Chris Ashman Your Editor.

His first involvement in the music business came about in 1968 when his younger brother asked him to help out as roady for the band he was forming. Overnight Chris became the vocalist, manager, transport and dogsbody for a series of bands Infinity, URF, Marshmallow Tree and Tree until in 1969 he "retired" from the stage. (Thank God...sub Ed)
In The early 70's Chris experimented with a tape recorder, got hooked, and stayed hooked. The first studio Kripps Studio was built in one room of the basement of his house in Harvey St. Expanded as Europa Sound Studios to operate until 1987 when Chris thought he had "retired again" to the country.
The studio had also started its own record label Red Admiral Records and music publihising Co. Cringe Music. Both have been aquired by Chris to enable local musicians to keep in touch.
Websites Cringe Music - Red Admiral Records LLP
In October 1981 Chris was not content with the press coverage of the wide range of entertainment available in Kent and started writing articles for the the Folkestone and Hythe Gazette, and then The Folkestone Herald. He created the Kent & E Sussex Gig Guide which now networks "Wotson" to all of the media by any means available including his latest passion kentgigs.com.
Chris built Europa II in Folkestone for a local musician but this was a short lived project producing the Volecanoes Album and some tracks for Judge Dread - retired again.
Chris was selected by radio entrepeneur Eddie Austin to run "The Local Band Show" on RSL radio 'Shepway Sound', 'White Cliff Radio' and 'Thanet Sound' (Eddies projects led to the granting of the radio licence for Neptune Radio). In this period Chris was able to promote Kent bands, musicians and their own music. During his 62 live hours on air of music and chat, no cover band music was played except the music of Internationally recognised Kent bands and writers. Never since the famous BBC Radio Medway Mike Brill "Kent Rocks" radio series has there been such support for 'The Kent Music Motivators', who are the people this web site is about. Chris still does the odd show for Romney Marsh FM.

Chris Ashman has lived in the Folkestone area all of his life. Educated at St Martin's Primary School and Harvey Grammar School he joined The Post Office (BT) as a telecommunications engineer. At the end of his apprenticeship his bosses had already decided they did not like his involvement in the music business and made it quite clear that long hair and a beard was not the image they were looking for. Or was it the pale, tired, late-to-work hippy rocking the boat? Ok, you are reading this with the empathy of a musician so you will understand - Well, it was the 60's, and how do you tell the boss you had not been to bed because your van broke down after a gig at the Marquee. It was becoming clear that the company did not see this lad to be a leader of men ( well not for another 20 years or so). So the music biz still received love and attention. Chris left BT in 2000 when it downsized it's Project Manager team, he is now an independent Communications and Media Consultant keeping his customers businesses alive. In 2004 Chris re-launched Red Admiral Records and Cringe Music is now a Production Music Library and Commercial Music Publisher - and of course, the Kent MusicBiz.
P.S. 'Dont give up the day Job'.

Crispian St. Peters ( real name Robin Peter Smith)

Swanley, Kent. - 5th April 1939 to  8th June 2010 Obituary
Bands:
1956 'The Hard Travellers' - 1961'The Two Tones' - 1962 'The Country Gentlemen' - 1963 'Beat Formula Three' - 1964 'Peter & The Wolves'.
Made his first acetate as Peter & The Wolves.
1965 Made first acetate for Decca, as Crispian St Peters. Appeared on 'Invecto Show', Radio London
First release 'At This Moment.' - Decca - on TV 'Scene At 6.30 February 1965 - 'Ready, Steady, Go' 19/2/65
1966 First top ten hit - 'You Were On My Mind'. Followed by 'The Pied Piper'.
LP - 'Follow Me' - EP released - 'Almost Persuaded'.

as a Solo Artiste - he had many backing goups including the Candy Choir - The Runaways - Old Crow

Crispian St. Peters and Old Crow
Album now available at our on-line shop. and worldwide downloads on the top sites.

CD Album
Night Sessions Vol. 1
Country, Pop and Gospel
Red Admiral Records
REDAD CDA561
September 1st 2009

Crispian St. Peters Born in Swanley Kent, began his career in 1957 and has spent his whole life dedicated to his love of music. He has travelled the world performing and entertaining and appeared on many television shows. He first was signed by Decca in 1965 who released his first single 'At This Moment' bringing TV appearances that lead eventually and inevitably his rising to fame with Top Ten hits ‘You Were On My Mind' in 1965, 'Pied Piper' in 1966 and his first album, 'Follow Me' in 1967. - Celebrating over 40 active years in the business.

Night Sessions Vol.1 - 19 tracks of Country, Pop and Gospel was made over a period of 3 months in 1993.with his lifetime friends and band Old Crow. It is a compilation of a few of the 200+ songs written by Crispian St. Peters, some not released before. Plus some classic covers that are great favourites of the band. Featured vocalists are Crispian St Peters, Margaret Rose, Gary Silver and Brian Star with Mainstays Mike Ford on Bass and Peter Salisbury on Drums. Valuable contributions to the album were made by Kevin Pyne, Roger Cotton, Toby Chapman, Anthony Wimshurst, Jeff Martin, Peter Sure, Barry Sibbett, Lorez, Ted Taylor and the band Gambler.

......more info and links on his

Website
Obituary and Tributes

Ray French

Ray was in the group Ricky Robinson and the Downbeats (I believe he was Ricky Robinson) He was then a part of The Electrons as a lead vocalist and guitarist.
Ray then went solo for a while under the name of Bobby Knox and cut a few records
under his real name Ray French.
Since I Lost My Baby / Gun Me Down PYE 17215 1966

Finally he joined forces with Joe Fagin ("That's living alright") and they were called Robb and Dean Douglas to record seminal Deram 1967 mod smash 'Phone Me' This is where he achieved most success.
He cut several records and was played on the local radio station, performing at various venues in and around Gravesham and Medway and in London where he was support artist to Buddy Holly amongst others.

