DM's Beatles forums

Solo forums => Fifth Beatles and the Merseybeat Scene => Topic started by: Bobber on September 06, 2005, 11:18:52 AM

Title: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on September 06, 2005, 11:18:52 AM
Following the thread about Tommy Moore: does anybody know something about the whereabouts of former Beatles-drummer Norman Chapman? Pictures? I know he played a couple of times with the boys and had to leave because of his duty into military service. I know from Allan Williams' book that they heard him drumming in an office at night and managed to get him into the group. But that's about it. Anybody knows more?
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: pc31 on September 06, 2005, 09:56:57 PM
alittle more Norman Chapman - drummer for the Silver Beetles for a few weeks in 1960. Left when conscripted into the Army for two years service in Kenya and Kuwait.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: tkitna on September 07, 2005, 12:18:20 AM
I could only find this-

'In July of 1960, they changed their name once again to the Silver Beatles and acquired yet another drummer for a short time. Sitting in the Jacaranda Club, The Beatles were discussing what they could do about the drumming situation. Allan Williams had gone out to the street when he heard someone drumming away. He called the group outside and they followed the sound of the drumming. The first night the drumming stopped before they found the source, but on the second night, they found Norman Chapman practicing above the offices of the National Cash Register Co. Norman was asked to join The Beatles, but only appeared with them three times before he was called up for national service.'

It would be nice to find some history as to what became of Norman somehow.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: pc31 on September 07, 2005, 01:17:37 AM
(http://www.wayneklick.com/movie_blog/images/SDJ_logo-thumb.jpg)
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: An Apple Beatle on September 18, 2005, 10:31:58 AM
Damn Conscription!!! lol
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on September 27, 2005, 09:50:24 AM
On this Brazilian site I found a picture of Norman Chapman. The picture is protected by copyright, so I could not post it here. Check it out. Also a good opportunity to exercise your Portuguese.

http://www.thebeatles.com.br/clube-da-caverna-noites-selvagens.htm
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: The End on September 27, 2005, 12:24:52 PM
Quote from: Bobber
The picture is protected by copyright, so I could not post it here.


Not any more!!!! ;D Here's the pic Bobber was referring to:

(http://premium1.uploadit.org/TheEndUK//cavern3-norman.jpg)
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on September 27, 2005, 12:30:38 PM
That's great TE!

Just figured out that the text underneath the picture mentions something like 'just when they thought they had a good drummer, Norman was called to military service for two years. He served in Kenya and Kuwait. The Beatles thought that the army was going to be the end of the band, for John too almost had the age to go, followed by Paul and George. In November 1960 the mandatory military service was extinct in the England. This saved the Beatles. Paul said that the army killed Elvis and would have killed the group.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: The End on September 27, 2005, 12:38:57 PM
Nice one Bobber! Looks like a great site actually!
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on September 27, 2005, 12:42:44 PM
Quote from: The_End
Nice one Bobber! Looks like a great site actually!

It's just that my Portuguese is not really up to date.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: The End on September 27, 2005, 06:31:41 PM
Quote from: Bobber

It's just that my Portuguese is not really up to date.

Voce e muito como mim porque eu nao falo Portugese tampouco.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on September 27, 2005, 06:36:01 PM
Ah, you don't speak Portuguese either. I thought we had a Brazilian member on the forums? I remember welcoming one.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: The End on September 29, 2005, 11:33:11 AM
Quote from: Bobber
Ah, you don't speak Portuguese either.

Ha ha, you translated it! ;D
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bill Harry on January 27, 2008, 06:50:33 PM
Norman said that he did not regret being 'called up' for his national service. On his return he became a teacher in the south of England and used to fascinate his students with tales of his brief spell with the Silver Beatles. He continued playing drums and was a member of a trio when he died in 1995 at the age of 58
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on January 28, 2008, 08:12:04 AM
Quote from: 1062
Norman said that he did not regret being 'called up' for his national service. On his return he became a teacher in the south of England and used to fascinate his students with tales of his brief spell with the Silver Beatles. He continued playing drums and was a member of a trio when he died in 1995 at the age of 58

I would have loved to hear his tales.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bill Harry on January 28, 2008, 02:52:36 PM
     Norman became a member of the Silver Beatles for a short time during the summer of 1960.
     When Tommy Moore left the group following a gig at the Jacaranda coffee bar on Monday 13 June of that year, the Beatles were desperate for a replacement. They were pondering over the problem one night while sitting in the coffee bar when they heard the sound of drumbeats from across the street. Almost directly opposite the Jacaranda in Slater Street was a picture-framing establishment. Norman Chapman worked there as a picture-framer and renovator, and played drums as a hobby, practising on a hire-purchase kit in the offices of the firm in the evenings.
     They went into the street, trying to find where the sound was coming from. They knocked on the doors of the National Cash Register Office and Chapman popped his head out of an upstairs window of the building. They offered him the position of drummer with the band. Chapman, an imposing six-foot-two in height, accepted the job. However, he only managed to appear with them on three Saturday night gigs at the Grosvenor Ballroom, Birkenhead, on 18 and 25 June and 2 July, before he was called up for National Service and was conscripted for two years in Kenya and Kuwait.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Ligger on February 08, 2008, 10:45:52 AM
I met Norman once in 1989 or 1990.

