What happened to Eddie Cochran? Final days of rock n roll legend Eddie Cochran & car crash

We visit Bristol, Chippenham and Bath locations as we outline the events leading up to the horrific car crash that claimed the life of rock n roll legend Eddie Cochran at the age of just 21.
TIMESTAMP
0:00 Intro
2:25 Bristol Royal Hotel
4:07 1960 tour background
6:45 Bristol Hippodrome
10:00 Leaving in a taxi for Heathrow Aiport
10:30 Crash on Rowden Hill
15:01 Cochran Avenue
15:30 St Martins Hospital, Bath
Take a look at our other travel content at: @Ocean Hops
How did Eddie Cochran die? Where did Eddie Cochran die? Where in Chippenham was the Eddie Cochran car crash? This video opens at the Eddie Cochran Memorial that stands on Rowden Hill in Chippenham at the site of the car crash that would ultimately prove fatal for Eddie. Where had Eddie Cochran been staying? We visit the former Bristol Royal Hotel where Eddie spent the final week of his life along with girlfriend Sharon Sheeley and fellow rock n roll legend Gene Vincent. We also take a look outside the Bristol Hippodrome. I discuss the friendship of Eddie and Gene and how the 1960 tour was planned and where they were going after the Bristol Hippodrome show. Gene and Eddie completed a 6 day engagement at Bristol Hippodrome at the end of their current UK tour, and the stage door from where Eddie Cochran, Sharon Sheeley, Gene Vincent and tour manager Patrick Tompkins got inside the taxi driven by local George Martin. The events leading up to the car crash at Rowden Hill are explored before we visit another Eddie Cochran memorial located at St Martins Hospital in Bath where Eddie died at 4.10pm on Sunday 17 April 1960, Easter Sunday.
Information has been gathered and retained from many years from books, magazines, album liner notes and box-set booklets as a Eddie Cochran / Gene Vincent fan but it would be remiss not to mention the fantastic biography 'Don't Forget Me' by Julie Mundy and Darrel Higham (a fantastic rockabilly/rock n roll artist in his own right!). Also the websites eddie-cochran.info and www.rockabillyhall.com/darklon...
And we have come here this morning because on the late night of April 16 1960
this was the site of a car crash which, the following day, would claim the life
of Eddie Cochran.
And to mark the spot here on Rowden Hill is this memorial to Eddie Cochran
It says 'Eddie Cochran. Cherished Memories. 1938 - 1960'
Eddie Cochran died on Sunday April 17 1960 at the age of 21 It was said he was born in Oklahoma City on 3 October 1938 but it was actually Albert Lea, Minnesota where Eddie Cochran was born.
That's his only number one hit there, 'Three Steps To Heaven'.
Monday 11 April 1960 Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent and Sharon Sheeley checked in to this hotel here. The Bristol Royal it was called then, ahead of the week-long engagement at the Hippodrome. It was perfectly placed for the Bristol Hippodrome. Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent had been acquainted for around 3 years by now. They had toured together in the spring of 1957. Later that year, around September time, they had also toured Australia with Little Richard. Towards the end of 1957 Eddie Cochran was on a package tour - 'Irving Feld's Biggest Stars of 1957' with amongst others, the Everly Brothers. Eddie Cochran became big friends with the Everly Brothers And especially with Phil Everly, who introduced him to Sharon Sheeley at the end of 1957 at a Christmas package (show) in New York. Sharon Sheeley became the youngest female songwriter to have a number one hit in America when Ricky Nelson recorded her song 'Poor Little Fool'. Sharon Sheeley gave Eddie Cochran the song 'Love Again' the b-side of Eddie Cochran's Summertime Blues' Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent were reaquainted at Capitol Records Studios in Los Angeles when Gene Vincent was recording new songs Songs like 'Git It', 'Lovely Loretta' 'Now Is The Hour' and a few others - Eddie Cochran provided bass vocal backing for it. So we've come around to the Hippodrome. When Gene Vincent came over to the UK in December 1959 - Jack Good, the TV producer who had produced 'Oh Boy!' brought over
Gene Vincent hadn't had a hit in Britain since 1956, of course his classic 'Be-Bop-A-Lula' He also charted with 'Bluejean Bop', but hadn't had a hit since '56 in the UK. So he came over to make an appearance on Jack Good's new 'Boy Meets Girls' TV show While he was here, impresario Larry Parnes, who was the manager of all the home-grown British talent - Marty Wilde, Vince Eager, Tommy Steele, Billy Fury
Eddie Cochran had a recording session on January 8 1960 'Three Steps To Heaven', 'Cherished Memories' and 'Cut Across Shorty'
24 January 1960 at the Ipswich Gaumont.
George Martin driving the taxi picked up Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Sharon Sheeley and Eddie and Gene's road manager for the week, Patrick Tompkins -picked them up outside the stage door here and headed out initially on the A4 towards London.

[@NevadaBoss]

As a lifelong Buddy Holly fanatic, I've always had great respect for the way the Brits "never forget"..a trait that many (tho not all) Americans do not share. EC was a critical link in rock history & given what he accomplished by 21, like Buddy, the mind reels at "what might have been." Thanks for posting..and remembering.

[@OceanHops]

Hey NevadaBoss. Thanks for that! Yes, these guys were always held in high regard over here.

[@devonmoors]

Have you got the CD of him at home singing?

[@OceanHops]

Hi! I don't believe so. Is that one of the Rockstar label releases?

[@thra5herxb12s]

I wasn't born until 1962, but his music has been in my life for the past 60 years. Eddie will never be forgotten 💕

[@OceanHops]

Hi Dean. Yep I was a little too late as well! Thanks for watching 👍

[@proudman6598]

He was SOMETHING ELSE .

