Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2008 | Page 41

JOHN HANNAM
many years and could
well have fueled his
need for alcohol.
There were many
lean Harris years
when he took virtually
any job going.
Being a bricklayer,
hospital porter and
fisherman were far
from the glamour of
showbiz. The Sun
newspaper found him
and managed to take
a most disheveled
picture of him in an
old duffel coat. How
times had changed!
When he came back
into the business he did
himself few favours.
His playing had lost
its edge and often he
failed to turn up for
gigs or was too drunk
to play. He was at a
low ebb but gradually
took a hold of his
life and the rest is so
much more positive.
Last year he did a
thirty date British tour
as guest star on the
Marty Wilde Show.
Jet went down a storm
and it’s possible it
could happen again
in the future. The fans gave him such a
welcome and Marty was heard to enthuse
record the new album.
about his special guest. Recently I met
He has managed
up with Hank Marvin in London and he
to achieve Jet’s 60s
was raving over Jet’s performance on the
style in a modern
show. He could also not believe how his
concept. For the
old pal had turned into quite a comedian.
man from Bembridge
There is always talk of a fifty year
it’s a dream come
reunion tour of Cliff and the Shadows.
true. He plays a
The fans want it and what an attraction
mean six string
that would be. I have the feeling Hank
bass and returns to
might be interested and Jet certainly
playing lead guitar.
would be. It will, of course, depend on
The album can
Sir Cliff. Some suggestions say he might
be bought on
be and others reveal just the opposite.
Amazon, via
Meanwhile Jet Harris is still touring
Jet’s website, jetharris.biz or from
Britain wowing audiences with tracks
Groovy Records in Shanklin.
from The Journey. This album is produced
The studio in Portland, Dorset, was a
by trumpet star Nigel Hopkins, who
far cry from EMI’s palatial Abbey Road.
played many times in top summer shows
“Today its all so different. They
at Sandown Pavilion. He enjoyed a
Photo from left: Elizabeth Barrow - Sue Fowler
- Maureen
Hyam It’s all beyond
are only
small places.
concert by Jet and persuaded him to

Island Life - www.isleofwight.net

life

me and I just do as I am told.”
Thanks to the Island and its people
Jet Harris is a survivor and enjoying
an unexpected new lease of life. That
didn’t look possible back in the 90s.

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