The Whole Story of The Famous Kinema Ballroom in Dunfermline (now in its 78th Year!)
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| Biogz 'P'
Here you will find some short biographies (biogz) of solo artists whose surname commences with this letter or bands with names commencing with this letter (omitting any commonly used prefix such as 'The'). Click on the name below or scroll down the page at your leisure. The Paddies
Brendan Ryder - lead & rhythm guitars & vocals A six-piece traditional Irish / rock band formed in 1985 in Thurles, Co Tipperary If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here
Nick Grieve - vocals A local heavy hock band. Nick has also played with ‘Cadiz’, ’Chasar’, ’Limelight Robbery’, ’Snakebite’, ‘Alden Bald’ and currently ‘Adrenalyn’ from Musselburgh. If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here.
Spyder (Pauline Bennett) A trio of British mini-skirted girl singers from Northampton formed in 1967 who's debut single in 1968 was a #11 UK chart hit 'Something Here In My Heart (Keeps A-Tellin' Me No). Their follow up 'My Life Is In Your Hands' had no discernible hook and died a death and despite a label change to RCA after their 3rd single, 'Someday', the Paper Dolls are remembered only as one hit wonders. Their luck was destined to remain bad too when due to some misunderstanding they failed to show up for the recording of an other song called 'Build Me Up Buttercup' which was a huge transatlantic hit for The Foundations. One album was recorded 'Paper Dolls House' (1968) but after another couple of singles 'My Boyfriend's Back' & 'Remember December' they split in 1970. Tiger attempted a solo career to no avail in 1978 and later in 1980 coached the St Winifred's School Choir to #1 Christmas chart success with 'There's No-one Quite Like Grandma'.
Michael Vaughn - guitar Later: Paper Lace was a pop group from Nottingham, England who were formed in 1969. They charted four times in the UK: three times in 1974 and again in 1978. Their debut ‘Billy Don’t Be A Hero’ peaked at #1 after they won the highly popular ITV talent show ‘Opportunity Knocks’ hosted by Hughie Green in 1974. They followed that by ‘The Night Chicago Died’ at #3 in the UK (and an American Billboard Hot 100 #1), ‘The Black Eyed Boys’ UK #11 and finally a Nottingham Forest Football Club promotional single, ‘We Got The Whole World In Our Hands’ #24 UK. They released two albums, ‘Paper Lace And Other Bits of Material’ (1974) and ‘First Edition’ (1975) and once played at the Royal Variety Performance in front of The Queen mother. By 1978 they had become somewhat passé and the original group split. Wright and Fish kept the name alive for a while with some new members. Wright became a member of ‘Sons And Lovers’ in 1997 and still performs occasionally as ‘Philip Wright's Paper Lace’.
Roy Carbarns - lead vocals, guitar Paradox were a local Dunfermline band where most of them attended Queen Anne High School and had their rehearsal 'den' in the old stables at the back of Broomhead House close by (where several other local acts have practised over the years including Nazareth, The Skids and Delinx). Roy Carbarns went on to play guitar with the Robert Fish Band. If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here Many thanks to David Adamson for the info and image above.
Bob Scott - vocals Later: They turned professional in 1962 and moved to London to seek their fortune. By this time both Copping and Brownlee had exited the band and been replaced by Derrick and Wilson respectively. Signed to Parlophone in 1963 and under the guidance of producer Ron Richards, The Paramounts released several R&B singles but only their debut, a cover of The Coasters' 'Poison Ivy', made any impression on the charts. To promote 'Poison Ivy', they made appearances on television shows 'Ready, Steady, Go' and 'Thank Your Lucky Stars'. They shared the bill of the second of these shows with the Rolling Stones who were so impressed with the Paramounts that they labelled them "the best r&b band in England". They gradually built up a following as a live act and were added to Brian Epstein's NEMS stable in 1965 and even appeared on tour with The Beatles. None of this, however, had much impact on the sales of their records and they were reduced to backing artists like Sandie Shaw. Disillusioned with having to play as a back-up band to various solo singers, the group disbanded in September 1966 only to find themselves re-grouping under the guise of Procol Harum (but that's another story!).
Bill Hendry - vocals later Formed in 1973, Dunfermline-based band 'Paris' started out as 'Back to Back' playing the Forum in Glenrothes then moved to the Apollo lounge also in Glenrothes playing Thursday - Sunday evenings. They won 'The Best Band in Scotland' title in a Daily Record competition in 1975. Watty Robertson also had spells with Bobby Dene & The Dynamos, The Red Hawks, The Change, The Jim Brown Showband & The KB Bands. Martin Stern & Ivor Gaffin also played together in 'Sweet Blindness' Bill Hendry previously worked with 'The Verge'. Thanks to Phil Muir & Kenny Turner for this. If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here
David Milloner The Pasadenas had a brief moment in the spotlight in the late 80s as a vocal group firmly focused on the sounds of music and artists from earlier decades. Formed in the UK by brothers David and Michael Milliner along with Andrew Banfield, Aaron Brown and Hamish Seelochan, the act was signed by Columbia Records and created its own post-Motown sound, liberally borrowing from 50s doo-wop and 60s soul, but with rather sanitized 80s arrangements. The group scored a big hit in 1988 with its initial release, ‘Tribute (Right On),’ a decent if rather generic up-tempo cut that paid homage to soul luminaries such as Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye. The companion album ‘To Whom It May Concern’ was a positive, if uneven, effort that was a refreshing variation from the electronic funk that dominated R&B radio at the time. In addition to ‘Tribute,’ the disc included the minor hit ‘Riding on a Train’ and a fair version of the Chi-Lites’ ‘Living In the Footsteps of Another Man’. The group followed with ‘Elevate’ in 1991 and ‘Yours Sincerely’ in 1992 but never again charted in the US, though they landed a UK hit with a remake of New York City’s ‘I’m Doin’ Fine’. The Pasadenas ceased recording after ‘Yours Sincerely’, but continued to perform around the UK into the 21st century. Info From: www.soultracks.com
Ian Clews (Clewsy) - vocals Later: Take care not to confuse the many 'Pathfinders' around from similar eras. The Pathfinders emerged in 1965 in Glasgow, briefly changed their name to Jason's Flock in 1966, changed back to the original name in 1967 then following a move to London in 1968, tried White Trash then dropped the ‘White’ prefix. For a while they were billed as "Scotland's most exciting band". At one point they turned down the offer of recording Ob-la-di ob-la-da, later a number 1 hit for fellow Scots, Marmalade in December 1968! Frazer Watson from The Poets replaced Neil McCormick on guitar in late 1967 when Neil became their manager. In 1968 the band moved to London to be moulded for stardom by Tony Meehan. This may have led to Scotland's most commercially appealing live band of the time ending up playing a style of music they were not happy with. Meehan did however get the band their recording deal with Apple, which resulted in two singles on the label, ‘Road to Nowhere’ & a cover of the Beatles’ ‘Golden Slumbers/Carry that Weight’. This latter single hit number 35 in October 1969 & ought to have fared better but for a rival version released by 'Orange Bicycle' which split sales. The band also became the sometime backing band for Marsha Hunt (but missed-out on playing the 1969 Isle of Wight Festival) then around 1970-71, Ian McMillan joined from The Poets and they finally changed their name to 'Cody' in 1970/71 before their final demise early 1973.
