ROGUE HERRIES
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE HERRIES
Formed in 1978 from the remnants of Bath based bands Sicular Cut and Pork Pie Experiment, Rogue Herries - or simply Herries as they are now not widely known - owe their name to the book of the same name mentioned in the Monty Python 'Cheese Shop' sketch. Nicky Gauntlett fronted the Pork Pies and Chris Griffith headed up Sicular Cut. Beefy Caden - then known as Slim Dicky - was an unknown who had tried out with Elephant’s Pile (later Tears for Fears) but was considered too handsome for their purposes. Nicky and Chrissy first heard Beefy signing in the Shifty Monk pub in Bath one snowy Saturday night in ‘78 and the rest is history.
Chrissy could write songs and play instruments, Nicky could read music and sing and Beefy was good at getting the drinks in. Thus, the germ of an idea began to grow. Chrissy was always the driving force and he moulded what we now know and love into one of the world’s greatest bands.
It almost came to an end in February 1989 when all three were being driven to a gig by Tom Thomson - drummer for the Indelible Stains - and the car left the road on a sharp curve near Freshford and they all survived. This unfortunate event led to the release of their first album, Greatest Hits II.
In 2010 the band’s fortunes changed when Tom Griffith (no relation) was selected to join as roadie and refreshment provider. It was quickly discovered that he could also sing and the rest also isn’t history. Tom, who is a recovering transgender was recently quoted as saying of the band’s success, “huh?”.
Then, in 2013, and by pure dint of fate, Jim Griffith (still no relation) joined the ensemble. Jim is a talented chef and has worked with the likes of Didier Moule, Rascal von Pascal and Grossen Shitzer.
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In a joyous turd of events, the splendid Raul O'Hicks, formerly of uBend has joined the band.
Now all in their late seventies, the originals have new and exciting lives outside the world of music. Nicky is a multi-millionaire and works exclusively with Glee on their television work, Chrissy works as a producer for Tinchey Stryder, Tim is a microphone at Channel 4 and Beefy is a pathetic shadow of his former self and works in Sainsbury‘s in Wantage.
And the rest is history.
WATCH US
LATEST NEWS
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May 2023
In what can only be described as a turn of events, Rogue Herries will be gathering at the Dunkerton site for their much delayed next session. Watch this space for exciting uploads of our music and antics shortly after we have finished this historic get-together innit.
October 2020
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the 2020 session has been postponed until such time as we can all get together and perform meaningful music and films.
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June 2019
This session concentrated on filming a video for the band's own composition Davy. There was a degree of music involved too, but this was mostly about letting our film skills shine.
July 2018
This session focussed on England World Cup appreciation, some songs, beer swilling and burping.
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January 2018
The hugely reduced Herries (Nick and Dick), perform three tunes at a central London location. Particular attention is paid to 10CC's Old Wild Men.
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June 2017
A special session was arranged, where many pieces of music were performed and a new feature film created. New Herrie, Paul, has swollen our numbers to an impressive six.
July 2016
A reduced Herrie gathering was held at Dunkerton Village Hall.
June 2015
Herries perform session at new venue - Seend Cleeve. Hosted by the newest member of the band - Jim. The band took a new direction to proceedings with recording Chris' former hit 'The Secret' and the band's first original song 'Davy'.
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June 2014
Jim Griff comes in to his own with 'Woodstock'. Snoring issues are addresseed with the loudest snorer kipping in the gents bogs.
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October 2012
Yet another Dunkerton spectacular. More pop videos recorded. 'We can work it out' by The Different was performed.
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April 2012
Jim Griff's first full attendance as a Herrie. The boys covered 'Days' by the Kinks, 'Blue Eyes' by Sir Bog and 'Oh Urania' by Andew Gold. The creativity mindset of General Caden is put to good use for the short film 'Homes down under the Hammer'. A comedy masterclass from the entire band - video available soon.
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August 2011
Herries perform once again at the Hall (Dunkerton). Remastered hits performed including 'If Everyone was Listening' by Supertramp and 'Sunny Afternoon' by The Kinks. The band welcomed the newest member of the group - Jim Griff who joined for parts of the session.
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Mid 2011
Band name discussions are thrashed out over many emails. 'Turgid Stench', 'Craptaculer' and 'Smeg Ryan' are dismissed. The band vote in favour of 'Rogue Herries' after the novel by Hugh Walpole as featured in Monty Python..
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February 2011
A mini-session is held over the weekend in early February. Newly acquired band member, Tim, could only attend part-time due to work commitments. Nick tried convincing Tim to skive, but Tim held his nerve! 'Someone Saved my Life' by Sir Elephant Bog was performed by the boys.
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August 2010
'The 3 Gits' as they were known, re-unite for a one-off session at Dunkerton Villiage Hall with guest Tom Griffith. The boys get down to it with 'Little Bird' by The Beach Boys, 'Your Mother should Know' and 'She's leaving Home' by the Beatles. 'After the Goldrush' by Neil Young is practiced but not recorded.
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Early-Mid 2008
'The 3 Gits' are in discussions with agent Tom Griffith to re-unite one more time.