I got his number from the phone book and just called to say that I was in Liverpool from NYC doing research for a book. I asked if I could possibly interview him about his Beatles' days. He was so surprised and self deprecating on the phone and said it was impossible. But I persisted saying that it was really important for my project to meet with him. He finally agreed to see me, but only if I would be his guest at a charity show for kids he would be attending that very evening.

I arranged to meet up with Mr. Chapman at a working men's club somewhere in Anfield later that night. Perhaps I took a taxi to the address he gave me because I seem to remember the cab driver questioning the advisability of being in that area, at that time of night. The club was not easy to find, but eventually I got there, and the doorman had been expecting me.

He bought me into a large darkened smoky room that was a cross between a theater and a pub. Then I was presented to a table of about four or five nicely dressed men in their late forties. Norman Chapman, the biggest of the bunch, stood up, shook my hand, and introduced me to his table of friends saying, "This guy has come all the way from New York City just to interview me for his book."

That got a great laugh from his friends and sort of broke the ice. He immediately asked me what I wanted to drink, and I said,  "the same as you, please."  I seem to recall that he wound up ordering about half a dozen pints of 'mild,'a type of beer that I had never had before.

The rest of the evening, except for the surprise of watching Ken Dodd on stage, is a bit of a blur, I'm afraid. He brought me there strictly for entertainment value. He really did not want to be the center of attention; that was my role, as far as he and his friends were concerned. And I was happy to play along with the lark.

I had a great time that night. Everything Mr. Harry said in the above post was true. He was a gentle giant, wearing glasses and a long, very un-Beatles looking leather overcoat. A real sweetheart and gentleman. Mr. Chapman completely played down his role as temporary pre-Hamburg Beatles member and reveled in his role as host.

It was a once in a lifetime event for me. Unfortunately, the book did not get finished.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: BlueMeanie on February 08, 2008, 12:22:26 PM
Great story Ligger. Shame about the book though. Do you still have plans to get it published someday?
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on February 08, 2008, 02:44:27 PM
Good story Ligger. Although I had wished you had asked him a couple of questions about his Beatledays.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bill Harry on February 08, 2008, 02:58:30 PM
I enjoyed that story Ligger. It's a pity no one really interviewed him before his death, or took photos. I remember exactly the place where he used to rehearse because on the ground floor there was a shop which used to frame paintings and I got them to frame my one and only oil painting, a portrait of Virginia I did in 1960. If I knew how to put images onto this I could show you.
I would also have liked further details of the Tommy Moore story.
In the meantime, I wonder if any Beatle friends can help me. I've written a piece about the 'Ringo' special from April 1978 with Carrie Fisher, Angie Dickinson etc, but I have no illustrations for it. Does anyone have any images from that special?
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on February 08, 2008, 03:14:09 PM
Quote from: 1062
In the meantime, I wonder if any Beatle friends can help me. I've written a piece about the 'Ringo' special from April 1978 with Carrie Fisher, Angie Dickinson etc, but I have no illustrations for it. Does anyone have any images from that special?

http://www.dmbeatles.com/forums/b-starr/m-1202483450/
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Ligger on February 08, 2008, 11:43:00 PM
No plans at the moment, although discovering this site has gotten me thinking about revisiting all the memories of the interviews that I did in Liverpool nearly twenty years ago. I met some warm and welcoming folk with many stories still untold.

That's why I enjoy your postings especially, Bill. With each of your writings, I uncover another piece of an incredibly complex and sometimes puzzling tale that still needs to be told. At least for lifelong Beatles fans like me.

Since you just mentioned Ringo, I have to say that my favorite recent Bill Harry revelation is the information that little quiet George Harrison was the person most responsible for ousting Pete, and then acquiring Ringo from Rory. And the reason was so so fundamental. George and Ringo had a special rapport. Many of us had just assumed that it was Paul's jealousy or George Martin's less than positive comments.

I wonder why Paul has never invited Pete Best to play on a session. What a warm gesture that would be. Just one song.

