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1 of 11
band name
The Blue Diamonds
submitted by
Neil Burman
who's in the picture
Left to right clockwise: Neil Burman, bass; Iain Eggeling, rhythm guitar and lead vocals; David Jackson, lead guitar; John Woolley, drums.
where was the band based
Surrey / South London (Cheam, Epsom, Wimbledon), UK.
years active
1964-1966
musical influences
Shadows, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Kinks, Zombies
notes
Most 60’s bands comprised three musicians and a drummer. The Blue Diamonds had three musicians and a guy who’d purchased a bass guitar because it had only four strings...
David Jackson (lead guitar) and John Woolley (percussion) teamed up as eleven-year-olds doing covers of anything by The Shadows. The two boys separated when they went to secondary school where John persuaded a fellow Kings College Wimbledon student Iain Eggeling (rhythm guitar and lead vocals) to join the fledgling band in October 1963. David then asked a boy from his school, Epsom College, to complete the band in April 1964. I added bass guitar and Van Gogh’s ear for music.
We underwent a name change from The Avengers to The Blue Diamonds and wore uniforms of black cardigans with silver fronts, thin blue ties, white shirts and grey school trousers. Although we didn’t look exactly like four Val Doonicans, we came dangerously close. We played at dances, clubs and private parties for two years including a gig attended by the French Ambassador. Our musical style became known as The Cheam Sound – a style occasionally mentioned in the same sentence as The Mersey Sound, The Motown Sound and The West Coast Sound, but not all that occasionally. We refused to perform easy listening music. Sometimes the audience found it easier not listening and left early.
The Blue Diamonds recorded an EP of three covers and an original instrumental in January 1965, selling several copies to each other. The band broke up just over a year later. Most blamed Yoko, but there were rumours about drug taking. Someone had seen Iain sucking on a cough lozenge prior to one of their final gigs, although David denied supplying it. No hotel rooms were trashed, but John did leave his bedroom in a mess once, deciding at the last minute to clean it up before his mother came home.
Despite their rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, the four survived (although David and Iain now wear obvious hairpieces) and met up in London on March 10th 2008 for the first time in 42 years. In the interim we’d all taken the advice of our parents to get a haircut and a real job, with the exception of John who’d played with Geno Washington’s Ram Jam Band and Bram Stoker for a few years after graduating from university. John and I took the haircut advice too literally.
In March 2008 we reunited. I flew in from Perth and the other three arrived by train at concessional fare rates. Over some anti-cholesterol tablets and a few glasses of red, it was decided that being part of The Blue Diamonds in the 60’s was the most fun any of us had experienced whilst wearing cardigans. So, why not have another crack? (See picture 4)
Any resemblance to the original artists is purely coincidental. © Nic Kersov, aka Neil Burman.
brushes with fame
After leaving University, John played with Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band as well as Bram Stoker. Iain still plays with Mid Life Crisis and is involved with both amateur dramatics and musicals. David Jackson has played in various bands and has a large collection of vintage guitars. Early exploits of the band appear in the autobiography "Blue Suede Slippers" (published 2007) and a more complete history of the band including their 2008 reunion is contained in "Still Waiting For The Fat Lady" a book released in Oz in November 2008. Both books written by Neil Burman
where are they now
David Jackson became a lawyer and worked in the banking industry in Hong Kong. He now runs a financial consultancy in London.
John Woolley is Managing Director of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.
Iain Eggeling is a doctor in general medical practice in Farnborough, Hampshire.
I am a dentist in general practice in Perth, Western Australia
2 of 11
band name
The Blue Diamonds
submitted by
Neil Burman
who's in the picture
Left to right: Neil Burman, bass; John Woolley, drums; Iain Eggeling, rhythm guitar and lead vocals; David Jackson, lead guitar.
3 of 11
band name
The Blue Diamonds
submitted by
Neil Burman
who's in the picture
Left to right: Neil Burman, bass; David Jackson, lead guitar; John Woolley, drums; Iain Eggeling, rhythm guitar and lead vocals.
4 of 11
band name
The Blue Diamonds
submitted by
Neil Burman
who's in the picture
Left to right: Neil Burman, John Woolley, Iain Eggeling, David Jackson.
notes
On 16th September 2008, the boys reunited in Tin Pan Alley Studios, London.
5 of 11
band name
The Blue Diamonds and their 2008 album Rough Diamonds
submitted by
Neil Burman
who's in the picture
Left to right: John Woolley, Neil Burman, Iain Eggeling, David Jackson.
notes
On 16th September 2008, the boys reunited in Tin Pan Alley Studios, London. We recorded the album Rough Diamonds in a little over a day and a half, having not rehearsed or played as a foursome for nearly 43 years!
6 of 11
band name
The Rough Diamonds (formerly the Blue Diamonds)
Soundbaker Recording Studio, Perth, Western Australia, 2009. Left to right: Glenn Winter-Smith, Neil Burman, Mike Tan, John Trotter.