Pat'r Four (or Pat'r 4)
Jim Glen - guitar Later as 'Pat'r 4 Plus 2' with: Later as 'Pat'r 4 Plus 3' with: They were joined by two Go Go dancers Liz Fraczek and Wilma Carl and were known as 'Patr'4 Plus 2'. They first played on 24th December1969. They were later joined by Ronnie and became 'Patr'4 Plus 3'. They once appeared on TV in a short-lived show called 'One Night Stand' fronted by Pete Murray and the band appeared on it about 1964 covering a Rolling Stones hit, perhaps 'Not Fade Away'? Based in Perth, they started out as 'The Rockin' Ravens' and later evolved into 'Hot Toddy' with Duncan McCrone and later again into the five-piece folk-rock outfit 'Dapplegrim'. If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here
Gordon Pattullo is one of the most renowned accordionists in Scotland . He is always in demand at Accordion & Fiddle clubs as Guest Artiste and he has been nominated as best Guest Artist of the year. He is just as much at home playing solo at the clubs, as he is he's surrounded by the other top class musicians who join him in his Ceilidh Band. He has recorded more than fifteen albums (so far) and has a wealth of experience both in radio and television broadcasts. Info from: www.gordonpattullo.co.uk
Joe McCormack - vocals Peace & Quiet were a local sixties soul covers band, fronted by lead singer, Joe McCormack who still fronts a regularly gigging local group called 'Joe's Band'. If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here
Michael 'Waspy' Ward - vocals Previous members: Five-piece from Bathgate, Scotland whose first gig was on 6th March 2009 and exactly one year later Pedantics support Reverend and The Makers in front of a jam packed Velocity in Dunfermline. After a year of supporting bands such as The Sunshine Underground, The Paddingtons, Twisted Wheel, The Troubadours, The Complete Stone Roses, Joe Carnall and The Book Club, The Ray Summers, Tango in the Attic and Sergeant and a couple of changes in the line-up, Pedantics are looking forward to the future.
Roy Phillips - vocals, keyboards A talented jazz M-O-R trio who had previously formed the nucleus of 'The Saints' although drummer Trevor Morais had been with Rory Storme and the Hurricanes. Previously known as 'The Song Peddlers', their Ray Charles inspired vocalist was Bournemouth born Roy Phillips. The band made some listenable albums with Philips (the label – not the singer) before moving to CBS. 'Birth' is a powerful anti-war song which never really got the sales it deserved. A good double album with their CBS work was issued in 2002. Roy now lives in New Zealand. If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here
Members included: Charlie Birkett - roadie Some of the band were originally in a band called variously: 'The Excitement', 'Twilight Explosion' & 'Sunshine express' Pendulum were from Cumrbia and often played the Palace at Maryport, The Tow Bar at Nethertown, Pavillion at Keswick. They were active at least between 1971 & 1974. Info from http://www.fenderstrat.co.uk If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here
Peter Asher This duo would seem unlikely candidates for pop success. They did not have the musical motivation of many of their less middle class peers and their Westminster School education would have seemed to point them in a different direction. However, the pair had one enormous advantage. Peter's sister was the young actress Jane Asher and she had gained the attention of none other than Paul McCartney who had begun a courtship with her. With access to the young Beatle's 'surplus' songs the pair obtained 'World Without Love' and cut a competently crafted single with it. The popularity stemming from its success, reaching #1 on both sides of the Atlantic, would sustain their musical career for almost three years. They split up during 1968 after some inevitable arguments and Peter forged a new career in show business management- becoming an agent for James Taylor. and eventually moving himself to Los Angeles. Gordon tried to kick start his singing career again on a couple of occasions, but never regained significant public attention. Unlike Peter, Gordon remained domiciled in the south of England, but pulled out of show business entirely. Nevertheless, unlike many duets the couple have remained on friendly terms separated only by the distance between them and not their musical ideals. Info courtesy of: www.45-rpm.org.uk They had started playing together between 2005-2008 and appeared on an American TV special 'Love In: A Musical Celebration' in 2009 but sadly Gordon died from a heart attack aged 64 in July 2009 at his home in Conneticut.