Bill, do you have another example of the George and Ringo connection from that time? I'm sure all of us forum cave dwellers would appreciate any recollections.  
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: slick rick on February 09, 2008, 12:24:50 AM
it is probally a good thing that norman did not stay with them as the business eats nice guys for lunch....and norm was to gentle a soul to sacrifice.....
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: pc31 on February 09, 2008, 12:37:29 AM
Quote from: 1062
I enjoyed that story Ligger. It's a pity no one really interviewed him before his death, or took photos. I remember exactly the place where he used to rehearse because on the ground floor there was a shop which used to frame paintings and I got them to frame my one and only oil painting, a portrait of Virginia I did in 1960. If I knew how to put images onto this I could show you.
I would also have liked further details of the Tommy Moore story.
In the meantime, I wonder if any Beatle friends can help me. I've written a piece about the 'Ringo' special from April 1978 with Carrie Fisher, Angie Dickinson etc, but I have no illustrations for it. Does anyone have any images from that special?
ok bill there are sites that generates url for pictures...once you have a url you can post the picture....some sites require nothing in the way of sign up or anything....there is image shack http://imageshack.us/
zshare is another one http://www.zshare.net/

if you have a file on your computer either a picture or audio,one of these programs can generate you a link for posting a picture here....you can even create your own avatar....after you have the link you can pick the post image link below and put your url in the middle and viola!!!you haave posted a picture...bill if you need help with this pm me or email me...you know my address...
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: on February 09, 2008, 11:41:45 PM
Quote from: 483
Great story Ligger. Shame about the book though. Do you still have plans to get it published someday?

Hi - I've just stumbled across these posts while doing some research myself.  Norman Chapman was my Dad and unfortunately, he died from cancer over 10 years ago.  I read somewhere that someone said he was a teacher down South. What a load of old rubbish :).  He opened his own picture framing business in Southport, where he was very happy indeed.  The problem with Dad was that he was a fantastic picture framer, a really artistic man, but he was a generous type of person who would give things away rather than charge a proper price for them!  

It's lovely to hear some of then nice things that people remember about him; he was indeed a very gentle character who was reluctant to talk about his very brief stint with the Silver Beatles.  He only has one remaining sibling left, who lives a five minute walk away from the Jacaranda.  When I was in Livepool two years ago, my Auntie Maria took me to the Jacaranda, where my Dad's old drumkit is hanging above the bar.  I've only got one or two pics of Dad; one with the Saturated Seven, and old Joe Royal.  He and Dad continued to be friends and even though old Joe passed away some time ago, young Joe still remembers to send my Auntie a christmas card.

I have to tell you that the picture that's been posted on this site is not my Dad!  I laughed my head off when I saw it...can't wait to show my kids tomorrow!  

Thanks again for remembering him in a lovely way.


Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: pc31 on February 09, 2008, 11:53:36 PM
sorry for your loss and hope we were not out of line...welcome to the forums....please stay...
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: pc31 on February 09, 2008, 11:58:59 PM
do you happen to have a shareable picture of him?
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: on February 10, 2008, 12:06:52 AM
Yes - I've got two pictures and one or two other family pictures with two of my children, but of course you won't want those :) .  I've got one with him at the drums, with Joe Royal, and another one of him sitting in a bar with a group of young men.  I don't know any of them but others might do.  I'll scan them next week but not sure if I know how to attach.  I'm new to this...but I'll give it a go.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: pc31 on February 10, 2008, 12:14:00 AM
thank you ever so much and we hope you'll become a regular and who says we don't want to see your kids i have 3 myself....(http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/9367/photo105ox7.jpg)
this is jazmyn rose my little girl.....
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: pc31 on February 10, 2008, 12:15:04 AM
timmy my 13 year old...(http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/7282/photo124vv4.jpg)
and chucky (http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/894/chuckninjado5pl5.jpg)
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Ligger on February 10, 2008, 12:53:51 AM
Thank you for that, LB999. Sorry to hear about his passing.

It really was pushy of me to just have phoned your father up like that -  without a proper introduction from a mutual acquaintance. He seemed to be a very gracious man with a wonderful sense of humor.

I can't wait to look at some personal family photos of him.

You are making a lot of fans of the Beatles and their Liverpool story really happy.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on February 10, 2008, 07:04:24 AM
Quote from: 1127

Hi - I've just stumbled across these posts while doing some research myself.  Norman Chapman was my Dad and unfortunately, he died from cancer over 10 years ago.  I read somewhere that someone said he was a teacher down South. What a load of old rubbish :).  He opened his own picture framing business in Southport, where he was very happy indeed.  The problem with Dad was that he was a fantastic picture framer, a really artistic man, but he was a generous type of person who would give things away rather than charge a proper price for them!  

