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Gene Vincent's band were known as The Blue Caps . The name came from their blue cloth caps that were inspired by President Eisenhower's golfing cap. There were several line-ups of The Blue Caps , but two remain the most widely known ...

The first line-up ... Cliff Gallup  - Guitar Jack Neal  - Bass Willie Williams  - Guitar Dickie Harrell  - Drums

The second line-up, from 1957 ... Johnny Meeks  - Guitar Dickie Harrell  - Drums Bobby Jones  - Bass Paul Peek  - Clapper Boy Tommy Facenda  - Clapper Boy

It was the 1957 line-up that toured Australia on the same bill as Eddie Cochran , Alis Lesley , Little Richard  and Australia's own king of rock 'n' roll, Johnny O'Keefe . It was on this tour that Little Richard was to decide to give up show business to devote himself to Bible study. He passed many of his stage clothes over to Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps. Paul Peek would later pass some of them over to Esquerita , one of the wildest most uninhibited piano players of rock 'n' roll.

Gene's popularity started to wane in the US. At the same time, he found himself in a spot of bother with the Musician's Union. At this time, he became more involved in pursuing a career in the UK and Europe, where his popularity remained strong on the large Teddy Boy and Rocker circuits.

It was while Gene Vincent was touring England in 1960 that he was involved in a car crash. It was a tragedy that claimed the life of his friend and fellow musician Eddie Cochran . Eddie Cochran had toured Australia and the UK with Gene and had sung, played and produced a session for Gene at the Capitol Tower in Hollywood. The bass voice at the start of Gene's song 'Git It'  belonged to Eddie Cochran . Synonymous with Gene are the leather suits that were a product of his image development here in the UK. Television producer Jack Good, who had a flair for the dramatic and mixed rock 'n' roll up with Shakespeare, thought Gene would look more menacing in leather and chains. The leather would become a trademark of Gene's performances throughout the 60's. Gene Vincent passed away on October 12th, 1971 from a bleeding ulcer. Gene left behind four wives and a legion of dedicated fans. In the years immediately prior to his death he had recorded some fine country music LP's and had toured extensively in the UK and Europe.

With the renewed interest in real rockin' music during the seventies, Gene Vincent became an icon to a new generation of rockers. He has had more tribute records made about him than any other rocker, except Elvis , proving that his influence and legend are greater than can be measured by looking at chart placement.

Gene Vincent's tough attitude, menacing looks and black leather street cred were just part of the attraction. In the end, it is more than just image that has attracted a growing legion of fans. The voice of Gene Vincent haunts the minds of those who can't get enough of his music. This web site is my tribute to my musical hero ... The Black Leather Rebel - Gene Vincent.