Bobby G
Encyclopedia
Bobby G (born Robert Alan Gubby, 23 August 1953 in Epsom
, Surrey
) is a member of pop group Bucks Fizz
. He was the only remaining original member in the group. The other 3 original members have since re-formed under the name The original Bucks Fizz.
In his late teens, he set up his own building business, based on the knowledge he'd gained from his experience and from his father, who was also a builder. Throughout much of the 1970s he remained doing this, as well as a plumbing business later.
By the end of the decade, both businesses had failed, leaving him with heavy debts as well as having chalked up two marriages - both which ended in divorce.
In 1979, G decided to embark on a career in music and began touring pubs and clubs as a solo singer/guitarist. In 1980, G auditioned for a role in the West End
musical Jesus Christ Superstar
and won the part of Pontius Pilate
(understudy). The musical had been running for eight years at the Palace Theatre
(then the longest running musical ever in the UK), but it was in this year that it ended. Bobby G then went on to perform as a resident singer in a local Country Club
.
and were to perform in that year's A Song for Europe
contest with the song "Making Your Mind Up
". After another singer Stephen Fischer
became unavailable, G was offered the job following further auditions.
Along with other members Mike Nolan
, Cheryl Baker
and Jay Aston
the group went on to win the contest and on 4 April 1981 took part in the Eurovision Song Contest
representing the United Kingdom. Bucks Fizz won the contest and the group were catapulted into overnight stardom. The song reached No.1 in the UK charts and sold four million copies worldwide.
Bucks Fizz began a career which saw them chalk up many hits around the world over the next few years, notably so in Britain
, where they became one of the biggest groups of the 1980s and scored many hit singles and albums, including two further No.1s "The Land Of Make Believe" and "My Camera Never Lies
".
On 11 December 1984, while on tour in Newcastle, the group were involved in a coach crash. G received medical attention for whiplash injuries, but unlike other band members, was not seriously harmed. The accident gained much media attention including front-page headlines and television news reports.
The group continued on for the rest of the decade and scored their final hit in 1988.
, no other recordings were made by the group.
Baker left the group in 1993 and around this time, G largely took over the management of Bucks Fizz. Employing two new members, Heidi Manton and Amanda Schwartz, the group continued to perform. In 1995, Nolan also left the group and so G became the only surviving original member. G took on former Dollar
star David Van Day
as Nolan's replacement.
Van Day was keen to record with the group, but G decided that this was not economically viable and was happy to continue touring. Unrest grew between the two and eventually after a show in the Falklands, Van Day sensationally quit the group. G rapidly employed a replacement, while Van Day launched a rival group along with former member Nolan. Unhappy with the situation, G filed a lawsuit against this version of the group and attempted to gain the rights to the Bucks Fizz name. In the early 2000s, G took Van Day to court, but was initially unsuccessful. Eventually he won the right to perform in the only officially recognised Bucks Fizz, following Nolan's departure from the Van Day version. In 2002, the debacle became the subject of a BBC2 documentary entitled Trouble at the Top
, which saw interviews with both G and Van Day centering around their conflicting views.
In 2004, G performed once again with original members Nolan and Baker and later member, Shelley Preston
as part of the Here and Now
1980's revival tour. This took in several arenas around the UK, but remained a one-off as G returned to his currently performing line-up. He also briefly appeared alongside Nolan, Baker, Preston and original member Aston in the video for Comic Relief
's 2007 single "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
"
Bucks Fizz continue to this day with G performing around the UK alongside the latest budget version line-up of members.
TV's Big Deal
, which was released in 1984 and although only reached No.46, the song remained on the UK Charts for 12 weeks. G also wrote and produced a number of songs for Bucks Fizz, none of these were released as singles, but became album tracks and B-sides for the group.
Further solo recordings were made but went unreleased until 2006 and 2008 when two compilation CDs of unreleased Bucks Fizz tracks, The Lost Masters included some of his solo work.
Epsom
Epsom is a town in the borough of Epsom and Ewell in Surrey, England. Small parts of Epsom are in the Borough of Reigate and Banstead. The town is located south-south-west of Charing Cross, within the Greater London Urban Area. The town lies on the chalk downland of Epsom Downs.-History:Epsom lies...
, Surrey
Surrey
Surrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of...
) is a member of pop group Bucks Fizz
Bucks Fizz (band)
Bucks Fizz are an English pop group who achieved success in the 1980s, most notably for winning the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Making Your Mind Up". The group was formed in January 1981 specifically for the contest and comprised four vocalists: Bobby G, Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and...
. He was the only remaining original member in the group. The other 3 original members have since re-formed under the name The original Bucks Fizz.