It's lovely to hear some of then nice things that people remember about him; he was indeed a very gentle character who was reluctant to talk about his very brief stint with the Silver Beatles.  He only has one remaining sibling left, who lives a five minute walk away from the Jacaranda.  When I was in Livepool two years ago, my Auntie Maria took me to the Jacaranda, where my Dad's old drumkit is hanging above the bar.  I've only got one or two pics of Dad; one with the Saturated Seven, and old Joe Royal.  He and Dad continued to be friends and even though old Joe passed away some time ago, young Joe still remembers to send my Auntie a christmas card.

I have to tell you that the picture that's been posted on this site is not my Dad!  I laughed my head off when I saw it...can't wait to show my kids tomorrow!  

Thanks again for remembering him in a lovely way.

Hi Liverbird, welcome to DM's. It's a privilege to have you around here. I was the one who posted the picture of Norman earlier. I found it on a Brazilian Beatlessite. The problem is that we don't know what he should look like!  ;D  We'll be luckybirds if you would like to share your pictures with us. I'll be happy to post them for you if you don't know how.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: BlueMeanie on February 10, 2008, 01:46:01 PM
Welcome to the forum Liverbird. It's great to have people here who are directly connected to The Beatles! Makes me feel starstruck. ;)
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: harihead on February 10, 2008, 05:14:38 PM
Thanks for dropping in and setting us straight, Liverbird999! It's so neat that you found us. It would be really neat to see a proper picture of your dad. I'm sure many of us would be willing to help you post it, if you're unsure of the procedure.

Thanks for sharing your memories. :)
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bill Harry on February 10, 2008, 05:47:38 PM
To Liverbird,
I'd like to get in touch with you to discuss the entry on your father for my next edition of 'The Beatles Encyclopedia.'
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: on February 10, 2008, 07:21:43 PM
Hi All

I can't tell you how surprised I am to hear from so many people. Thank you so much for making contact.  I've never, ever done this before and to be honest, it's a bit scary.  I don't even know what "DM's" means.  What does DM's stand for? Is this a UK based site or somewhere else?  I WILL scan Dad's pictures and happy to speak to anyone who's interested in finding out more about him but I have to be respectful to his sister, my Auntie Maria, who has always shunned anything like this, i.e. any questions about her brother.  

I was approached by somebody a few years ago who said he was an author, and he was quite forceful in wanting to find out more.  He said he was commissionred to write the authoritative story of the Beatles but how does one know that's for real?  Anyway, I chose not to.

For those who are intereted, my maiden name is Ann-Marie Chapman and I was born in August 1961.  My Mum and Dad married towards the end of 1959, just before Dad joined the Silver Beatles and they divorced when I was about 2 or 3.  I left home at 19, and have never seen my Mum since.  She and my stepfather did not agree with my choice of partner and being quite a stong minded character, I stuck to my guns!

When I was a child, my mum told my Dad's family that they should not allow Dad (Norman) to see me and they reluctantly agreed to her wishes.  I met up with Dad when I was in my 30's, and was married with two children.  It was the happiest moment of my life.  My Auntie Maria (Dad's sister) made contact with me again and arranged all of this.  It was a life changing experiece.  I'm sure that none of this is interesting to any of you who are true Beatles' fans but we were only on the periphary of that story, so what the hell!

I have been blisfully happy and have three lovely children.  Hayley is 25 and Ovie is 22.  Hayley and Ovie were given their first bicycles by their grandad (we bought them second hand from the newapaper) and I have photos of Dad running alongside them in Sefton Park, teaching them to ride their bikes on Christmas Day.  Unfortunately, shortly after we moved from Liverpool to Brigthon in 1993, Dad's lung cancer spread rapidly and he died very soon afterwards.  I think it was probably due to the fact that he continued to play in smoke filled venues; it couldn't have helped his condition. He never got to see his youngest grandson, Efe, who is now 11 and is a great football player.  Efe loves Liverpool FC, unlike Dad who was an Everton supporter.

I don't know what else to say.  I could go on and on; it's been quite a nice experience just wriiting this message and sharing some memories. Some people who know that my Dad was a drummer say it's a shame that he was called up for national service just before the Beatles went to Hamburg, but to be honest, the life of a so-called pop star is fraught with problems and I don't think that lifestyle would have suited him.

Bye for now.

Best wishes to all.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: An Apple Beatle on February 10, 2008, 07:24:09 PM
^What wonderful news to occur on this forum.  Welcome Liverbird and thanks for putting us straight in such a dignified manner. Hope you & Bill sort some history out. ;) All the very best.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: An Apple Beatle on February 10, 2008, 07:33:28 PM
DM are the initials of this websites Russian creator, Dmitry Murashev. I'm so glad your dad is still honoured in such a way, with the hanging drum kit and now maybe a rightful place in the encyclopedic chapters of The Beatles. Warms my heart for you. Losing a parent can be like a black hole. To know they are alive in peoples memories is a great comfort.

