1973 Benn Gunn

Left to Right :

Brian Devlin (Bass), Davy Lawson (Guitar), Dave Clark (Drums) and James Devlin (Flute / Vocals)

Background

We rehearsed together in 1972 – 1973 in Oxgangs, Edinburgh. 

Our first major influences were local bands East West (The late Ian Bairnson / Dave Swanson ) and Writing on The Wall.

We were all listening to Rory Gallagher, Rod Stewart, Taste, Brian Auger, Canned Heat, Cream, Jimi Hendrix and Jethro Tull.

When we began rehearsing together the name “Benn Gunn” was suggested from friends at Boroughmuir, Viewforth (the school we all attended) … something to do our long hair … good looks etc..

Gigs 1973-1976

We did some ‘open nights’  at The Harness – Tollcross and were offered the  Friday night residency.

Shortly afterwards a monthly Sunday residency lunchtime gig in The Falkland Arms – Kirkcaldy. 

Did loads and loads of weekend gigs (Friday,Saturday and Sunday) in Edinburgh, Fife , Glasgow and across The Borders. We were often the “headline band” at Edinburgh College of Commerce and Napier College “dance” and fresher events. 

We then played at all the regional Universities, and Polytechnics including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Herriot Watt, Sunderland,  Dundee, Ponteland and Newcastle opening for bands like Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, Nazareth and Chicken Shack. This was due to the efforts of our first manager Heather, and then subsequently Brian Smith.

Photos : Tom Kidd