Biography
3 September 1947, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Blues guitarist Eric Bell’s first home town band was the Atlantics, a mid-60s outfit who played a series of cover versions emulating imported UK artists of the time, such as the Shadows and Beatles. His first big break came with the Deltones, who appeared as supporting act at numerous showband gatherings. He then met Van Morrison, shortly after the latter had left Them. However, their association dissolved after a particularly shambolic performance at the Queen’s University Rag Ball. Bell eventually turned professional as guitarist with the Bluebeats Showband, from Glasgow, Scotland. That lasted two years, before his contacts with Them saxophonist Ray Elliot took him to Leeds to work with another showband, this time playing Celtic and Irish music. When Bell returned to Northern Ireland, he replaced Gary Moore in Shades Of Blue, then regulars at the Maritime Hotel. However, he decided to turn his back on...
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