The Wurzel Bush Folk Club opened at The Fletch Hotel in Coventry in September 1973 the first guest artist was Jasper Carrott and the admission price was 40p.
At that time some folkies moaned because a pint of M&B Brew 11 was 16p a pint:- somewhat expensive !!!!
In 1975 Jasper returned to the club with a mobile recording studio. The resulting live album "RABBITS ON" was to reach number 7 in the top ten album charts.
Chris Tarrant then a cub reporter on a local ITV news magazine helped Jasper carry his instruments in. Rowan Atkinson (Who worked as an electrical engineer at a local company.) was for many years a regular member of the audience. Steve Knightley,Keith Donnolly and Malcolm Stent were some of the people who did floorspots at the club.
Victoria Wood also appeared at the club in that year, Club organiser Dave Sampson went to a lot of trouble to have a piano 'dragged in' from the public bar. Victoria however didn't seem impressed by the beer stained relic, Dave however took the view that since he had carried his guitar across Coventry that evening he had saved her the trouble of bring her own piano from Birmingham.
In 1976 Jeremy Taylor (having hurt his hand) brought Cat Stevens along as his guitarist.
Wurzel Bush Folk Club – – Host Dave Samson. (Later c1981 saw Martin Jenkins and Bert Jansch there). (Sat early in 74)Their 1974 Itinerary was (according to Hobo the following acts were on in part of 1974 –
June 29th Muckran Wakes – Trad. Group.
July 6th Sean Cannon – Irish Singer.
July 13th / 20th / 27th Closed for Fortnight.
August 3rd Gary and Vera – Trad.
August 10th Jug Band
August 17th Dave Turner – Witty Songwriter
August 24th Frogmorton.
August 31st Bob Williamson (of Y Fronts fame)