Glad you found us. :)
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: pc31 on February 10, 2008, 08:57:13 PM
what a fantastic sharing....we thank you ever so much anne marie...we will not push you around like some of those crass authors......you share whatever you feel like....and not just about mr chapman...
if anyone else trys to bully a story out of you,just show them the door...
it is sad that norm passed on but it is fantastic that you did in fact meet up with him again and he got to meet grandchildren...that has got to be a guys second favorite feeling..i would think number one would being the childs father...
my father never got to meet any of my kids...i named one after him too..charles......my pop had a massive stroke that paralyzed the right half of his body...he was placed in i c u and never recovered..the vetrans hospital was where they moved him..where we speculate he was not monitored round the clock for he had an early morning seizure which in the next day ended his stay on this big blue marble...but lets not end this thing on a sad note...
i just fixed chuckys bike tire and he went riding... :)
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on February 11, 2008, 08:47:12 AM
Quote from: 15
I'm so glad your dad is still honoured in such a way, with the hanging drum kit and now maybe a rightful place in the encyclopedic chapters of The Beatles. Warms my heart for you. Losing a parent can be like a black hole. To know they are alive in peoples memories is a great comfort.

Glad you found us. :)

Ditto!
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: harihead on February 11, 2008, 02:36:22 PM
Your story was so moving and honest, Ann-Marie. Obviously you did the right thing by sticking to your guns-- good for you! I so enjoyed hearing your perspective both on your life and your father's. Thank you so much for brightening our day.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: BlueMeanie on February 11, 2008, 02:37:54 PM
Same here.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on June 13, 2008, 08:19:39 AM
Quote from: 1062
To Liverbird,
I'd like to get in touch with you to discuss the entry on your father for my next edition of 'The Beatles Encyclopedia.'

Bill, did this actually took place? And is there anything we can do to help you with this next edition?
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bill Harry on June 13, 2008, 11:49:00 AM
Bobber, no, I haven't heard anything. I wanted her to check the entry on Norman Chapman in my encyclopedia for accuracy and add anything further she thought was relevant.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: 62redux on September 25, 2008, 06:48:27 PM
This was an incredibly cool thread to follow.  
Sorry for the loss also, but a thank you for the info that was provided.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on September 25, 2008, 06:55:04 PM
Quote from: 1062
Bobber, no, I haven't heard anything. I wanted her to check the entry on Norman Chapman in my encyclopedia for accuracy and add anything further she thought was relevant.

I forget to tell you all that Bill and Liverbird have been in contact after all.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: 62redux on September 26, 2008, 03:17:45 AM
it's good to see that piece of history --and norman's story--come full circle. Truth is good.  
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: lilian chapman on December 26, 2008, 03:29:16 PM
hi my uncle was Norman Chapman the drummer with the silver beatles, its nice to se him being remembered on this site, but i have to say that some of the ideas on here are wrong! he didnt move down south to be a teacher and sit and tell is students of his aventures with the Beatles! dont know where that came from! lol! , as he was quite a private man and didnt talk about the Beatles at all only if pushed, but would say its all in the past!,  8)
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: pc31 on December 26, 2008, 03:50:19 PM
fill us in then lilly.....please???!!!
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: lilian chapman on December 26, 2008, 04:14:36 PM
hiya  what type of  things would you like me to fill you in with?
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: pc31 on December 26, 2008, 04:30:00 PM
like what he did after he left for the service........was he not interested in music?or was it just a passing fancy....oh and welcome to the forums by the way...i hope you will join in other discussions as well...
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bill Harry on December 26, 2008, 04:37:00 PM
I have chatted with Norman's daughter and this is what I have written. I would like to know Norman's birthdate and also the date when he passed away, together with any other information which I don't have in this entry:

