Remember the 'ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT' single? 'Course you do! Well, the drummer on MUNGO's popular rocker was none other than ex-CHICKEN SHACK man, PAUL HANCOX. Paul chatted to the fan club to reminisce about his musical past and his short spell with MUNGO JERRY.

HOW DID YOU START OUT AS A DRUMMER AND WHICH BANDS WERE YOU WITH?

I started in 1963 (aged 13) when after failing to learn the guitar, my Mom and Dad gave me a pair of drumsticks for Christmas. The rest is down to practising in the front room on cardboard boxes at first, then a kit in the front room (very entertaining for next door - not!) My first named band was THE MINDBENDERS - 'GROOVY KIND OF LOVE' fame. After several changes, the nucleus turned into 10CC (ERIC STEWART and GRAHAM GOULDMAN). At this time, I was not interested in spending forever in the studio - an energetic 18 year old - so I got together with ACE KEFFORD (ex-bass player of THE MOVE). After a short break, I got a message that STAN WEBB (CHICKEN SHACK) was trying to make contact, JOHN BONHAM (LED ZEPPELIN) had recommended me to Stan, as we played the 'Brum' circuit, had played in the same band, and had a similar 'hard rock' drum style. We had two great years of playing, and I was privileged to put a solo onto one of the albums - 'IMAGINATION LADY'. I have the CD, which was released a year or so ago. I picked up a copy in New York, sounds even better with digital enhancement.

HOW DID YOU COME TO JOIN MUNGO?

After 'Shack' broke up, another story, the manager, HARRY SIMMONDS called me to say that he had just taken on Ray and he needed a drummer. One rehearsal and we were off. I also brought along BOB DAISLEY (from 'Shack'), as Ray needed a bass player.

YOU DID OF COURSE PLAY ON 'ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT', WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER OF THE RECORDING SESSION?

Interestingly, it was a bit of a disaster. It all started with the producer, (BARRY MURRAY), who was also Harry's business partner. He was used to pop music, not MUSIC! I had a huge battle with him about drum sounds. He wanted a pop machine, I played drums! We had a huge argument - I won! I think he must have convinced everyone that I was trouble, as a result, that may have contributed to my early exit from the band. After Bob and I laid the backing track, as we wanted, we went down the pub and got completely trashed! On returning to the studio, we had to record the B-side, to this day, I don't remember playing it, and I think if Bob were honest, he doesn't either!

THE 'BEYOND THE SUMMERTIME' BOOK TELLS US ABOUT THE BROKEN ANKLE INCIDENT AT CARDIFF CASTLE. WHAT HAPPENED?

It was simple, during the sound check, on a scaffold stage, I went to get off stage and someone had put a swivel chair to step down on, and yes, stupid me, I stepped down, swivelled and broke my ankle in the fall. I remember a Doctor coming forward and driving me down to the local hospital. They strapped it up and I returned to play the gig. Nothing to do with booze or drugs, just a fall!!! I recall being in bloody agony and having to play bass drum with my left foot - lucky I had been used to playing a double bass drum kit in 'Shack'. MUNGO JERRY had a very hectic schedule and I recall Ray turning up at my front door and saying, "sorry, but we have a tour coming up and I've got a drummer." I still think that the recording issues had an impact on this decision...whatever.

YOU CAME TO MUNGO VIA BLUES BAND, CHICKEN SHACK, DID IT SEEM TO YOU THAT YOU WERE JOINING A 'POP BAND' OR FELLOW BLUES BAND?

In my view, music is music, I just wanted to play good music.

AS AN EX-BAND MEMBER WHO ATTENDED THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT IN NEWCASTLE UNDER-LYME, WAS IT GOOD TO CATCH UP WITH RAY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS?

Absolutely! In fact, I intend to get back into music this year, I have played a gig with the first amateur band I was with in Brum. It was great, and we are doing it again on March 10th 2001. I may even get Ray there.

ANOTHER MUNGO DRUMMER, SIMON BAKER, NAMED 'ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT' AS ONE OF THE RECORDS THAT INFLUENCED HIM AS A DRUMMER, LOOKING BACK WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE SONG?

It was the ultimate in 'Rock meets Pop'. I know that Ray was a little nervous about the heavy rhythm patterns, but it was how I heard and played it. It hasn't dated at all - that's when you know it was right! I'm delighted to hear that I influenced an up and coming musician, that's a real complement, thank you.

HOW DO YOU RATE THE CURRENT DRUMMER, JAMES DAVIS?

I've seen him, he's good! I SAID HE'S GOOD!!! I really wish him every success for his future. You can tell within the first 30 seconds when someone has talent, and he has it, all he needs is the right band.