Buoyed by the success of their 2008 reunion album, recorded after a 43-year hiatus, Neil Burman did everything possible to persuade The Blue Diamonds to reform for another farewell album in 2009. However it was not to be.
In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, David “Lightning” Jackson left the investment advisory business and is enjoying a new career as relief doorman at the Pink Pussycat Nightclub. Mention their album for half-price entry and free box of tissues. After agreeing to play slide guitar on High Heel Sneakers, David is considering fronting a Blue Diamonds tribute band based in London.
John “Ginger” Woolley has composed a thirty minute drum solo to accompany the computer generated voice of Stephen Hawkin reading from his groundbreaking work ‘A Brief History of Time’. As yet there are no definite plans for a public performance. John is considering fronting a Blue Diamonds tribute band based in Surrey.
Iain “Blind Willie” Eggeling decided to concentrate on writing original music. Unfortunately his first solo album Only Women Breed, which combined lyrics taken from The Obstetrician’s Handbook with a selection of interesting minor chords, was met with critical indifference. After being blackmailed to sing on this album, Iain is considering fronting a Blue Diamonds tribute band based in Hampshire.
Neil “Cottonbelly” Burman booked himself into a Californian clinic for the treatment of sex addiction. The clinic’s psychotherapists found he didn’t have one, forcing Neil to leave via the side entrance taking both sheep and a copy of Livestock Monthly with him. He returned to Western Australia to front the first Blue Diamonds tribute band – Rough Diamonds.
Rough Diamonds consists of Neil and a number of far more accomplished musicians though, to be honest, circus seals biting rubber car horns have more musical ability than the Blue Diamonds’ former bassist. He harnessed the considerable talents of Glenn Winter-Smith (The Firm, The Neons), John Trotter (Manfred Mann’s Earth Band) and Michael Tan (Daren Reid and the Soul City Groove) to fill out the blank bits around his bass lines. Iain Eggeling (The Blue Diamonds, Mid-Life Crisis) put down his stethoscope for long enough to record the lead vocals except on The Zombies classic, ‘Time of the Season’ where the lead was taken by Carmen Jones. Carmen also performs ‘Take Me Back’ an original composition by Neil and Glenn whilst Neil monopolises the vocals on ‘High Heel Sneakers’.
The music choices on Cut & Polished represent the most eclectic mix of 60’s song styles since the invention of the eclectic light switch by Thomas Edison’s younger brother Alice. Apart from three tracks, all were staples from the Blue Diamonds playlist. Everything from hard rock to soft rock plus a bit of indeterminate, medium density, somewhat squishy rock in between. The original Blue Diamonds had a large following amongst female geologists.
So send your spouse to the bowling club, turn up the bass control, strip to your underwear and relive the magic.
© Nick Kersov July 2009
7 of 11
band name
The Rough Diamonds (formerly the Blue Diamonds) and their 2009 album Cut and Polished
Glenn Winter-Smith, lead and rhythm guitars, handclaps.
John Trotter, percussion, shakers.
Michael Tan, keyboards.
Neil Burman, bass guitar, backing vocals, heavy breathing, handclaps, tambourine.
Iain Eggeling, lead vocals.
Carmen Jones, lead vocals tracks 5 and 9.
David Jackson, slide guitar, High Heel Sneakers.
Thanks to Rob Agostini at Soundbaker Studios, Perth and Steve Kent at Tin Pan Alley Studios, London for their patience, skill and for being cool. The fact Steve played bass with Picketty Witch in the 70’s will always remain our secret. Rob also provided great coffee. He added tambourine and percussion by tapping the body of an acoustic guitar on I’ll Follow The Sun.
Thanks to Glenn Winter-Smith and Janet Goodheart in Perth for helping Neil with everything except his dress sense.
Special thanks to John Lennon, George Harrison, Keith Moon, Kurt Cobain, Buddy Holly, Louis Armstrong, Freddie Mercury, John Entwhistle, Elvis Presley and Otis Redding. Undoubtedly these performers would have made guest appearances on this album had they not already been dead.
C.D. booklet design by Gareth Andersen.
Photographs by Gareth Andersen (Perth) and Ed Miles (London).
Band Management: Brian Epstein (answering machine only).
Neil’s hair by Ashley of Goodfellas Hair Studio and his parents’ lack of genetic counseling.
Glenn’s hair by Gillette.
Recorded and mixed at Soundbaker Studios, Perth, Western Australia. Iain’s vocals and David’s guitar solo recorded at Tin Pan Alley Studios, London, UK.
Produced by Walking Horse Music, Perth, Western Australia
8 of 11
band name
The Blue Diamonds
Tin Pan Alley Studio, London, 2009. Left to right: Neil Burman, Dave Jackson, Iain Eggeling
9 of 11
band name
The Blue Diamonds
Tin Pan Alley Studio, London, 2009. Left to right: Iain Eggeling, Neil Burman
10 of 11
band name
The Rough Diamonds(formerly the Blue Diamonds)
submitted by
Neil Burman
who's in the picture
Left to right: Neil Burman, Craig Pinkney, John Trotter, Chelsea Gibson and Glenn Winter-Smith
notes
Realising that nostalgia was a thing of the past, the Western Australian members of Rough Diamonds, the world’s first Blue Diamonds tribute band, have come together for the last time to pay their respects to the music of the early sixties.
