It was early in 1966. Roger Siggery, drummer with British beat group Tonys Defenders, was on the hunt for some new "tubs" from the much revered Ludwig Drum Co. A trip to the London Soho based drum store of Chas E Foote proved fruitful when he stumbled on a nearly new Ludwig Super Classic kit, resplendent in champagne sparkle. With a price tag of £250 also including an LM400 snare, Zildjian Avedis cymbals, a full complement of hardware and cases....the deal was struck! It was put straight to work keeping the backbeat for the band, who were amid a relentless touring schedule and soon to be recording in London`s, famous, Abbey Road Studio No2 following a recently signed contract with EMI Columbia records.
Fast forward to the night of October 25th 1966, during the bands week`s residency at the "elite" Scotch Of St James club in the heart of the swinging London scene. Roger recalls being approached by, ex Animals bassist, Chas Chandler asking " Would you guys mind giving up your middle set tonight? " for a new act. After clearing it with the club`s manager and confirmation that they would still be paid in full for the night, Roger and the band also agreed to loan their backline and drum kit. Enter the recently formed Jimi Hendrix Experience who, after recording their first single `Hey Joe` only two days prior, were about to perform their British debut showcase gig!
Roger was already a big fan of Mitch Mitchell since his previous work with Georgie Fame. Needless to say he was somewhat thrilled by him using his Ludwig kit. It did ,however, take some effort on Rogers part in swapping the kit over from left to right handed but he recalls Mitch saying " Don`t worry ill manage! "
At the end of the night, by way of thanks, Mitch bought Roger a couple of pints of lager in the Chequers Tavern, just across the road from the club. Looking back, Roger remembers this as " Just another gig! "........Whoever could have guessed what was to come!
The kit remained in Rogers hands for almost 50 years. Performing in numerous bands, touring across the UK, Europe and Scandinavia. Sharing the stage with many famed acts including Canned Heat and Grand Funk Railroad. Ùpon its retirement i was lucky enough to buy the kit from Roger, on the understanding that it would continue to see more action! After undergoing some fairly minor restoration, including various reproduced genuine Ludwig parts she`s now fit and ready, sounding great and ready to rock on for many years to come!
Paul Brown.
Thanks to Ryan at Savage Sound Studios for the photography