19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Perth bass guitarists share musical experiences down the decades
Guitarists George and Frankie spoke about their love of the Fender Bass.
Two Perth bass guitar players in city bands decades apart shared stories of gigs, late-night rehearsals and treasured instruments.
George Clark - formerly of 1960s Perth band The Erle Blue Stars and resident of the city's Ochil Care Home - met Frankie Sweeney of award-winning Indie rock outfit The Crom who emerged five years ago.
The meeting, arranged by Ochil's activities staff, gave them the opportunity to chat about their shared interests and passion for the bass guitar.
They each revealed a deep admiration for the unmistakable tone of a Fender bass guitar.
Ochil Care Home general manager Liz Stewart said: 'Despite the decades between their debut performances, both musicians discovered a mirror in the other — kindred spirits shaped by rhythm, resilience, and the soulful rumble of baselines.
'For George, who once played packed halls across Perthshire, this moment rekindled memories of his time on stage, while Frankie found insight and inspiration from a local legend whose legacy still echoes in community lore.
'Seeing the spark in George's eyes as he connected with someone who understood his experience — not just musically but personally — was heartwarming.
'It's moments like these that remind us how powerful shared experiences can be.
'The visit left everyone buzzing with joy and proved that music isn't just timeless — it's connective, healing, and deeply human.
'It was a celebration of identity, artistry, and the kind of community that allows stories to be passed on, chord by chord.'
The Crom are influenced by guitar-based rock bands including The Beatles, The Stone Roses, and The Jam.
They took the Best Band title after reaching the final 10 in the category in the eighth annual Radio WigWam Awards 2025.
It followed winning the Best Indie Rock Act at the awards in January 2023.
In 2022 The Crom won the Battle of the Bands competition at Perth venue The Twa Tams.
And their debut album, 'Right On Cue', was nominated for the 2022 Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award.
The Erle Blue Stars, led by the late Erle Jacobson, had a loyal following in the Perth area in the 1960s and regularly played City Hall.