Details of first disc...
The girls who screamed whenever The Blue Diamonds walked on stage have become grandmothers. Once they threw their knickers. Now it’s mainly plastic teeth, hearing aids and walking frames. Arthritis prevents the few remaining groupies from sitting on the band members’ knees and incontinence makes even that a dry cleaning experience.
Glenn Winter-Smith (The Firm, The Neons), John Trotter (Manfred Mann’s Earth Band) and Mike Tan (Daren Reid and the Soul City Groove) all brought their major talents to the band yet again. Neil Burman (The Blue Diamonds) brought morning tea. This album saw some changes to the line-up. Craig Pinkney (Alkatrazz) took over the lead vocals except on The Swinging Blue Jeans 1964 hit You’re No Good where Chelsea Gibson has the spotlight. Chelsea decided she didn’t want to hang out with the boys, so recorded her song and then disappeared leaving behind a glass slipper. On a show of hands it was agreed that Chelsea was cuter than Craig, but Craig wore more sensible shoes.
Almost all the tracks on Final Cut were taken from The Blue Diamonds playlists from 1964 - 1966. The Yardbirds version of Sonny Boy Williamson’s Good Morning Little Schoolgirl was omitted as the lyrics, when performed by middle aged musicians, might lead to an arrest. The other songs were chosen because Neil memorised how to play them after Glenn unhooked the car battery wired to his nipples. Music fans will be interested to know that Glenn very nearly played in an Aussie band called Sid Chrome and the Spanners but only talks about it on Mondays.
So wind up the gramophone one last time, blow the fluff off the stylus and let it rip. And please, no more walking frames.
SPECIAL THANKS TO: Rob Agostini of Soundbaker Studios who is capable of making a computerised click track sound tuneful and for not allowing me to clap alone. Gareth Anderson again designed the booklet and took the photographs. Glenn Winter-Smith transcribed the guitar music, arranged it in alphabetical order and showed Neil where to place his fingers. Janet Goodheart taught Neil how to sing backing vocals in a Dutch accent. John Russell provided the chainsaw in the cover photo. It was ‘Exhibit A’ at his recent trial.
Recorded, mixed and mastered at Soundbaker Studios, Carlisle, Western Australia and produced by Walking Horse Music, Perth, Western Australia.
11 of 11
band name
The Rough Diamonds (formerly the Blue Diamonds)
Details of 2nd disc ...
Similar to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, this album is in two parts. Part Two comprises a selection of tracks taken from Rough Diamonds and Cut and Polished. The former was the 2008 reunion album of the original members of The Blue Diamonds comprising David Jackson, John Woolley, Iain Eggeling and Neil Burman. Original not in the sense of what they played, but because they were the only group of that name in 1964 whose members honed their musical skills on the mean streets and dank, smoke-filled, church halls of Cheam and Wimbledon. The most memorable feature of the original band was that none of them had red hair. However two did possess interesting moles.
Four tracks have been included from the reunion album and the rest were taken from Cut and Polished, a recording that featured two members of the original line-up in Iain Eggeling and Neil Burman. The Western Australian based member of the world’s first Blue Diamonds tribute band, Rough Diamonds, are more culturally diverse that the original. Not only do they have a female guest vocalist but a lead guitarist with no hair, a keyboard player with too much hair and a drummer with Manfred Mann’s number on speed dial. They also boast a bass guitarist with an unhealthy interest in the colour co-ordination of soft furnishings. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
So for fans in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, or for those who used any previous albums as frisbees and can’t be arsed to find a ladder to retrieve them from the guttering, A Sprinkling of Diamonds is for you.
1 of 3
band name
The Chevrons
submitted by
Gary Songhurst
who's in the picture
Gary Songhurst, Lew Baglow, Mike Carless, Mitch Warburton.
where was the band based
Ilfracombe, Devon, UK
years active
1962 - 1966
musical influences
Shadows, Rolling Stones, Beatles
notes
After the band broke up, Mike went on with a band called Hard Meat (made 2 albums), Mitch went on with Goodship Lollypop (recorded Maxwell's Silver Hammer) I played with Lew & Mitch in other bands. We got back together last year, after 40 years apart, for 3 60th birthdays. We finally recorded a CD together.
brushes with fame
We came 2nd in the 1965 Melody Maker National Beat competion
where are they now
I live in Berrynarbor near Ilfracombe, Mitch & Lew live in Barnstaple, Mike lives in Glastonbury.
2 of 3
band name
The Chevrons
who's in the picture
Gary Songhurst, Lew Baglow, Mike Carless, Mitch Warburton.
3 of 3
band name
The Chevrons
who's in the picture
Gary Songhurst, Lew Baglow, Mike Carless, Mitch Warburton.