[@OceanHops]

I see what you did there! 😊. Thanks for watching 👍

[@Lynny1651]

Thank you for sharing the tribute to a great rock an roll singer Eddie Cochran, loved his songs and guitar playing, Rest In Peace Eddie Cochran 💔🙏

[@OceanHops]

Hi Lynette - and thank you for watching the video. It's great that all these people still remember and appreciate the artistry of Eddie. 👍😊

[@doriemckay6935]

I'm so glad someone like you remembers these guys. Eddie and Gene and Everly brothers. Thanks from no. CA

[@OceanHops]

From age 12 I really got into Elvis and all other early rock artists ('born too late' as the Poni-Tails sang 🙂). Of course, Eddie grew up in your neck of the woods - well, LA anyway.

[@cynthiaennis3107]

Hello! Good Day! I read that Rick Nelson was friends with these guys, probably because he loved Town Hall Party in CA & would show up to watch them & The Collin’s Kids & others who were singing the music he wanted to emulate! ♥️ Love to all these guys gone too soon! I’d forgotten I had his Summertime Blues on an oldies album & just remembered today! I had gotten it as a girl! (Born in 1964, but loving his music!). { I also got my original pre-adoption birth certificate in 2020 & found my biological father was Bobbie Howard, aka, Mr. Dynamite, of The British Walkers, back in the early to mid 60’s...I was totally shocked! (They were popular in the DC area...I had never heard of them.) I just found he passed in October 2021, but got to be a fan on his FB page. (I wish I had inherited some of his talent.}

[@cynthiaennis3107]

There’s a song by Stray Cats as a tribute to them, called ‘Gene & Eddie!’ ♥️

[@cynthiaennis3107]

I loved the Everly Brothers! They got a lot of airtime on radio on the Eastern coast! Last I looked, Don was still living, but passed on last year, the same year as his mother, she was 97, or 98! Heaven must be rocking. bless them for all the joy they gave us. ♥️⭐️🎸

[@OceanHops]

Hey Cynthia. Keep on watching as heading over the pond in a few months and the plan is to be visiting a couple of Everly spots!

[@i-iiiaiis6661]

Eddie Cochran is my great great uncle

[@erkjan]

Rip Eddie! You was the first hardrocker! You are the reason that we have hardrock/metal these days..cheers m8

[@OceanHops]

Yes, Eddie's influence stretches wide! Thanks for watching 👍👍

[@coldacre]

damn right. Zeppelin used to cover "Something Else" & "C'mon Everybody". that driving beat that characterises hard rock / metal was all there in Eddie's songs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i17QpHmPeKaebM0

[@johnmills9849]

Best Tribute I've seen about Mr Eddie Cochran 👍

[@OceanHops]

Thanks very much John - very kind of you 🙂🙂👍

[@russakerman7547]

A very fitting tribute to a wonderful musician. Eddie died 4 and a half years before I was born, but after discovering his music when I was about 13, I soon became a massive fan. So many "if onlys". Eddie was taken far too soon, but if there is any form of after-life, he should be very proud that his music still lives on. 🎵 "That guy was fine sounding, man, he was Somethin' Else" 🎵 R.I.P. Eddie

[@OceanHops]

Thank you very much Russ. Similar to you, he died almost 7 yrs before I came along. Legends are timeless though and good music is good music whenever it was made.

[@earlyculyer4103]

Thanks you for doing this for Eddie died way to soon like Buddy, Richie,J.P Rest in Paradise Guys!

[@OceanHops]

And thank you for taking the time to watch 👍

[@markpalmar70]

A touching tribute, thank you. I was thinking recently that Eddie's best records have really never been bettered, by anyone. They were the very epitome of rock & roll. It is a tragic story, and this tribute brings a sense of peace. He really was very special.

[@OceanHops]

Thank you for your kind words Mark and I'm glad you felt that way. Yes, Eddie is a legend and a phenomenal talent who will 'never be forgotten'. 👍

[@wayneconn1079]

I have been lucky enough to play with many of Eds friend The Blue Caps . Vince Eager . Charlie Gracie Joe brown etc . I was once singing and playing with a band in bristol and a old lady came up to me and she was the nurse who looked after Ed in St Martins . We were playing Summertime Blues . She said thank you that bought back wonderful memories . So many memories . Ed shook Elvis in Dallas and Elvis commented who is that Cat !! Ed was doing backing and guitar in capitol with Gene . Thank you for a lovely tribute

[@OceanHops]

Wow! That's a CV to be proud of Wayne👍. Yes Eddie was apparently singing those bass vocals on a few '58 Gene tracks at Capitol....Wella, wella, wop, wip, wip,wip 😉😊. Thanks for sharing that and thanks for watching 👍 🙂

[@wayneconn1079]

@@OceanHops thanks my friend thats right he did and guitar aswell 😊👍

[@wayneconn1079]

​@@OceanHopsHi yes and guitar and rearranged some of the tracks aswell😊

[@jonascahonas4323]

Eddie escaped the Day the music died crash only to find the same fate here. God needed them all. Thank you for your video I love Eddie, Ritchey and Buddy.

[@OceanHops]

Hi Jonas. So much talent lost in such a short period. Thanks for watching 👍

[@jonascahonas4323]

@@OceanHops Thumbs up from Utah USA! And Chaing Mai Thailand half half.

[@colinpurssey9875]

My gratitude to you for this excellent informative odyssey of Eddies last earthly day's. A fitting and tasteful tribute. Well done ! From a devoted Eddie fan here in Australia.

[@OceanHops]

Thanks for that Colin 🇦🇺 👍. I appreciate your comments and glad there are Eddie fans out there - the true talents endure 🙂.

