Amazing the power of social media. Yesterday I wrote my blog about how the late Sir George Martin turned down my band, The BOI, and sent out a tweet about it. Next thing I know a reporter from the local newspaper contacts me – and today it makes a big splash in the news.

BOI story finally makes the news!

It’s quite amusing, really. These kind of stories usually follow a pattern: after being turned down by a dozen record companies the band went on to be signed up – and went on to be the biggest thing in rock and roll.

Rejection letter from Richard Branson’s then new Virgin Records. (Phil Mansell Collection)

Instead, this one is full of pathos, mentioning that we were turned down, not only by George Martin and Apple but also by Elton John’s Rocket Records, Virgin Records and John Peel’s Dandelion Records! We hardly covered ourselves in glory.

What it fails to mention is that the BOI entered a song-writing contest organised by a brewery, wrote a sing-along ditty called ‘Get It Down You’ (an anthem in praise of drinking beer, no less) and still failed to win! That didn’t stop us from becoming one of the first rhythm and booze bands.

Rare archive photo of Phil Mansell and Drew Millin of the BOI performing live. (Phil Mansell Collection)

Were our self-penned songs so bad? Here’s a chance to judge for yourself. Listen to Drew Millin’s recording of one of our songs turned down by Sir George and the others –  ‘Things Have Changed A Lot’. Comes with movie footage of the BOI at work, rest and play.