Brian Locking
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Brian Locking b.Bedworth, England, December 22, 1940 was bass guitarist with The Shadows 1962-1963.
He began playing double bass in several bands, notably with Lincolnshire-based rocker Vince Eager. He switched to bass guitar, later joining The Wildcats, backing group of rock singer Marty Wilde. A fellow Wildcat was drummer and future Shadow Brian Bennett. He also played several other instruments, including clarinet (nicknamed the licorice stick), which earned Locking the nickname 'Licorice.'
When Marty Wilde parted company from The Wildcats, they changed their name to the Krew Kats and recorded instrumentals with modest success. Drummer Brian Bennett left to join The Shadows. In April 1962 Licorice himself was invited to join The Shadows to replace Jet Harris.
Stylistically, Licorice Locking had a solid "less is more" approach, which was the obverse of Harris's adventurous hard-driving style. The Shadows's sound changed as a result. Locking played on some of The Shadows's best tracks, including Dance On, Foot Tapper and Atlantis. He also played the harmonica in live shows and on his signature album track Dakota. He appeared in the Cliff Richard film Summer Holiday.
After being in The Shadows for only eighteen months, Brian Locking left to pursue his Jehovah's Witness activities.
He briefly played with The Shadows again, while his successor John Rostill was hospitalised.
After all that he went on to play at Shadows fan clubs all over the country.
| The Shadows |
|---|
| Hank Marvin | Bruce Welch | Brian Bennett Jet Harris | Tony Meehan | Brian Locking | John Rostill | Ian Samwell | Terry Smart |
| Production |
| Norrie Paramor | Peter Vince | Warren Bennett | Abbey Road Studios |
| Related articles |
| Cliff Richard | 1960s |
