Article 2000 – A Tribute To Pete Sargeant

 

 

 ‘Pete Sargeant, I miss you, we all miss you.  In all my years working in this industry, never have I met such a kind and considerate journalist as you – with a musical knowledge that outstrips most of us.  Pete you are sadly missed every day, but never ever forgotten.  Rest in peace you wonderful man.”  Sam Giannini – The PR Stable/Kilimanjaro Live

The thing I remember most about Pete, was the fact you always felt you came away from a conversation better educated than you were before. Whether it was niche and obscure music history, a recording you never knew existed, or some guitar trivia, Pete always had something to tell you (“Guitar tone starts at the strings, Asher!”). His enthusiasm was infectious, as was his intention of creating an extended family of music-heads around his actual family, as his son Glenn was guaranteed to be by his side at every show and event. I still find myself, when working with a new client, thinking “Damn, Pete would have loved this one!” Asher Alexander of Republic Media

Pete Sargeant, was a wealth of musical knowledge, especially on blues and roots, as well as being a real enthusiast for the music. He would support artists by placing well-researched interviews with them in outlets he wrote for and also by coming out to their gigs. I know you accompanied him on many occasions. Such commitment to helping these artists and their careers in the UK was always much appreciated. Claire Horton Owner of Claire Horton PR

Pete was one of the first people to review my solo output (favourably, I might add) which emerged after several decades as a session player-something which many journalists don’t find endearing. He also welcomed me into “Blues Matters” which might not have seemed an immediate fit. His hard work and dedication to new music, regardless of the age or experience of the practitioners was remarkable. And whether I was playing my own material or someone else’s, he’d be at a gig. Truly dedicated and truly missed. Matt Backer Singer-songwriter and Guitarist 

Pete always listened to everything I sent him and his feedback was nearly always positive.

He did many reviews and features for Frontier Promotions over the years including featuring Joe Bonamassa albums and gigs which obviously contributed to Joe’s rise to fame. He was so excited to be invited to Joe’s gig at The Royal Albert Hall and went on to write other gig reviews for Joe and many other blues artists who we’ve worked with over the years. There were so many blues musicians he wrote about for us it’s hard to remember them all but here’s a few:- Walter Trout, Danny Bryant, Aynsley Lister, Beth Hart, Buddy Whittington, John Mayall, Eric Bibb, Eric Gales, Eric Sardinas, Joan Armatrading, Jon Amor, Matt Andersen, Philip Sayce, Popa Chubby, Simon McBride, Warren Haynes (Gov’t Mule) etc.

Pete was a gentle, thoughtful person and his reviews were always honest.

His memory lives on through you and I’m so glad you (Glenn) continue in his footsteps. Sue Williams Owner of Frontier Promotions

Pete was a prominent figure in the music world, frequently mentioned in discussions among fellow music journalists and musicians, all of whom held him in high regard. I greatly enjoyed perusing his articles, as he was a prolific writer known for his deep understanding of artists and their music. He actively supported emerging talent and his legacy continues to be fondly remembered and deeply missed by many. Claire Lloyd Owner of Central Press PR 

“I think I first met Pete when setting up interviews with Blues Matters magazine, around the time of Robert Palmer’s ‘Drive’ album, which, incredibly, is now over twenty years ago. Pete’s enthusiasm and musical knowledge was immense, something that wasn’t lost on the artists he interviewed. While offering Pete the ‘big names’ was par for the course, he was equally happy to champion new artists – not only reviewing new releases, but spending many evenings catching the train into London to watch aspiring acts perform showcases in some, frankly, dodgy venues! I always appreciated that, as I’m sure many other PRs did. But work aside, we’d often enjoy going down the rabbit hole of emailing each other obscure tracks by long-forgotten funk and soul artists because, ultimately, Peter was, like me, a fan. He was also a top bloke, who is very much missed.”   Dave Clarke Owner of Planet Earth Publicity

