Talent Scout Found Big Names

IN the 1960s Malcolm Dix promoted bands, one of which, The Gas Board, featured future Roxy Music frontman Bryan Ferry and Mike Figgis – director of films such as Stormy Monday and the Oscar- nominated Leaving Las Vegas.

Ferry was apparently sacked because he a had a tremble in his voice which didn’t suit the group’s soul style. Malcolm confirmed he quit after a bust-up with other band members. “But to be fair, that sort of thing happened regularly in groups at that time.”

He had about 25 bands on his books, one of which was Downtown Faction, later called Lindisfarne. But he believes his greatest triumph was getting The Gas Board on TV music show Ready Steady Go in 1967. Once, they supported Little Richard at Newcastle City Hall. Malcolm said: “I went backstage later and flashed my card at Little Richard. He wanted to know if Malcolm Dix was any relation to Malcolm X.”

(c) 2008 The Journal – Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.