LEPER'S CHRONICLES FOUND

A leading Rokkard historian has unearthed 7 valuable Leper's Chronicles, once classed as the official organ Of Death Leper. Die hard Rokkard fans will know that Death Leper was allegedly the brain child of one Andicam, whom some think is either Chester himself or a close relative of him.

This fantastic findings may give us more insight into the history of Rokkard. Maybe. The first is shown below whilst the others are being carefully restored. The whole collection, found in a bedside table in Brentford, is expected to go on auction at Christies later this year.

GENE BLUNT

Gene Blunt - Born Blackwater Valley 1947

Rokkard's second bassist, Gene Blunt had a patchy career before and after his stint with the Surrey metallers. Joining from Ash Vale outfit Dynamite Walls, Blunt first played on the 'Ghostly Mansion' album. His basswork was laughable on this and the follow-up 'Rokkard', but it was on '...Chester's Quest' where Blunt really let fly. He was made to go on an intensive bass course, taught by an up and coming Geddy Lee, and when he returned his fingers were honed machines of rock. Seven minute bass solos, at the request of Roger Green and Chester, adorned such songs as 'Finding Shore' and 'Land Ahoy'.
As ever with a master of the four string, Blunt was seen as going too far on 'The Day The Disco Died'. Many songs included battles between KK Jonas' rock guitar and the funk slap bass of Blunt. The album failed to make an impression on the Japanese market, but it was Chester's decision to start work on the controversial 'Jesus Died For Rokkard's Sins' that caused Blunt to leave the band. He created a new 'God-Rock' band in 1975 called Psalmwich. Although well received in Christian circles, they failed to make an impact on the hit parade. In 1980 Blunt joined Skelektronica and then in 1987 Shock-Rock outfit Turn 'Em Green. Blunt is currently rehearsing for a Psalmwich reunion tour.

CLIVE WATTER

Clive Watter - Born Hull 1948

Unbeknownst to him, Clive Watter was brought in to play guitar on 'Rokkard' while KK Jonas was seeing out his contractual obligations with rival act Pentangular. Chester had become increasingly worried about current axeman Bobby Natcho's ability to move forward with the band and had already persuaded Jonas to join, but he still had to complete one more album with Pentangular. Watter, who had previously spearheaded such acts as The Cannibaltics and The Austinallegroes, was tricked into joining. He played on one album and half a tour before Chester sensationally fired him in Tokyo for what he called 'ungentlemanly conduct'. Watter insists he was fired for asking for a fork in a sushi restaurant. Unfazed, Watter went on to form multi-platinum selling Greystoke.

HALLELUJAH SMITH

In our first of many insights into Rokkard's past members, we take a look at original drummer Hallelujah Smith




Hallellujah Smith - Born 1900, The Sudan


Hallellujah Smith was the shortest serving member of Rokkard. He drummed on two tracks from the 'Voodoo' album, 'Short Skirts And Shorter Tempers' and 'Blues In E Minor'. Smith had previoulsy played in numerous marching bands the length and breadth of the land that would become Bracknell. At Rokkard's birth in 1965, Smith owned a pub called 'The Ghostly Mansion' (the 1971 album of the same name was a homage to Chester's humble beginnings) and insisted on playing drums if he was to let them play. After a 3 year residency at his pub, the band signed a lucrative deal. However after four days in a hot studio, Smith succumbed to crippling arthritis and had to retire from rock. He died tragically in his bar when it was mysteriously burnt to the ground the folowing week. His drum stool was filled by Blakey Collapsion for the recording of the remainder of the album

Digital age

Welcome to the Rokkard 'blog'. We also have a myspace page. Rokkard will keep all the fans up to date with studio goings on and we will also give the history of Rokkard's colourful members, their incredible album discography and relive some memorable gigs.