Peter Nelson - vocals, bass Peter Nelson formed ‘Peter’s Faces’ from the remnants of ‘Peter Nelson & the Travellers’. They released three singles on the Piccadilly label in 1964 & 65: ‘Why Did You Bring Him to the Dance’, ‘Wait’ & ‘De-Boom-Lay-Boom’. When the hits didn’t arrive, Nelson went solo in 1965 and later became one of The Flowerpot Men’s backing musicians along with ‘Faces’ member Robin Shaw. If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here
Mark Peters And The Silhouettes Mark Peters - vocals Mark Peters And The Silhouettes were a six-piece from Merseyside. Mark went on later to become a member of 'The Rats'. They released three singles: If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here Info courtesy of: www.45-rpm.org.uk
Mike Petrie, a journalist in Dundee, was a member of The Petermen with Vic Peterson in the 1960s, and afterwards often appeared at local folk clubs as a solo act. In the 1980s he teamed up with fellow stalwarts of the Arbroath folk club scene Andy Webster and Nicky Hunter to form a group called Tregallion, and they released a private pressing of an LP. Mike later became a member of The Foundry Bar Band. He unfortunately died suddenly at a young age. Info courtesy of: www.nigelgatherer.com If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here
Jason Hayward DJ Phats, otherwise known as Jason Hayward, began his Djing career back in 1989. From his early residency at Brighton’s Zap Club with Carl Cox, to frequent stints at the Ministry of Sound, Jason’s career has gone from strength to strength both as DJ and producer. His music production dates as far back as 1986 but his first electronic work surfaced later in ’88. Early productions include The Delorme/Kathy Brown “Turn Me Out” and Dharma Bums “Spanish Fly” projects on Stress and Zoom Records, not to mention his re-creation of George Benson’s “Give Me The Night” and a long list of remixes for DMC. Russell Small, 37 grew up in Peacehaven, attending Tideway School in Newhaven. He began his Djing career at thirteen when he started his own mobile Djing business, being escorted by his father to weddings and parties. Russell acknowledges the business did not last because of his inability to stop swearing over the mic. Odds against him, Small turned his focus to Djing and house music. As soon as the law would allow him, he launched himself onto Brighton’s club scene. In 1998 Jason invited fellow Brightonian DJ Russell Small to his studio and Phats and Small were born, recording their first hit Turn Around, which reached number 2 in the UK charts and was a massive hit worldwide. They followed this with a further four top twenty hits and numerous remixes. Apart from Fjing extensively all over the world, Russell and Jason spent the past five years writing and producing Phats and Small’s first and second albums – “Now Phats What I Small Music” and “This Time Around…”, and their latest “The soundtrack to Our Lives”. They now have over 100 released productions and remixes in their colourful discography, working with the likes of Arther Naker, Jean Michel Jarre, James Brown, Lolletta Holoway and Masters At Work, and have amassed sales of over 3 milion worldwide. In 2000 they won various awards for their work including a Muzik Dance Award, TMF Award, RSH Award, 2 German Dance Awards, 2 Southern FM/Capital Awards, 2 MOBO award nominations and a Brit Award nomination for Best Newcomer. Their label Mutant Disc continues to provide a healthy diet of respectable house grooves to dance floors with releases signed by Carl Cox’s label. Their latest production is a nod of respect to a dance floor classic and another successful collaboration that is Annie Lennox and Dave Stuart. It has veen championed by the world’s best DJs and played with great response on the floors of the world’s best clubs… Info From: www.elitemm.co.uk
Born June 14th 1907, London From 1933 to 1937, he was a prominent member (saxophone) of the popular Ambrose Orchestra. Some of his more memorable arrangements for Ambrose included "Caravan", "Deep Henderson", and the Ambrose Orchestra theme "Hors D'oeuvres" (music by David Comer), which Sid later adopted as the "Out-Theme" for his own orchestra. (The 'In-Theme' was his own composition "Clarinet Cadenza".) All this while, many of his own compositions were becoming quite well known, including "Night Ride", "Streamline Strut", "Hullabaloo", "An Amazon Goes A-Wooin'", "B'Wanga", "Message From Mars", "Early Morning Blues", "Mister Reynard's Nightmare", "Night Ride", "Plain Jane", and "Cotton Pickers' Congregation". (Sid may have composed another 100 or 200 tunes (not all released). During the late thirties he freelanced and wrote arrangements and tunes for many British Bands. In 1938, he travelled to the U.S. meeting with some well-known leaders including Paul Whiteman, and recorded some big band sides. With WWII imminent, Sid spurned offers to remain in the U.S., and returned to London, England. In 1940, he was called into London's wartime "Specials" police, and soon after was called into the RAF, where his command of languages earned him a commission in the intelligence branch. In 1945, after discharge, he formed a dance band whose performances alternated with a good mix of slow, Swing and 'Dixieland', music and which brought him both success and a chance to make frequent broadcasts on the BBC networks. Throughout Great Britain, he became known as "England's King of the Clarinet", while making about 200 records for HMV. Info courtesy of: nfo.net/brit/bp.html#SPhillips
Stewart Menelaws (Dr Death) - guitar, vocals Phyne Thanquz were a NWOBHM/psych band from Edinburgh who were in with the Hell's Angels and biker circuit. Up until the present, not a lot of people knew if Phyne Thanquz was a real band or just an elaborate hoax. There was one ridiculously rare 7" single 'Into The Sun' / 'Curse Of The Gods'. It came out on a label called ERC in 1981. Just recently a copy of the single was sold for well over 600 Euros. It really is an extremely precious artefact of the glorious New Wave Of British Heavy Metal period. Apart from the participation of a certain Dr. Death, there was not a lot of information to be found on the record as to who actually played on the single. Dr. Death is no other than Stewart Menelaws who helped to supply us with all the details regarding this last big secret of the immortal N.W.O.B.H.M. era. “Phyne Thanquz was not a joke at all”, Stewart Menelaws starts to unfold the band's history. “We played at many night clubs, rock venues and rock festivals over a seven year period. The stage act comprised a fairly large lighting and special effects show.” Phyne Thanquz is indeed quite a strange name which probably added to the mystique surrounding the band. Originally, it only stood for “fine thanks” but soon (surely in part due to the single's cover artwork) followers started to attach different interpretations to the moniker. Stewart Menelaws explains: “Due to the band’s growing occult overtones, stage act and branding, the name took on a sinister feel making many people think there was a deeper secret behind it. The name was thought up by one of the early roadies/band photographer and while I personally hated the name, it stuck. Although some of the band members (who changed a lot) got into the whole 'occult' stage act thing, dressed up as zombies/walking dead etc – there was no deep spiritual or supernatural interest. I myself on the other hand was a different story. After facing death twice on a hospital bed at 16 years of age and suffering from ill health for a further 15 years my fascination with death and the supernatural was the motivation behind the songs written.” This enduring period of ill health also led to Stewart's pseudonym Dr. Death: “I got the nickname from a biker fan. After major surgery as a teenager I lost a great deal of weight and my face was gaunt with sunken eye sockets and high cheek bones. The graphic artist who designed the skull image on the single cover based it on myself. As I went deeper into occult interest I slept in a coffin (also used for the stage act) and we began using heavy make-up effects such as death masks – so the name fitted.” Stewart Menelaws takes over the story: “ERC was a local Edinburgh based studio – I don’t know that much about them. Phyne Thanquz was banned from various venues for many reasons. At times places were smashed to pieces in violent frenzies; the police would be called on occasions. Managers were threatened, agents were abused and the band’s occult overtones saw them being exorcized from one venue (they actually got a priest in to do this). Simply, the band had a reputation as being dark and strange and best not mention them – bit like a bad omen.” Marshall Bain is listed as the producer of the single. Stewart explains: “Marshall Bain owned ERC studios and he put that onto the single without our knowledge. We were not bothered either way. Marshall always seemed a little bit nervous when we were in his studio. ERC is no longer. In the late 1980s I collected all the demo reels and marketing materials, photographs and burned everything in a bid to erase the memory.