Back in the 70s and 80s Roaring Jelly (Clive, Derek Pearce and Mick Hennessy) worked their socks off and carved a niche, on the folk scene and beyond, proving you could make a living specialising in utterly bizarre songs (and long sentences). By the way, in case you don't recognise him in the photo (c.1980), Clive is the one – untypically for him – sitting on the fence.

The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music describes them as "pioneers of alternative comedy before the term became fashionable".

Clive and Derek met in 1970 at Nottingham Art College, which was about to be swallowed up by Trent Polytechnic (now Nottingham Trent University). The college then had a thriving folk club, packed to the rafters every week. Clive and Derek were regular solo performers but got on well and soon teamed up as a duo, to good response. They specialised in lively instrumentals, music hall songs and anything else they fancied (Me And My Teddy Bear was a favourite!). The college also ran regular talent contests which Derek had won several times. The duo entered - and won. Money. Something like seven quid each. In those days seven pounds would feed a student for at least a fortnight. So they entered again, and won again. Good game! To cut a long story short, they won the talent contest so often they got banned by the social sec, but in the same conversation he sweetened the pill by offering them a paid gig. “What are you going to call yourselves?” he asked. Derek replied off the top of his head “Roaring Jelly” - the title of the Irish jig he was currently learning to play. “Good name,” thought Clive. So Roaring Jelly it was.

For that first paid gig in 71 Derek suggested drafting in a mate of his, Mick Hennessy. He sang and played bass with Derby folk band The Druids, who had a strong following - and a record contract with Argo (folk subsidiary of major label Decca!). Derek had played a bit with them and guested on one of their albums. The expansion to a trio was intended as a temporary arrangement, a one-off for that first gig. The line-up lasted for 16 years and an estimated 1500 gigs.

HIGHLIGHTS

Early 70s - Banned from Nottingham Playhouse for ‘making a mess’ (in those days props included eggs & flour!).

Early 70s - Taken under wing of Jack King at BBC Radio Derby. Jack, a fan, arranged many recordings and live spots.

75 & 76 Sidmouth Festivals, springboard to national gigging.

77 - ‘Roaring Jelly’s Golden Grates’, first album, Free Reed label.

78 - ‘This is... Roaring Jelly’, BBC Midlands, first TV appearance.

79 - ‘Roaring Jelly’s Christmas Trifle’, BBC Midlands TV special.

80 - ‘Christmas Trifle’ repeated on national BBC TV.

80 - ‘Christmas In Australia’ single released on Spot label (Topic subsidiary ) . Terry Wogan liked it, played it. Noel Edmonds hated it, didn’t play it.

81 - ‘In The Roar’, Topic album.

83 - Cambridge Folk Festival. 4-min. standing ovation for RJ, with Stephane Grappelli & Martin Taylor waiting to go on!

83 - Hong Kong tour. Gigs in HK & Kowloon, plus TV & radio spots.

Early-mid 80s - More radio & TV incl. Chris Tarrant's legendary Tiswas; writing/recording music for several Channel 4 docos; Pebble Mill at One; regular spots on Stuart Hall's BBC Radio 2 show.

85 - Farewell gig at Derby Assembly Rooms. Split up... for a while.

87 - Reformed for one last tour. Sidmouth Festival one of last ever gigs.

2004 - Valerie Wilkins, re-released on comedy compilation CD Nowt So Funny As Folk (ADA 105CD), most requested track on Mike Harding’s Radio 2 show.

2006 - Valerie Wilkins used on soundtrack of American DVD "Potty Whispering: The Gentle Art of Infant Potty Training".

New 16-track RJ compilation CD – HERE'S SOME WE MADE EARLIER... available at Clive's gigs or by post (see side panel)

Adam Conway, 2009