[@thewhitewitch7691]

🌍🌎🌏🪐⭐️🌟🌺🌸🌼🌻🌻🚐🎚️🎚️🎚️🕯️🪔❤❤❤🎀💔💓❤️‍🔥✝️✅🎶🎶🎶🎵🔚🔙

[@markmccammon266]

I was also a big fan of EC and Gene Vincent. I am 78 now and so fortunate to have been present with the birth of rock 'n roll. I got Be Bop a Lula on a 78 rpm record for Christmas. What a time for real music. Buddy Holly with Peggy Sue was incredible. Bill Haley, Elvis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, I could go on for hours. Thank you for this video as I knew how EC died but I was not aware of his popularity in England. I am a native Texan from Houston, hello to England. My deceased wife's parents were from England and as nice a pair of in-laws as you could imagine.

[@OceanHops]

Hi Mark. It must have been great being at the start of it, especially in the US. There was a rock n roll revival here in the UK late 70s/early 80s, but the originals were always remembered over here. Thanks for watching 👍

[@EssexSilvering]

I enjoyed watching that, .. I want to visit both the plaque and hospital this year myself. Been wanting to do this for years!! ... Thank you for sharing.

[@OceanHops]

Thanks Dave 👍. Yes, you should go and take a look. I wanted to take a look inside the Hippodrome as well but it was still closed having some refurb done ahead of reopening after covid.

[@5150show]

thank you so much , REST IN PEACE EDDIE

[@OceanHops]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting, it's much appreciated 👍🙂

[@philovance1940]

I was born in Oklahoma City April 17, 1960. It was Easter Sunday. I’m still rockin and rolling to this day. I know there’s a strange connection . One rock n roller passes, another one is born. We play 20 Flight Rock in our set.

[@OceanHops]

Hi Timothy! That's cool that you use 20 Flight Rock in your set - keeping the music alive! April 17th - you share a birthday with British rocknroll singer Billy Fury (who I've also done videos on). He was friends with Eddie after sharing the bill on some of these UK dates and went to the hospital on his birthday when he heard Eddie was in an accident. Thanks for watching.

[@elmorevandodewaard544]

The true king of Rock n Roll❤ rip R E C

[@OceanHops]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@Shotokan-Karate]

A great tribute. Many thanks

[@OceanHops]

Thanks for that - much appreciated 👍

[@dgtwo3724]

I live in Orange County, California, about 30 minutes from Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Cypress where Eddie is buried. If I happen to be in the area, I sometimes stop by to pay respects at his gravesite. I was born in 1969 but I love his music.

[@OceanHops]

2 years after me! The music is timeless though - thanks for the comments - I may make it over to the west coast on one of our visits in the future and would definitely make that a stop off

[@dgtwo3724]

@@OceanHops the cemetery may not give out the location as they didn't for me years ago. The way I found it was, searched online and happened across the website of Eddie's nephew Bobby Cochran. There was a link to email him, which I did and he responded and basically told me where to find the grave.

[@paulbrain8352]

Fantastic informative video . Rip Eddie Cochran 🙏

[@OceanHops]

Hi @paulbrain8352 Thanks for watching 👍

[@rogermogstad]

Thank you for an interesting story....and nice to see you back on screen again 👍. Eddie has always been popular here in Norway. I am a bus driver, and when I am at work, I listen to the best radio station in Norway- Radio Vinyl. They play music from the 50's, 60's and the 70's.....music for my ears😎🚍

[@OceanHops]

Hey Roger! Thanks for sticking with my channel 👍. Great music from those decades and to think Eddie was just 21 when he died - incredible talent taken so young.

[@rogermogstad]

@@OceanHops Yes...it's a cruel Industry. Too many great talents died so far too young...Elvis, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Patsy Cline, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, John Belushi, Marc Bolan.... The list is long...and sad

[@cynthiaennis3107]

That’s right! Poor Little Fool went to #1 in the US! Such a great song she wrote! ♥️🌹🌿

[@HarryWebb46]

So pleased there is a local avenue named after Eddie close to where he passed. (Never knew that). Saint Martin's hospital MUST rename one of its wards to honour Eddie!

[@OceanHops]

Hi HarryWebb46! I didn't know about the street either - just happened 2 ladies walking by started chatting and mentioned it to me. Yes, I'm not aware of any wards named for Eddie, but at least the memorial and sundial are in the hospital grounds. Thanks for watching 👍

[@qbarnes1893]

Lived there for a few years, was blessed to attend a memorial gig, one of the last, at the Constitutional club, run by Dickey and his amazing wife. The Boom Boom Booms player live to gather funds to aid a restoration of Eddy’s memorial, it was epic that evening. Gavin Stanley and his group were amazing. So proud to have been there❤️❤️❤️

[@OceanHops]

Hi! Thanks for sharing that, Q Barnes, and thank you for watching 👍

[@noserialkiller3596]

If it wasn't for Eddie, our album would never have happened. Tragic death. No Serial Killer.

[@OceanHops]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@marcporte]

Merci pour cette hommage rendu à l'un des plus grands pionniers du rock'n'roll, un grand artiste et un grand musicien qui a influencé par la suite beaucoup de chanteurs et de groupes de rock jusqu'à aujourd'hui. Nous n'oublierons jamais les chefs d'oeuvre et l'héritage qu'il nous a laissé. Encore merci de France 🙏👍🇨🇵

[@OceanHops]

Hi Marc! Merci beaucoup d'avoir regardé et pour vos commentaires sur Eddie Cochran - oui, une vraie légende et un énorme talent.

