SALFORD CITY REPORTER 11th MARCH 1983
HOW CRAIG-GOT HIS BIG BAND CHANCE
Aztec Camera, currently one of the hottest properties on the ‘hip' circuit, have two fanatical followers in Salford.
They are Bill and Doreen Gannon of Margrove Road, Pendleton, proud parents of Kirk (19) and 16-year-old Craig. “We play all their records and know them off by heart,” Doreen told me.
The reason for this unusual hero worship soon becomes evident. Craig, a former Hope High School pupil, has just become the latest member of Aztec Camera.
He successfully auditioned for the group in London recently and started a British tour almost immediately. “We are frightened to death of him leaving home.” Said his dad.
“But it is an opportunity of a lifetime for him. He'd never forgive us if we stood in his way. Ironically he has followed this group from the beginning and knows all their songs of by heart.”
Adds worried mum: “We won't see him again until the group play at Salford University on March 12. I hope he will be alright.”
Craig was a member of local band Yes, Mr. Tracy before his big break. And one of his last performances was at Holy Angels Church, The Height, playing with an unnamed combination.
Now he will receive a weekly wage and a cut for each appearance on tour or any TV performances.
TEACHER
“He has had little tuition on the guitar,” says Mrs. Gannon. “We had a teacher come in about four years ago and show him the chords, but he has picked the rest up from records and tapes.” Craig got his chance to impress the band after answering an ‘ad' in a weekly music paper.
Aztec Camera are set to release an LP on Rough Trade records later this month and have an excellent single out entitled ‘Oblivious.'
Craig is yet to feature on record but it shouldn't be too long before Bill and Doreen add another Aztec Camera disc to their growing collection . . .this time with their son on guitar.
©Salford City Reporter/Advertiser 1983
To hear an interview with Craig Gannon, click
HERE.
