August 9th is always a sad anniversary, the day Paul Samson passed. Now I don't profess to be his hugest or most knowledgeable fan, but I saw and enjoyed his playing and music a lot over the years and couldn't let this occasion pass without some reflection and celebration.
Thinking back, I think Mr Rock 'n' Roll was the first thing I heard, then saw 'em in '79 when Bruce Bruce was new and fresh and they were promoting the Survivors elpee. Liked but didn't love it, the production was a bit flat for me, but they had something about 'em for sure. My mate Chaz had seen Samson at the Music Machine in '78 and recorded it, loved hearing them do Purple Haze and a fantastic version of Mahogany Rush's Talkin' Bout A Feelin' amid their own songs. Remember a Marquee show or two as '79 drew to a close, then a brilliant opening slot for Robin Trower at Hammy Odeon in February 1980 when good old Thunderstick climbed up the PA and threw drumsticks at the bewildered front rows.
The second elpee Head On was and is fantastic. Still can't understand how Samson didn't breakthrough like Saxon and Maiden, but looking back I guess their more blues rock based songs weren't as immediate as the headlong metal rush of Stallions Of The Highway or Sanctuary. At smaller venues, remember seeing The Marquee and Zero 6, Samson shone. Paul stretched out and showed his virtuosity and guile, Bruce was developing into a top frontman and the rhythm boys powered it all along.
My other abiding memory of that time for the pioneering NWOBHM bands was that Samson were kinda sidelined, bad management and tour and release problems hampering them at every turn. Shock Tactics should have been, finally, the breakthrough, kicking off with the Russ Ballard rocker Riding With The Angels that gave Bruce a chance to stretch his powerful 'air raid siren' vocal prowess.
And it came to a head at Reading '81. With Mel Gaynor a fine substitute for Thunderstick, Samson played a fine set that seemed to have done the tick, only for Bruce to jump ship for Iron Maiden. Sure, it was a great career move for him but I always felt sorry for Paul, on the cusp again and snatched away again. Saw them a lot over the coming months, with bluesy vocal powerhouse Nicky Moore and some fine new songs Paul looked and sounded better than ever. Polydor was backing the band and support shows were lined up. Sure I remember Pete Jupp coming in on drums in early '82, as they unveiled new strong material. The Before The Storm er is probably my favourite of all, the most harmonious and slick Samson sounded.
Over the next few years I saw Paul a few times with Paul Samson's Empire and always enjoyed his playing. Spoke to him at the bar before and after a couple of pub gigs in Rayleigh and over the bridge in Kent and he was always happy, polite and a real gent.
Paul would be 65 now, and even if his recording days are a long way off, he was always a top player with a love for the guitar and the music he made and played. I have great memories of so many gigs and songs and hope his legacy prevails for a long time yet. Check out those Samson elpees, a fitting tribute to a great and sadly missed player and man. RIP Paul
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