Fred Wedlock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fred Wedlock
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Wedlock performing at Allerford Folk Festival in 2003
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Peter Frederick Wedlock |
| Born | 23 May 1942 Bristol, England |
| Died | 4 March 2010 (aged 67) Bath, England |
| Genres | Comedy, folk, Scrumpy and Western |
| Occupation(s) | Humorist, guitarist, singer, songwriter, actor |
| Years active | 1960s–2010 |
| Labels | Various, see Discography |
| Associated acts | Pigsty Hill Light Orchestra |
Peter Frederick Wedlock (born May 23, 1942 – died March 4, 2010) was a famous English folk singer. He was best known for his hit song "The Oldest Swinger in Town." This song was so popular that a German comedian, Karl Dall, even made his own version of it. Fred Wedlock performed in many places across Britain and Europe. He also hosted TV shows and acted with the Bristol Old Vic theatre group.
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Fred Wedlock's Early Life
Fred Wedlock was born in Bristol, England. He grew up in a part of Bristol called Redcliffe. His father ran a pub there called York House. As a child, Fred sang in the church choir at St Mary Redcliffe. He went to Bristol Grammar School in the 1950s. While at school, he was a good hockey player. He played for both his school team and for the Old Bristolians team.
What Did Fred Wedlock Do?
After studying at Swansea University, Fred Wedlock became a teacher. He taught in different schools in the 1960s and early 1970s. These included schools in London and near Bristol. In the 1970s, he decided to focus on music full-time.
Fred's Music Career
Fred Wedlock often performed at the Bristol Troubadour Club. He became well-known on the folk music scene. He played at clubs and festivals all over the world. His most famous song, "The Oldest Swinger in Town," became a big hit in 1981. It reached number 6 on the UK Singles Chart. The song was also released in Australia.
Fred's Other Talents
Besides music, Fred Wedlock also worked in television. He hosted many shows for West Country TV, like Bargain Hunters. He was also an actor. In 1997, he had a main role in a play called Up the Feeder, Down the Mouth. This play was about the history of Bristol Docks. He also acted in other plays for a Bristol theatre company.
Fred's Family Connections
Fred Wedlock's daughter, Hannah Wedlock, sometimes performed with the Pigsty Hill Light Orchestra. This was another music group from Bristol. Fred's grandfather was Billy Wedlock, a famous football player. Billy Wedlock was the captain of Bristol City F.C. and played for the England team. A stand at the Ashton Gate football stadium was named after him. Fred lived in a village called Amesbury for many years. He often helped with local events and raised money for projects there.
Fred Wedlock's Albums
Fred Wedlock released several albums during his career. Here are some of his well-known recordings:
- The Folker (1971)
- Frollicks (1973)
- Home Made (1975)
- Greatest Hits (1977) – This album had new live versions of his earlier songs.
- Out of Wedlock (1978)
- The Oldest Swinger in Town (1979) – This version featured Chris Newman.
- The Oldest Swinger in Town (1981) – This was a different version of the album.
- Live (1982) – Also with Chris Newman.
- The Complete 'Folker' and 'Frollicks' Albums (2008)
- Wrinklies' Revolution
- Souvenir
- Something Old, Something New
- Festive Fred
Fred Wedlock's Death
Fred Wedlock passed away on March 4, 2010. He died in a hospital in Bath after having a heart attack. He had also caught pneumonia. Many people shared their sadness about his death. Dick Greener from the Strawbs band website said Fred was a "huge comic talent" and a "thoroughly nice guy." Derek Cleverdon, who led the Variety Club Children's Charity South West, said Fred was very dedicated to helping others. He performed many times for the charity and helped raise a lot of money.
A large funeral service was held for Fred Wedlock at St Mary Redcliffe church on March 15, 2010. His family and friends shared tributes and songs. The church was completely full of people who came to remember him. Fred was survived by his wife and his two daughters.
Images for kids
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Wedlock performing at Allerford Folk Festival in 2003
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Wedlock in 1978, accompanied by Chris Newman on guitar
See also
- Scrumpy and Western
- Scrumpy & Western EP