Early career
After leaving school at 14, G began working in a number of trades, the most significant of these being the building trade. At the same time he joined a part-time rock band, which went under many different names.In his late teens, he set up his own building business, based on the knowledge he'd gained from his experience and from his father, who was also a builder. Throughout much of the 1970s he remained doing this, as well as a plumbing business later.
By the end of the decade, both businesses had failed, leaving him with heavy debts as well as having chalked up two marriages - both which ended in divorce.
In 1979, G decided to embark on a career in music and began touring pubs and clubs as a solo singer/guitarist. In 1980, G auditioned for a role in the West End
West End of London
The West End of London is an area of central London, containing many of the city's major tourist attractions, shops, businesses, government buildings, and entertainment . Use of the term began in the early 19th century to describe fashionable areas to the west of Charing Cross...
musical Jesus Christ Superstar
Jesus Christ Superstar
Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by Tim Rice. The musical started off as a rock opera concept recording before its first staging on Broadway in 1971...
and won the part of Pontius Pilate
Pontius Pilate
Pontius Pilatus , known in the English-speaking world as Pontius Pilate , was the fifth Prefect of the Roman province of Judaea, from AD 26–36. He is best known as the judge at Jesus' trial and the man who authorized the crucifixion of Jesus...
(understudy). The musical had been running for eight years at the Palace Theatre
Palace Theatre, London
The Palace Theatre is a West End theatre in the City of Westminster in London. It is an imposing red-brick building that dominates the west side of Cambridge Circus and is located near the intersection of Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road...
(then the longest running musical ever in the UK), but it was in this year that it ended. Bobby G then went on to perform as a resident singer in a local Country Club
Country club
A country club is a private club, often with a closed membership, that typically offers a variety of recreational sports facilities and is located in city outskirts or rural areas. Activities may include, for example, any of golf, tennis, swimming or polo...
.
Bucks Fizz
In January 1981, G auditioned for a new pop group being put together by songwriter/manager Nicola Martin. The group was called Bucks FizzBucks Fizz (band)
Bucks Fizz are an English pop group who achieved success in the 1980s, most notably for winning the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Making Your Mind Up". The group was formed in January 1981 specifically for the contest and comprised four vocalists: Bobby G, Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and...
and were to perform in that year's A Song for Europe
A Song for Europe
A Song for Europe may refer to:*A Song for Europe, former name of British pre-selection competition for the Eurovision Song Contest, now known as Eurovision: Your Country Needs You...
contest with the song "Making Your Mind Up
Making Your Mind Up
"Making Your Mind Up" is a song by British pop group Bucks Fizz. It was the winner of the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest and a UK Number-one single...
". After another singer Stephen Fischer
Stephen Fischer
Stephen Fischer is a British singer famous for his participation in the 1982 Eurovision Song Contest as part of the duo Bardo. He is married with two children and lives in London....
became unavailable, G was offered the job following further auditions.
Along with other members Mike Nolan
Mike Nolan (singer)
Mike Nolan is a singer and was one of the four original members of the British pop group, Bucks Fizz. He was born in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, but raised in the UK, where he still resides.- Early career :...
, Cheryl Baker
Cheryl Baker
Cheryl Baker is an English television presenter and singer. She is most famous for being a member of 1980s pop group Bucks Fizz, and has performed for the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest twice, winning it the second time.-Early career:After leaving school and a series of secretarial jobs, Cheryl...
and Jay Aston
Jay Aston
Jay Hilda Aston is a singer, dancer, and occasional songwriter who was formerly with the British pop group, Bucks Fizz. She was the youngest member of the group's original line-up, being just 19 at the Eurovision Song Contest....
the group went on to win the contest and on 4 April 1981 took part in the Eurovision Song Contest
Eurovision Song Contest
The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual competition held among active member countries of the European Broadcasting Union .Each member country submits a song to be performed on live television and then casts votes for the other countries' songs to determine the most popular song in the competition...
representing the United Kingdom. Bucks Fizz won the contest and the group were catapulted into overnight stardom. The song reached No.1 in the UK charts and sold four million copies worldwide.
Bucks Fizz began a career which saw them chalk up many hits around the world over the next few years, notably so in Britain
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, where they became one of the biggest groups of the 1980s and scored many hit singles and albums, including two further No.1s "The Land Of Make Believe" and "My Camera Never Lies
My Camera Never Lies
"My Camera Never Lies" is a 1982 single by pop group, Bucks Fizz. It became a UK number-one hit single in April 1982 and was featured on their album Are You Ready.- Background :...
".
On 11 December 1984, while on tour in Newcastle, the group were involved in a coach crash. G received medical attention for whiplash injuries, but unlike other band members, was not seriously harmed. The accident gained much media attention including front-page headlines and television news reports.
