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John joined the shadows in November 1963 as replacement for Brian Locking. Staying with them until the break up in December 1968, and being part of the ´re-formed Shadows` in 1969/70 makes him the longest serving bass playing member of the Shadows.
Between 1960 and 1963, John made countless appearances on tours. As a member of Terry Young's band (under various names) and later the Interns, John appeared with or backed many stars of the era such as the Everly Brothers, Tommy Roe, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Frank Ifield and Shane Fenton. It was on these tours that he first came to the attention of the Shadows.
In 1963 the Terry Young Six (including John) recorded a single on the Pye International label under the name `The Sons of Piltdown Men´. This single (7N25206) is very hard to find, but both sides (Mad Goose and Be a Party) were reissued on the CD ´Instrumental Diamonds Volume 3 - Out of this World` (Sequel Records NEXCD 244)
Joining the Shadows was a great
change in John's career. His first assignment took him to the Canary Islands for the
filming of Wonderful Life and from there he went on to tour the World with them. As well
as Wonderful Life, John also played a part in Finders Keepers and the less well known 25
minute support film Rhythm and Greens. He also took part in the pantomimes Aladdin and
Cinderella, helping to write the score for both. Indeed, John's songwriting talents soon
became a big asset to the group as he featured as co-writer on many of their hits. Of
course, he was also a technically brilliant bass guitarist. The following quote from Hank
is taken from Rob Bradford's excellent book:
"All the bass players in the Shadows had different styles - Jet was very driving,
forceful player. Brian Locking, not so driving or adventurous, but a very steady player,
and then John Rostill, again quite driving, much more adventurous and much more of a
virtuoso on the instrument, a very fine musician".
John was part of the re-formed
Shadows line up that toured the UK and Japan in 1969. As well as the classic single
"Slaughter on Tenth Avenue", John features prominently on the Live LP recorded
at the Sankei Hall. The quality of this album is variable but its an invaluable addition
to any Shadows collection as, in the absence of Bruce, John can be heard doing the
announcements. He also features on some of the tracks on the 1970 album "Shades of
Rock".
Late
in 1969, Tom Jones was collecting top musicians to support him in the USA. John Rostill
was a natural choice for bass player. He spent much of the next 4 years in America,
touring extensively with and supporting Tom in cabaret and can be heard on the LPs
"Live at Caesar's Palace" and "Live in Las Vegas". He couldn't join
the Shadows line up in 1973 because he was still under contract to Tom Jones.
During this time, he also began to develop his writing talents. Releasing his
only solo single "Funny Old World/Green Apples" in 1971. (Very difficult single
to find, but both sides are included on the Shadows' CD collection "Everything of
Value". Three of his compositions "Let me be There", "Please Mr
Please" and "If you love me, let me know" were recorded by Olivia Newton
John and although they sold poorly in the UK, they became million sellers in the USA.
Tragically, John didn't live to see the enormous success of his songs. On November 26th 1973, Bruce called at his house to work on some songs. When He and John's wife Margaret gained access to the studio, they found that John had been electrocuted.
His death was a great loss not only to his
family, he had married Margaret in March 1970 and son Paul had been
born in 1972, but to music in general.
John is usually remembered as being quiet and reserved. The focus of the group had changed since the departure of Jet Harris and by 1963, Hank and Bruce were the recognisable ´big name personalities` within the group. John was, however, an exceptionally fine musician and his tremendous contribution as guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for the Shadows should not be underestimated.
For the full story of John Rostill, Rob Bradford's excellent book "Funny old World" is highly recommended.
