Band leader Harvey was born in Glasgow, Scotland 1935. During the fifties he played in many different Jazz bands playing Dixieland Jazz and later skiffle.
In 1959 he formed the Alex Harvey Soul Band playing Blues and rock n Roll music. Although a successful stint in Hamburg completed, Harvey found it difficult finding recognition with the ‘Soul Band’ and through the second half of the sixties Alex with his brother Les Harvey moved from one group to another until 1969 when he took up as a resident musician in the stage show of ‘Hair’.
In 1972 Alex joined forces with Scottish up and coming rockers ‘Tear Gas’. The band with Alex at the helm changed names to “The Sensational Alex Harvey Band”. The Sensational Alex Harvey Shows were noted for their theatrical content and idiosyncratic style of delivery. The music influences varied greatly. From blues to music hall stage shows.
After years of a punishing stage show and never ending Gig schedules, Alex announced in 1977 that due to back problems he was to retire from the music business.
Following a rare come back tour in Europe Alex died of a heart attack in 1982.
In 1977 after the Band and Alex Harvey parted company with Alex recording the solo Album ‘Loch Ness Monster’ (NB: Not a music album, but a recorded documentary about the fabled monster !), while the band without Alex, recorded ‘Four Play’. Alex and the band came together again in 1978 for a final album 'Rock Drill'. The Band and Alex then parted company again. Alex put together a new band in 1979 to record the album ‘The Mafia Stole My Guitar’. In 1983 Alex's final recording ‘Soldier On The Wall’ (comprised mainly of recordings made pre-SAHB), was posthumously issued. The Band having separated and playing in different Bands re-united in 2004 for a final tour with spot. The band released a live recording 'Zalvation'. Through 2006 the band has continued to play live in Britain with some new dates for 2007. 2006 band members are Max Maxwell filling the vocal spot with original members Zal Cleminson; Guitar, Chris Glen; Bass, Hugh McKenna; Keyboards, and Ted McKenna; Drums
Alex Harvey and The Sensational Alex Harvey Band releases include
• 1972 Framed
• 1973 Next
• 1974 The Impossible Dream
• 1975 Tomorrow Belongs To Me
• 1976 Penthouse Tapes
• 1976 SAHB Stories
• 1978 Rock Drill
Alex Harvey Solo Releases include
• 1977 Alex Harvey Presents The Loch Ness Monster
• 1979 The Mafia Stole My Guitar
• 1983 Soldier On The Wall
Sensational Alex Harvey Band (without Alex Harvey) Include
• 1977 Four play
. 1993 Live in Glasgow (Stevie Doherty vocals)
• 2005 Zalvation
Vambo Marble Eye
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band Lyrics
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Even dead, fear alone indeed
Even dead fear marble eye
He been living in a lullaby
Machinery overheat
Vambo teaching mastery
Over shaka, shake her fast
Chorus: Vambo comin' to the rescue (3 times)
Up the go go river
Give away, lobster hobo, say OK
Long, long lover
She say goodbye
He been living in a lullaby
Chorus
Vambo never, show him face
Hold him head in no disgrace
Hobo villa on the Hobo need
Even the dead fear alone indeed
Even dead fear marble eye
Ain't no way for he to die
Tell me no story, tell me no lie
He been living in a lullaby
Chorus:
Vambo Comin' to the rescue
Vambo rule OK, Vambo rule
The lyrics of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band's song Vambo Marble Eye describe a mysterious character named Vambo who is coming to the rescue of the Hobo villa and its inhabitants. Even the dead are afraid of Vambo's power and mastery. The lyrics suggest that Vambo has the ability to overcome obstacles including the overheat of machinery and the shaka shake of others. Even Marble Eye, an old character whom the lyrics suggest has been living in a lullaby, cannot pass Vambo's mastery. Vambo is a savior figure who comes to help those in need and has a rule that is OK.
The lyrics provide a vivid and mystical image of the fictional world of Vambo and his rule. According to some interpretations, Vambo might be a representation of a higher power or a divine figure who has the ability to overcome any obstacles and help those in need. The lyrics suggest that living in a lullaby means being stuck in a dreamlike state, possibly disconnected from reality, and that Vambo's power can help people break away from this state.
Line by Line Meaning
Hobo villa, Hobo need
The impoverished community requires assistance and support.
Even dead, fear alone indeed
Even in death, the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming.
Even dead fear marble eye
The fear of death is evident even in those with artificial eyes.
He been living in a lullaby
He's been living in a dream-like state, unaware of his harsh reality.
Machinery overheat
The industrial machines have been pushed beyond their limit.
Vambo teaching mastery
Vambo is teaching the people how to be skilled in their craft.
Over shaka, shake her fast
Shake quickly to impress and outperform others.
Even old marble eye go past him
Even those with artificial eyes surpass him in skill and ability.
Chorus: Vambo comin' to the rescue (3 times)
Vambo is coming to provide aid and assistance.
Up the go go river
Travel up the river towards a better life.
Give away, lobster hobo, say OK
Give away what little you have, embrace your situation and be content to survive as a hobo.
Long, long lover
A love that has endured for a long time.
She say goodbye
She has decided to leave, ending the relationship.
He been living in a lullaby
He's been oblivious to the troubles in his relationship.
Chorus
Vambo is coming to provide aid and assistance.
Vambo never, show him face
Vambo doesn't show his face because he operates in secrecy.
Hold him head in no disgrace
He has nothing to be ashamed of and holds his head up high.
Hobo villa on the Hobo need
The impoverished community requires assistance and support.
Even the dead fear alone indeed
Even in death, the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming.
Even dead fear marble eye
The fear of death is evident even in those with artificial eyes.
Ain't no way for he to die
There's no way for him to escape his inevitable fate.
Tell me no story, tell me no lie
Don't try to deceive or manipulate me with false information.
He been living in a lullaby
He's been living in a dream-like state, unaware of his harsh reality.
Chorus: Vambo Comin' to the rescue
Vambo is coming to provide aid and assistance.
Vambo rule OK, Vambo rule
Vambo has the power and authority to bring change and make things better.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALEX HARVEY, ALISTAIR MACDONALD CLEMINSON, CHRIS GLEN, HUGH MCKENNA, TED MCKENNA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind