Rock band fronted by Tom Sorahan in the late 70s. Regulars at The Railway.
This is an elusive band! From what I can find out Sorahan played every week at the Railway and were fronted by keyboard player/vocalist/songwriter Tom Sorahan – very talented and highly original material. Tom also played with Mark Stanway, now keyboard player with Magnum.
Richard Westwood sent this into the BMA: Prior to Spitfire, I was the final drummer in Sorahan, replacing Les Fortnum. Sorahan was killed by the punk tsunami, although Tom Sorahan got himself a deal with Pye Records and recorded a single album, “I’ve Seen The View, You Can Take Me Back Now”, copies of which can still be found (eBay, rare record shops, etc).
The album is available on Discogs: http://www.discogs.com/Tom-Sorahan-Ive-Seen-The-View-You-Can-Take-Me-Back-Now/release/5831735
There Are Currently 14 Comments for this Post
I remember seeing Sorahan at various venues around the City including ” Cloud 9 ” in Redditch . A tremendous live band – they did a great version of ” Good morning little school girl ” . I remember the drummer ( must have been Les Fortnam had a milk churn as part of his kit ! I’m sure they bought out an ep / 12″ single
Yes I did play a milk churn I was told if I could play it you can have it. Was a great band to drive .the bass player was les greaves they called us the powerhouse .we’re still gigging now with a rock and roll band get stoned
Thanks for memories Les
Yes I knew Les Greaves. He lived in Chelmsley wood. And drove a black Trans-Am. He used to drink with me and a few friends on account of him being friends with a friends brother, Andrew, and living near the pub.. I also recall us all piling into a transit one night to watch Sorohan play at Barrbarella’s nightclub. We got in free as guests of the band ( Les ).One night he brought Roy Woods brass player Billy in for a drink.
I was the original Sorahan dummer when Tom first started the band at Birmingham uni in I would say 1972. We recorded an EP with ‘Seen the view on it and a great song (now very topical -‘North Korean Sun). Frank ? Played sax and we had a dentist guy guitarist. The Railway was our regular spot plus support gigs in Coventry and I think the Town Hall with Osibisa and Ace. Tom a lovely, eccentric and talented song writer.
Yes they did bring out a single/EP.
I have a copy of it.
Must dig it out.
Did you have a guitarist called james goodwin (i think) any idea where he might be?
Yes they did.
I played (Bass) with him in a band called ‘Ferret’. At the time he was offered the gig with Sorahan.
Instrumental, freeform Blues/Jazz.
I’d love to know what became of him too.
I too auditioned for Sorahan, didn’t get the gig.
They also released a single ‘With His Siller in His Hand’ (I think that’s the title.) I still have a copy somewhere.
just googled Tom on a whim. I’m American but married an Englishman who was guitar player with Sorahan in the 70s. His name was Trevor Wigley…..gosh it was weird seeing Richard Westwood’s name again. Tom’s really past?
In response to Jan, Tom Sorahan is alive and well. These days he is Professor at Birmingham University. Tom still composes music and still records.
It was good to read your contribution Jan and stimulated some great memories of you and Trevor. I hope you are well.
Played bass with Sorahan from 72ish till 76 had a great time playing with Les Fortnam on drums i think we kicked ass!
Yes you did! Fun times. I remember Tom with his white suit, James and his teacher/tambourine player wife, and Bill the sax player (for Roy) and Bill’s lovely wife Ellen. Great memories. I send my best wishes to all.
Hi Jo very long time no see hope you are well. ps Les and i still play in the same band.
I saw them at an obscure rock disco in St. Helens (Merseyside) in 1976. I rember there being great excitement about the fact that they had come all the way FROM BIRMINGHAM! They must have been good ‘cos I still remember the gig today. Another great band around at the time were JEVUTSHTA. My favourite band is MAGMA.
New Sorohan, not that well only met them couple of times. But I new Less Greaves VERY well, and the low life he married. Never tell em anything. They will GRASS you up if u ever upset em. Greavesy gets his mrs to do the dirty work, thinking hes not 2 blame. Well nothing could b further from the truth AND THE JUCE IS STILL RUNNING, wen I decide 2 collect.
Take it easy