[@cynthiaennis3107]

That is such a beautiful & thoughtful memorial! Love ‘The Three Steps to Heaven with the Cochran Brother’s lyrics on each step! The plaque is beautiful! ♥️ 🌹🌿 I could not find the reference of “Eddie Cochran Johnny & Eddie, 1953-1954, First Love.” ??? Would someone, please, tell me, if they know?? All these memorials are lovely & what wonderful fans he had their! I’m so glad. He made so many people happy! Thank you. 🙏🏼

[@OceanHops]

Hey Cynthia, it's Eddie's girlfriend at that time, Johnnie Berry.

[@cynthiaennis3107]

@@OceanHops ohhhh... Thank you so much. 🙏🏼 How bitter sweet that is. 🥺

[@cynthiaennis3107]

@@OceanHops ohhhh... Thank you so much. 🙏🏼 How bitter sweet that is. 🥺

[@planetblix]

Just a KZbin tourist passing by, fascinating video on what is a very talented individual. I have connection to the South West, nice to know some local knowledge.

[@OceanHops]

Thanks for stopping by planetblix! It's appreciated 👍

[@talkGOD]

Hi, in reply to your comments "Hi Howard. That is pretty cool you were Joe Brown's drummer! Yes, Joe met and toured with Eddie. It was the Boy Meets Girls TV show they were on together rather than Oh Boy though. Joe said in a doc that Eddie showed him a few 'tricky' chords" Thanks for the correct info and I do recall Joe actually telling us, his 'Bruvvers' that he did learn a few 'Tricky guitar licks' from Eddie :)

[@OceanHops]

Hi! Thanks for confirmation 👍! And for taking the time.

[@johnhillside9105]

I have been showing Summer Time Blue's on my Facebook Page. I didn't know that this was in the past. You've been very good at representing a very good musician. I'm glad I have been able to find this KZbin Video and I thank you for your goodness here. Thank you.

[@OceanHops]

Very good of you to say - thank you John 👍

[@sorshiaemms5959]

2022 EASTERS ON SUNDAY 17 THANKS FOR THE MEMORIAL

[@OceanHops]

Thank you sorshia. Yes, 17th is Sunday, just like in 1960.

[@myelvischannel1992]

Great to have you back, really enjoyed the video although of course it was very sad what happened. Thanks for the great information and showing us where it happened. Thanks again 👍

[@OceanHops]

Thanks my friend - I appreciate that 🙂. I'm glad you found this one interesting 👍👍.

[@almavazquez6397]

Great video, so many details of that fateful accident...Will always carry Eddie in my heart, he was an original Artist Musician with incredible talents that came natural to him... 🎶🎸🙋⭐🎶🌹💔😥

[@OceanHops]

Thanks for watching Alma. Totally agree - Singer, musician, songwriter, producer, arranger.....and 21 when he died. Incredible talent!

[@carrollcaldwell4570]

That Memorial is fine looking man! Wow, it's something else!

[@OceanHops]

Hi Carroll - I see what you did there 😆. Thanks for watching

[@sodapop83]

thank you so much!

[@OceanHops]

Hi sodapop....and thank you for watching 👍🙂. I appreciate it.

[@rojox99]

A fascinating account of the events leading to Eddie's fatal accident. In particular the video black & white reconstruction of Patrick Thomkin's account of the route taken by the taxi through Chippenham. As a thirteen year old it was "Three Steps To Heaven" that first turned me on to Rock 'n' Roll. I moved from the northeast to Wiltshire in 1980 to work in that area. It was only then that I found out about the car crash in Chippenham. My work involved a lot of travelling around Bristol, Bath and Wiltshire so I got to know the roads in the area very well. I was never comfortable with the published accounts of Eddie's last journey along the A4. The accident happened on the A4 so it was probably assumed at the time that the taxi in which Eddie and his party used had travelled from Bristol on that road. Some time later Pat Thomkins, a passenger in the taxi, recalled the car going through Chippenham centre prior to the accident and travelling out on the A4 in the wrong direction. I think it is highly likely that the driver, George Martin, would have taken the A420 out of Bristol to avoid Bath town centre rather than the A4. Ocean Hops is right, the direct road west to east is the A420, which would have been around 6 miles and at least twenty minutes less than the A4 route. As a taxi George Martin would have known this. Some accounts say that Martin took a short cut off the A4 to avoid Chippenham town centre but there are no short cuts around Chippenham going in the direction of London. Thomkins said that the accident occurred after Martin hit the brakes (on Rowden Hill) when he realised he was going the wrong way, whereas the police accident report indicated he was travelling up the hill. I guess that part of the crash scenario is still in doubt but I strongly believe that the A420 is the route taken by the taxi from Bristol to Chippenham.

[@OceanHops]

Thank you Roger - it's always good to have the information validated! 😉👍. It just made sense he would have gone that way to travel through the town centre and be heading down the wrong way on the A4 causing him to turn around and, fatefully, put his foot down to try and make up the lost time. Although, tragically, he had probably only lost about 10 minutes as they didn't get far before realising they were heading in the wrong direction and turning around.

[@vincentl.9469]

@@OceanHops The photos of the Ford Consul , if you look , show clearly it did a sideways and back slide. into a solid post ; the impact has torn the lower sill and rear window frame or D post I think they call it. It also forced open the rear door and the three in the back were all thrown out inc. Eddie of course. I remember they often had vinyl seats, slippery and no seat belts. I dont quite follow your description of how it went round a bend one way then ended up quite a few yards the other. it's more likely it bounced off the kerb on one side then went back to other side...it would have been over in seconds

[@vincentl.9469]

the damage to the nearside rear quarter indicates it went sideways and back having bounced off the opposite kerb, and that point on Rowden Hill would, in my view, have been slightly down hill. It would all have happened in seconds and taken everyone by surprise.. as with all accidents. With a modern saloon, it's likely they would not have been thrown out ...

