ABOUT THE CONVERSATION
Bev Bevan’s career stretches across some remarkable chapters of British rock music. A self-taught drummer from Birmingham, he went from opening for The Beatles and Rolling Stones to co-founding The Move, building ELO with Jeff Lynne and later touring with Black Sabbath — working along the way with songwriters including Roy Wood, Jeff Lynne and Tony Iommi.
Joined by Quill singer Joy Strachan-Brain, Bev looks back at those formative years, the enormous Out of the Blue ELO tour and his time on the road with Black Sabbath. The conversation then comes right up to date with Quill — a band whose own history stretches back to 1972 — and the friendships, musicians and shared love of performing that continue to keep it moving forward.
“Hell of a band. I have to say. It was such a tight group.”
IN THIS CONVERSATION
01
DISCOVERING THE DRUMS
Buying his first kit without knowing his late father had also been a drummer — then teaching himself by playing along to American rock ’n’ roll records.
02
BUILDING THE MOVE
The idea for a Birmingham “supergroup”, advice from a young David Bowie and a formidable live band that quickly attracted the attention of London’s record companies.
03
HENDRIX, PINK FLOYD & THE ROAD
Touring Britain on an extraordinary bill with Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd and Amen Corner — beginning with a show at the Royal Albert Hall.
04
BUILDING ELO WITH JEFF LYNNE
Running The Move and ELO almost simultaneously, rebuilding the new band after Roy Wood’s departure and eventually breaking America on a huge scale.
05
ARENAS, SABBATH & TONY IOMMI
The spectacular Out of the Blue tour, joining Black Sabbath in the eighties and a friendship with Tony Iommi that has lasted for decades.
06
FINDING A HOME IN QUILL
Joy traces Quill back to its beginnings in 1972, while Bev explains how being a fan eventually turned into joining a band that remains firmly part of his musical life today.
