Chris Haddon - Convoy
by Fiona Hutchings
published: 6 / 11 / 2013

intro
Fiona Hutchings enjoys Sam Peckinpah's 1978 Country and Western/trucker saga 'Convoy', which has just been re-released on DVD
Fully restored and available uncut for the very first time, Sam Peckinpah's tale of the stand against police corruption and shady politicking lead by a trucker, who has the CB radio call sign of 'Rubber Duck,' is a classic. Mention it and most people seem compelled to blurt out "coonvooy" in the manner of a fog horn even if they've never seen it. Or maybe that is just everyone I know. The original song 'Convoy' by C.W. McCall was originally released in 1975 as a novelty record. It was successful both in the UK and US and provided the original inspiration for the film. The version used in the film is a re-recorded 'saltier' version, which is a fantastic way of describing it. It remains as recognisable all these years later and still gets firmly stuck in your head. The rest of the soundtrack features several members of Country and Western royalty, including Kenny Rogers singing 'Lucille' and the rhinestone cowboy himself Glen Campbell on 'Southern Nights'. The film might not have aged well in all respects. Set in America in the 70's, black men are still beaten for the colour of their skin which is hard to watch, but the story of a man standing against oppression, gathering support, thundering trucks, beautiful women without their pants and a duck who can swim is still worth a watch. Apparently the film was a hit in the Soviet Union at the time, as the film showed a working-class rebellion against a corrupt government. Do you need another reason to watch it? 'Convoy' looks as sharp as its dialogue sounds, and in some ways it is the classic Western tale taken on the road. There is a bar fight, although it happens in a diner, and there are anti-heroes a plenty. What seems at first quite cliched in places becomes a story with real heart, and you quickly stop noticing the CB names and start to root for the convoy truckers. The film like its subjects has spirit and flaws, and a hell of an ending. The special features include 'Passion & Poetry - Sam's Trucker Movie', the usual trailers and TV/ radio spots, production stills and 'Trucker Notes from Norway'.
Band Links:-
http://www.takeabreatherwithchris.comhttp://www.twitter.com/magichaddon
http://www.facebook.com/heavyonthemagic
http://www.twitter.com/heavyonthemagic
interviews |
Interview (2018) |
![]() |
Kimberly Bright speaks to Chris Haddon, the singer and guitarist for The Minx and Heavy On The Magic, about his new full-time career as a holistic healer. |
live reviews |
Liverpool Music Awards 1 |
![]() |
In the first of two photo galleries Marie Hazelwood photographs some of the arrivals at this year's Liverpool Music Awards... |
favourite album |
Actress (2009) |
![]() |
Lisa Torem examines 'Actress', the debut album of Chicago-based pop/prog act, Lobster Newberg, which was released at the start of the year |
digital downloads
most viewed articles
current edition
Bathers - (With Cowboy Mouth and Sugartown), Strathaven Hotel, Strathavan, 17/6/2022Cornbury Music Festival - Great Tew Park, Oxfordshire, 8/7/2022...10/7/2022 -The Final Goodbye
Felix Cavaliere - From Pelham, NY to Rock n Roll Hall of Fame
NIck Godfrey - Interview
Prolapse - Peel Sessions 20.08.94 and 08.04.97
Andy Ellison - Interview
Dorothy Bird - Jimmy's, Liverpool, 30/6/2022
Silent Running - Interview
Queen and Adam Lambert - O2 Arena, London, 20/6/2022
Simple Minds - Jardins del Reial-Vivers, Valencia, 24/7/2022
previous editions
World Party - InterviewSam Brown - Interview 2008
Television - The Drug of the Nation : Part 2
Cliff Richard - Vs Elvis Presley
Television - The Drug of the Nation : Part 1
Richard Hawley - Leadmill, Sheffield, 11/9/2005
Paul Clerehugh - Interview
Candlelight Tribute to Coldplay - Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, 1/4/2022
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Oasis - London Finsbury Park, 5/7/2002
most viewed reviews
current edition
Hurrah! - David Jensen 08.12.82Moon Under Water - Fragments EP
Marine Research - John Peel 18.05.99
Paolo Nutini - Last Night in the Bittersweet
Brooks Williams and Aaron Catlow - Ready for the Times
Burning Hell - Garbage Island
Jeff Beck and Johnny Depp - 18
Dave Edwards - Many Rivers
Jessie Buckley and Bernard Butler - For All Our Days That Tear The Heart
Blue Orchids - Angus Tempus Memoir
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart