Lowestoft Journal

Interview with Alan Fish, Ex Groundhogs, currently front man to Rock/ Blues outfit Egypt.

Living in the heart of Broadland, Alan Fish has been bassist/vocalist for East Anglia blues rock outfit Egypt since 1987, but it is as a long time member of the legendary Groundhogs that gives Alan his greatest claim to fame. Fronted by guitarist Tony McPhee, Groundhogs gained a reputation in the 70’s for delivering hard hitting blues with a raw rock edge. Alan has kept in contact with Tony since the band’s original split and has played with and supported Tony and the re-formed Groundhogs on many occasions.
Today, Egypt are a three-piece comprising of Pete Correa on drums and the incredible Eric Chipolina on guitar/ vocals, both ex-Groundhog members.
Alan Fish is a modest, mild mannered person has spent all of his working life as a hard working musician, enduring all the ups and downs that constant gigging, recording and the general survival in the often wacky world of rock produces. His personality and memory have not fallen foul to the influences that the rock industry has subjected him to over the years, and as you would expect, has some fascinating stories to tell; crazy parties with the Who, in addition to countless madcap antics that life on the road in an often wild lifestyle can produce. Prior to his appearance in the Triangle Tavern next Thursday, I thought I would find out a little more about this man’s intriguing background.

Q. You have been a professional musician for more than 44 years. How did you start in the music business and who were your early influences?
A. My father was a trumpeter and my mother was a pianist so music was in my blood. I formed a school skiffle band at 12. I listened to the guitar sound of The Shadows, The Tornadoes and those type of bands. I once went to the Orford Cellar in Norwich to see Jeff Beck, with Ronnie Wood and Rod Stewart and I was totally impressed and amazed at the things that Jeff did with his guitar. The techniques he was using and the sounds he created became a strong influence to where I went after that.

Q. You have played all over the world with and supporting countless bands. What is you most memorable gig?
A. The big festivals were always great; Reading, Isle of Wight 1970 and Stonehenge supporting Hawkwind in 77. In 1996 I played with Tony McPhee) at Thetford to a handful of people and the flew to Nurenburg the next day in front of an audience of over 30,000 which was fantastic, but my personal special memory was Singapore in 1966 supporting The Beatles and The Stones with Freddie and the Dreamers, The Kinks and Manfred Mann also on the line-up.

Q. The Egypt set mainly comprises of a few Groundhogs oldies, Cherry Red possibly being the most famous, the odd cover and a lot of strong Egypt originals.
Where do you get ideas for new material after a lifetime of experiences? A Normally I start off with the words, often influenced by concepts taken from poetry, and I guess Shakespeare still inspires me. Once we’ve got the lyrics together, we all work on the music.

Q. What are you plans for the future?
A. Well we have a European tour lined up and possibly the States and a many festivals as we can get to. New material will always be in development.

Q.You have travelled and lived all over the world. Why have you decided to settle in Broadland?
A. My parents still live in Norwich and I see East Anglia as one of the last bastions of unspoilt territory, a place where I can escape all the stresses of gigging and recording.

Q. Is there anything that still you wish to achieve musically?
A. I would like Egypt to get more recognition as a band and that would be in the way of a big “Thank you” to all the loyal fans who have followed and supported us over the years.

Well Alan, I sincerely hope you achieve that. You certainly have put in the hard work and dedication to deserve that. You have some great stories to tell and I hope we can talk again sometime, In the meantime I will look forward to seeing yourself and Eric performing in the Triangle Tavern next Thursday.

Gary Hilton