“ Apart from Dr. Death (aka Stu Menelaws) on guitar/vocals, the following musicians played on the single: Amanda Hodge (keyboard), Bod (aka Bryan Dodds) on drums and Mark Patrizio (former Exploited member) on bass. In the past, it was rumored that Phyne Thanquz was somehow associated with John Mortimer's 'Holocaust'. However, this was probably due to the fact that both bands come from Edinburgh. Stewart makes it clear: “We were not influenced by Holocaust in any shape or form. As far as I am aware, we were around long before they appeared; in fact I only got to hear of them near the time Phyne Thanquz began to break apart. Personally my only influence was Jimi Hendrix, Bach and also The Pink Fairies.” During the late 1970's and early 1980's Phyne Thanquz had a healthy biker following when they appeared live. There's one gig Stewart Menelaws remembers vividly: “At a certain gig a West Coast Angel told me that one of the Hells Angels from the London area wanted to see me … thankfully it was just to slap me on the back to say we were 'shit hot, man'! We had one West Coast Angel roadie bury a crowbar into a punter’s head which resulted in a huge gathering of town's folk wanting to hang us all from the roof beams … that was a pretty tense moment. One of the local Hells Angels chapters were fans and roadies for Dog but there were growing tensions with other bike groups which made things troublesome at times. The last gig we were to play at 'The Glenburn' was packed with various bike clubs and there was a tense atmosphere which resulted in the place being smashed up while we played a song to accompany the riot as the police arrived in force. Most of our roadies were bikers, both patch bearers and not. Venues we played were 'The Glenburn', 'The Nite Club', 'The Glen Pavilion', 'The Odeon', 'The Calton Studios', 'Niki Tams', 'The Kinema', 'Twisted Wheel', 'Craigmiller Rock Festival', 'The Palace', 'The Laughing Duck', 'The Green Tree', 'The Astoria', ‘Sneaky Pete’s’, ‘Clowns’ plus various town halls and other venues. We were one of the few bands in Scotland at that time with a full 1.5K PA rig (that was big in those days) and lighting rigs. Occasionally we would hire these out to other bands.” Following Phyne Thanquz, Stewart Menelaws put together a band simply called Dog: “Yes, Dog was put together by myself (now named General Beetashoon,) Bod (now named Harry Harlot) and bass player Ross Mason (aka Bandit) after Phyne Thanquz broke up. It was the band that Phyne Thanquz should have been from day one but with so many changes in line-up (drums/ bass/vocals) it kept messing up the band's original roots. Dog also dropped the stage act and make-up and simply looked like three filthy bikers with a wall of Marshall stacks behind them.” Info from: http://www.hrrecords.de/high_roller/sites/release_detail.php?relno=263 Where you can find even more details. They were the last band to play 'The Kinema Ballroom'! Thanks to Stephen Small
The Phoenix
Brian Twist - vocals Edinburgh band formed sometime prior to 1968 & split after mid 1971. If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here
Polly Browne – vocals Later: Pickettywitch were a seventies pop group allegedly called after a Cornish village in southern England whose name caught Polly’s attention as she and her sister travelled through it. Unfortunately there is no such village though there is a pub of that name in Yeovil in Somerset. They formed in early 1969 and rehearsed long and hard before seeking the attention of the recording industry. Pye signed them and they released ‘You've Got Me So I Don't Know’ / ‘Solomon Grundy’ in the July which led to radio and TV work such as an appearance on the hugely popular ITV talent show ‘Opportunity Knocks’. Martyr was then replaced with Mike Tomich on bass while Bridges changed to play guitar and they hit pay dirt with a Foundations song, ‘That same old feeling’, released in November 1969 and written by the Macaulay-Macleod songwriting team. It peaked at #5 in the UK chart in February 1970 although their eponymous and only album from the same year failed to chart. Single success continued in the UK with ‘(It's Like A) Sad Old Kinda Movie’ #16 and ‘Baby I Won't Let You Down’ #27 both in 1970 though that was it. Bridges and Tomich were replaced with Peter Hawkins & Brian Stewart who were subsequently replaced by Paul Risi and Paul Riordan respectively and all was lost when in late 1972, Polly Browne eventually split to form the pop duo ‘Sweet Dreams’ with Tony Jackson and hit #21 in July 1974 with an ABBA cover, Honey Honey. She then went solo and had a #43 hit in the UK & #16 in America in September 1974 with ‘Up In A Puff Of Smoke’. Meanwhile the rest of the band released a last single in 1973 before splitting, though some of them resurfaced a few years later as ‘New Pickettywitch’, releasing singles which few bought.
The Pink Fairies
Paul Rudolph – guitar & sitar Later: The original Pink Fairies was named after a loose collection of friends known as 'The Pink Fairies Rock 'n' Roll Club' which was formed by Steve Peregrine Took following his sacking from the fledgling Tyrannosaurus Rex, Mick Farren (of The Deviants) & Twink but came to nothing. The second incarnation originally consisted of other members of The (Social) Deviants who were formed in London in 1966. They included Mick Farren – main songwriter, pianist & vocalist, Sid Bishop – guitar & sitar, Cord Rees – bass & Russell Hunter - drums. After abbreviating their name to The Deviants an album was released called ‘Ptooff!’ (“No, I don’t know how to pronounce it either!”) in 1967 after which Cord was replaced by bassist Duncan Sanderson. A second prog rock album, ‘Disposable’ was released in 1968 with heavy emphasis on percussion, followed by a third in 1969 ‘The Deviants’. Bishop was then replaced with guitarist Paul Rudolph and Farren decided to embark on a solo career leaving a trio though he returned from time to time. Their first project was to back-up Twink (aka John Adler, ex The In-Crowd / The Pretty Things) on his solo album ‘Think Pink’ in January 1971. They adopted the new moniker ‘The Pink Fairies’ and released a single ‘The Snake’ in the same month and four months later an album ‘Never Never Land’. Shortly thereafter Twink left to join 'The Stars' with Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd and was replaced by Trevor Burton from The Move. A second album ‘What A Bunch Of Sweeties’ followed in 1972 and guitarist Mick Wayne (of Junior’s Eyes) replaced Rudolph, but only for the 45, ‘Well Well Well’, which emerged the same year. He was replaced by Larry Wallis (ex UFO) before their third album ‘Kings Of Oblivion’ (mid 1973). Having failed to stabilise the line-up, they split in March 1974 though they would reform in several configurations in 1975, 1976, 1978, 1984 & 1987, sometimes touring with Hawkwind. (John Alder had adopted the nickname ‘Twink’ as a result of receiving gifts of a home perm product of the same name for his long curly hair).
