Ollie Halsall

Peter John 'Ollie' Halsall (14 March 1949 - 29 May 1992) was a left-handed guitarist and is best known for his role in The Rutles, the bands Patto, Timebox and Boxer, and for his contribution to the music of Kevin Ayers. He is also notable as one of the few players of the vibraphone in rock music. He was known as Ollie because of his distinctive way of pronouncing his surname with a dropped 'h'. The Ollie Halsall Archive was established in 1985, with the aim of documenting and promoting the work of a unique musician.

Career

<blockquote>Ollie may not have been the best guitarist in the world, but he was certainly among the top two. John Halsey, 1997</blockquote>

Halsall (ex Pete and the Pawnees, The Gunslingers, The Music Students, all 1964, The Rhythm and Blues Incorporated, 1965), came to London in October 1966 to play vibraphone with the pop rock outfit Timebox (which included bassist Clive Griffiths and keyboardist 'Professor' Chris Holmes. Halsall took up guitar, they enlisted Mike Patto on vocals and drummer 'Admiral' John Halsey.

It has been suggested that the electric guitar parts played in Donovan's psychedelic 1968 single "The Hurdy Gurdy Man" were played by Halsall.

In 1970, following the departure of Holmes, Timebox evolved into the band Patto. They played a blend of progressive Jazz rock featuring Halsall's guitar work.

In 1973, Halsall left to join Jon Hiseman's Tempest. After less than a year, he quit and did...
Read More