Thoughts on Frankie Miller live in the 70s. 
Frankie who? Frankie Fu**in’ Miller – That’s who! So said the tour t-shirts for Frankie Miller’s Full House at gigs in the mid 70s. Frankie Miller is one of the greatest white soul and R&B singers that the UK has produced, easily on a par with Paul Rodgers (with whom he was often compared at the time), Eric Burdon, Rod Stewart and Joe Cocker. I first became aware of Frankie when he played Sunderland Poly’s Wearmouth Hall in the band Jude, which also featured ex Procul Harum guitarist Robin Trower, ex Jethro Tull drummer Clive Bunker and old friend, fellow Scotsman and bassist Jimmy Dewar who had just left Stone The Crows. I have very vague recollections of that gig, and can’t be certain I was present, but I’m pretty sure that it happened. Frankie Miller then went on to front his own band, which became Frankie Miller’s Full House, and they toured relentlessly on the club and university circuit throughout the mid 70s. 
I recall attending tremendous rowdy Frankie Miller gigs at Newcastle Poly, Newcastle Mayfair and Redcar Coatham Bowl. My ticket stub from the Redcar gig is pictured here. The gig at Redcar was around the time that “Darlin'” was in the charts, which makes it 1978. Frankie hit the charts twice; with “Be good to yourself” and “Darlin'”, but it is his great live performances that I remember most of all. Frankie Miller live in the 70s just couldn’t be topped for a rocking night of great R&B and soul..
Frankie Miller suffered a brain haemorrhage in New York on 25 August 1994, while writing material for a new band he was forming with Joe Walsh of The Eagles. He almost died, and was in a coma for several months. Since then Frankie has slowly been regaining his health.
Rod Stewart said of Frankie Miller, “He is the only white guy that ever brought a tear to my eye!” Wish I’d bought one of those t-shirts. Guess it wouldn’t fit me now anyway. Thanks to John for the scan of his Frankie Miller EP.
Thanks to Mitch for reminding me that I must also have seen Frankie Miller supporting Ten Years After in 1972: “Frankie Miller played Newcastle City Hall on 29/10/72 as support on Ten Years After’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Music To The World tour. I was there – both acts were terrific…and this was before his debut solo album was released. He also duetted with Phil Lynott on the original version of Still In Love With You which appears on Lizzy’s 1974 album Nightlife.”
23 Oct
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by Ian38018 on October 23, 2013 at 7:15 am
I don’t know how much feedback you get from these blogs – I know that when I am writing mine, I sometimes feel it gets fired out into the ether to be read by no-one – but I am enjoying your posts.
A few questions:
I missed the start of your posts so am unsure who is who – Is Marie your present Lady, and Laura an old flame?
Your first ever gig?
Have you ever even roughly totted up how much you’ve spent on gigs over the years. Must be a scary sum?
Ian
Posted by vintagerock on October 23, 2013 at 7:33 am
Many thanks for your support. Just to explain Marie is my wife, and Laura is our daughter. My first ever gig (which is recorded on the site somewhere was the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, with Roy Harper and Yes, back in 1969. No I haven’t totted up how much I’ve spent over the years, and wouldn’t wish to do so as it is would be frightening! Best wishes Peter
Posted by Mitch on October 23, 2013 at 3:18 pm
Frankie Miller played Newcastle City Hall on 29/10/72 as support on Ten Years After’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Music To The World tour. I was there – both acts were terrific…and this was before his debut solo album was released.
He also duetted with Phil Lynott on the original version of Still In Love With You which appears on Lizzy’s 1974 album Nightlife.
Posted by vintagerock on October 23, 2013 at 3:26 pm
Thanks Mitch. Your memory is much better than mine. I’ve just checked my ticket stubs and I was also at that TYA gig in 1972, so must have seen him then. Thanks again Peter