Alex Harvey (musician) Alexander James "Alex" Harvey (5 February 1935 – 4 February 1982) was a Scottish blues/rock musician. Although Harvey's career spanned almost three decades he is best remembered as the frontman of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, with whom he built a reputation as an exciting live performer during the era of glam rock in the 1970s. Harvey was born in the Kinning Park district of Glasgow, a working-class neighbourhood, where he grew up.[1] By his own account, he worked in a number of jobs, from carpentry to waiting tables at a restaurant to carving tombstones,[2] before finding success in music. His musical roots were in Dixieland jazz and skiffle music, which enjoyed considerable popularity in Britain during the late 1950s. From 1958 until 1965, he was the leader of Alex Harvey's Big Soul Band, playing blues and rock and roll songs and spending considerable time touring in the United Kingdom and Germany.[2] He also won a competition, that sought "Scotland's answer to Tommy Steele".
My fond memories of a true pioneer of rock and roll music in Scotland. I had some contact with Joe in Johannesburg a few years ago, and contributed a memoir to his blog, most of which appears in John Neil Munro's book The Sensational Alex Harvey. Many musicians in the mid to late 1950s rehearsed in the Bill Paterson studios. Bill Patrick, Alex's first sax (tenor) played in a rehearsal big band with me. I was gigging on the McKinnon circuit with a dance band and we were on the same gig as the Kansas City Counts in 1957.
Alex invited me to join the band. Bill Patrick was happy to have another sax in the band. Joe Moretti was already with Alex, and I was astounded at the maturity and technical command of his playing. Our first truly theatrical performance (which prefigured a lot of Alex's later brilliant characterisations) was in a hall at Galashiels. He also wanted to kill a chicken on stage in a voodoo skit, but was dissuaded by Bill and me, fearing the Border farmers would lynch us. Peter Curran, 1B Main Street, Kirkliston. The Sensational Alex Harvey Band - Home Page. Sensational Alex Harvey Band - Boston Tea Party. Tomorrow belongs to me - Sensational Alex Harvey Band. Alex Harvey Band - Next. THE SENSATIONAL ALEX HARVEY BAND - DELILAH. The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. The Sensational Alex Harvey Band was formed when Scottish rock veteran Alex Harvey recruited members of hard rock group Tear Gas at the beginning of the 70's.
Although most people associate them with their big hit 'Delilah', the band were already well established on the rock circuit, due to their theatrical show, and their destinctive style of music. The band split up at the end of 1977 just after a tour had been announced, with Alex resurrecting his solo career and the rest of the group forming the short-lived Zal band with guitarist Billy Rankin & ex-Tubes member Leroi. Alex did a show at the London Palladium 1978 which got mixed reviews, then formed the 'Alex Harvey Band', which recorded 'The Mafia Stole My Guitar', They did a tour in 1978, but then dissapeared.
After several years out of the limelight, Alex seemed ready to return in 1982 with a new album 'Soldier On The Wall' ready for release, and a tour in Europe. Chris Glen, Alex Harvey & Zal Cleminson - Southend Kursaal 1975. Sensational Alex Harvey Band, The Discography at Discogs. The Sensational Alex Harvey Band!!! Not The Sensational Alex Harvey Band.