GEORGE HAMILTON IV TOUR

1972

JON DEREK worked with his good friend GEORGE HAMILTON IV many times during his career. They first toured together in 1969 when Jon's band Country Fever were part of the 'RCA Stars In Concert' show. Country Fever also appeared on his television series 'The George Hamilton IV Show' in 1971 and they backed him at the 'Wembley Country Music Festivals' on a couple of occasions. It was the notable 21-date 'Up Country' extravaganza in 1972, however, that will always be well remembered. It was hailed then as the biggest ever UK country music tour.

 

The show featured GEORGE HAMILTON IV, THE STONEMAN FAMILY, COUNTRY FEVER, PETE SAYERS, MURRAY CASH and LYN & GRAHAM McCARTHY. Special guest SAMMI SMITH made only one appearance and that was at the Royal Albert Hall (October 26th). Country Fever also backed George Hamilton IV throughout the tour.



TOUR DATES

21 dates and two performances at most venues

 

COUNTRY FEVER (1972)

PUBLICITY 'UP COUNTRY' TOUR PHOTOS

Malcolm Hamerston, Rod Clark, Adrian Legg and Jon Derek

 

COUNTRY FEVER backing GEORGE HAMILTON IV

Jon Derek, Rod Clark, Adrian Legg and Malcolm Hamerston

 

GEORGE HAMILTON IV and JON DEREK

Hemel Hempstead Pavilion - November 9, 1972

 

GEORGE HAMILTON'S LETTER TO JON DEREK

Following the 'Up Country' tour

 

Dear Jon,

 

Just a little note to say how very much I enjoyed seeing you recently when we were on tour and to say I hope perhaps we'll run into each other somewhere along the line soon.

 

At any rate, may I say again how very much I appreciate your friendship, support and interest in my own career through the years. I certainly read with interest about your progress and accomplishments as well - especially since we go back a long way, don't we?

 

Here's wishing you and yours good luck, good health and much happiness in the coming months. Warmest regards,

 

Your friend, George IV

 

P.S. Good to see you at the Wembley Banquet Jon!