Pete Sargeant was a man who lived and breathed music. He was enveloped in it. His drive and enthusiasm were infectious. I met him early on in my career and he supported me throughout. I owe him a debt of gratitude. We would often bump into each other at concerts quite by chance. He was here, there, and everywhere. True to form, I last bumped into him at Wimbledon station where he was returning home from some treatment to battle his disease. He hadn’t long left and was pale and frail, but all he wanted to talk about was the latest release of someone or the other that had blew him away. The body had gone, but the passion and spirit lived on, and always will.  Singer-Songwriter and guitarist Michael Armstrong 

I learned about Pete Sargeant from Mick Martin’s Blues Party radio show in Sacramento CA in the 1990s. Mick Martin frequently cited this amazing Brit fellow who had immense knowledge and artist contacts on all things blues-related and rock-related. Pete sent Mick new releases and artist info long before it was available elsewhere.

My family and I made a trip to Southern England in 2006. Mick put me in contact with Pete, who offered to “show us around” a bit, with an emphasis on music. It started with taking us to Threshold Records in Cobham and Langley Records in West Molesey. My daughter Melissa (then 14) was an up-and-coming rock musician, so Pete took us to lunch in a side room at a French Restaurant, where he brought in an electric guitar and bass to demonstrate. Later we met Pete and son Glenn at The Bull’s Head pub in Barnes, where we saw Pete’s group “Band of Sceptics.” Pete also used the opportunity to demonstrate more rock guitar technique for Melissa. Pete’s hospitality and generosity to this trio of Yanks was absolutely over the top.

We kept in touch after the 2006 trip. Pete sent CDs from time to time, and I sent some to him. In particular, he sent personally-autographed CDs from Rod Argent and Paul Rodgers, which I treasure.

Pete wrote an emailed update every few weeks, which evolved into “The Newsletter,” filled with news, quotes, video links, and games and puzzles. I still have these email newsletters archived, and do check them out from time to time. Their level of knowledge and insight is remarkable.

Pete and Glenn also started the “Just Listen To This” music review website. Their interviews with artists of all popular music genres were and continue to be the best. Pete’s knowledge and engagement with artists was always a delight to read, and Glenn continues this standard of excellence. Pete’s reviews culminated with his review of The Pretty Things “The Final Bow” concert in December 2018. Insightful and engaging from start to finish. Frank Farmer     

Pete Sargeant was a champion of anything eclectic, especially music and comedy. He was an impressionistic tour de force in an arts world too often full of egos and accountants His interviews were always penetrating, albeit given purchase through the prism of his own influences and playing style.

The latter was an amalgam of behind the beat rhythms, staccato blues harp and a gravely vocal growl that recalled the Wolf.

He was a font of knowledge as a broadcaster, often knowing more than his guest.

He was nearly a renaissance man, but his sometimes obtuse nature sent him down several interesting side alleys that weren’t always immediately clear to other people.

But that was what made him so interesting. That and his unfettered enthusiasm for the obscure, whether left field, curious or even spurious.

I’ll always remember his generosity – he once gave me a colourful T-shirt for my birthday which I still have and then going to the bar to buy me a pint. It proved a redundant exercise as he spent the next 15 minutes before the band came on trying to convince me of the connection between Yoko Ono and the blues!

I never did get that pint, and didn’t for a moment agree with his view of Yoko, but as always he made for delightful conversation and essential company. Pete Feenstra Music Journalist and Live Music Promoter

Ah I miss Pete so much! Initially I ‘accidentally’ photographed him jamming at a gig and he later tracked me down, introducing himself as ‘Pete Sargeant… with an A’

I liked him straight away, his quick wit and encyclopaedic knowledge of all things musical made him good and educational company.

Generous with his contacts, He introduced me to many new people and bands, opening doors, enabling and encouraging many photography opportunities for me. His great advice was always to ‘Dress Up & Show Up’

Safe to say Pete was unique! Always looking for new things, his enthusiasm and informed take on things sent me in many directions, from outstanding to bizarre, from Buddy Guy to Australian punk rockers Radio Birdman, we did it all.

Miss you Buddy. John Bull Owner of Rockrpix Photography

Pete was great.

He redefined the word ‘enthusiastic’.

 He loved music, except for the music that he hated. He hated that!

 He was a writer. A singer. A guitarist. And more.

 And – most importantly – he was friend. A real friend.

