Bass player Richie leaves band after 17 years
"I WAS FIRED BY
THE FIREBIRDS"
by

Double bass player Richie Lorriman has suddenly left The Firebirds after 17 years, claiming he was sacked.

Firebirds He was due to part company with the Bristol-based r'n'r band at the end of the year after being refused a pay rise, but says he was pushed out two months early.   Richie said: "My last gig was due to be on New Years Eve.   I had fully intended to honour the gigs between now and then.   However, I was told that I was no longer needed in the band and my time ended there and then, and dep bass players would take my place in the band for the time being."

Richie says he only learned that he was no longer needed through a friend in Coventry.   She had heard that his place at a forthcoming gig in the city was to be taken by another bass player.   It was only when he spoke to other band members that he was given confirmation he was out.

"On Saturday in Great Yarmouth whilst sat with the band I received a phone call from my partner Lisa who had been told that The Firebirds had another bass player for the following gig in Coventry on November 14th.   I questioned Jim [the band leader] about this and he told me that I wouldn't be needed to fulfil my notice period.   He said had intended to tell me at the end of the night.   In my view, that meant I was fired with immediate effect.   I don't think that is anyway to deal with someone that has given 17 years of service to you!"

Richie added: "I would like to take this opportunity to make a sincere apology to all those promoters that have booked the band expecting the line up at the time and the rock'n'rollers that will be left feeling let down by this.   It was entirely beyond my control."

Venom

Firebirds in Horsham
Richie and Jim on stage
Firebirds front man Jim Plummer said: "Richie approached me on October 31st at a gig in Great Yarmouth, and he told me he was being offered more money from another band (a sum that I was unwilling to match at this time) and went on to say that he would be leaving at the end of this year.   He told me at the start of the year that he was planning to emigrate to Australia at the end of this year, and only last month at Bolton told me he was still planning to go as soon as house prices picked up.   Where the word 'fired', or 'sacked' comes from I do not know, as it was their decision that he should quit."

Matters were brought to a head by a hostile exchange of messages on the social networking website Facebook between associates of Richie and Jim.

Jim says some of the comments were 'venomous': "It left me no alternative other than to tell Richie to make his last gig on November 7th.   However I and Jason wish Richie all the very best for the future, whichever way he is led!   Alan O'Donald will be our bass player until December 31st.   We have a new bass player lined up for a new show to start on January 1st."

Unhappy

As the war of words intensified, Richie confided: "It would be true to say that I have been unhappy in the band for some time.   Music has always been my life and I didn't feel like my passion for it was appreciated, to say the least.   Yes, I did ask for a pay rise of £25, but when put into the context that I haven't had a pay rise in five years, and the sum that the band charges, I feel it was justified.   Following that conversation it would have been impossible for me to stay, given the things that were put to me, such as 'that I don't do much for the band', 'anyone could do my job', 'people come to listen to the music not to listen to me chat' etc.   So I gave notice for the end of the year with every intention of honouring all the gigs in between.

"Not to be disheartened, I now look at this as an opportunity to move on to greater things.   I am currently working with some fantastic musicians to get another band together and get back out on the rock'n'roll circuit.   I'll look forward to seeing you in the New Year.   Thanks to all of you that have offered your support and best wishes to me.   I have been genuinely touched by your reassurances and your kindness."

The Firebirds have been rockin' since 1981 when the band was founded by Jim's brother, John.   They quickly progressed from a bunch of schoolboys playing in Bristol pubs to an internationally renowned band of musicians.   They turned fully professional in 1991 and have backed Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Feathers, Charlie Gracie, Ray Campi, Sleepy La Beefe as well as playing alongside Marty Wilde, Lonnie Donegan and Showaddywaddy.

May 2000 saw The Firebirds make their first visit to the US, playing venues in Memphis and Las Vegas.   In 2002 they were the only non-American band invited to play a major festival in Jackson, Tennessee marking the 50th birthday of Sun Records and the 25th anniversary of Elvis's death.   The Firebirds have recorded at least ten albums.


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