Me and Frank Sidebottom outside the SFM studio in Withernsea.

Who remembers Frank Sidebottom then?

I grew up watching Frank Sidebottom on 80s kids TV show 'No.73' (which was made by TVS, sorry I'm being an anorak again!). Frank would regularly appear, and I couldn't help but get drawn in by this bizarre characters attempts too steal the spotlight. Infact, when I put in the call to Frank, he replied saying he'd come on the show as it might help him be "famous, like Paul McCartney!"

So, Frank Sidebottom (and his driver Dave, a long time fan) came down prior to his appearance at a comedy night in Hull on October 28th 2007. On the show, Frank did a bit of random poetry, before having a tinkle on his keyboard. He asked if I wanted a song playing, I suggested Billy Ocean's 'Love really hurts without you', but there was no way Sidey was going to do that, instead I got a his rendition of the punk classic 'Sheena is a Punk Rocker' by The Ramones!"

Frank Sidebottom was on the show for 2 hours chatting about his TV appearances on 'Match of The Day', 'Remote Control' (with Anthony H Wilson), 'No.73' and of course his very own TV series filmed at Yorkshire Television in Leeds, 'Franks Fantastic Shed Show'.

Later that night, I met up with Frank Sidebottom (and Dave) again before Sidie's gig at Pave on Princes Avenue in Hull, I even ended up selling raffle tickets at half time!!!

The gig was sold out and packed to the raffters with punters like me, who had also grown up watching Frank on the telly and who were thrilled to see him in person, of course there was also the die-hard fans, and even a currious younger crowd who also seem to have been drawn in by the quirkyness of Timperley's number one export.

Frank Sidebottom first came to light in an interview with someone called Chris Sievey on a promotional 12" record for a ZX Spectrum computer game called 'The Biz'. If my memory serves me correctly, the ZX Spectrum was launched in 1982, so the fact that Frank is still touring, singing and appearing on the telly shows today, shows the longevity of this character and long may it continue!

Related Articles:

• the official SFM show page.
• Mike Brown meets Trevor Lock.

Related Links:

• Frank Sidebottom's official website.
• Franksworld.co.uk.
• Frank Sidebottom's proper telly show on Channel M.
• Frank Sidebottom's test card on Channel M.
• Frank Sidebottom on Granada TV's "Granada Reports" on Youtube.
• Frank Sidebottom on Channel 4's "Remote Control" on Youtube.