I miss Pete.   Leigh Heggarty, guitarist, songwriter, member of Ruts DC and more

“Pete was always enthusiastic and hungry for new music and always a pleasure to deal with. It’s the good guys like him that make the music world a better place, he’ll be sorely missed.” Chris Dean Owner of Gardenia Publicity 

 

I met Pete Sargeant in 2013 when I re-entered the world of running my own PR company after a period in label management. Representing a number of singer-songwriters of various rock & pop, Americana, folk and blues hues, one person who would regularly request promo CDs (and review them!) and guest list spots (and turn up!) was Pete. Quite often, the guest list spot would also include an interview request, with Pete always well informed about his subject – even the less well-known ones – and me earning brownie points from my artist in the process. By way of a bonus, Pete was also knowledgeable about numerous other genres, always good humoured and an absolute pleasure to share time with at live shows, when he was usually accompanied by his son Glenn.

I was upset when informed that Pete had died following a period of illness and hospitalisation, the sad news of which was compounded when myself and a number of others were subsequently unable to attend his funeral due to travel restrictions being imposed just a few days before the first lockdown at the start of the pandemic.

Gary Levermore Ownner of Red Sand PR 

Pete was a loving character who conducted many interviews with various artists over the years, his kind and open approach was appreciated by many leading to countless good relationships throughout the industry. Our thoughts and condolences go to his family and Glenn who I’m sure will continue his father’s great legacy at Just Listen To This. Joe Baxter, Tom Fletcher and all of the team at Baxter PR                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I I think I first met Pete just over a decade ago at a small gig in London, which I believe Glenn was at too, maybe for Canadian band Your Favorite Enemies, or Josh Taerk, I can’t quite remember which. I was immediately taken by his energy and personality, the stories he had of the bands that he had seen over the previous decades – there was such a long list of legendary acts. Not to mention his past in comedy too which he would talk about, and you could see that come across in the way he spoke. I had the pleasure to work with him more as time went on, particularly when we had blues artists in town, Pete was one of the go to interviewers. I remember a number of hugely engaging conversations he would have with the likes of Beth Hart, JJ Grey, Glen Hughes, Reese Wynans and so many more. Pete would pick up such subtle parts of their music and find a way to really engage, like the true music fan he was, which is why he connected with people with such ease. Lee Puddefoot Head of Press of Mascot Label Group UK Office        ‘                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While it’s easy to be wise in retrospect, I wish I’d seized the opportunity to tell Pete how highly I regarded him as a musician, writer, interviewer – and a most unique and likeable individual. Moreover, because time had another claim, I regret never experiencing any of his performances, most conspicuously with A Band Of Sceptics.
Crucially, there’ll always be profound gratitude for Pete’s continued support for the Clayson cause during the years following his astonished appraisal of one of the most memorable recitals of my career – at the Eel Pie R&B Club one January night in 2001 – even coming to a booking (which he reviewed in glowing terms) weeks before cancer took him. Alan Clayson Vocalist, Songwriter, Poet, Journalist

Pete Sargeant was one of a kind. He was fiercely passionate about the music he loved and equally outspoken about the music he didn’t. I always admired him for that — and his bravery. He seemed to know EVERYBODY in the British music scene, sitting in with many of his heroes, even playing acoustic blues with Peter Green at the latter’s home. As a writer, he interviewed the famous and the infamous, asking the kind of questions that came from a deep knowledge of music and utter fearlessness.

My radio show, Mick Martin’s Blues Party, became a vehicle for music he would mail to me, allowing listeners to sample what was often the rawest music they ever heard. When he sent over the Beatles tribute from the raucous Inmates, it went on the air immediately, even though it was being played on a blues radio show.

We last saw each other in 2005, when he escorted me around London so I could take part in all-star Christmas blues jams, the most impressive of which (to me) was at the Eel Pie Club. My friend, John Idan of the Yardbirds, was stunned to see me on stage in London playing harmonica. I was equally amazed to be sharing the stage with him, Art Wood, John O’Leary, Mick Avory, Don Craine, Keith Grant, Carlo Little, Jules Fothergill and others. Many of them were names I knew from the CDs and articles Pete sent me. What a night!
During that trip Pete paid for everything, despite my protests. I couldn’t even pay for a meal when his son Glenn joined us for dinner one evening.

