Idol Fret

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Not to be confused with a New Zealand band of the same name, this Idol Fret was a rock band from Saddleworth, Oldham, England, mostly known for playing in clubs and pubs around the east of Manchester. The band's only official release to date is Bad Boy, a single released around 1980.

[edit] Band members

  • John Stewart (founder member; rhythm guitar and vocals)
  • Ian Jenkins (keyboard and vocals)
  • Martyn Lucas (bass guitar)
  • Alan Lever (lead guitar)
  • Jimmy Weir (drums, percussion)
  • Mick Malone (vocals)
  • Al Marland (vocals, replaced Mick Malone c. 1982)
  • Dave Turnbull (saxophone)

Bad Boy is now listed as a collectors item and can be found on t'internet for around £50. You can buy a copy at http://www.vinyltap.co.uk/shop/artist/Idol+Fret.aspx or at http://www.musicstack.com/my/index.cgi?seller=1658&find=i (We should all be rich men by now!)

Idol Fret also released an audio Cassette named Fretwork - The First Year containing about a dozen tracks including No Secrets, Feelin Reggae, Vanquished (live) and Heat of the Night. One day it is hoped that it will find it's way onto CD along with later recordings.

Band members are all mainly still in touch. Ian and Alan Lever played in 'Souled As Seen' for many years after Idol Fret stopped performing. They can be found at http://www.eam.co.uk/souled_as_seen.html

Alan Lever is still mesmerising audiences with his guitar skills, playing anything from Blues to Jazz. Occasionally he can be seen fronting the "Alan Lever Band".

Ian is also still to be seen in various guises on keyboards for bands keen to have an experienced member. Last seen plying his trade with top cabaret band "Snapshot".

John owned a small 8-track Recording Studio in Saddleworth (Reeltime Studio) for many years and was known to use his old band mates as session musicians....albeit unpaid! He still plays acoustic guitar in local pubs for fun and occasionally with Al Lever.

Martyn became a teacher. Moved out into the wilds of rural Lancashire where he can still be seen with the same "Eagles" T-Shirt and looks as young as he did back in the 70's and 80's. Has been known to lend John his bass guitar.

Dave now resides up in Glasgow where he still plays his Sax. You can catch up with Dave on his website at http://david.turnbull9.users.btopenworld.com/

Jimmy has sensibly stopped lugging around his drum kit and become a family man. He has rediscovered his love for Art. http://www.seventhcomplex.com/she/blogs/viewblog.php?userid=82

Mick sang with a couple of other bands and recorded at Reeltime Studio. He now lives in Cheshire.

Al Marland...still lives somewhere around the Oldham area. And yes, he still sings.

Anybody who remembers Idol Fret and would like to share their memories of the band can contact us at idolfret@hotmail.co.uk - we'd love to hear from you.

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