[@OceanHops]

@@vincentl.9469 Yes it was coming towards Chippenham town centre after turning around, took the bend after the tunnel too fast, crossed to the far (right) side, hit the kerb and crossed back to the left side near to where the memorial is. Thanks for watching and your observations - all very interesting!

[@vincentl.9469]

@@OceanHops thanks...at one time the swerve was blamed by a tyre going down, not been proved though .. it was mostly fast driving, not sure he even had to go fast. the other claim is that Eddie's head hit the roof but the likely cause of his skull fractures was due to falling out & hitting the road surface. I doubt he suffered for long or was even conscience for long. The door catch on those cars weren't very secure for a big car. Today's cars are so much safer..& many roads in 1960 were not a lot better than during the war...

[@MatthewBaker-nq2cb]

Thank you my friend for this video,it was really well done Eddie himself I'm sure would be proud of it & the fact he isn't forgotten nor will he be,as Eddie once sang ( Cherished Memories ) that they are indeed to all of us who love his music.

[@OceanHops]

I appreciate that Matthew 🙂. Yes, all those rock n roll pioneers are still revered here in the UK by those old enough to have been around then or those like me, who discovered them as 12/13 year olds in the late 70s. Thanks for watching 👍

[@Malcolmjohnson-hx8vn]

Eddie as always been a. Faverite of mine, i was lucky enough to see and meet Gene Vincent i was a friend of the managers son, at the grand theatre wolverhampton, is a few years after eddie ad died, and i remember he got very sad when i mentioned eddie, i was the only one allowed in is dressing room that night, it was a show, there were a group backing im then, called the outlaws, there were some other good Rockers on, but i cant remember who they were, thanks for your tribute, phil johnson.

[@OceanHops]

Hey Phil! 👋 That's so cool you got to meet Gene! But yes, it seems his life was a drawn out downward spiral after 1960. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@cynthiaennis3107]

Thanks for the true story. Wikipedia is often wrong, as it is about what happened to Eddie. So, I thank you. 🙏🏼

[@OceanHops]

I appreciate your comments Cynthia! Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. I'm glad there are so many others who still appreciate the talent and influence Eddie had.👍👍🙂

[@cynthiaennis3107]

@@OceanHops you’re very welcome! I was glad someone is revealing the truth! I really am impressed by the memorial! These great musicians, singer/songwriters are not forgotten. ♥️🌹🌿

[@paulowens8862]

Wonderful . So informative in brilliant definitive detail. Eddie was THE BEST 👌 🎸🎵💚

[@OceanHops]

Hi Paul - thank you very much and glad you enjoyed it. Yes, Eddie is right up there with the greatest rock legends....and only 21 when he died!! Incredible talent.

[@theflyingfish3022]

This is brilliant, thank you so much.

[@OceanHops]

And thank you so much for watching and commenting- much appreciated! 👍

[@daijones101]

Thank you for filling in the gaps.

[@OceanHops]

And thank you very much for taking a look 👍

[@jrc8640]

Eddie was very talented ... he would have had a long career I think too... he went to see elvis in Dallas in 55 ... 😊👍🏿

[@OceanHops]

Hey J RC! He would have had a long career in some guise - singer, songwriter, session guitarist, record producer. He certainly was a talented kid - 21! In Darrel Higham's book the Cochran Brothers played the Big D in Dallas a few days after Elvis, but Hank Cochran says they met Elvis soon after in Memphis - possibly at Radio WMPS in West Memphis. Thanks for watching 👍

[@moochythecat3435]

21 years old... my God...

[@OceanHops]

Yes! Incredible that he was so young and left such a legacy. The same with Buddy Holly who was just 22 when he died the previous year. Thanks for watching 👍

[@ShannonLee1956]

Very nice! Great job tracking down these places!

[@OceanHops]

Thank you. I enjoyed going round these places - mysic history! 😊

[@TheRowlandstone73]

Blimey, the driver of the car, (Ford Consul, I think?) must've been going like a bomb to have hit the opposite curb, spun, and then hit the far lamp post with enough force to fatally injure Eddie! It's a shame the picture of Eddie is on the back of the memorial, (cool photo too), but it's really nice to learn there's a Cochran Avenue near by. I never knew that. Great video, thanks for the info.

[@OceanHops]

Hi Martin. Yes, a fair lick taking that bend! Trying to make up lost time for heading back in the direction of Bath. Yes, it was a nice surprise to discover that road that I'd not known about until the ladies mentioned it. Thanks for watching 👍

[@LuizTeddy]

thanks for sharing so many stories. I live in Brazil and I felt there

[@OceanHops]

You are very welcome Luiz! Thank you so much for watching 🙂👍

[@ALRminimalistmusic]

A magnificent testimony, sadly touching, superbly well done and documented. As for Eddie, he was a fabulous rock singer, with a slightly hoarse vocal texture and a slightly saturated guitar sound, very much ahead of his time. At the time, I was shocked to hear of his death. Many thanks for this extraordinary documentary.

[@OceanHops]

Hi! That's very kind of you and much appreciated. 🙂👍. Who knows where his career and talent might have taken him.

[@ALRminimalistmusic]

Probably a long way back, and in any case well beyond the purely "rockabilly" period...@@OceanHops

[@plutogamstrumframe]

Thanks for sharing , my daughter was born there ,and my brother played bass with Billy Fury ,

[@OceanHops]

Thanks for watching Stuart. That's cool your brother played bass with Billy Fury - was that later in Billy's career?

[@davidmarsden8008]

Thank you for this

[@OceanHops]

Hey David! And thank you for watching and commenting. Much appreciated 👍👍

[@skelhornsongs]

Great and informative video. Well delivered. Rock in Peace Eddie.