The group continued on for the rest of the decade and scored their final hit in 1988.
Later Bucks Fizz
In 1990, Bucks Fizz became a three-piece (G, Nolan and Baker), and they continued to tour the country. Apart from a 1991 Live albumLive At Fairfield Halls
Live at Fairfield Halls is a live album released in 1991 by pop group Bucks Fizz. It was their first and only release with Jet Records.- Background :...
, no other recordings were made by the group.
Baker left the group in 1993 and around this time, G largely took over the management of Bucks Fizz. Employing two new members, Heidi Manton and Amanda Schwartz, the group continued to perform. In 1995, Nolan also left the group and so G became the only surviving original member. G took on former Dollar
Dollar (band)
Dollar are a pop vocal duo from the UK, consisting of David Van Day and Thereza Bazar. The duo were successful in the late 1970s and 1980s.-Career:...
star David Van Day
David Van Day
David Van Day is an English singer and media personality, formerly a member of the pop duo Dollar. He was also a member of the 1970s vocal group Guys 'n' Dolls , and a latter-day version of Bucks Fizz....
as Nolan's replacement.
Van Day was keen to record with the group, but G decided that this was not economically viable and was happy to continue touring. Unrest grew between the two and eventually after a show in the Falklands, Van Day sensationally quit the group. G rapidly employed a replacement, while Van Day launched a rival group along with former member Nolan. Unhappy with the situation, G filed a lawsuit against this version of the group and attempted to gain the rights to the Bucks Fizz name. In the early 2000s, G took Van Day to court, but was initially unsuccessful. Eventually he won the right to perform in the only officially recognised Bucks Fizz, following Nolan's departure from the Van Day version. In 2002, the debacle became the subject of a BBC2 documentary entitled Trouble at the Top
Trouble at the Top
Trouble at the Top was a business-based BBC television fly on the wall documentary broadcast on BBC2.A spin off four-part series, Trouble at the Big Top, followed developments at the Millennium Dome in a similar style....
, which saw interviews with both G and Van Day centering around their conflicting views.
In 2004, G performed once again with original members Nolan and Baker and later member, Shelley Preston
Shelley Preston
Shelley Preston , is a singer who is most famous for being the new girl when she joined pop group Bucks Fizz in June 1985.- Career :...
as part of the Here and Now
Here and Now Tour
The Here and Now Tour is a series of concert tours, which began in 2001, featuring groups and singers famous in the 1980s. The Tour takes in arenas and theatres around the UK and still runs today. The tours are organised by Tony Denton Promotions...
1980's revival tour. This took in several arenas around the UK, but remained a one-off as G returned to his currently performing line-up. He also briefly appeared alongside Nolan, Baker, Preston and original member Aston in the video for Comic Relief
Comic Relief
Comic Relief is an operating British charity, founded in 1985 by the comedy scriptwriter Richard Curtis and comedian Lenny Henry in response to famine in Ethiopia. The highlight of Comic Relief's appeal is Red Nose Day, a biennial telethon held in March, alternating with sister project Sport Relief...
's 2007 single "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
"I'm Gonna Be " is a song written and performed by The Proclaimers. It was released on their 1988 Sunshine on Leith album, and subsequently as a single. It has become one of their most popular songs, reaching No. 11 in the UK charts and No. 1 on the Australian ARIA Charts in 1989, plus, five years...
"
Bucks Fizz continue to this day with G performing around the UK alongside the latest budget version line-up of members.
Solo career
G was keen to launch a solo career during the hit-making days of Bucks Fizz. In the end, only one single was released. This was the theme tune to BBCBBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
TV's Big Deal
Big Deal (TV Series)
Big Deal is a British television comedy/drama series produced by the BBC between 1984 and 1986. The series was created and written by Geoff McQueen who created several other major television series including Give Us a Break, Stay Lucky, and The Bill.Starring Ray Brooks and Sharon Duce, the series...
, which was released in 1984 and although only reached No.46, the song remained on the UK Charts for 12 weeks. G also wrote and produced a number of songs for Bucks Fizz, none of these were released as singles, but became album tracks and B-sides for the group.
Further solo recordings were made but went unreleased until 2006 and 2008 when two compilation CDs of unreleased Bucks Fizz tracks, The Lost Masters included some of his solo work.
Personal life
In the 1970s, G married twice and had a child by his first wife. In the early 1980s he divorced his second wife but subsequently continued in a relationship with her while fathering a second child in 1982. They split in the 1990s and G began a relationship with band member Heidi Manton. They married in 2000 and are still together. They have a daughter, Millie Rose (born July 2006, Tiverton, Devon).External links
- http://www.bucksfizz.co.uk/index.htm
- Bobby's page on Bucks Fizz Official website