Radio presenter Bob Harris talks about his travels
Radio presenter and former Old Grey Whistle Test host Bob Harris talks about his travels and reveals why he doesn’t like the ‘vibe’ in Miami… but loves Nashville
Bob Harris checks in to our travel Q&A
This week, radio presenter Bob Harris checks in to our travel Q&A.
He talks about his first trip abroad, his favourite U.S. city – and more…
EARLIEST HOLIDAY MEMORY?
My father was Welsh so we’d visit his South Wales hometown, Pontardawe. Dad put sixpence in a jar every week so he could afford to rent an old Austin Seven every summer. On one trip, the car began rolling backwards as we tried to get up a hill in the Brecon Beacons.
FIRST TRIP ABROAD?
Going to LA in 1974 for the Old Grey Whistle Test. I flew out on a cold February day and when I landed the temperature was 70f. It was a fabulous trip — the city seemed the epicentre of rock’n’roll at the time.
TRAVEL MUCH FOR THE OGWT?
It was my main source of travel for eight years. I’d visit LA every summer and travel everywhere from San Francisco to New Orleans to film and interview bands.
FAVOURITE U.S. CITY?
Nashville, Tennessee. There’s so much to see, be it the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium or Broadway, where you’ll find all the honky tonk bars.
PLACE CLOSE TO YOUR HEART?
My family spent holidays with my friend Cynthia Lennon in Portals Nous, Majorca, before she passed away. It’s got the perfect climate — never too hot or cold.
HAD ANY TRAVEL SCRAPES?
You’ve got to be careful in Miami. I didn’t enjoy the vibe there. I got the feeling that anything could happen at any time.
Bob says Nashville is his favourite U.S. city as there’s lots to do, such as visiting the honky tonk bars on Broadway (pictured)
ARE YOU A GOOD FLYER?
Yes, I just watch a movie. But I miss the days of the big Jumbo jets of the 1970s, where there would be a spiral staircase to the bar. I spent most of the flight time talking to Twiggy in the bar on one trans-Atlantic trip.
ANY TIPS FOR LIFE ON THE ROAD?
Forty years ago, I’d have said: ‘Raise hell and make merry.’ But nowadays I have to pace myself so I have energy on stage.
- Bob Harris and Danny Baker tour from March 7 (harrisandbaker.com).
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