1 of 3
band name
The Choirboys
submitted by
Jim Tidmarsh
who's in the picture
Left to right: Chris Martin, bass; Richard Brown, lead/rhythm guitar; Jim Tidmarsh, lead/rhythm guitar. Our first gig was at the church social and since our vocalist (Chris Davis) was unavailable we did a complete instrumental set of six numbers. The local paper were interested and posted this picture which showed us in our choir robes (we didn't actually play in these).
where was the band based
Chingford, London, UK
years active
1962-1964
musical influences
Shadows, Ventures, Duane Eddy, Bert Weedon
notes
Myself and a group of friends were members of Chingford (North London) Parish Church Choir and shared similar musical interests - early R&R and instrumentals - and had decided individually to learn to play guitar a couple of years earlier. In about 1962 (we were all about 14 and 15 years old) we started playing together & roped in another friend from the choir as a vocalist.
Our first gig was at the church social and since the vocalist was unavailable we did a complete instrumental set of six numbers. The group were unnamed at this stage.
After a number of months, we were approached to play at a number of local 'youth club' functions in and round Chingford and Loughton (N London/Essex borders). One problem was that we didn't have a drummer !! Chris Davis went to school in Loughton and introduced classmate Nigel Pegrum as drummer and we had a couple of years of success locally as 'The Strangers', 'The Corsairs' and 'The Sands of Time' - we seemed to change the name quite often.
In about 1964 we were approached by a local agency who wanted to promote us but our parents objected since we were all coming up to our GCSE exams which we would sit in 1965 so the group folded - with one exception. Nigel Pegrum decided to leave school at 15 and became a pit drummer with holiday camp group Butlins. After our exams, Chris Martin, Richard and myself did limited gigs as an instrumental group, but very half heartedly.
brushes with fame
Drummer Nigel Pegrum played with Steeleye Span for 17 years, starting in the 1970's, before becoming a successful record label owner, producer and session musician.
extra info on Nigel Pegrum from John Warburg
Born 22.1.1949, in Theydon Bois, Essex), Nigel Pegrum went onto play in Spice, who had David Byron lead vocals (born David Garrick, 29.1.1947, in Epping, Essex died 28.2.1985, at home in Reading, Berkshire); Mick Box lead guitar (born Michael Box, 8.6.1947, in Walthamstow, East London) and Paul Newton bass (born 21.2.1946, in Andover, Hampshire).
Spice grew out of a band called The Stalkers originally formed in 1965, who were an Essex based semi-pro r & b group. The original members included Mick Box lead guitar; Brian Pendleton drums and one other on lead vocals, who was eventually replaced by David Garrick (Byron), Pendleton's cousin. Box and Byron then formed Spice in Dec 1966. An early line-up of the band included Nigel Pegrum drums and Barry Green bass (born Barry Ian Green, 12.12.1950, in London), who became famous in the 70's as singer Barry Blue. Blue was replaced by a chap called Alf in Early 1968, who in turn was ousted by Paul Newton in Mid 1968. Around Jul 1968 Pegrum was replaced by Glasgow, Scotland drummer Alex Napier. The band lasted until Dec 1969, when the band added organist Ken Hensley (born Kenneth William David Hensley, 24.8.1945, in Plumstead, South-east London) and became Uriah Heep. I know that Spice made some recordings and released a single.
where are they now
Chris Martin went to university in Durham and we lost touch. Likewise, Chris Davis went off to university and lost touch. Richard and I haven't met for nearly 30 years but still exchange Christmas cards - he is now an architect.
I stopped playing after getting married in 1973 and started to raise a family. In the early 1980s I renewed my acquaintance with the guitar and now play some solo gigs to backing tracks. I'm a member of a local award winning Male Voice Choir and regularly play a solo spot during our concerts. I'm also Choir Director of our local Catholic church and accompany the choir for mass on Sunday mornings. I have recently found a niche for myself in arranging traditional sacred music for guitar and small choir !! My wife is a Governor at our local primary school which stages an ambitious musical every year - last year was 'Grease' and I took part with my guitar. This year is to be 'The Sound of Music' and I shall be involved as vocal coach and provider of backing tracks.
Apart from Nigel Pegrum, whose career I follow with interest, I have no idea whether the others are still involved in music. All I know, is that now I'm recently retired from a long career in investment banking, and I can now call myself a full-time musician - a lifetime's ambition realised !!!
2 of 3
band name
The Choirboys
who's in the picture
Left to right: Chris Martin, bass; Richard Brown, lead/rhythm guitar; Jim Tidmarsh, lead/rhythm guitar; Chris Davis, vocals.
3 of 3
band name
The Choirboys
who's in the picture
Left to right: Richard Brown, John Coles, Jim Tidmarsh, Chris Davis, Chris Martin.
