Guitarist-turned-joiner Baz, 56, dies
Last updated 10:41, Saturday, 07 June 2008
Cumbrian fans will remember Baz’s early days when he played in numerous local bands around our area. In the mid-sixties he was with Pink Dream and Jug.
His break came when he joined Necromandus, (known on the music circuit as a Second Sabbath). Ozzy Osbourne’s reputation for targeting guitarists with exceptional abilities was evident even then and he tried, without success, to persuade Baz to join his band.
Towards the end of 1973 Baz decided to leave Necromandus and went on to join Nerves, which was formed in early 1975 after they were invited by Barry Jennings to play as resident musicians at the Matador Hotel in Workington.
On a couple of occasions during the Matador years a certain Ozzy Osbourne could be found in the audience, chilling out after the rigours of Black Sabbath. He also called in to the Tow Bar Inn at Nethertown, near Egremont, to watch the band and have a pint with them after their concert.
In early 1976 Baz decided leave Nerves for Paragraph and then Violinski (the offshoot band of ELO which also featured John Marcangelo). In February 1979 they entered the charts at No 17 with Clog Dance.
After an amazing showbiz career, Baz eventually decided to give it up, preferring to work as a joiner in west Cumbria.
His musical talent, great sense of humour and influence on so many, will never be forgotten.
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