[@OceanHops]

Hi Gavin. Very kind of you and much appreciated! Thanks for watching 👍

[@craiglewis8981]

Hi. Very interesting video .I work at the Hippodrome on the maintenance department. This week we had the pleasure to fit a memorial Blue Plaque to Eddie on the front of the theatre. And also we have a plaque inside the front foyer to Eddie. Thanks for this insight into his last days.

[@OceanHops]

Thanks for watching Craig. I'll have to call back over the bridge to see the plaque 👍

[@craiglewis8981]

I'm from that side of the bridge too 😄

[@theresesouthworth227]

So nice that he was so revered in the UK. I live in the U S on the east coast, and I don't remember hearing anything about his sad untimely death. Found him on KZbin and learned what a treàsure he was. Thanks again for giving him the recognition he so richly deserves 🎉😢

[@OceanHops]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@savaivanovess9925]

I'm from Russia, I thank you for the video! Eddie is one of a kind, God, why did God take him away so early, why? It is said that Elvis said about him "this guy should have taken my place." I think that Eddie is much cooler and more talented than Elvis in all respects. I would pay dearly to hear it live. But he had one problem - he was not the pioneer of this style. I wonder if he was worried about this, that he didn’t come up with all this?

[@OceanHops]

Hi Sava. He was a very talented artist. Thank you for watching 👍

[@savaivanovess9925]

@@OceanHops Thank you, you have done an important job for those who cannot see this place with their own eyes. This man deserves to be remembered. In my country, all fans of rockabilly and just good music know and respect Eddie. In Russia they released his big vinyl under license. I was in Britain on a short business trip and didn't visit this place unfortunately. This is a great video, many will thank you!

[@noelduggan72]

Good Video!!! Thanks For The Information 👍

[@OceanHops]

Hi Noel! Thanks for that - it's much appreciated 👍👍

[@ayceejay]

I organized a coach and tickets to see Eddie at the Hippodrome. Although not many in Chippenham were interested, my mother helped me cover the cost, and we few saw him. His Chippenham fan base exploded after his death tragically coincidentally in Chippenham. At that time, the Cottage Hospital certainly existed and St.Martins Hospital was far from the Poor House depicted here.

[@OceanHops]

Before my time, but still so jealous you got to see him in concert! Yes it must have been shocking for the accident to then happen 'on your doorstep'. Thanks for watching 👍

[@3flyte_3flyte]

Well done. Thank you.

[@OceanHops]

Thank you for watching and your comments 👍😊

[@RudysElvisPresleyChannel]

Thanks for sharing, I loved his rock 'n' roll songs

[@OceanHops]

Thanks for watching Rudy! 👍

[@paulbrennan3996]

Thanks Top video it's 62 years ago today when we lost a Legend a singer who was unique & way,way head of his time RIP Eddie 🎼🎙️🎶🎵🎼📻 always remembered, from a Teddy Boy 🎼🎙️🎶🎵📻🎼the music Will never die 👏. Thanks for that respect 👏🎼📻🎵🎶🎙️📻🎼

[@OceanHops]

Hi Paul - thanks for watching and commenting. I've been a fan since a teen in the 80's, he was so incredibly talented for such a young guy and it's great to know he's still held in such high regard today

[@ROCKINGMAN]

Love the pioneers of Rock 'n' Roll. It's a sad ending for Eddie Cochran, a favourite of mine. Great songs and well performed on that Gretsch 6120 guitar. Thanks for showing this film.

[@OceanHops]

Thanks for watching @rockingman 👍.

[@morethanwords]

I was at this memorial site in Rowden Hill, with a dozen or so others, including Sharon Sheeley, and Jerry Maudlin, the drummer in the Crickets. It was the occasion of the 60th birthday, had Eddie lived. There'd been a concert the evening before, to celebrate the event, at which Sharon attended and spoke to the full crowd.

[@OceanHops]

Hi Martin. Thanks for sharing - and thanks for watching 👍. You mixed your Crickets - Jerry Allison and Joe B Mauldin 😊

[@morethanwords]

Yeah, thanks! I remember so well that day at Rowden Hill, as we all stood around taking photos and chatting. There was a moment when I was standing next to Jerry Allison, and I was so overcome seeing one of my musical heroes as a kid. I wanted to tell him how much I'd loved his drumming on Peggy Sue, but all I could say was thank you for the music. He smiled at me and said "You're welcome!". @@OceanHops

[@tomp1612]

Nice job of the video and good history lesson.

[@OceanHops]

Hi Tom P. Thanks very much for that and I'm glad you found the video interesting 😊👍

[@ertagortan5367]

Hi Ocean, I thought Eddie💓🙏 was from Oklaoma...what a tragic end!!...it's sad!!! thanks for you huge work!!!🤗👏👏👍👌🤚

[@OceanHops]

Thank you Erta. Yes, album sleeve notes and 'History of Rock' magazine in the early 80s said Oklahoma but it has since been discovered it was Albert Lea where he was born. Thank you as always for watching 👍👍

[@ertagortan5367]

@@OceanHops 👍 Thank you again!! tomorrow night in my village there will be "" rock evening"" I'll go and see.....I'll bring.....my age!! 😄😄🤣🤣👋👋👋👋🌲🥀🌲!!

[@OceanHops]

@@ertagortan5367 have a great time Erta!

[@doriemckay6935]

I bet you like Roy Orbison too @ocean Pop

[@doriemckay6935]

I apologize for my typo @Ocean Hops

[@Mustaine1ify]

Very talented guy.

[@OceanHops]

Yes he was. Thanks for watching 👍

[@howardconder5272]

So good to have just come across this video... thank you. My old boss Joe Brown (& the Bruvvers whom I was the drummer from 1964) apparently met Eddie, probably when they did the Oh Boy show..... Losing Eddie at such a young age was a huge loss but his influence and memories will never fade away... Looking forward to meeting him in heaven then. Blessings Howard.