CHAPMAN, NORMAN. A Liverpool youth, who became a member of the Silver Beatles for a short time during the summer of 1960, shortly after he got married..
     When Tommy Moore left the group following a gig at the Jacaranda coffee bar on Monday 13 June of that year, the Beatles were desperate for a replacement. They were pondering over the problem one night while sitting in the coffee bar when they heard the sound of drumbeats from across the street. Almost directly opposite the Jacaranda in Slater Street was a picture-framing establishment. Norman Chapman worked there as a picture-framer and renovator, and played drums as a hobby, practising on a hire-purchase kit in the offices of the firm in the evenings.
     They went into the street, trying to find where the sound was coming from. They knocked on the doors of the National Cash Register Office and Chapman popped his head out of an upstairs window of the building. They offered him the position of drummer with the band. Chapman, an imposing six-foot-two in height, accepted the job. However, he only managed to appear with them on three Saturday night gigs at the Grosvenor Ballroom, Birkenhead, on 18 and 25 June and 2 July, before he was called up for National Service and was conscripted for two years in Kenya and Kuwait. In later years he was to say that he did not regret being
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: pc31 on December 26, 2008, 04:41:20 PM
she was just here bill...she will be back...i hope you had a good holiday...and hope your health is great too...tell virginia hello for me....
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: pc31 on December 26, 2008, 04:42:51 PM
look lilly...the BILL HARRY is here fill him in and he will print it for all the world to read...you could not ask for a better message bearer...
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: lilian chapman on December 26, 2008, 04:47:59 PM
 thankyou!  Uncle Norman went back to being a picture framer, i didnt really get to see much of him as i was only  young when he returned, but when i got older i did go to visit him in his picture framing shop in  Southport Merseyside, he was a very nice man and we would chat for hours about art.
 i had not long left college and was going around looking for work as a costume designer/maker and hes was very interested in what i was doing, he gave me a 'standup'  art portfolio so i could show off my work better, and was full of advice,
 like 'always having a second string to your bow' and having 'pot boilers'  eg  work allways on hand to sell to pay the bills,  as you cannot always rely on one type of job alone ! especially in the art business, and he was right too !
  i have tried to follow his advice and even now still studying! im a mature student on a BA hons course in applied arts  silversmithng!
my Aunt., his sister is still living in Liverpool, i will contact her and ask for her memories too!
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: pc31 on December 26, 2008, 04:52:26 PM
thank you.....you are sweet...like i said bill is the man to tell,he knows a little more about history,because he lived it...i have to go outside and work on a car i bought...hopefully i can fix it...if not i wasted some money...lilly you could also tell us more about you...i know artists always have amazing stories...tell us one...
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: lilian chapman on December 26, 2008, 04:56:56 PM
by the way i was told Norman died of cancer of the hip and not lung cancer which is what his older brothers Henry and John died of.
Norman was the youngest of the Chapman family
consisting of Stan (my Dad)  and Henry (twins)
                   John
                   David(died young in a swimmiing accident)
                   Maria
                   Evelyn
                   Hilda
there could be an uncle that i havent seen for years and whos name escapes me!  
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: lilian chapman on December 26, 2008, 05:34:51 PM
oh  yeah i forgot to say Norman was a drummer in a dance band called the Saturated Seven, he was with them for many years!
i remeber seeing a foto of him in a frilly shirt huge dicky bow and velvet suit! soo 70's
ive not heard of Bill Harry
but i did used to live in a flat, in house belonging to  Alan Williams.
 and even Alan said Norman was a brilliant drummer,  and it was a shame that he was called up!
 How
       the line up would have been so different !
 also if im not mistaken Norman used the name Dave now and again!
i have great memories of parties in the 80s at Alan and Beryl Willaims house being entertained by Bob Wooler and even having a wonderfull calypso, about me,   sung to me by Lord Woodbine!
it was weird to think i was with the same people who had brought the Beatles to light and had lost them too! and also people who could remember that my uncle was with the Silver Beatles!!!! as for years it was impossible for people to believe that this was the case!
i have had a very varied working life as ive worked in theatre, films and tv for the last 25 years
in the early 80s i worked making costumes for Arnold Schwarzeneggers first freature film Conan the Barbarian, meeting Arnie in his younger days  was fun he was a good laugh and had a great sense of humour!
ive worked with hundreds of famous people and have lots of anecdotes, where i love to tell people my stories , Uncle Norman was queiter and kept it to himself somewhat!
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: tkitna on December 26, 2008, 06:05:38 PM
This is fantastic stuff. Thanks so much Lilian. Please, stay around and tell us anything you can share. I'd be very interested in hearing it.

Its always better to have a story firsthand instead of reading it on the internet and hoping its true.

