Paul Carter is someone who admits to remembering very little, but who truly lived through the 1960s. However, as a freelance roadie, he was an eyewitness to an important period in the history of the Third Ear Band and British rock, and he deserved to be recognized. In a letter to me—just "to let me know I exist”—he mentions a few scattered but important memories, such as the time he accompanied the band to the Northumberland on Polanski’s film set or to Germany for the recording of the "Abelard & Heloise" soundtrack.
It was only right to try to interview him anyway, but he preferred to gather his memories and write them down as they came to his mind... Here’s what he told me:
"I was TEBs (freelance) roadie, 1969-1971. I took over from Steve Pank. My memory is weak, but I remember visiting Polanski on set in Northumberland with Glen and Caroline, also Abelard & Heloise in Germany. I remember with affection Blackhill Enterprises with Peter Jenner, Andrew King,Sumi. I was the roadie Simon House recalled phoning him to tell him he had the gig with TEB. I will disappoint if you ask specifics, but thought I ought to let you know I exist. Thanks so much for your site, Paul Carter,
PS Through Blackhill I was the untitled transport manager supplying trucks, buses and drivers for the UK end of (The Great) Medicine Ball Caravan (1971), a Warner Bros. film documenting a travelling rock festival. The UK leg culminated in a little-publicised free festival near Canterbury, Kent, on 31 August 1970, featuring Pink Floyd. My regards to any surviving TEB band members and Peter & Andrew."
Few days later, new memories came from Paul...
"My time with TEB was a happy part of my life, and the band all friends, I have always been a very private person.
Re interview, Initially I prefer to compile some anecdotes as they come back to me, stimulated by your marvellous site, then send them on.
I don't have photos of me with the band and I made a point of staying invisible on stage.
I think they took photos of all of us on, was it Primrose Hill in London?, to celebrate a solstice with the Druids. They apparently were fully fledged members and I was designated an official novice Druid.
I was 18-20 at the time and left amicably as other full time gigs were offered.
I think I then moved to Osibisa, then Rare Bird, then five years with Ten Years After. I subsequently took an unrelated job in the Middle East, where I spent the next 30 years!
I'm so lucky to be able to message with you, and have my happy memories resurface,
Thanks so much, Paul.
PS I am so sad to have just missed Carolyn, she would have remembered me well. She was smart, elegant and funny.
PPS re Road Crew, like 'Guards Guards Guards' by Terry Pratchett, we're always in the background, out of shot."
no©2026LucaChinoFerrari (unless you intend to make a profit. In which case, ask first).
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