Bobby Arnold Died 28th April 2003
The best guitarist on Merseyside? So many great guitarists have come from this area that it's a hard question to answer. Bobby's playing combined so many musical styles making it even more difficult to categorise him. He was probably more associated with country music due to his long career with Kenny Johnson and Northwind, but Bobby's reputation went far beyond country. Before that he was also a formidable rock guitarist in the group, Leo. To my ears, he was fluent in rockabilly, rock'n'roll, contemporary rock, all country styles and probably jazz as well. He drew all these influences into a style that was instantly recognisable as Bobby Arnold. In his later years Bobby was a regular member of the Bar Room Boys. I've spent many happy Monday afternoons in the Bridge Inn listening to the Bar Room Boys, but mainly to Bobby's guitar playing. I was lucky enough to be there when Bobby played bottleneck on the guitar (sometimes using a pint glass). I like to think that Bobby was finding a new way to express himself in the blues in his latter days. Some may think it odd when I mention Jimi Hendrix in the same breath as Bobby Arnold. Jimi always urged all guitarists to avoid copying note for note and to find their own voice on the guitar. I'm sure Bobby didn't read this about Jimi, but he followed the same dictum. Bobby was a complete guitarist. He died of throat cancer in 2003 after receiving many awards for his life in music. The Bridge Inn has a framed photograph of him in the corner where he so often played. Bobby gave great pleasure to so many people and leaves us with memories that will last forever. The best guitarist on Merseyside? Bobby was a modest person and would never claim that -- but too his many fans (myself included) he was up there with the greats.
Bobby (centre) with his first group. Kenny Guy (waving), unknown cowboy and Bobby
Click here for more information on Bobby
Many thanks to Leo for the use of photographs