Oh yeah, and get that car fixed Marshall.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: lilian chapman on December 26, 2008, 06:23:42 PM
ill see what i can 'dig out' ill ask my sisters as they can remember a bit more than me,as he was only 10yrs older than my eldest sister.
although i have heard a story of how some lads in a group that my Uncle was with came over to my Nanas house and where jumping on the furniture!  which was not very welcome at the time! and as far as im aware he was only with one 'group' then!  hmmm!
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: pc31 on December 26, 2008, 09:05:30 PM
thanks again...i'll get back on subject after a dump run....garbage dumping is no fun...
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: lilian chapman on December 26, 2008, 11:34:10 PM
many apologies for not knowing who Bill Harry was! ive just googled him!  (oooh matron!) lol!
i remember the mag and may even have a few in the house somewhere!
 again my sisters would have been the ones to buy it!
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on December 27, 2008, 01:05:37 PM
Welcome Lilian! Hope you stick around in here.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: on December 27, 2008, 01:11:25 PM
Hello Everyone,
I am quite impressed also at this site. Norman Chapman was also my uncle, being Lilians sister, I am glad to see she has posted here. Does anyone know how I can get in touch with Ann Marie? When I left UK to come to America, she was so young and we had never kept in touch.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: pc31 on December 27, 2008, 02:58:55 PM
thanks for joining in lass...hopefully we can get the story straight now...how long ago did you move to the u s???
and thanks again lil for joining in the discussions...if you are ever in florida...the teas on me.... ;) lil..you didn't know who bill was????????i find that very funny...bill keeps a low profile i guess..one guy in england once told me he thought that bill had died...i told no he was alive and kicking...he was surprised...but any how i hope you girls also get reaccquainted with the rest of the family....this is a great thing...
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bill Harry on December 27, 2008, 04:51:03 PM
I have only painted one oil painting in my life. It was a painting I did of Virginia in 1960. I took it to the framers opposite the Jacaranda to get it framed. I believe it was Norman who framed it. I still have it. Did you know that Norman's drums are on display at the Jacaranda?
If Lilian can find one, I'd love to see a photograph of Norman as he was in the early Sixties.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on December 28, 2008, 01:40:19 PM
Quote from: 1794
i have great memories of parties in the 80s at Alan and Beryl Willaims house being entertained by Bob Wooler and even having a wonderfull calypso, about me,   sung to me by Lord Woodbin

Lilian, we are very interested in stories (and pictures!) of and about Lord Woodbine as well! Please share!
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on December 28, 2008, 01:41:29 PM
Quote from: 1800
Hello Everyone,
I am quite impressed also at this site. Norman Chapman was also my uncle, being Lilians sister, I am glad to see she has posted here. Does anyone know how I can get in touch with Ann Marie? When I left UK to come to America, she was so young and we had never kept in touch.

Thanks and welcome. Please stick around! I have Ann Marie's e-mailaddress and will send it in a PM to you later.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: BlueMeanie on December 28, 2008, 01:53:00 PM
A big welcome to all the Chapman family!
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: An Apple Beatle on December 28, 2008, 03:09:35 PM
Honoured to have you around. :)
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Geoff on December 28, 2008, 04:15:45 PM
Welcome aboard!  :)
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: on December 30, 2008, 11:56:16 PM
PC31 wrote:

thanks for joining in lass...hopefully we can get the story straight now...how long ago did you move to the u s???
and thanks again lil for joining in the discussions...if you are ever in florida...the teas on me....  lil..you didn't know who bill was????????i find that very funny...bill keeps a low profile i guess..one guy in england once told me he thought that bill had died...i told no he was alive and kicking...he was surprised...but any how i hope you girls also get reaccquainted with the rest of the family....this is a great thing...

My what a nice welcome. Thanks to all.

I came to the United States in 1965, I was quite young but not too young to have experienced the musical explosion in Liverpool of all of the other groups of the time.
Oh boy, when I think back I remember the Iron Door, The Temple, as well as the mentioned Jacaranda Club. My sister used to sneak me in to listen to our Uncle Norman who was playng there at the time.

And of course, there was  the infamous Cavern!
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: pc31 on December 31, 2008, 03:46:50 AM
nothing about the casbah??give mona at least a little credit.....i remember learning about these clubs,that they were in somebodys basement...man that must have been loud.....didn't the neighbors ever complain or were they invited too????
isn't also true some of those club served no alcohol,but tea and coffee?????the misconception some have is they all served beer....who else have you've seen in those show?you probally saw lots of up and comings....i grew up on country music myself and still listen to it to this day...but i dig that mersey beat...old rockabilly is a personal passion...i think the only thing that transends the beauty of music is the feeling you get when you share it...keep warm safe in dry in your endevours girls and keep us updated...and ps what color eyes have yous' got...my are brown.... ;)
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: on January 01, 2009, 11:57:08 PM
Quote from: 284
nothing about the casbah??give mona at least a little credit.....i remember learning about these clubs,that they were in somebodys basement...man that must have been loud.....didn't the neighbors ever complain or were they invited too????
isn't also true some of those club served no alcohol,but tea and coffee?????the misconception some have is they all served beer....who else have you've seen in those show?you probally saw lots of up and comings....i grew up on country music myself and still listen to it to this day...but i dig that mersey beat...old rockabilly is a personal passion...i think the only thing that transends the beauty of music is the feeling you get when you share it...keep warm safe in dry in your endevours girls and keep us updated...and ps what color eyes have yous' got...my are brown.... ;)


