HIST 1127 – HISTORY OF ROCK & ROLL

Assignment #2

10% of total grade

“Image was very important, name was very important, behaviour was very important …
uh, music was kind of important. What was more important than the music you played
was where the music you played originated.”
Pete Townshend on the ‘British Invasion’

It’s 1968 – a year after the ‘Summer of Love’ -- and you’re the manager of a
young five-piece group from Scotland. The so-called ‘British Invasion’ of America is
now over, with new American artists beginning to develop their own sound and style.
However, organizers of the upcoming 2nd Monterey Pop festival in California have
booked your band to make an appearance, as long as they make a few adjustments and
secure promotional support.
As their manger, you understand it is not simply enough to take your band to
America and hope they become popular. You have to carefully cultivate an image and an
identity that will appeal to the American teenagers, who have already been exposed to
numerous other British bands. Why should they care about yours?
Your task is the following:

1. “Name was very important” -- Most British bands have gone through various
name changes before settling on one that catches the public’s attention (e.g. the
Quarry Men became the Beatles, the Detours became the Who). Keeping in mind
your band’s Scottish roots, what was their original name, what name do you now
propose they change it to, and why?

2. “Image was very important” – create an image or identity for your band that you
hope will help them stand out from the rest, and again say why you think it will
work. (Feel free to sketch an image if this helps.) Also, describe their sound and
style and say why it is unique.

3. Touring America is expensive and you can only afford to take four members. It is
time to let someone go. Write a brief letter to the unlucky individual, explaining
why your decision to fire him/her is for the best (both for them and for the band).

4. Finally, write a brief letter of introduction to an American promoter whom you

hope will arrange the American tour for you. Explain why he should want to hire
your band, what their appeal to Americans is, and why he cannot afford to miss
this opportunity. Be polite, but forceful – this is your one chance of making it big!

Please complete all answer on the attached sheet and post to the Review Assignment
#2 link on Blackboard through the Assignments option no later than Saturday, 29
October. If you wish to work with a partner on this assignment, that is fine. Just be
sure to include both names on your answer sheet. Good luck!
 HIST 1127 – Assignment #2

Name: Avtar Singh ID No. 4396911

Name: Navdeep Kaur ID No. 4396772

1 Old name of band: New name of band (and reason for

change):
The Sound Guns
The Smoking Guns

This name certainly brings out the

elegance in the band. It shows that the
brand has a hot style. This name is quite
classic, yet enchanting. This name is
unarguably iconic and will become even
more special when the band becomes
popular in America.

(This name is in reference to the burning

of a cigar, which is a representation of
richness and elegance. And this is what
we picture the artists to look like).

2 Image & Identity: Sound & Style:

As far as the image and identity of this Mainly, the sounds of this band will be
brand is concerned, the band members formed using a combination of guitar,
will promote themselves as professional drums, bass, saxophone and maybe even
 and sophisticated artists. In fact, their
identity will have an element of
elegance and a refined personality. For
this purpose, wearing tuxedos and suits
can be helpful and relevant. For
instance, consider the visual identity of
The Rolling Stones whose look
resembles the one that this band shall
have. Also, it will be similar to the
character and identity of The Beatles as
shown in their song "Love Me Do".
a touch of harmonica. As far as the
genre is concerned, the band will rely on
rock and roll, jazz, rhythm and blues,
and some pop as well (just like the early
songs of The Beatles, the ones released
in early 60s). Simply stated, the style
and sound will be neither too complex
nor too simple.

3 Dear Drake,

I am writing to advice you that due to recent changes in the band, you are
being removed as the member. This may sound a bit harsh, but allow me to
justify this decision. Few weeks ago, the organizers of the 2nd Monterey Pop
Festival invited us to perform at the upcoming event in California. You are also
fully aware that we are not too famous right now, and touring another country,
especially America, can be quite expensive. Also, the organizers of the same
event have stated that they will only pay us after our performance.
Therefore, as the manager, I have taken into account all the expenses that
we will have to incur. However, they will match our income only if just four
band members go to America for the tour. Consequently, you are the unfortunate
one who has been picked to leave. Moreover, the other members have
complained that your performance has not been what it used to be. As a result, I
request you to spend more time practicing, and focus on improving your music
skills, especially when it comes to drumming.
I will soon send the paperwork for you to sign which will make this
transition more smoother. Your bandmates are obviously saddened by this
decision. While this is undoubtedly an arduous decision, I seek your full
cooperation and support.

Thank you for your invaluable contributions.

 Sincerely,

Avtar Singh
(The Manager)

4 Dear Mr. Berkshire,

Allow me to introduce myself. I am the manager of the British band “The

Smoking Guns”. Our band hopes to establish a professional relationship with
your agency. Although our brand originates from Scotland, we want to expand
our reach to America as well.
Now, why should you promote this band? First, this band has featured on
many of the UK’s most prominent talk shows. Second, the band has had many
sold-out concerts. We hope that we will follow the footprints of The Beatles, and
achieve tremendous success in USA. For your reference, the band artists have a
classic and sophisticated image. Also, their tracks include a combination of
guitar, drums, bass, saxophone and a touch of harmonica. Their musical style
includes rock and roll, jazz, rhythm and blues, and some pop.
I have also emailed you some of the most popular recordings of our band.
At last, I am sure that with your professional support, “The Smoking Guns” will
become as popular as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Thank you in
advance for your expertise.

Looking for your support.

Sincerely,

Avtar Singh
The Manager
The Smoking Guns