Samuel Pinkerton Kemp - autoharp, vocals Stuart Coleman? Rugby in Warwickshire was the home of Pinkerton’s Assorted Colours who had started life in 1964 as the Liberators. The new name came from band member Pinkerton (Samuel Pinkerton Kemp). They signed with Decca and scored their one and only NME chart success with their first single. They moved to Pye with no luck then changed their name in 1969 to The Flying Machine and worked with writer / producer Tony Macaulay and scored a # 5 USA hit with “Smile A Little Smile For Me”. Band member Stuart Coleman became a successful deejay with Radio London, managed Billy Fury and produced Shakin' Stevens hits in the 80s.
Confusing one this ... I assume this 'bubblegum pop' outfit may be the one who released a promotional single 'If You Do What You Gotta Do' / Here We Go Again' (Jan 1970) on Penny Farthing Records? In which case it's curious that there's another single with the same titles released in 1969 on Decca by 'The Blackbirds'. Then ... just when you thought it was safe ... I understand the same single had a US release under the name 'Peace Pipe'! The 'A' side is reminiscent of 'Sugar Sugar' by 'The Archies' and they could have just as easily submitted a tune for Scooby Doo! They may be from Belgium? If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here
Lloyd Williams - vocals, keyboards Also Terry Thaddeus - lead guitar on a Japanese tour The Pitiful Souls were a five-piece all-black vocal group (formed in 1966) from Sheffield who often appeared in white suits and began practicing & performing at the King Mojo Club in Sheffield where Peter Stringfellow's career began. On Saturday 1st April 1967, the band won £50 by securing third place in the 'Search for Sound' competition held at Streathan Ice Rink in London. They cut a track at the Mojo ('Never Like This Before') that appeared on a Sheffield Rag EP and toured Europe, the Middle East and Japan before splitting in the late eighties. Lloyd Williams moved to Tokyo sometime before 1990 and still sings and plays the many keyboards in his extensive collection including the Hammond M102 he played in The Kinema! If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here
Taffy Davies - lead guitar, vocal Vince ? - keyboards Roadie - Bill Kerr A covers trio, later a quartet, 'Platform' were originally called 'Gallows Crook' and hailed from Bo'ness (the common form of the full name 'Borrowstounness') in the Falkirk region of Scotland's central lowlands in the late sixties / early seventies. If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here My thanks to Bill Kerr for the information above.
Left to right: 'The Playboys' were a show band from Lifford Donegal known throughout Britain. They assumed a pseudonym of 'The Drumbeats' on earlier tours of Scotland because another band who went by the same name had toured the highlands some years previously and acquired a 'reputation'. Charlie Friel had previously played with The Rhythm Aces. They used to number eight. If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here
Bill Gilmour - lead vocal, keyboards later: Glasgow-based outfit active circa 1970-73. David A. Gilmour went on to play with Anthem, while Brian Robertson was famously with the classic line-up of Thin Lizzy. From their road crew, Davy McLafferty became tour manager for 'The Pretenders' and Sandy McAdam worked with Thin Lizzy.
George Gallacher - vocals Tony Myles - rhythm guitar A five piece, R&B/soul band formed in 1961 in Glasgow, they adopted their clothes image of high-necked jackets and ruffled fronted shirts from a portrait of the eighteenth century Scots poet Robert Burns, hence also the name. The band were hugely popular in Scotland and were signed by Andrew Loog-Oldham on a visit up to Gretna to get married to an under-age bride. Between October '64 and January '66 they released three singles on Decca and two on Immediate. Their fan club ran four double-decker busses to out-of-town gigs! Jim Breakey left to join Studio Six and by the time, 'Wooden Spoon' / 'In your Tower' came out on Decca in February 1967 there were no original members left and Frazer Watson (from 'The Arrows' & not an original himself) was about to jump ship to The Pathfinders / Jason's Flock. That single also featured Ian McMillan on bass apparently. None of the band's releases saw any chart action, apart from the first (No.30). 'Wooden Spoon' has a descending phrase later used on 'Paper Sun' by Traffic though we hesitate to suggest that Stevie Winwood listened out for Poets singles despite the similarity between the bass on 'That's the way its got to be' and 'Keep on running' as well. From 1968 the band continued to be immaculately suited and booted but their repertoire now consisted of spot-on covers of chart numbers, pop classics and some originals by guitarist, Hughie Nicholson. The band were now a four-piece with Johnny Martin (keyboard) and Dougie Henderson (drums) completing the line-up. The band remained Scotland's top act till the end of the decade though rumour has it that the band couldn't release records because of contractual difficulties but perhaps they just couldn't get a deal and didn't record very much. What they did release was a single ('Heyla Hola' / 'Fun Buggy') to promote Strike Cola made by Barrs of Irn-Bru fame. There was an accompanying TV advert screened many times on Scottish Television showing the band recording in the studio and there were also clips of the band larking about in a dune-buggy in a reference to the B-side. Hugh Nicholson went off to replace Junior Cambell in the Marmalade and the band brought in Hugh Burns (now a noted session player). Charlie Smith from The Dream Police replaced Dougie Henderson when he went off to join his mate in the Marmalade. Then Davie Nicholson left to lead his own band, imaginatively called 'Nicholson', and Joe Breen came in from the disbanded The Dream Police to take on bass duties. They then decided to change the name to Chapter 22 and by the mid seventies it was all over. Singles: 'Now We're Thru' / 'There Are Some' - (1965) #30 Info courtesy of: www.rockingscots.co.uk Their first single “We’re Through”, written by their lead singer, was changed to “Now We’re Thru’” to avoid confusion with The Hollies similarly named song that had just been a hit. It gave them their only chart entry but despite a series of reasonable follow ups and recording into the late 60s, the band could not score again. Fraser Watson was also with 'Dave Hunter & the Arrows' 1962 in Glasgow, they became simply 'Dave and the Arrows' in 1963 and 'The Arrows in 1964'. He was also with The Pathfinders / Jason's Flock / White Trash / Trash. Their fifth single, 'Baby Don't Do It' (Marvin Gaye) was produced by Paul Raven who would later emerge as Gary Glitter. A recent TV documentary alleges that the famous Scottish television comic drama 'Tutti-Frutti' was based on or at least inspired by the career / experiences of The Poets!