Was the Casbah a coffee shop? I seem to remember that we spent lots of itme in a coffee shop on Bold Street. It did look very "Casbah" Otherwise I cannot help you, or Mona. Sorry! :-)
To some degree you are correct though! The basements were not in a residential area. They were in the center of Liverpool and away from any homes.
There were lots of pubs and clubs in the middle of Liverpool, some were located in cellars which were more like caves and perfect for loud music. Usually they were beneath another business. It was in cellars like this, that the clubs were located. If my memory serves me correctly, the Cavern was in a wine cellar.
I also recall that the Iron Door was in an upstairs location on a side street in sort of an alley. But I cant recall what was downstairs. I can only remember that there were steps leading to this big iron door.
Yes, they used to serve just tea or coffee and soft drinks which you bought at the counter. And after you paid your entrance fee, which was usually a few shillings, you could stay there all night long if you wished.
BTW, my eyes are green..
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: pc31 on January 02, 2009, 12:26:45 AM
sweet!!!green!!!!is that from an irish ancestor mayhaps????when i was growing up concerts were usually outside or in a theater...sometimes a school would host them and the bars always had friday shows...i once went to an allman brothers concert in the middle of a cow pasture...and there were mushrooms growing there which some of us patrons ingested and washed down with whiskey...it was a benefit concert for a kid that was hit on his bike....then there were garage parties,sort of like your basements because we don't have basements in florida...and this is me,last year sometime...(http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/1497/photo996rt.jpg) a black haired brown eyed handsome man...2DWU8zvk2Zo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DWU8zvk2Zo)
what kind of music do you listen to???i listen to country,rockabilly and rock and roll mainly.... ;)
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Xose on March 27, 2010, 03:11:18 PM
What happened with this thread?? ???

Xosé
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on March 27, 2010, 07:44:24 PM
What happened with this thread?? ???

Xosé

What's wrong? It went off topic somewhat but that's not unusual.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Almighty Doer of Stuff on March 28, 2010, 02:58:22 AM
pc31, were you flirting with a stranger over the Internet? Careful not to scare off anyone we might want information from... :P

This is all very interesting, to the point where I've kept my fiancée waiting. I told her I'd go to bed and call her cell phone to say goodnight within a few minutes, and it's been more than a few minutes. I better go...  ;sorry
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on March 31, 2010, 08:32:28 PM
I forget to tell you all that Bill and Liverbird have been in contact after all.


Xose, Bill might have a renewed entry on Norman Chapman and might be able to help you.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Xose on April 01, 2010, 10:32:17 AM
Xose, Bill might have a renewed entry on Norman Chapman and might be able to help you.

Thanks Bobber!! ;)

I wrote to him, but no replay so far...

Xosé
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Nada Surf on December 22, 2011, 06:39:53 AM
Fascinating thread and I'm a bit late to the game here, but I've always found Norman Chapman to be one of the more interesting people in the entire Beatles saga. Afterall, without the draft notice to go into the army, he would have likely been Ringo. I'm surprised he's not a bigger story.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: pc31 on December 22, 2011, 08:16:22 PM
i beg to differ...the most irreplacable beatle was ringo...the non ego was an essential piece of the puzzle...
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Nada Surf on December 31, 2011, 09:20:40 PM
I think you missed the point, PC...
Had Chapman not been called for duty, there might have been no need for Ringo.
Besides, Ringo could have been as cool and as fun as anyone, but the Beatles never would have made it without the brilliant songwriting of Lennon and McCartney.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on October 17, 2014, 10:08:27 AM
It appears that the picture mentioned before was indeed not Norman Chapman, but Tommy Moore.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: pc31 on October 21, 2014, 10:11:07 AM
I think you missed the point, PC...
Had Chapman not been called for duty, there might have been no need for Ringo.
Besides, Ringo could have been as cool and as fun as anyone, but the Beatles never would have made it without the brilliant songwriting of Lennon and McCartney.
nor could they have made it without ringo....
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: tkitna on October 21, 2014, 09:54:05 PM
I concour
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on April 01, 2015, 11:41:43 AM
(http://www.fab104.com/wpimages/c62e7179e3b5.jpg)

Norman Chapman is on the left. BTW Derry Wilkie (Derry and the Seniors) is on the right.
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on June 15, 2017, 08:39:51 AM
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/106358540/2015-06-04%2013.01.29.jpg)
Title: Re: Norman Chapman
Post by: Bobber on June 15, 2017, 08:44:12 AM
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/106358540/2015-06-04%2013.02.11.jpg)