Blazing Saddles was the name of a fictitious group, devised by songwriter and producer Steve Wright (not the DJ), co-author of the theme to UK Channel 4 soap opera Brookside. The 'group' released one single in 1985 featuring the song 'Free George Jackson', referring to a Brookside character who had been imprisoned, although apparently a victim of criminal injustice. In an effort to heighten interest in the TV series, a "campaign" to free the character was created in real life as telecommunications company BT set up a helpline for viewers to call to receive the latest news on the subject. T-shirts, badges and posters were also created in support of the campaign, making it seem as realistic as possible. The B-side of the Blazing Saddles single featured the Brookside theme co-written by Wright and Dave Roylance, TV producer and composer of many themes for TV series and commercials.
Links to Peel[]
It's not known whether Peel followed Brookside regularly, although would naturally have had an interest in the Merseyside based show, and he is known to have played the 'Free George Jackson' single on at least one occasion.
The soap-opera also cropped up in various contexts during the DJ's career. In the You'll Never Walk Alone Radio 1 special from Liverpool in 1983, Peel meets with Frank Clarke, writer for Brookside between 1983-84. On his 23 November 1983 show Peel remarks that he had himself been mentioned in a recent episode of the show. The Brookside Wiki (link below) confirms that Peel was indeed namechecked in Series 3, Episode 109 aired on 15 November 1983, as well as in Series 43, Episode 1743 aired on 28 June 1996.
Wirral performance poet Jegsy Dodd's backing band, formed on the suggestion of Peel, was called 'The Sons of Harry Cross', taking their name from a major Brookside character. In 2003 Peel also gave some air-time to Liverpool indie band Tramp Attack, co-founded by Brookside actor Kristian Ealey (d.2016). The show ran until November 2003.
Sessions[]
- none
Shows Played[]
- 13 February 1985 - Free George Jackson (7") (also JG04 / JG Tape 4 Peel February 1985 / John Peel Various 1985 Part 2)