1 of 2
band name
Dean Jackson and The Fireballs
submitted by
Scott Smith
who's in the picture
Dean Jackson, vocals; Brian Mundell, drums; Billy McGibbon, keyboards; Rob Thomson, bass guitar; John Laird, rhythm guitar; Scott Smith, lead guitar.
where was the band based
Paisley, Scotland.
years active
1961 - 1964
musical influences
Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Elvis, Roy Orbison, Cliff Richard and The Shadows, Emile Ford and The Checkmates, The Beatles, Gerry and The Pacemakers, The Searchers and The Dave Clark Five.
notes
We had a chance to play Hamburg, Germany in 1963, but due to management it fell through.
brushes with fame
I once had the honour to be in the band that opened for Gerry Marsden, and have been on the same billing as Buddy Knox. While playing in a hotel in Edmonton, Alberta the hotel manager asked me to take a break and join one of his customers, who would like to buy me a drink. It was Engelbert Humperdinck - What a surprise! He had flown into Edmonton to do an ITV "In Concert" series. What a Gent.
where are they now
I moved to Canada in 1966 to forward my career as a professional musician. After 35yrs of playing professionally I have now retired and play at local gigs and fairs.
2 of 2
band name
Dean Jackson and The Fireballs
submitted by
Scott Smith
who's in the picture
Dean Jackson, vocals; Brian Mundell, drums; Billy McGibbon, keyboards; Rob Thomson, bass guitar; John Laird, rhythm guitar; Scott Smith, lead guitar.
band name
The Diamonds
submitted by
Bob Gregory
who's in the picture
Left to right: Mike Teather, bass guitarist; Bruce Humphries, rhythm guitarist and occasional vocalist (Buddy Holly style numbers); Bob Gregory lead guitarist; Howard Whittles, drummer and Mike Seaton second lead guitarist (member only for a short period). The photograph was taken the day after we had played for the first time at an open air venue at Ecclesall Garden party, Sheffield.
where was the band based
Sheffield, Yorkshire, UK
years active
1960-1964
musical influences
The Shadows, The Ventures, Buddy Holly, Joe Brown and Dave Berry.
notes
The group was formed by a number of friends that had been instrumental in re-establishing the youth club at Ecclesall Church in Sheffield. The initial members were Bob and Bruce, with Bob making an electric guitar (seen in the attached photograph, held by Mike Seaton) and Bruce demonstrating his electrical knowledge by building an amplifier and tape echo chamber utilizing an old radio and modifying a tape recorder. Further equipment involved Linear Conchord and Heath kit amplifiers and home made speaker cabinets. Howard and Bob were at the Technical school together and formed a friendship through photography, which lead to Howard taking up the drum kit and persuading the art master to design and paint a suitable front for the bass drum!
The Diamonds in our short life, played in the Sheffield area, mainly for fun and entertaining the local youth clubs in the region. We undertook a number of engagements at weddings, local elderly people homes and local pubs, with gigs coming via Cannes the music man record shop in Sheffield.
In 1964 before a major transformation into The Blueberries, I left the group to start my university education in London. My place was taken by Mick Wilson. The group underwent a number of subsequent name changes.
brushes with fame
It is understood that Mick Wilson was later to be a key player in McCloskeys Apocalypse, which formed in 1968 after his involvement with the Diablos and then the Dukes who had Joe Cocker as guest singer on a number of occasions.
where are they now
Following the break up of the original group, contact was lost until 2004, when Mike Teather and I, using Friends Reunited re-established contact. Tragically this was to be short lived as Mike was killed in a flying accident in 2005. Bruce still lives in Surrey, but there is no known current information of the remaining members. Incidentally Mick Wilson turned his musical experience to a different use and it is understood that he became a professor of music at Sheffield University and Howard became a driving instructor in Sheffield (information supplied in conversation with Bob by Mike at their re-union).
1 of 3
band name
The Diamonds (Sweden)
submitted by
Roland Billner. I started the band in 1962 when I was 12 years old.
who's in the picture
Roland Billner, lead guitar, vocals; Benny Bjork rhythm guitar, vocals; Sven-Olov Lindberg bass, vocals; Hans Jaderkvist, drums.
where was the band based
Stockholm, Sweden
years active
Early 1960's
musical influences
Shadows, Beatles etc.
notes
There are 2 recordings from the band made at EMI studios Stockholm, in 1964 - 'Do It Baby' and 'What Did I Say'. We were 14 years old.
brushes with fame
...
where are they now
I play in a 1960's band called The Blue Diamonds. See http://thebluediamonds.orjan.info for more information.
2 of 3
band name
The Diamonds (Sweden)
who's in the picture
Roland Billner, lead guitar, vocals; Benny Bjork rhythm guitar, vocals; Sven-Olov Lindberg bass, vocals; Hans Jaderkvist, drums.
1963
3 of 3
band name
The Diamonds (Sweden)
who's in the picture
Roland Billner, lead guitar, vocals; Benny Bjork rhythm guitar, vocals; Sven-Olov Lindberg bass, vocals; Marianne Sjoberg, drums.
