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The Grasshopper's  Madam you see before you stand Octopus
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The Grasshopper's Green Herbarian BandJonny Grasshopper, founder member of the Grasshopper's Green Herbarian Band says he is 'absolutely bowled over' at the prospect of reforming the band for The City Wakes. Jonny is currently rumoured to be on tour with McPeak's Insect Circus Band (but Sir Ronald McPeak strenuously denies that this is true - see letter below - we hope to clear up this confusion as soon as possible) but says that his enthusiasm for the music of his youth has never left him. Jonny and friends in the Grasshopper's Green Herbarian Band
The Grasshopper's Green Herbarian Band was once supported by The Ants Council of Great Britain
STOP PRESS We have recently received a letter from Sir Ronald McPeak, Chairman of the Insect Circus Society. Sir Ronald, for whom we have only the greatest respect, has pointed out that there are a number of possible errors in our summary biography of Jonny Grasshopper. However, Jonny is adamant that his version of events is completely accurate. So, without wishing to offend either party, we have left Jonny's biography as it was, but we also have decided to print Sir Ronald's letter in full at the bottom of this page.
Jonny later went on to play in Capt. Cicadella's Insect Circus Band picture courtesy of The Insect Circus Museum
picture courtesy of The Insect Circus Museum
Before joining McPeak's Insect Circus Band
picture courtesy of The Insect Circus Museum
Last performance this year
You can catch Jonny's last performance of 2007 with the Insect Circus at Croydon Clocktower, 14th - 15th December
Jonny's home while on tour
Video courtesy of Sir Ronald McPeak (download this video to your website from YouTube)
Jonny Grasshopper is currently working on a new album and has been shortlisted as a candidate for next year's Celebrity Big Brother.
From Sir Ronald McPeak, Chairman of the Insect Circus Society
Dear Sir, I have carefully perused your City Wakes website and have found it very interesting. However, I am concerned that some of your facts are misleading (particularly pertaining to some of the information you give relating to The Peaple and any connection to Grasshopper's Green Hiberian {sic} Band). You state that Jonny Grasshopper played with The Peaple on their seminal 1960's album Capt. Cicadella's Insect Circus Band. As I'm sure you know the only full time members of the band were Rinso Sparks, Jim (Dom) Lemon, Saul McHearty and Greg (Clap Hands) Happison. Several session musicians were used on the recording. Perhaps Jonny Grasshopper was amongst them. Do you have documentary evidence of Jonny's involvement? If so, I would be very interested to see it. Many guest artists were to join The Peaple (a little after Capt. Cicadella's) on the first live global television transmission of what has become the anthem of the 60's generation, 'All You Need are Gloves'. (The famous Irish folksinger, Dan O'Von was certainly present as were some of the Earwigs. Photographic evidence suggests that Jonny Grasshopper was also amongst the company). You also state that Jonny went on to perform with Bunkum & Bugbee's band. The record shown on your website was made in 1959.. perhaps he was on a later one? As to his involvement with McPeak's Insect Circus Band, that is also a bold and curious statement. I myself am a member of the band and have no recollection of Jonny ever having played with us. (That stated, if he ever felt moved to approach us for an audition, we would be delighted to give him a listen!) I point the above matters out as an historian, with a particular interest in (and great knowledge of) the history of performing insects. As such, I am concerned that the general public is not misled. Good luck with your venture and any if there is any further relevant information that you think I may be able to furnish you with on these matters, please do not hesitate to ask. Yours sincerely, Sir Ronald McPeak, Chairman The Insect Circus Society |
