On 3 August 1969, the British band Gun had an encounter with French law enforcement that they would never forget.
Gun were a late 1960s British rock guitar trio, including brothers Paul and Adrian Gurvitz. They had a single UK top 10 hit, Race With the Devil. They recorded two albums before disbanding. They are remembered for their hit, which was important as a proto-metal inspiration for NWOBHM bands ten years later.
In 1969 they were touring Europe on the strength of their hit. At the time of this story, they are driving through Paris. Suddenly they notice the traffic police flagging them down, trying to stop them.
The band’s driver and roadie at the time was the legendary John Hammel, and he was painfully aware that he had been driving a bit too fast through the city. He makes a decision to try to evade them.
A classic car chase ensued, but to no avail. The police car manage to overtake them, and Hammel is very nervous. He expects to have to pay a heavy fine at the very least, but he knows he might also be facing jail time.
He rolls down the car window, and to his amazement sees the police officer holding a huge bass drum. It belongs to the band. “Check your back door next time,” the police officer says before putting the drum down and continuing on his way.
The band continued their European tour after fixing the lock on their back door. It was only fitting that they were promoting the appropriately titled Race With the Devil at the time.
John Hammel would go on to work for Humble Pie until 1975, when he was hired by Paul McCartney and ended up working for him as his PA for 40 years. This makes Hammel the member of a very elite club of roadies/assistants who have been part of the inner circle of a major act for a considerable time. Paul could not say enough good things about Hammel when he retired in 2015.
Postscript: a new band called Gun was formed in Glasgow, Scotland two decades later. They were initially active between 1987-97, and from 2008 to present day (as of 2018). This is obviously not the same band as the 1960s band that carried the name.
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