1964
1 of 2
band name
The Drifting Strangers
submitted by
Rick Stock
who's in the picture
Left to right: Bryan(?), bass guitar; Paul (Kookie) Allison, lead guitar; Pat Kealey, drums; Rick Stock, rhythm guitar.
where was the band based
RAF Wyton, Cambridgeshire, UK
years active
1960-61 (I was with the group during these years, the band was actually together before and after I joined).
musical influences
The Shadows, The Ventures, Duane Eddy, Buddy Holly, Everly Brothers etc.
notes
Band members were constantly changing because we were all RAF and usually not in one place longer than a year or so. Consequently the sound of the band was always changing.
brushes with fame
...
where are they now
I live in California and have retired from the US Postal Service. Don’t know where anyone else is, but would like to make contact. You can see Rick's other bands featured in the Lelands gallery.
2 of 2
band name
The Drifting Strangers
who's in the picture
Left to right: Mac McDaid, rhythm guitar; Barry Hunt, bass; Paul Allison, lead guitar; Seated in front...Peter "Sticks" Ritchie, Drums; Bob Marshall, vocals.
band name
The Eyes
submitted by
Steve Valentine. Prior to The Eyes I played in a band that had a hit with a Beatles cover called 'Girl'. The band was called Truth, and it featured two singers backed by 3 of us (a Cream type line up). It was brief but fun, and I think the record got to number 16.
who's in the picture
Left to right: Steve Valentine, lead guitar; Terry Nolder, vocals; Barry Allchin, bass; Brian Corcoran, drums; Chris Lovegrove, guitar.
where was the band based
Ealing, London, UK
years active
Mid 1960's
musical influences
The Who, Small Faces, Kinks, Shadows.
notes
The Eyes had a top twenty hit with a cover of The Beatles 'Good Day Sunshine' in 1966. The EP 'Arrival Of The Eyes" is much sought after and sells for more than 200 pounds. We also recorded an album of Rolling Stones covers under the pseudonym of The Pupils! In the 1980's record label Bam Caruso re-released two 1960's Eyes albums. I replaced Phil Heatley on lead guitar, and the band continued for about 17 months after that. It was a wonderful period, opposite my house was a guy called Barry Lovegrove, stage name Barry Kenny, he was the guitarist with Jet Harris and the Jet Blacks, 200 yards down the road was Richie Blackmore, he left senior school as I started and his first band was called Apache. A few hundred yards in the opposite direction was Jimmy Page, all of us resided in Heston, Middlesex, and I was definately the worst guitarist out of the group :-)))
brushes with fame
Vocalist Terry Nolder became a fashion designer and designed dresses for Shirley Bassey and Lulu.
where are they now
These days I play lead with a Shads cover band in Toronto called Solid.
1 of 3
band name
Filthy Beast
2 of 3
band name
Filthy Beast aka Legend aka The Syn aka The Rejected aka 5 Shades of Black aka The Poet
who's in the picture
Mike Parkins, guitar & vocals; Peter Yates, guitar & vocals; Terry James, drums & vocals
3 of 3
band name
Filthy Beast aka Legend aka The Syn aka The Rejected aka 5 Shades of Black aka The Poet
who's in the picture
Mike Parkins, guitar & vocals; Peter Yates, guitar & vocals; Terry James, drums & vocals
band name
The Unknown aka The Flyovers
submitted by
Pat Seaman
who's in the picture
Opportunity Knocks lineup: Keith Gibson (bass guitar), Pat Seaman (lead guitar), Peter Fields (rhythm), Derrick Shrubb (drums) and Dave Denton (vocalist).
Other members of The Unknown and/or The Flyovers included Ken Nicks, Dave Brinicombe and Mike Maddox.
where was the band based
South Devon, UK
years active
1962-1965
musical influences
Shadows, Beatles, Searchers, Stones, Chuck Berry, Little Richard etc.
notes
Played quite a few different ones, actually!
brushes with fame
The Unknown appeared on "Opportunity Knocks" in 1965.
where are they now
Still around the area, but not playing together.
band name
The Four Deltas
submitted by
John Parkes
who's in the picture
John Parkes, lead guitar; Mick Ivinson, rhythm guitar; Jeff Clennell, bass; Terry Belcher, drums.
where was the band based
Doncaster, UK
years active
Early - mid 1960's
musical influences
...
notes
There were two agents who booked gigs for us - Ernie Beattie Varieties and Robin Eldridge Agency, who seemed to have the area tied up between them. We played the whole clubland circuit and most of the dance halls from the North East to the South Midlands.
brushes with fame
One foggy Wednesday evening at the Co-op Emporium Doncaster, on the third floor, which was a restaurant/large dancehall (every Wednesday night was BEAT NIGHT), we were booked to support a band from Liverpool. Ernie Beattie did not think they would turn up, due to the Foggy weather, but they did and set their gear up on stage alongside ours. They had just returned from Hamburg in Germany.Yes, it was The Beatles! and a scruffy lot they were at that time, not that well known outside of Liverpool.
