Rick Westwood
The Tremeloes in 1968. From left: Dave Munden, Rick Westwood, Chip Hawkes, Alan Blakley
The Tremeloes in 1968. From left: Dave Munden, Rick Westwood, Chip Hawkes, Alan Blakley
Background information
Birth nameRichard Westwood
Born (1943-05-07) 7 May 1943
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Guitar, vocals
Years active1958-2012
Formerly ofThe Tremeloes

Richard Westwood (born 7 May 1943) is a British musician, known for being a member of the Tremeloes from 1958 to 2012.

Career

Westwood formed Brian Poole and the Tremeloes (originally spelt grammatically correct as “Tremoloes”) in 1958. They initially found success in the British Invasion era with lead singer Brian Poole, scoring a UK chart-topper in 1963 with "Do You Love Me". After Poole's departure in 1966, the band achieved further success as a four-piece with 13 top 40 hits on the UK Singles Chart between 1967 and 1971 including "Here Comes My Baby", "Even the Bad Times Are Good", "(Call Me) Number One", "Me and My Life" and their most successful single, "Silence Is Golden" (1967).[1]

Westwood served as Tremeloes guitarist until 2012, when he announced his retirement after 54 years.[2] His last concert was in Guildford on 1 November. The performance was a part of the “Sensational 60s Experience” tour.

Personal life

Westwood first learned how to play guitar at age nine.[2] Jimmy Page noted Westwood as “one of the world’s best guitarists.”[2]

In December 2015, it was reported that Westwood and Tremeloes member Chip Hawkes would stand trial for the April 1968 assault of a then-fifteen year old girl[3]at a hotel in Chester.[4] In July 2016, it was reported that both parties had been acquitted after their accuser failed to enter evidence.[5]In December 2015, while leaving Chester Crown Court, both he and Hawkes were assaulted by an intoxicated photographer, who had to be restrained by their barrister.[6]

References

  1. ↑ Pingitore, Silvia (28 September 2021). "The band chosen over The Beatles in 1962: The Tremeloes' interview with Len "Chip" Hawkes". the-shortlisted.co.uk. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 "Last chance to see original Tremeloes guitarist | Sussexworld". 31 October 2012.
  3. ↑ Barrett, Frances (2015-12-02). "Two former members of 1960s band The Tremeloes deny historic indecent assault". SurreyLive. Retrieved 2023-07-25.
  4. ↑ "60s band stars deny carrying out Chester sex assault". Chester and District Standard. 2015-12-02. Retrieved 2023-07-25.
  5. ↑ "Ex-Tremeloes Leonard Hawkes and Richard Westwood acquitted of assault". BBC News. 2016-07-22. Retrieved 2023-07-25.
  6. ↑ "Tremeloes stars acquitted of indecently assaulting 15-year-old girl". The Independent. 2016-07-22. Retrieved 2023-07-25.
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