Mickey Jupp Southend Legend.
THE MICKEY JUPP STORY
He was coaxed back into performing in 1975 by Lee Brilleaux, the lead singer of Dr. Feelgood. Pub rock was in decline, yet Jupp was well respected in the scene, since both Ducks Deluxe and Dr. Feelgood had recorded versions of his songs "Cheque Book" and "Down at the Doctors," respectively. Mickey Jupp released his first solo single, "Nature's Radio," on Arista Records in 1978. The single led to a contract with Stiff Records, who released the "Old Rock N Roller" single. The Mickey Jupp Legend compilation album called "Legend" was issued in 1978, as was the new Juppanese album. Most of Juppanese was recorded with Rockpile and produced by Nick Lowe and all on Stiff.
There was also a Peel Session in 1978 including Cheque Book, Switchboard Susan, Anything You Do and Daisy Mayes. In the same year as Juppanese a compilation of Legend material was also released. Following the release of Juppanese, Jupp joined Stiffs Rail Tour, although he left the lineup before it hit the U.S. because of his fear of flying. After this he left Stiff Records and signed with Chrysalis in 1979. The same year he released Long Distance Romancer, which was produced by for 10cc members Kevin Godley and Lol Creme. Like Juppanese, it failed to gain a large audience. Jupp moved over to A&M Records in 1982, releasing Some People Can't Dance. After releasing one more record on A&M, 1983's Shampoo Haircut and Shave, he was dropped from the label. Jupp spent the rest of the '80s and '90s touring the UK. Rick Nelson, The Judds and Chris Farlowe have recorded his songs. Over 60 Artists worldwide have covered his songs. Dr Feelgood covered his Down At The Doctors and made it a UK hit single. Mickey as of late 2007 is retired from playing and writing. It is unlikely he will play again as he is selling his equipment but still his songs will have a life of their own. GC