Robert Lindsay - vocals Glasgow-based covers band formed 1971who later became 'Hombre' shortly before splitting in 1974 due to career commitments. Their repertoire included the contemporary hits of Slade, T.Rex, Bowie, Stones, Beatles, Kinks etc. The band were involved in a bad van crash on the Fenwick road in January 1972 in which all members survived with minor injuries, 1 broken amp and one written-off van. Robert (ex Mangas Colorado) went on to join Anthem / Brooklyn), Sha-Boom & Street Party and went on to front another versatile wedding/party/function covers band in Glasgow called 'Bronx'. Many thanks to Robert for the info above.
Brian Poole - vocals Rick Westwood (aka Rick West) - lead guitar, vocals Brian Poole, Rick Westwood, Dave Munden, Alan Howard & Alan Blakley (until 1961) originally called themselves the Tremilos, and had no lead vocalist. They came together while all still pupils at Park Modern School in Barking, Essex. Somewhat arbitrarily, Brian Poole was selected for the role of lead singer- as he wore suitable glasses he most closely resembled the group's idol, Buddy Holly, who they'd seen perform live at the East Ham Granada in 1958. They had to wait until 1962 for the opportunity to record for the first time under their own name at Decca- although they had previously recorded for the studios as backing musicians for other artistes. Stories that the group had been chosen at audition in preference to the Beatles- who were indeed turned down by Decca at that time- are apocryphal. To further complicate the relationship with the Beatles, Brian and the Tremeloes' first hit big with "Twist And Shout"- a song first recorded by the Isley Brothers, but now associated with the fab four because they took the song to #2 in the US chart. However, in the UK the title appeared only on a Beatles EP and it was Brian Poole and the Tremeloes who took the chart honours. A series of hits followed this success including their splendid #1, "Do You Love Me". The link with Buddy Holly was then further strengthened with the release of 'Someone, Someone' in 1964. This was a song presented to them by Holly's former manager Norman Petty who also played the piano on the disc. Despite the group's success, Poole decided to break away to start a solo career and, perhaps unexpectedly, the group continued to be successful chart wise into the 1970s without him, even chalking up a further #1 and #2. Poole eventually retired for a while and returned to run the family butcher's shop as well as his own record company, Outlook Records. However, he returned regularly on the 1960s revivalist circuit with a new set of musicians calling themselves 'Brian Poole and his Tremeloes'. One of Brian Poole's later recording projects also had great success. Having recruited four other "Stars of the Sixties" - Reg Presley (The Troggs); Mike Pender (Ex Searchers); Tony Crane (The Merseybeats) and Clem Curtis (The Foundations), they became The Corporation (or more affectionately known as The Travelling Wrinklies). Their first single was the old Showstoppers hit, "It Ain't Nothin' but a Houseparty". Brian Poole has become increasingly involved musically in recent years and at the time of writing regularly tours worldwide with Gerry Marsden (Gerry & The Pacemakers) Mike Pender (The Searchers), Mike D'Abo (Manfred Mann) and Dave Berry as the stars of 'ReelinandaRockin'. Finally, Brian Poole has declared that there may be some really good news in store for Brian Poole & The Tremeloes fans- "In January 2005 many stars performed at the Stables in Wavenden for the Tsunami Disaster Appeal and both Brian and the Tremeloes were asked to appear. During the first half of the show, Pete Langford from the Barron Knights, went on stage and explained the story of the Tremeloes and me getting back together on stage for this show after 38 years. The band performed "Twist & Shout" and "Do You Love Me" to great acclaim. Watch this space…….." Info courtesy of: www.45-rpm.org.uk
Johnny Hudson (John Moran) - vocals Poor Souls were originally called 'The Hi Four' (or 'The Johnny Hudson Hi-Four') and were a Scottish beat group from Dundee (formed in 1964) who released at least two singles: 'When My Baby Cries' / 'My Baby She's Not There' (June 1965) and 'Love Me' / 'Please Don't Change Your Mind' (July 1966). 'Love Me' was co-written by Johnny Hudson / Andy Lothian and recorded at Craighall Studios in Edinburgh by ALP (Andy Lothian Productions). They played a fortnightly residency at 'The Top Ten Club' in Dundee, supported The Beatles at The Caird Hall Dundee and appeared on pop TV show, "Stramash". They split in 1967. Previously Johnny was with 'The Rip Tides' and the Teen Beats. He now lives in Toronto, Canada and was in Dundee's Chambers Bar for a reunion in 2004. Dougie Martin still records in Dundee.
