I was vaguely familiar with Norman Watt-Roy during the 1980s, more of just seeing his name on a lot of albums that I had back then. As I have done more reading and researching on my favorite music from back then, I have come to realize that he was an unsung hero from the punk/new-wave era.
Watt-Roy started put playing in a number of rock bands during the late 1960s and early 1970s with his brother Garth. Later that decade he met up with Ian Dury and played on the Blockheads first album, New Boots and Panties!! on the Stiff label in 1977. Watt-Roy would later join up in Wilko Johnson’s band in 1985.
However, it is his guest appearances on other albums that let me know how great he was. He plays on Nick Lowe’s album Jesus of Cool (known in the US as Pure Pop for the Now People), giving memorable bass lines on “Nutted by Reality.” However, my favorite of his bass work appears on The Clash’s album Sandinista! Watt-Roy laid down some of the greatest grooves on the most memorable songs, “The Magnificent Seven” and “Hitsville UK,” along with “The Call Up.” Charlie Don’t Surf,” and “Something About England.” Those first two songs have always been held in high regard with me, and when I was playing bass during that time, those were two songs that I had to learn. It was painstakingly difficult, as I was using a pick, while Watt-Roy plucked with his fingers. It was only recently that Clash drummer Topper Headon stated that Watt-Roy played the bass groove on the band’s biggest hit, “Rock the Casbah” from Combat Rock.
Watt-Roy also worked with The Selecter, and laid down bass work on Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s “Relax” in 1983, although the final mix didn’t have his playing. He did session work with Roger Daltrey and Wreckless Eric, and during the early 2000s, he performed with a later incarnation of Madness. Recently, he has been appearing with reincarnations of The Blockheads.
I urge any bass player in pop and modern rock/punk bands to search out Watt-Roy’s bass work. The man had a way of making average songs get a dance able groove without going too pop. I hope that he also gets more recognition for his amazing work.
Chew on it and comment.
Luegra 