In issue 16 of the fan club fanzine - MUNGO FOR IT! - December 1999, we spoke with MUNGO JERRY's bass player from the mid-70's, CHRIS WARNES and asked him about his time with the band. Here's what he said.

I NEVER SAW THAT FIRST LINE-UP WITH JOHN BRUNNING, JIM JEWELL AND IAN MILNE, IT SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT ROCK'N ROLL LINE-UP, WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO PLAY IN?

The line-up with John, Jim and Ian was more rocky than the original line up that Ray had. If you listen to the ‘IMPALA SAGA’ album, I think you would agree. It was great playing with the lads, although it was short lived really, about one year with them. I carried on playing with MUNGO JERRY after this time with PETE SULLIVAN, COLIN EARL and JOE RUSH for about three years. All were great times!

I KNOW FROM FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE THAT YOU HAD A GREAT TIME IN THE BAND WHEN COLIN AND JOE RETURNED, DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL MEMORIES OR FUNNY STORIES FROM THAT PARTICULAR LINE-UP?

One of the funniest experiences I can remember was when we were all down the South Of France gigging in clubs. We all had a great tan and good sunburn. We played the gig and went down a storm. Joe managed to get a bottle of champagne, we sat in the mini-bus ready to leave. Joe decided to pour the champagne over my head, which in turn soaked into my sunburn. This was so painful that I jumped up and put a hole in the mini-bus roof. It might not sound funny now but we laughed for hours - even with a thumping headache!

WE FEATURED SOME OF BIZZ's MEMORIES IN AN EARLIER FANZINE AND HE MENTIONED THE WEEK LONG TOUR OF WORKING MEN'S CLUBS IN THE NEWCASTLE AREA. DO YOU REMEMBER MUCH ABOUT THAT?

BIZZ was such a character, it’s funny how the band changed to suit the gig. One night we might be playing at a University wearing jeans, (sorry flares) and a t-shirt, the next would find us playing one of the Baileys Clubs (cabaret) in white suits and all smart like.

HAVE YOU HEARD ANY OF THE BAND'S RECENT RECORDINGS?

No, I haven’t heard of any of the band’s recent recordings. Ray has done so many albums. When I see an album in the shops, I’m not sure if it’s current or earlier, perhaps you could tell me some titles of their latest releases.

WHO ARE YOUR INFLUENCES AND FAVOURITE BANDS?

As far as influences go, it’s really difficult to say. Two weeks ago, I went and saw AEROSMITH at Wembley stadium, or perhaps BILL WYMAN locally. Of course, I’m into my band at present, which is mostly original material. I will send COLIN EARL a copy and see if he remembers me.

WHAT ARE YOU UP TO NOW, TELL US ABOUT YOUR BAND?

I am playing in a band called THE BUSTER JAMES BAND - a rock/blues band. Ray would remember a band called CROW that supported MUNGO JERRY in 1974. That’s how I became a member of the band just after that. Our latest release on CD is called ‘SWEET THING’ - our second album. It’s available in Andy’s Records, which is a record shop in and around the country, priced at £12.99. We are selling the album at gigs for £10.00, or it can be obtained by telephone on 01603-742652. If you wish to promote the album in the fanzine, that would be great. We are still playing open air concerts to about four or five thousand people - it’s still in the blood!