Alan Hodgson aka Bude, Budeaux, Alby, Albert and later Toots, first made his debut as a singer in a covers band called The Shape . The band later changed its name to The Shapeless Annette after the drummer's girlfriend, Annette, left the band! Bitten by the music bug and taking to the lifestyle like a duck to scrumpy his next band, The Alby , really made the audiences sit up and take notice! His eye catching showmanship and outrageous stunts became legendary, and a large following soon developed.
The band eventually left Plymouth to try their luck in London and narrowly missed out on a recording deal. Returning to Plymouth, Alby's next musical experience was as a stand in singer frontman with a groundbreaking blues band called The Betterdays , who were destined for much success in the South West and later Europe, unfortunately without him.
Then along came another local band who wrote their own material. Clown did get that elusive record contract, and in 1972 Alby recorded his first self penned single with a major label. When the band eventually broke up, he stayed on in London and recorded more of his own material with "The Chancers". He was no longer interested in covering other peoples songs and began to build his own repertoire.
Eventually returning to Plymouth, he joined The Octave Doctors on the condition that they only play original material. Many of his songs were featured in their new set, and when they changed their name to Toots Earl and The Redneck Band , a large fan base rapidly materialised. Toots became a firm favourite in venues throughout the South West, and recorded an excellent album with the band before another inevitable breakup ensued.
This time Toots retreated into clubland as one half of a singing duo. This new departure gave him the finance and time to further develop his songwriting. After his flirtation with the club circuit came to an end, Toots became rather reclusive until the formation of yet another band, Toots Earl and The Band That Time Forgot . Again history repeated itself, and Toots and the band made a big impact on the local music scene, packing venues both in and outside the city. Toots managed to record an album with the band before yet another breakup!
This time Toots became a virtual recluse for a lengthy period until a reunion with three of the original members of Clown . The time was right for another round of recording sessions, and Toots Earl was resurrected! New compositions began to flow freely again, and two albums were quickly recorded. This year (2007), he is completing his third album with his old band, and has signed a three year deal to be represented in the Far East. There is also current interest from quarters nearer to home.
If at first you don't succeed, "do a Toots". As the great man says, "I never say never!". He really is such an inspirational character. Enjoy!
Mike Oxlong, Music News and Echo (M.N.E.), 2007