Dave Pope - vocals Dave Pope led 'The Saltmine Band' (aka ‘Dave Pope & The Saltmine Band’). They were a Christian music group active mid eighties to mid nineties which later became ‘Funky Beehive’ then simply ‘Beehive’. ‘Beehive’ was a white five-piece that were together for about 10 years, reputed to be one of the UK’s hardest gigging gospel acts with 200+ gigs a year. They won the MOBO Award for Best Gospel Artist in 1997 but split a couple of years later. Phil Barker was their bassist for a time. ‘Dave Pope & The Saltmine Band' released albums: ‘Royal Praise’ (on ‘Day Spring’ label) & ‘Living sacrifice’. If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here
Raymond Leisk - guitar, vocals Also: Covers band, Potnoy's Compliant were formed by Robert 'Rab' Crichton and Ian Thomson (who had been in a band called 'Heart and Soul' in the 60s) when they met up again in 1970 after they were all married and retired from rock and roll. Ian persuaded Rab into starting again. They got together with excellent drummer Eck Clark as a three-piece until Eck decided to put his 'day-job' first and was replaced by Tam Annan before Eck returned for a while only to be replaced again by another Tam ... this time Tam Dalgleish who was accompanied by a guitarist with a great high harmony, 'big' Raymond Leisk who had played in 'Jekyll', a band Rab knew well. Raymond's harmony was particularly effective with material such as Uriah Heep's 'Easy Livin'. They all became great friends. Potnoy's Compliant were resident at the Raith Ballroom Kirkcaldy on Fridays and Saturdays for a while playing covers of Slade, Bowie, Rod Stewart et al. The thing about bands at this time was they played for dancers to keep them on the floor. Often there was to planned set-list, the crowd were judged as they went along. They only had one song that cleared the dance floor ... 'The Faith Healer' by SAHB. My personal thanks to Rab Chrichton for the above info & pix If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here
Trevor Reynolds - lead vocals This 70s UK bubblegum-pop group was originally formed by school friends and was known as 'Code 5' until they turned professional in 1968, changed their name to 'Portrait' and proceeded to tour the length and breadth of the UK on the well trodden path of the Pub, Club and Ballroom circuit and also appearing on National Radio shows. Derek Savage and John Turner were the original managers agents (and songwriters of both sides of their first single 'Sh-Sh-Sheila' / 'Hurt Bad by Love' (Sept 1969 on CBS produced by Mike Smith). Shortly after this they changed management and agency to John Edward Instant Music. My thanks to Andy Bick for the info above - Ghoulz If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here
Jimmy Powell & The (Five) Dimensions
Jimmy Powell - lead vocal, harmonica Later: The Line-Up for their Kinema gig was as follows: Jimmy Powell grew up in the West Heath area of Birmingham. After leaving school, he apprenticed as a lathe operator in Kings Norton while at night he fronted a local band called 'The Detours'. His powerful vocal style soon began to attract attention and in 1961 he turned "pro" after joining an up-and-coming local group called 'The Rockin' Berries'. In November of 1961, 'The Rockin' Berries' went over to Germany with the group by this time including local singer Clive Lea as well as Jimmy Powell. The band had a residency at Hamburg's famous Star Club where they shared the stage with The Beatles amongst many others. The following year, 'The Rockin' Berries' were auditioned by TV pop producer/Decca Records talent scout Jack Goode who showed little interest in signing the band to a contract but indicated that their vocalist Jimmy Powell had some potential. The rejected group went back to Germany to continue their bookings at the Star Club but by the summer of 1962, Jimmy Powell along with two other group members left and returned to Birmingham. Jimmy Powell soon contacted Jack Goode who promptly signed him up to a recording contract. The first record release for Jimmy Powell on the Decca Records label was an energetic cover of Buster Brown's Sugar Baby which showcased Jimmy's considerable talent as a raunchy R&B performer. While the record did not chart, it is likely Jimmy Powell's best known song and got his career off to a good start. Two more good singles soon followed but by early 1963, The Beatles were making a big impact on the British charts and singing "groups" - not solo performers were now the "in" thing. Jimmy Powell went down to London where he became involved with the local blues scene at London's famous Marquee Club. Jimmy's new manager Malcolm Nixon, introduced him to a hot blues act that he'd named "The Five Dimensions" and after an audition, Jimmy was soon given the position of lead vocalist. About 6 months later, Jimmy Powell added a second vocalist/harmonica player whose name was Rod Stewart. According to Jimmy Powell, Rod stayed as part of the line-up for about a year. Rivalry between the two singers led to Rod leaving and taking some of the band with him to back Chuck Berry on a British tour (the Dimensions were unable to do the tour because of contractual commitments). Unfortunately, there’s no recording of Rod Stewart performing with the Dimensions. In 1964, The Five Dimensions were hired to provide backing for Jamaican singer Millie Small on her hit recording of My Boy Lollipop. It has long been thought Rod Stewart played harmonica on the record - a story he has since denied, but according to guitarist Kenny White, it was occasional band member Pete Hogman who played on the session. Pete apparently looked very much like Rod in appearance so it's likely that Millie Small's manager Chris Blackwell (who also managed Birmingham's Spencer Davis Group) was mistaken in identifying him. Other sources have also claimed John "Junior" Wood of the Jeff Beck Group as being the likely contender. According to Jimmy Powell though, none of the above stories are correct. "I played harmonica on My Boy Lollipop and Mike Carroll did the clapping" says Jimmy. Jimmy Powell was signed to Pye Records in 1964 that resulted in the release of a couple of singles. The first of these - I'm Looking For A Woman was composed by Jimmy while the b-side I've Been Watching You, was a Bo Diddley cover. Due to changes in the group line-up, the second Pye single - a re-make of Sugar Babe backed with I've Been Watching You - had future Led Zeppelin members Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones on guitar and bass along with drummer Clem Cattini. This version of Sugar Babe is probably the definitive one as it shows Jimmy Powell in fine form and established him as a vocal force to be reckoned with. Although Jimmy Powell and The Five Dimensions went on to record a number of great records during the 1960s, their considerable popularity as a "live" attraction was never reflected in terms of record sales as none of the singles sold enough copies to get into the charts. There were at least three distinct line-ups of the Five Dimensions during the 1960s. They were really not a West Midlands group as most members came from the London area. Guitarist Martin Shaw was from Birmingham as well as bass guitarist Tim Munns - formerly of 'The Rockin' Berries' who Jimmy Powell had previously known during his time with that group. Rod Godwin who was in The Dimensions during the mid 1960s was previously in a West Midlands band called 'Varsity Rag' and was later a member of 'Cathedral'. From about 1967 until the early 1970s, Jimmy's backing group consisted of Ray and Bob Spiteri (formery of 'Scarlet Religion' on lead and bass guitar), along with Derek Bunt on drums. This line-up went to Germany and performed in Kiel and at Hamburg's Top Ten Club - later doing the UK college & university circuit along with recording numerous sessions for the BBC. In 1966, Jimmy Powell was signed to Miki Dallon's short-lived "Strike" Records label and later to Dallon's Young Blood label in 1969 for which he recorded an album as well as various single releases. Despite further record releases in the early 1970s and retaining his popularity as a live performer, Jimmy Powell later faded from the music scene. He remains without a doubt, one of the strongest vocalists to emerge from the West Midlands in the 1960s. Singles: Sugar Babe Part 1/Sugar Babe Part 2 (Decca) 1962 Info Courtesy of: www.brumbeat.net & thebritishsound.blogspot.com
Duffy Power (& The Fabulous Hi-Fis)
Duffy Power was one of several British vocalists, including Billy Fury, Marty Wilde and Dickie Pride, signed to the Larry Parnes stable. Duffy made no headway as a recording artist although his stage performances were stunning. It was while with Parnes that he met Billy Fury and Dickie Pride and the three became firm friends and even shared flats together. Convinced he was never going to make it under Parnes' management, Duffy parted company with him in late 1961, but things did not go well. In his own words Duffy said: "My gigs as a rock'n'roll singer in 1961 were getting weaker. I was going out in blue and gold lame suits, but the girls' screams were dying out. I started doing a few Ray Charles numbers, but the money wasn't coming in - I thought I would end up back in the laundry." One night he tried to commit suicide by gassing himself, but was rescued by a chance call from a friend, who took him to a blues club to recover and there, for the first time, he discovered the music he really wanted to play. He teamed up with the newly formed Graham Bond Quartet featuring Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce (both later members of Cream) and John McLaughlin. Their version of the Beatles 'I Saw Her Standing There' (1963), with Duffy singing lead, remains a milestone of British blues. Power's later singles included "Tired, Broke and Busted", which featured support from The Paramounts, but he later supplemented his solo career by joining Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated. The singer appeared on Red Hot From Alex (1964), Sky High (1966) and Blues Incorporated (Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting) (1967). By 1968 Duffy was out of work and broke again. Only this time his troubles were aggravated by drug taking and he succumbed to mental illness. For a time he became a recluse, writing songs alone in his flat, but in the early 70s he had recovered enough to record some of those songs which later became classics of their type. At the same time he also worked as a session musician and played on the sound track of the classic car chase film The Italian Job. In the late 80s Duffy began to emerge again, now a veteran musician who had something to teach the world and now the world was beginning to listen. When his records began to be re-issued on CD, it is no exaggeration to say they were received with awe by a new generation who had no idea that an Englishman could play and sing the blues, along with some R&B and rock, as well as this - and had been doing so for more than 30 years. Info courtesy of: www.rockabilly.nl Do you know anything about 'The Hi-Fis' ('Fabulous' or otherwise)? Then let me know & I'll publish your name.