We played alongside such artists as The Bachelors at The Lyric Hall Dinnington near Rotherham (the only place for miles with electric stage curtains!). Our drummer Terry actually played on stage with The Bachelors, as they had no drummer with them. We played with Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders at the De-Montfort Hall Leicester; Johnny Kidd & The Pirates at St James Street Baths, Doncaster and The Corvettes, recording artists from Manchester, at The Co-op Emporium.
where are they now
I play lead guitar in a Shadows Tribute band called The Apaches.
band name
The Gass Company
submitted by
Martin Page
who's in the picture
From top: Bill Hurd, keyboard & guitar; Jeff Archer, bass; Mick Carroll, drums; Martin Page, lead guitar. The picture was taken at Covent Garden fruit and veg market on a Sunday morning before it was refurbished.
where was the band based
South Ockenden, Essex, UK
years active
1966-1967
musical influences
Soul, Rock, Spencer Davis Group etc.
notes
We had a record released on the President label towards the end of 1967 - Everybody Needs Love c/w Nightmare. Bill Hurd wrote the top side and co-wrote the flipside. Didn't make any impact on the charts!
brushes with fame
Bill Hurd went on to have a number one hit with The Rubettes- Sugar Baby Love. We also backed Heinz (Burt) ex-Tornados bass player and solo artist for a short period around August, September 1967 doing a short tour of Devon and Cornwall. He had number one hits in both guises - also including the first U.S. number one hit by a U.K. group - The Tornados' Telstar - this of course was several years earlier. Heinz died in 2000 from motor neurone disease
where are they now
I now live in Heybridge, Essex. Bill is still touring with a version of The Rubettes but no idea where any of them live now
band name
The Ghosts
submitted by
Martin Page
who's in the picture
Left to right: Dennis Smith, organ; Martin Page, lead guitar; Terry Orchard, drums; 'Spence' Spencer, bass.
where was the band based
Hornchurch and Barking, Essex, UK
years active
1963
musical influences
...
notes
...
brushes with fame
...
where are they now
I live in Heybridge, Maldon, Essex; Terry lives in Essex; No idea about any others. I would really love to get in touch with Dennis again.
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band name
The Incas
submitted by
Terry Broughton
who's in the picture
Terry Broughton, John Grogan, Alf Anslow, drums; Bob Martin, bass.
where was the band based
St Helens, UK
years active
1960-1967
musical influences
Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard & The Shadows, The Beatles and the whole Merseybeat era!
notes
...
brushes with fame
Played at the Cavern in Liverpool on the bill with Gene Vincent, and The Hollies. Supporting appearances with Acker Bilk & his Jazzmen, Chris Barber's Jazz band with Otterly Paterson. Played with Paul Raven (later to become Gary Glitter!).
Article on the BBC Liverpool website...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/
where are they now
I am a Lecturer - shortly retiring! John Grogan has lived in Kingston Ontario Canada since 1970. Alf Anslow died June 2001. Bob Martin died about 10 years ago.
2 of 3
band name
The Incas
who's in the picture
Terry Broughton, John Grogan, Alf Anslow, Bob Martin.
The Incas and the local pub owners. Note our first transport - A 1955 Bedford ambulance
3 of 3
band name
The Incas
who's in the picture
Terry Broughton, John Grogan, Alf Anslow, Bob Martin.
Saint Helens Reporter, January 1964.
band name
Lee Harmer and the Chaquitos
submitted by
Pete Phillips
who's in the picture
Pete Phillips, lead guitar; Dave Fuller, bass; Mick Curno, drums; Mark Picket, rhythm guitar and Ian Highly, vocals.
where was the band based
Strood, Rochester, Kent, UK.
years active
1963-1966
musical influences
All of the 60's bands.
notes
We played at all sorts of venues, from back street halls to large theatres. It was a great experience and a wonderful time to be in a band.
brushes with fame
Did shows with Cathy Kirby, Brian Poole and the Tremeloes, Kenny lynch etc.
where are they now
Not known.
band name
Lee Harmer and the Chaquitos
who's in the picture
Pete Phillips, lead guitar; Dave Fuller, bass; Mick Curno, drums; Mark Picket, rhythm guitar and Ian Highly, vocals.
band name
Lee Harmer and the Chaquitos
who's in the picture
Pete Phillips and Tony Goulden (who was in successful 60's group Vanity Fare and was recently the Mayor of Medway in Kent).
band name
Lee Harmer and the Chaquitos
who's in the picture
Pete Phillips, Dave Fuller, Mick Curno, Mark Picket and Ian Highly with Kathy Kirby.
band name
Lee Harmer and the Chaquitos
who's in the picture
Pete Phillips, lead guitar; Dave Fuller, bass; Mick Curno, drums; Mark Picket, rhythm guitar and Ian Highly, vocals.
band name
Lee Harmer and the Chaquitos
who's in the picture
Pete Phillips, lead guitar; Dave Fuller, bass; Mick Curno, drums; Mark Picket, rhythm guitar and Ian Highly, vocals.
band name
Lee Harmer and the Chaquitos
who's in the picture
Pete Phillips, lead guitar; Dave Fuller, bass; Mick Curno, drums; Mark Picket, rhythm guitar and Ian Highly, vocals.