[@OceanHops]

Hi Howard. That is pretty cool you were Joe Brown's drummer! Yes, Joe met and toured with Eddie. It was the Boy Meets Girls TV show they were on together rather than Oh Boy though. Joe said in a doc that Eddie showed him a few 'tricky' chords. I appreciate you watching and your comments 👍

[@barbh1]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@OceanHops]

Thank you for watching and commenting barbh1 👍

[@davidbosankoe3759]

My dad who passed away recently was a porter at the Bristol Royal Hotel at the time Eddie stayed there. He said Eddie was a nice guy and he knew the taxi driver.

[@OceanHops]

Thanks for sharing David, and so sorry for your loss.

[@TheElwood76]

Great job!

[@OceanHops]

Thanks. I appreciate it 👍

[@ronwot]

My Daughter Jane was born in St Martins Hospital .

[@OceanHops]

Hi Ron. Yes, you can see some of the hospital is not as it would have been in '60. Thanks for watching 👍

[@pegharwil7948]

Excellent… merci à vous !!

[@OceanHops]

Thank you Pegharwil! I'm glad you liked the video 👍🙂

[@j.ant.]

Muchísimas gracias por el vídeo, admiro a Eddie desde que tenia16 años, tengo 54 ahora y lo sigo admirando. Me he emocionado mucho al ver todos los sitios donde estuvo. Estuve en Inglaterra hace dos años, solo en Londres, mi mujer e hijo hablan muy bien el inglés pero yo no. Hace 18años estuvimos por Escocia, pero me he prometido no dejar este mundo sin hacer la ruta que has hecho tú mismo. Quiero hacerlo cuando hiciese 30 años de casado , en el 2023. Guardaré tu vídeo para siempre. Gracias!!!!!!!!!

[@OceanHops]

Hola, José! Muchas gracias por ver y sus amables comentarios. Espero que tengas la oportunidad de venir al Reino Unido y disfrutar viajando. Mis mejores deseos para usted y su familia

[@grahamappleyard1825]

To add to this. Eddies car came from Bristol in fog and an icy road back to Heathrow for his trip back to US. It skidded at speed through the A4 railway bridge, hit the offside wall and turned over. Eddie was found against the wall where the memorial is today, but because of the noise at the early hour caused a lady in Lowden to come out to discover the accident, she went back and came out with her coat and placed it on the “ injured man” not knowing who he was, the arrival of Dave Harman ( a trainee cadet) sorted the ambulance etc. this lady didn’t see her coat again!!.

[@OceanHops]

Thanks Graham. And that cadet became Dave Dee.

[@thierrychambaud3212]

Joli pour ce moment de nostalgie. "THREE STEPS TO HEAVEN". Merci à vous.

[@OceanHops]

Merci beaucoup pour votre gentil commentaire 👍

[@glenysrogers6256]

Missed seeing him at Bristol then we heard the tragic news we lived 10 miles from Chippenham

[@OceanHops]

Thanks for watching Glenys. It must have been such a shock to hear that news.

[@7ANGLIA]

ENJOYED THAT,BEEN A FAN SINCE I WAS 12 YEARS OLD!,RYR

[@OceanHops]

Hi @7ANGLIA! Yes, around same as age as I found all the early rock 'n' roll greats! I'm glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching 👍👍

[@toscana6457]

Who knows, without Eddie’s Twenty Flight Rock John might not have asked Paul to join his band. RIP Eddie

[@OceanHops]

Hi @toscana6457! Yes - it's a good job he knew all the words 😉

[@susancox7353]

This is fascinating my 3rd cousin Peter Wynne was with Eddie Cochran and Billy Fury and the others. I read about the accident in Peter Wynne book.

[@OceanHops]

Hi Susan. Thanks so much for watching and taking time to comment. And cool that Peter Wynne was your relative 🙂👍

[@atodorock1]

Excelente video Saludos desde argentina

[@OceanHops]

Thank you Septimo Hijo! I am glad you liked the video 👍👍

[@paulrailton7601]

A true rock n roller, Legend,! Immortal,,!

[@OceanHops]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching Paul 👍👍

[@googalacticgoo]

There should be a biopic film about Eddie Cochrane

[@OceanHops]

Hi! Yes, with all the biopics that have been made over the years, it's surprising Eddie's story hasn't been made into a movie. And the soundtrack would be fantastic 👌 Thanks for watching 👍

[@paulcrawford1885]

The very best! Gone too soon!🎙

[@OceanHops]

Hi Paul. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@joellecadet4256]

Merci pour cette video, c est emouvant. Ce jeune homme est passe comme une etoile filante, un bon et excellent musicien.

[@OceanHops]

Salut Joelle. Merci beaucoup d'avoir regarde. Oui, Eddie avait un talent exceptionnel.

[@joellecadet4256]

@@OceanHops Vous etes des etres merveilleux, vous avez ranimes l Ame de cet homme et il restera à jamais dans notre memoire.

[@jacquesbartoli4022]

22 years old !! Too Young 😢

[@OceanHops]

Hi Jacques! He was actually 21. Thanks for watching 👍

[@vacuumboots69]

No age at all. Legend

[@OceanHops]

Absolutely. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@fredporfiruk613]

RIP Eddie

[@OceanHops]

Thanks for watching Fred

[@westaussie965]

the memorial is horrible, I wouldn't want that outside my house... and I went and saw it last year, didn't know there was that plaque at the back, how did you know it was there?

