Very interesting. John Repsch's experience regarding Telstar is parallel to my own. I was nine when the record came out and used to beg my father for sixpence (six old pence) so that I could play it on the jukebox at his social club. John Repsch sounds like an intelligent guy and I would love to get hold of his book. Joe Meek was an extraordinary and ultimately tragic character.
leehazlewoodism Just looked there myself - my sister gave me a mint copy for my birthday last year and (typical of her) she didn't mention that she'd had to pay quite so much for itI think I owe her a good birthday present in return.
I basically agree with your comment. Especially when a new project about some celebrated, public personality is being hyped, generalities are made which may distort the perceptions of that personality way out of proportion. And with a book, a few documentaries, a play and now a dramatic film about Joe Meek having been developed, it is perfectly ridiculous to say the guy is "little known."
Whereas, to make an analogy, Meek's closest peer, producer Phil Spector, is and was more universally well known (and that was before Spector's murder rap) than Meek. It's tempting to make comparisons between the two men, as they were both eccentric personalities who also happened to be record producers. But, of course, as individuals, they arrived at their respective places in immortality through different routes and with distinctive traits, etc.
loved the movie, the book i have by john Repsch ( signed ) also met screaming lord sutch at a showing of the joe meek puppet movie years ago made by a film student, david sutch turned up with a carrier bag and looking like an old tramp, very down to earth guy,
Even before all the recent hype, with the worldwide hit status of "Telstar" and "Have I The Right? alone, it would be untrue to claim Meek obscure. However, as an American, I will say I think Meek is and was less well known in the States than in England or perhaps Europe (For example, the play about Meek has yet to be staged in the States, and the Meek film had only a limited run at a Seattle, Washington film festival, was never in general release).
But I do hope the Meek play is staged on or off Broadway, and that the dramatic film, "Telstar The Movie," is released in U.S. cinemas, even if for only a limited engagement, because I think the Meek legend is interesting and makes for good entertainment.
I have read the book and seen the play -the play is nowhere nearly as good as the book, can only hope the film will be better although con o'neill always turns in a great performance whatever he does -donna
![Joe Meek | The Freakbeat Singles (1964-67) [Mini-documentary]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YCIb31y5wfU/mqdefault.jpg)
Very interesting. John Repsch's experience regarding Telstar is parallel to my own. I was nine when the record came out and used to beg my father for sixpence (six old pence) so that I could play it on the jukebox at his social club. John Repsch sounds like an intelligent guy and I would love to get hold of his book. Joe Meek was an extraordinary and ultimately tragic character.
This interview is most interesting. A discussion of Joe's work would also be welcome!
the guy that owns our local music shop was in london in the 60's and met joe meek he has some great stories.
cam6617 hi sounds like you have the making of a good short story book on Amazon ?? Please
I wish JR would do another print run - you only have to look at the prices it's being offered at on Amazon to see there's a demand for it.
leehazlewoodism Just looked there myself - my sister gave me a mint copy for my birthday last year and (typical of her) she didn't mention that she'd had to pay quite so much for itI think I owe her a good birthday present in return.
I loved this book . Well worth reading .
John Repsch's book was an absolute gift to all of us of the "full-head-tingle" persuasion.
not a little known producer...an amazing producer ..of great reputation
Very very interesting thank you
where do you get the book?
I basically agree with your comment. Especially when a new project about some celebrated, public personality is being hyped, generalities are made which may distort the perceptions of that personality way out of proportion.
And with a book, a few documentaries, a play and now a dramatic film about Joe Meek having been developed, it is perfectly ridiculous to say the guy is "little known."
Whereas, to make an analogy, Meek's closest peer, producer Phil Spector, is and was more universally well known (and that was before Spector's murder rap) than Meek. It's tempting to make comparisons between the two men, as they were both eccentric personalities who also happened to be record producers. But, of course, as individuals, they arrived at their respective places in immortality through different routes and with distinctive traits, etc.
Loved the movie, and fancy reading the book too! We've done a new version of Telstar. Please check it out... TELSTAR by THE DUELLING PIANOS.
loved the movie, the book i have by john Repsch ( signed ) also met screaming lord sutch at a showing of the joe meek puppet movie years ago made by a film student, david sutch turned up with a carrier bag and looking like an old tramp, very down to earth guy,
John runs GSPS (the Goon Show Preservation Society) of which I'am a member
Even before all the recent hype, with the worldwide hit status of "Telstar" and "Have I The Right? alone, it would be untrue to claim Meek obscure.
However, as an American, I will say I think Meek is and was less well known in the States than in England or perhaps Europe (For example, the play about Meek has yet to be staged in the States, and the Meek film had only a limited run at a Seattle, Washington film festival, was never in general release).
Are you aware of the Joe Meek society?, they have a youtube channel and are also on FB, the web and twitter (@joemeeksociety).
But I do hope the Meek play is staged on or off Broadway, and that the dramatic film, "Telstar The Movie," is released in U.S. cinemas, even if for only a limited engagement, because I think the Meek legend is interesting and makes for good entertainment.
Ive got your book mate. Second hand and signed by Chas, Dave, Clem....
"little known producer"? ffs
Hi does anyone no how many millions of Telstar etc he sold and how much joe finally got paid ...
John runs GSPS
yes i agree..ffs..nobody did what he did in the 50s/60s..little known my arse
Don't criticise Holloway Road and Joe Meek! You were all jealous of him and his achievements! Big dog eat small dog!
I have read the book and seen the play -the play is nowhere nearly as good as the book, can only hope the film will be better although con o'neill always turns in a great performance whatever he does -donna
This man under sells himself - he's a qualified brain surgeon.