A Scottish button accordionist - Played on a CD with Jim Cameron (fiddle), May Cameron (accordion), Nigel Alexander (piano), Henry Webster (drums) and Dod Michie (cornet). Will Powrie was his father and Ian, his brother. He was a fine player and composer with perfect pitch.
John Sloman - vocals Also: Praying Mantis are a well established band of melodic hard rockers. They were formed by brothers Tino and Chris Troy in the mid-1970's and they became one of the bands associated with the the NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal). Their first album "Time Tells No Lies" received a lot of critical acclaim. Unfortunately there was then some managerial problems and a couple of name changes before the band reformed in 1990 with Dennis Stratton (ex-Iron Maiden) for a NWOBHM festival in Japan. Since then they have released new albums every 2 or 3 years and are gaining new fans around the world all the time. They played the ballroom on Saturday 17th May 1980 in support of Iron Maiden. Info from: www.myspace.com/prayingmantisrock
Alec Martin - lead vocal, guitar Band from Dundee who once played on a the famous TV talent show 'Opportunity Knocks' in 1978 with their previous name - Tivvy. They were active from approx 1974 - 1977 as 'Tivvy'. They 'flirted' with a name change to 'Press Gang' in 77-78 briefly before splitting. Tivvy reformed briefly in 1981 to record and again in 1985 to perform.
Dick Taylor - guitar Taking their name from a Bo Diddley song, they came from Kent and they tried to outdo the Stones by having longer hair (you have to remember the Stones were considered to be outrageous in their early days) and being more loud and raucous. With their first release, “Rosalyn” the band made the lower reaches of the Record Mirror chart and got some TV exposure. The second single was the one that broke them briefly and after a couple more smaller hits that appeared to be that, but the Pretties evolved and started making albums that found favour with record buyers and their SF Sorrow is supposedly the first rock opera, predating “Tommy” by The Who by 2 years. They continued recording in one form or another until 1977.
Alan Price - vocals, keyboards Terry Childs - baritone saxophone Born in Fatfield, County Durham in 1941, Alan learned to play the piano as a child which led to him gigging around the north east as a teen and this led to him joining THE ANIMALS. When he left the Animals in 1965, he almost immediately formed The Alan Price Set and issued a single, “Any Day Now” which sank without trace, but thereafter he went more commercial and knocked up a few hits. In the 70s he moved into film work, composing for Lindsay Anderson’s “O Lucky Man” and acting, taking the lead in the 1975 movie “Alfie Darling”.
Aberdeen band. If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here
Grant Allan - rhythm guitar, vocals Formed in 2009, Psychedelic are a 4-piece unsigned indie alternative schoolboy band from Cowdenbeath in Fife, Scotland who have supported many local outfits such as The Troubadours, Val Verde, The Ray Summers, Modern Faces, The Vortex and The Law. In early 2010 they headlined Barrowlands 2 and launched a self-published EP at a 400+ sell-out gig. Influences include 'The View', 'The Beatles', 'Oasis', 'General Fiasco' and many local contemporaries. Their style has changed recently as has their name (in April 2010) ... to Radio Arcade.
Dave Millen - guitar Don Parfitt - Keyboards A beat group from Preston, Lancashire formed in 1962, (managed & recorded by Joe Meek) who supported Vince Eager, Marty Wilde, Millie, Wes Sands, Craig Douglas, Duffy Power, Brenda Lee, Billy Fury, The Ronettes and Gene Vincent to name but a few. They also appeared on the British TV show 'Thank Your Lucky Stars’ with Del Shannon, Cilla Black and The Dave Clark Five. They have appeared on the same bill as The Rolling Stones, Tom Jones, Lulu & The Beatles. In 1965 Don Parfitt joined on keyboards and they became Gene Vincent's backing band and in 1966 they began backing Crispian St Peters and had UK chart hits with ''You Were On My Mind' #2 & 'The Pied Piper' #5. Several tours abroad and Summer Seasons were followed by a spell backing Billy Fury. Des O'Reilly emigrated to South Australia in 1979. Singles: Info courtesy of Des O'Reilly
Rab McWilliam – vocals Also with: Formed in the late summer of 1983 this six-piece band’s sound contained elements of jazz electronic, funk, rock & soul resulting in a unique mix which produced two songs for the Battle of the Bands competition (October 1983) within their first two months of existence! They beat the other 100 competitors to win through and following a broadcast of one of their songs, a deal was struck with R&R music in London and 12 months of song writing, practicing and recording followed resulting in a decent level of exposure in the business. A limited edition Radio Clyde 12” 3-track EP ‘Let the Music Talk’ / ‘Dress Me Up’ / ‘Don’t Be Afraid’ (1983) was released. September 1984 saw them play to over 4000 of an audience in two nights at the London Hippodrome again garnering attention from some movers & shakers. Several radio sessions were subsequently bagged for BBC Radio One, Clyde and Capital Radio and their debut (7” & 12”) single ‘Don’t Take Your Love’ / ‘Portrait of the Years’ (1885) on R4 Records (via EMI) was released. ‘Matter of Time’ / ‘Flip the Lid’ (1987) followed on 7”, 12” & cassette. If you can add any further information to this piece please contact me here
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