1 of 2
band name
Tony Burns and The Niteshades.
submitted by
Martin Page
who's in the picture
Left to right: Dennis Smith, organ; Martin Page, lead guitar; Tony Burns, vocals; Brian Ward, bass guitar; Ian Gilbert, drums; Ken Hollingsworth, rhythm guitar. Ian was subsequently replaced by Barry Stewart (see insert picture).
where was the band based
Hornchurch and Barking, Essex, UK
years active
1964-1965
musical influences
...
notes
...
brushes with fame
Ronnie (Plonk) Lane deputised for Ken for a couple of weeks because Ken had broken a couple of fingers in a motorcycle accident. Ronnie went on to have a successful career as bass player of The Small Faces.
where are they now
I live in Heybridge, Maldon, Essex; Terry lives in Essex; Brian lives in Devon; No idea about any others. I would really love to get in touch with Dennis again.
2 of 2
band name
Tony Burns and The Niteshades.
who's in the picture
Dennis Smith, organ; Martin Page, lead guitar; Tony Burns, vocals; Brian Ward, bass guitar; Ian Gilbert, drums; Ken Hollingsworth, rhythm guitar.
1 of 2
band name
Parker's Mood
submitted by
Martin Page
who's in the picture
Left to right: Dave Martin, Martin Page, Ian (Bonky) Bellamy, plus former bass and drummer, Geoff Martin and Alan Cooper respectively. (Mar 66).
where was the band based
Ilford Essex, UK
years active
1964-1967
musical influences
Soul, blues, jazz
notes
Parker's Mood was named after a track by the legendary jazz musician, Charlie Parker. Various earlier guises of the band were called The Inner Sect and then the Inner Set.
brushes with fame
...
where are they now
I live in Heybridge, Maldon, Essex. Dave lives in Ilford, Essex and Ian was last heard of living on the south coast of Britain. Don't know about the others.
2 of 2
band name
Parker's Mood
who's in the picture
Left to right: Ian (Bonky) Bellamy, vocals; George Jensen, bass; Martin Page, lead guitar; Ray Wells, drums; Dave Martin, Hammond Organ.
October 1966
band name
Pete Mystery & the Strangers
submitted by
John Cauley
who's in the picture
Left to right: Pete, Pete, John, Richard, Malcolm. Later came Dave and John (2).
where was the band based
Andover, Hants, UK. We played at many venues in Hampshire and beyond to Louth, Swindon, Margate, Axminster etc. Locally it was Park Ballroom, Royal Pier, Winchester Lido, New Milton and the like.
years active
1959-1963
musical influences
Chuck Berry, Shadows
notes
The Strangers, first with Dave Just and then Pete Mystery, were the foremost band playing out of the Andover area prior to the emergence of the Ten Feet Five and then later The Troggs. We gigged throughout the South. We Used Burns Splitsonics for Rhythm and Lead combined with Vox AC30 amps. The band had a long and and successful run often playing 4-5 nights a week.
brushes with fame
We supported Shane Fenton (later Alvin Stardust) & the Fentones at the Royal Pier, the Hollies at Winchester Lido, The Hunters, Gene Vincent at Fareham. Once at Salisbury Palais OUR support was some band called Dave Dee & the Bostons! (later Dave Dee Dozy, Beaky Mick & Tich). We had a TV appearance in the talent show 'Home Grown' - beaten by some classical singer as I recall.
where are they now
...
notes
Born 22.1.1949, in Theydon Bois, Essex), Nigel Pegrum went onto play in Spice, who had David Byron lead vocals (born David Garrick, 29.1.1947, in Epping, Essex died 28.2.1985, at home in Reading, Berkshire); Mick Box lead guitar (born Michael Box, 8.6.1947, in Walthamstow, East London) and Paul Newton bass (born 21.2.1946, in Andover, Hampshire).
The Eyes had a top twenty hit with a cover of The Beatles 'Good Day Sunshine' in 1966. The EP 'Arrival Of The Eyes" is much sought after and sells for more than 200 pounds. We also recorded an album of Rolling Stones covers under the pseudonym of The Pupils! In the 1980's record label Bam Caruso re-released two 1960's Eyes albums. I replaced Phil Heatley on lead guitar, and the band continued for about 17 months after that. It was a wonderful period, opposite my house was a guy called Barry Lovegrove, stage name Barry Kenny, he was the guitarist with Jet Harris and the Jet Blacks, 200 yards down the road was Richie Blackmore, he left senior school as I started and his first band was called Apache. A few hundred yards in the opposite direction was Jimmy Page, all of us resided in Heston, Middlesex, and I was definately the worst guitarist out of the group :-)))
band name
I am a Lecturer - shortly retiring! John Grogan has lived in Kingston Ontario Canada since 1970. Alf Anslow died June 2001. Bob Martin died about 10 years ago.
band name