George Formby's Uke - a tribute by Andy Eastwood

For George Formby fans!
To mark the 50th anniversary of George Formby's passing, a short documentary about the ukulele-banjo he used for 'Leaning On A Lamp-Post'.
Andy Eastwood gives a brief history of the instrument with photos and music.
Andy pays tribute to Formby in the touring show 'We'll Meet Again' and has been a lifelong fan of the great comedian. This Gibson banjo-uke was famously used by Formby to close his farewell TV performance 'The Friday Show' in December 1960, and is the pride of Andy's collection of Formby memorabilia!

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• George
• Formby
• Gibson
• ukulele
• banjo
• Andy
• Eastwood
• tribute

[frastephen]

Great video!

Just a quick question ... is the uke from The Friday Show a UB-3? It was not totally clear in the video I think ...

[AceMusicOnline]

@frastephen Thanks! Yes it's a UB3....

There's always a little confusion about these model numbers - the Gibson catalogues weren't always consistent, at one time a decorative version of the UB2 (no resonator) model was described as UB3.

If you pause the video at 2:04 you can see the UB1, UB2, UB2 (de-luxe version), UB3, UB4 and UB5. The 5 is gold plated, but you can't tell that from the pic!

Andy

[CLASSICMONSTERGUY95]

Just a question. I have never touched a banjo uke and want to play 'Formby Style' playing. Now I have seen one - a Heartwood DUB-5 (it says it is a "Gibson style Ukulele Banjo with resonator, High quality construction with plated rim and brackets, detachable inlaid resonator, bound finger board with position markers, inlaid head stock, fitted with high quality machine heads, and 8" Remo head.

[AceMusicOnline]

@CLASSICMONSTERGUY95 Looks good for the money, although for the authentic Formby sound you can't beat the old ukes, and a calf-skin head is better than plastic! Andy

[BILLYnKAREN]

Great Andy, us George Formby lovers are greatful to people like you who have the talent to keep his music aliveand ability to keep George's belongings and share them with us. Take care and god Bless.

[AceMusicOnline]

@BILLYnKAREN Thanks!

All the best - yours, Andy

[AceMusicOnline]

@turps63 Thanks - glad you enjoyed the video.... You must pay the GF Society a visit, you won't be disappointed!

Cheers, Andy

[AceMusicOnline]

@alantiffen1

Thanks Alan!

Yes I met George Harrison twice - what a great guy, no ego at all, just genuinely enthusiastic about the uke... He was mad about it, like all of us - once you get the uke bug you're hooked! Enjoy your playing & thanks for the comment! Andy

[alantiffen1]

Wow... I have just watched George's Friday night show and you now have the uke from that show.... it must be an amazing feeling when you play it! I am palying guitar again after 15 years and with regular lessons and am abig fan of George Harrison. He palyed uke aswell and I am also interested in learning to play it.....I also believe that George Harrison went to Blackpool for the conventions....is that true. Anyway great video Andy.....Regards...Alan fron WIGAN.

[turps63]

Just lovely, great to see such respect for george and his achievements, im learning the uke and have been playing for about a year and hope to join the george formby society quite soon(perhaps get the chance to come down to blackpool and meet fellow enthusiasts) You tube has been a godsend in getting information and seeing other players different approaches to the uke, all i can say is FANTASTIC,,,,