so that we true to perform on The could have the iconic image David Letterman Show for of the Beatles down, even that weekend because before the audience has that's the actual site of properly seen us. what used to be The Ed Sullivan Show.

Again, a lot of other groups don’t think those sort of We have a few irons in the details are important but if fire, but we'll have to wait you're an avid fan of the and see what materialises, Beatles then you will know hopefully something cool..! that Paul McCartney is left handed! A little known fact, Photo by Sal Gomez

30 www.AtomRetro.com No, No, No, nobody can do, the boogaloo like I do

Best Foot Forward Delicious Junction shoes exploded on to the scene in 2010; a footwear collection specialising in Mod and Retro boots and shoes.

Founded by Pete and Mel Challis, the shoes are a sensation, and have been seen on the feet of people from Paul Weller and Neville Staple through to Pauline Black and Simon Fowler of Ocean Colour Scene. Simon Townshend (that’s Pete’s brother) wore a pair of Delicious Junction bowling shoes when he played with The Who for the London Olympic’s closing ceremony in 2012.

Since the start, Atom Retro has stocked a large range of Delicious Junction exclusives, centering around the Chelsea ‘Beatle’ boot, but also featuring cuban heel shoes, 70s style block heel boots and women’s styles. We caught up with Pete to ask him about all things footwear.

Tell us a little bit of your background in the footwear industry...

I went on to work in the buying offices at Next, Stead & Simpson, Brantano and I’ve also spent many years on the manufacturing side of the footwear trade; working on and creating branded collections for other people.

Shoes are a great passion of mine and a couple of years ago the time felt right for me to launch my own collection under the name of Delicious Junction.

Where did the idea and concept of Delicious Junction come from?

I feel that what I do best is create shoes to make people happy and put a smile on their feet. I love the process and hopefully the result is a cracking pair of shoes at the end of a great suit or outfit. Delicious Junction was a name I’d had kicking about in my head for many years, since I was kid dreaming of forming a band and making a concept album! It aptly captures what I’m trying to do with the collection - a nod to some of Britain’s subcultures from the late 50’s to modern day. A Delicious Junction of ideas, flavours, and tastes…

I grew up in a small Leicestershire village, which boasted around 15 shoe factories in the late 1980’s. It was a vibrant hardworking area and at the age of 14 I began working after school in a shoe last and mould making factory. I went full- You've had some very cool collaborations time there when I was 16. with a plethora of recognisable faces. How did these come about?

British Shoe Corporation, just down the road in Leicester, was home to some of the country’s I’ve been fortunate to meet some great people famous footwear retail chains of the day – along the way in the last decade or so and Dolcis, Saxone, FHW, Trueform and Cable & everyone seems to love a good shoe! We try Co. – to name a few. I joined in 1987 and it and work with authentic people who are also opened up many opportunities for me to learn creative and “doing their thing” – having a go about the footwear trade; college courses, and expressing themselves. It just came working in-store and their factories - eventually naturally to try and create footwear inspired by they sent me around the world making and collaborating with people such as Paolo Hewitt, buying shoes.

Gary Crowley, Terry Rawlings and more recently the band, The Last of the Troubadours.

No, No, No, nobody can do, the boogaloo like I do www.AtomRetro.com 31 We have a couple of new projects in the too out-there. Of course playing around with melting pot, I’m working on the prototypes as the colours and materials makes it more we speak. unique, bespoke. The Beatles weren’t afraid of trying different looks and even today you can The brand is pretty synonymous with music catch glimpses of their influence. I think we scene. What’s the importance of music should try a jade green with crimson stitching within Delicious Junction? and elastic gusset next season!

I love all of the obvious bands such as The What’s the future plans for Delicious Small Faces, Paul Weller, The Beatles, The Junction?. Any new styles in the pipeline?

Who, The Kinks, The Specials, Stone Roses We have some and Ocean Colour delightful new Only at Atom Retro Scene. I’m also summer moccasins in partial to a good Ska suede and leather tune such as Monkey Beatle Boots in just combinations with Man and Long shot… about every colour lightweight leather You cant beat a dash and style you can soles. New delicious of northern soul – think of! Classic pull flavours of the classic Frankie Valli’s The o n ’s , z i p f a s t e n , Crowley desert boot Night is in my all time basket weave... the are due for spring top ten. There are 2014 as well. list is endless! some great current bands out there as New in are ‘Donovan’ What is your well – check out The tall boots based on a favourite shoe style Last of t h e style worn by George and why?

Tro u b a d o u r s , T h e Harrison in the early Stone Foundation & sixties. Available in It’s so hard to specify b l a c k l e a t h e r, t a n The Lost Boys. just one style as I leather and blue love the whole W e t r y a n d g e t suede. cannon of footwear involved where we styles – if you had to ‘Parachute’ is a 70s can with projects push me, then I style boot with a outside the footwear guess the humble block heel, square desert boot comes arena – we’ve toe, zip fasten and out on top for me. A supported recording special paisley print simple yet genius artists such as Terry s o l e . Av a i l a b l e i n design, made up in a Shaugnessy and The black or brown leather variety of colours or Last of Troubadours.

- limited edition!

We’ve been regular m a t e r i a l s , i t ’s s p o n s o r s o f T h e ‘Hipster’ are limited absolutely delicious!

Small F a c e s edition 70s style slip Convention and also on shoe with strap And lastly, if you earlier in 2013 we and circular buckle could go back in sponsored the book detail. In tan or bordo, time to any event in “In The Crowd” – a these look fantastic history, where would collection of Jam worn with jeans or you go? p h o t o s b y D e r e k flares for a proper D'Souza.

It’s often said I was super 70s look! born into the wrong Atom Retro proudly decade – to have offers a range of been around in the 60’s exclusive Delicious Junction footwear. We and tasted the delicious experiences as Britain love the range and the Beatle boot is escaped from the 50’s, into a kaleidoscope of constantly a best selling style. Why do you colours and experimental fashion of the 1960’s think this style endures? Also what colour – would have been a dream come true. One do you think we should do next?! particular event would have to be 1966 world cup final – to experience the boys lifting the I think the Chelsea boot is universal in its Jules Rimet trophy on home soil appeal. Once you’ve discovered them and worn your first pair it’s hard to go back. They Find more at look great either worn casually or smart and www.atomretro.com/delicious_junction the Cuban heel just sets it apart without being

30 www.AtomRetro.com Hang around, stick around, get your kicks! ...And in the end...

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