He was a gracious host — until I insisted we pay a visit to Bond Street so I could buy a Burberry purse for my daughter. Pete glared at me and called it “a place for people with more money than sense.” You HAD to love him!

My last memory of Pete is when my mobile phone rang and no one said a word. Instead, he held up his phone so I could hear one of our favorite artists, Chris Youlden, singing “Sugar Coated Love” in a London nightclub. That was Pete, always sharing the love of music and living his motto, “Just Listen to This!” Mick Martin US Radio Presenter/Producer at Sacramento’s K-Zap, Singer-songwriter, musician, Film Journalist     

I first met Pete after we had been touring in the UK – probably around 2006. With a wicked sense of humor and overwhelming support for his fellow artists, Pete stood out. Despite having personal friendships with many well-known, even superstar, artists, he still valued those of us who didn’t have fame or fortune. And, he played a mean harp! We kept up with each other via emails, where he sent missives like “look, are you going to own up to fathering the Jonas Brothers or not ??” and “when I put a suit and tie on, i DO look like a police detective” (in reference to a court appearance where he testified against a mugger). We would often call him up on stage with us when he came to various performances, and he was always a crowd pleaser. But more importantly – Pete embodies the reason so many of us keep going, despite common sense or the harsh reality of the music business. He was a constant reminder that we matter, we have value, and our work has meaning. And for that, I will always be grateful.   Russell ‘Hitman’ Alexander of The Hitman Blues Band                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Ah, Pete. We – the world of blues and its brats – miss him. He was a stalwart lover of music, and a doughty player and enabler of players. I think I first met him on the steps of the London Palladium. I was with my son, Dom, and he was with his son, Glenn. Blue to Brown had made an album and he had listened to it so carefully that he had made a context, or found some provenance, for every single track. That to me was both gratifying and amazing. So the friendships began. And when Captain Sargeant set aside his commission and lost his stripes, Glenn kept the faith. Rob Brown Voiceover Artist and Lead Vocalist of Blue To Brown and more                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

“I first came across the lovely Pete Sargent back around the year 2000. The band I started with Jon Amor and Mat Beable were just making our first tentative steps into the touring arena with our debut album.

The thing I first remember about Pete is he just understood the album, he heard the layers, the emotion and desire we had as a band to break free of the blues rock confines. At the many AMOR shows Pete came to our post gig conversations were something I very much looked forward to. His enthusiasm and excitement for the band and the path we were treading really helped myself have more belief in our creative endeavours. His observations in print and in person were intelligent, thought provoking and full of enthusiasm.

Having someone like Pete just get it really helped, it helped make things seem more possible and certainly raised my own ambitions and widened my perception of what was possible creatively. A great man and a sad loss” Wayne Proctor Drummer, Music Producer, Mixer                                                                                                                                         

Pete Sargeant was a great guy and always a pleasure to chat with. Always keen to listen to what anyone was doing and an advocate for not only established artists, but those that had something new and fresh to offer.  Wes O’Neill Owner of O’Neill PR                                                                                                                                                                                            I never met Pete Sargeant but his reputation preceded him — I was aware of, and indeed read, many of his excellent pieces for Blues Matters (and other media outlets).
But his writing was only part of it; his knowledge and enthusiasm, along with being a musician himself, meant he was the full package — informative, interesting, and on-point articles, review and interviews were the inevitable result.
Respected by his music writing peers and the musicians he championed/ wrote about — it’s just a pity there aren’t more like him. Ross Muir Owner and Lead Writer of Fabrications HQ

I first met Pete Sergeant at Cornbury Festival in the media area. It was my first year covering it and he instantly made me feel welcome and comfortable when it was clear I was a bit shy and nervous to be there. I always looked forward to seeing him and Glenn at Cornbury and catching up on what he had been up to. I miss his newsletters that he sent via the website every month. They were always very interesting and personal. Even though I didn’t know Pete well, I know he would be over the moon and proud that his son Glenn is keeping the website going!                                                                              Hannah Compton Owner and Lead Writer of Building Our Own Nashville