[@OceanHops]

😄. I see your point but I guess the locals are okay with it - two older ladies were out for a walk and were chatting to us and although it wasn't outside their house, they seemed quite proud of it being there. And it was actually my wife, Sian, that for some reason looked behind it and saw the plaque. Thanks for watching 👍

[@jaybillyjosh]

how can i get his music what a talent

[@OceanHops]

Hi - thanks for watching. My collection is vinyl and CD 😆, but I would imagine the hits etc would be on streaming channels. But you'd need to seek out CDs for the more 'obscure' tracks.

[@edwardburnsenhicks7772]

I went in the hip they have nothing on them class record fair at the back.

[@frank-rv1vg]

Eddie was in Glasgow prior to going down too England he stayed in the central hotel . The hotel had a upmarket barber shop called Fuscho,s . Eddie had his haircut there .His hair was well groomed in the photo,s then. A guy I know was a junior then and swept up the floor. that day.

[@OceanHops]

Thanks for sharing Frank. Interesting insight to Eddie's last tour. 👍👍

[@larry1824]

His trio was just as good as the guys Presley had

[@OceanHops]

Hi Larry. Thank you for watching and commenting 👍. What trio of Eddie's are you referring to specifically? There was the Johnny Burnette Trio and Johnny Cash's Tennessee Two (later Three) but I don't think Eddie had a 'recognised' trio as such.

[@larry1824]

@@OceanHops my bad but I did love the guy! Been to his and Genes graves several times when I lived in LA. Never anyone else there but be no alleged modern rockabilly comea close to these guys in feeling and soul. I wasn't even a big stray cats fan to be honest.

[@OceanHops]

@@larry1824 Never got out to CA myself - maybe one day. 👍

[@larry1824]

@@OceanHops Johnny and Dorsey are buried in forest lawn surrounded by movie stars. I think genes in Eternal Rest. All three have standard flat in the ground LA style markers though Johnnys is very descriptive. Genes has first few notes of be bop a lua. I think Roy Orbison is still unmarked but a groundskeeper showed me the spot.

[@carlcleary548]

Thank you so much showing interest video and story

[@OceanHops]

Thanks for your comment Carl - it is much appreciated 👍

[@lucasolari3756]

I would have liked to have Eddie as my brother...

[@OceanHops]

Thank you for watching Luca 👍

[@lucasolari3756]

@@OceanHops thanks to you, very nice video!

[@josemanueldamasio89]

Eddie Cochran or Elvis Presley? Beatles or Stones? Michael Jackson or Madonna? Led Zeppelin or Deep Purple? I have my opinion, what's yours? 🙂

[@OceanHops]

Ooo....controversial 😊🤔. Elvis, Beatles, Jackson, Zeppelin. Thanks for watching Jose.....and possibly starting an argument😖😉

[@josemanueldamasio89]

@@OceanHops 😄 thanks for feedback me 🙏

[@patsmith9546]

eddie u never be forgotten u came here as a star and died a star rip

[@OceanHops]

👍👍

[@elainewalker6957]

RIP ❤❤

[@OceanHops]

Thanks for watching Elaine 👍

[@stromboliboules5828]

eddie cokran toute ma jeunesse le meilleur tu et parti trop tot

[@OceanHops]

Merci d'avoir regardé et commenté👍

[@steffanhoffmann]

Thanks for the story it was interesting, but in those days drivers could drink a lot; and that's what I think happened. Whilst I appreciate his music, I fail to see the fuss surrounding him. His death gave him iconic status a la James Dean. (Another bemusement) He probably made 3 good songs. The rest all sounded similar. I'd cite Twenty Flight Rock. Summertime Blues and the excellent Three Steps To Heaven. In a 321 formation. Had he gone on, in my opinion, he'd have disappeared. Just as the others of his type did, when The Beatles finished them all off. I have read that you were possibly born in 1967, then got into the Rock and Roll stuff at 12. Which would be around the time, of some very good cutting edge music. Why didn't you like that? Thanks. 🤔

[@OceanHops]

Hi Steffan. Thanks for sharing your observations. While I disagree with just 3 good songs, I can see that he may have moved more towards session work, songwriting and production which he had already demonstrated huge talent for someone so young. As for my age, the late 70s rock n roll revival was my initiation to music tastes and those 50s/60s pioneers and revivalists like Stray Cats remain my first love. But my library contains most all artists from Carter Family through Robert Johnson and most country and blues. Also Beatles, Beach Boys, and most rock and pop since. In fact, the only music I don't get (sorry!) is rap and jazz.

[@steffanhoffmann]

@@OceanHops Understood and thanks. Rockabilly etc. I'm in partial agreement about rap; but I think the early stuff was quite ground breaking. I'll give Grand Master Flash and the Furious 5 credit for the fantastic; The Message. Plus I've liked the mid career, of Eminem and his collaborations with rock etc. As for jazz, I love the 1st album by The Chicago Transit Authority before they went MOR. You're knowledgeable, so you probably know what I mean. I understand what you mean about Eddie, but he'd have had to compete out of his skin, to match many that came post 1965. My fave album was Pet Sounds and my fave musicians are The Wrecking Crew. I think that's where he'd have ended up. I realise he was multi-talented but the list is endless in that dept. also. I'd have to pick Nik Kershaw, an unusual choice yes. But Wouldn't It Be Good was also a new direction in pop.

[@danielduchesne6690]

c'était le meilleur du Rock'n roll

[@OceanHops]

Merci d'avoir regarde 👍

[@WorldofColnago]

Gone too soon.....

[@OceanHops]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching 👍

[@elainewalker6957]

He was brilliant would have ended up at top ❤

[@OceanHops]

Hi Elaine. Yes, even if the singing side fell away, he was a very talented session musician, songwriter and producer so I think he would have thrived in any role!