The Count Bishops - Never To Be Forgotten

» NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN

There'll be a new album by the Bishops (née Count Bishops) in the shops any day now and you're gonna buy it. I don't give a damn if you never heard of these guys or if your brother's in the band, if you've ever uttered the words rock & roll with any sort of reverence, you NEED this album. I haven't heard it yet (nor do I even know the title for that matter), though I'll stake my claim as to it's greatness. Despite my ecstatic stance here there is a side of unhappiness surrounding its release. This album will stand as the last recorded work of Zen Hierowski a/k/a Zenon de Feur.

This past March, Zen died unexpectedly during a routine operation in a London hospital. He was involved in a car accident in the early hours of the morning following a Bishops gig at the Nashville and though at first he was listed in a critical condition, his recovery seemed assured. Apparently Zen's condition had drastically improved over the next few days and he'd asked band mates to seek a temporary replacement untill he was fit to play again. Sadly, that day will never come.

If you're ever counting up those who've played a key role in the 70's British R&B scene, let Zenon head your list. Aside from his solid rhythm guitar playing that's always driven the Bishops' sound, Zen has played an active role in helping other local combos with his technical assistance and productions (he did two fine albums with Blast Furnace and the Heatwaves). His legacy will ultimately be in songs like "Train Train", one of the finest records to come out of England since "I Hear You Knocking".

The first Bishops record (and the premier Chiswick release, by the way) "Speedball", a fiery EP of vintage R&B classics, was a rude awakening in those dull days of yore when the new wave was a rumor at best. Along with bands like Dr. Feelgood, the Count Bishops rose from the ashes of Britain's then-stagnating pub scene and their rigorous gigging has made them one of the most rockin' bands in England. Early on, original lead singer Mike Spenser left to form the Cannibals, yet before picking up replacement Dave Tice the band layed down some more R&B classics that eventually made it onto a Dynamite album Good Gear. Believe me, it's hot. With Tice, there were two more powerful albums (one studio and one live) and a handfull of singles all attesting to the Bishops' position as one of the top bands in England right now.

In the States, as always, it's a different story. A classic tale of THE MUSIC BIZ Vs. great music. I can't help but think of how Ducks de Luxe lost out in the same game and now everybody's looking back on their sounds saying how great they were. This country's musical taste is generally 50% bullshit and 50% hindsight. Really, have you ever heard the Bishops on the radio here (yeah... once-ed)? Cult status just doesn't put the meat and potatoes on the table. All I'm trying to say is we Yanks need bands like the Bishops as much as they need our support. Rock & Roll is the underdog now in the ROCK MUSIC BIZ and there're people who won't accept that. People like Zeon de Fleur.

I'm not the one to write Zen's obituary. We only met once and I've never seen the band live, yet I'm a fan of the great sounds the Bishops have always delivered. Somebody once remarked to me that the Count Bishops were "good, but they're just a rock'n'roll band" then went on to rant and rave about one of Eno's post nasal dripped "epics". Well look, man, to me it's an honor to be part of the twentieth century's greatest invention and if you wanna follow some Trendy Wendy down the Yellow Chic Road, that's fine. Just remember one thing- in 1979 the words "Rock and Roll" band aren't to be taken lightly. Name me all the groups nowadays who could lay down a number as bold and as honest as "Train Train". I can name 'em on one finger. Goodbye, Zen and god bless you.

By Billy Miller - First published in Young, Fast And Scientific #2, 1979.

Paul Balbi, Zenon de Fleur, Dave Tice, Johnny Guitar, Pat McMullan.

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