IAN Chesterman
IAN Chesterman
Ian Chesterman
with Brian Jones
As I write I am wishing I had Ian’s chronological memory and perhaps a sprinkling of his amazing talent with words so I could tell this story more eloquently and maybe even be able to finish it before bedtime!
Ian always said (whilst waggling his glasses up and down in the style of Eric Morecambe) ‘We should both do what we’re best at, so I’ll write the songs then you arse about with them like you do’. It would appear all that arsing about has now come back to bite me on the backside as I sit, staring at my computer screen remembering all the wonderful times we spent together hoping that what is in my head will soon make its way to the two fingers I use to type with.
Ian Chesterman
with Brian Jones
As I write I am wishing I had Ian’s chronological memory and perhaps a sprinkling of his amazing talent with words so I could tell this story more eloquently and maybe even be able to finish it before bedtime!
Ian always said (whilst waggling his glasses up and down in the style of Eric Morecambe) ‘We should both do what we’re best at, so I’ll write the songs then you arse about with them like you do’. It would appear all that arsing about has now come back to bite me on the backside as I sit, staring at my computer screen remembering all the wonderful times we spent together hoping that what is in my head will soon make its way to the two fingers I use to type with.
![Ian Chesterman - Openhouse Studio](https://openhousefolk.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ian-Chesterman.png)
We both shared the same views and influences so were always drawn together when we met at one of the many folk clubs in Wirral or North Wales. Consequently, our repertoires, at that time, were similar so an impromptu jam together to finish a night was never difficult.
I first met Ian in the early 70’s when he was working with Paddy Nagle and Sean Gilligan as The Wild Geese. In fact, I was to stand in for him on a few gigs during a short illness.
They weren’t traditional folk artists; more popular songs in the folk tradition. One of the trademark songs was “Seven Little Girls” which was invariably a fun hit with the audience, but a little embarrassing for the girls with their Play School actions. The group enjoyed travelling around the Wirral and further afield in a white Ford Transit van; although there was a hairy trip one night on the way home from one of their favourite venues in Wrexham – travelling at about 20mph through a soupy fog – well done Ian “Roadie” Proctor for getting us safely back to the Wirral.
THEstory OF THE IAN CHESTERMAN BAND
1963 to 1970: “The Cousins” (Ian & Ken Chesterman) (1962 – 1968).
“The Cousins & Rosemary” (Ian & Ken Chesterman and Rose Price) (1968 – 1970).
First gig was November 1963. Played on BBC Radio shows, “Blackpool Night”, “North West Tonight”, and BBC Wales TV show, “The Singing Barn” (with The Hennessys) in 1969.
1970 to 1972: Ian & John (Ian Chesterman & John Chester).
Residents at The Little Theatre Folk Club, Chester and The Cellar Folk Club, Chester.
It was in the early 1970’s that Ian came across a certain Brian Jones from The Wirral, subsequently playing at his folk clubs at both The British Legion, Moreton and The Wayfarers Club, Moreton in the following years.
1972 to 1976: “The Wild Geese” (Paddy Nagle, Sean Gilligan and Ian Chesterman).
Won the Song for Wales (Can I Gymru) in August 1972 (as Paddy, Sean & Ian) with Harri Webb’s lyrics put to music by Ian.
Appeared as guests on BBC Radio “Folk on Two” show.
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HIGHLIGHTS