Bill Kent (Aka Billy Kent) - Maidstone and Kent's first Rock Pop Idol.

Real name: David Kingsman
Born.23rd January 1941.

His elder brother William was working in Alberta, Canada and sent all Elvis Presleys first records home to his younger brother David days after there release.before anyone had heard them in England.
David bought his first acoustic guitar when he was 15 years old. His uncle Jim, taught him chords on his Banjo. Young Dave Kingsman used these chords for the first few months of his early singing, and playing days. He was too young to go into Pubs and Clubs so sang and played outside. He sang Rock n R oll numbers with the doors open, entertaining the cutomers inside.

First spotted, by local Band Leader, Roy Jones, Dave sang at several of Roys bookings during the Band's breaks. He later Joined, Maidstone's Variety Time Revue. Sang in Prisons, Hospitals, and other charity workplaces.

Whilst singing at The Hazlett Theatre Maidstone on one of the charity shows he was spotted by the Ballroom manager of The Royal Star Hotel who asked Dave if he would like to sing at the Royal Stars next big dance on a Saturday night. The Ronnie Hughes Orchestra, was the resident band. David Kingsman made a big impact with this new Rock n Roll style and was imedietly offered more bookings by Bob Harvey later to become personal Manager of Bill Kent. From now early 1957 young Dave would no longer, be called David Kingsman but by his new name Dave Carrol, just with his guitar he played and sang all over Kent and parts of London Including Maidstone Granada in between films, Suday afternoons, and Saturday mornings.The Ritz, Maidstone plus many other Cinemas and Theatres all over Kent and London.

His big break came in 1958a tape was heard, by top London Agent Hyman Zhal of Fosters Agency Piaccadilly Circus, London. He wanted a singer, to replace Terry Dene another young Pop Idol of the day. After the audition at Max Rehearsal rooms, Soho. Hymy Zhal sighned his new boy up. He was sole booking agent for Paul Lincoln who owned The 2 i's, coffee bar and after a great session there with The Denaces, Paul was to become his manager and with Bob Harvey his personal manager.

The contract had been put together before any record or TV deals were made.  It read as follows:  Fosters Agency, Hyman Zhal and Sole Agents. Charm Enterprises - Paul Lincoln Manager.  Bob Harvey - Personal manager - 50 percent went to them

Dick Roe of Decca Records gave this new exciting singer from Maidstone, Kent, a new name, Bill Kent. plus a Decca recording contract. Years later Dick turned The Beatles down.

Bill, was soon in the recordig studios cutting his first record.

"The Prettiest Girl In School - flip side "Hasty Words". F. 10975. Sample

At this time 1958 most British Artists covered American Artists songs and rarely given the chance to sing material of the own choosing.
Young Bill Kent wanted to make a Rock n Roll record, but his Agent and Manager had other ideas. They thought, Bill would make the big time singing Ballards with his powerful singing voice. He was soon back in the recording studios making another record, this time a Jimmy Rodgers number:
"Oh. Oh. Im Falling in Love again". With the other side "In Love". F. 109997.

Bill started his tour the same time as Buddy Holly and the Crickets. One week, Derby Hippodrome. One week, Middlesborough Empire with Chas McDivett. One week, The Metropolitan, Edgeware Road. On the Old Mother Riley and Kitty Mcshane show.
Many one night stands, with the 2I's Show including Coln Hicks, The Most Brothers, Wee Willy Harris, Lonnie Donnigan, Laurie London, Terry Dene, Alan King, Dickie Dawson. The list goes on. A day with all the stars, at Battersea Pleasure Gardens, spent the day with Howard Keel.

First T.V. appearance on Cool For Cats, with Kent Walton. Another live show, Party on Cool For Cats. Numerous Radio Shows including: In Town Tonight, Town and Country.
After reaching number 30 in the charts with "Oh. Oh. Im Falling in Love Again" Bill returned to Maidstone, he formed a new band with lads who all came from London and m Made several attempts to get back into the Big Time but Cliff Richard and other new boys had come on the scene.

The London scene was all sewn up so Bill decieded to run his own dances and sing and play with his new group in Maidstone and Laddingford.

From, late 1958 to September 1959 Bill played to packed dances at his own venues.Many top name singers came from all over Kent and London to perform at Bills dances. It truly was a time the teenagers and many adults from Maidstone and surrounding area would never forget. Left 1958 Raggetts Hall Maidstone

In September 1959 Bill sailed off to Canada. Shortly after arriving in Toronto he started singing with one of the local groups. The lead guitarist happened to be none other than Robbie Robertson. Pic Bottom Right Alas, Robbie went on to play with Ronnie Hawkins then Bob Dylan and of course lastly his own group, The Band.

In 1960 Bill formed a new band The Colts. The group, was called Billy Kent and The Colts. He was booked for several weeks in The Zanzibar Tavern in Younge Street, Toronto. and went on to play clubs in London, Ontario and Hamilton.

Soon after, he was given a tour of U.S.A. Bill played in night clubs and dances in many parts of America including, Grand Rapids, Michagan, Sue, Saint Marie, Michigan, Wisconson, Aurora, Illinois, Madison, Wisconson, Chicago, and many more.

Bill, can say, he was the first Englishmen to tour the U.S.A. with his own group and he was from Maidstone, Kent, England.

On returning to England Bill did several one night stands with The Vince Taylor show.

It was now 1961. Bill formed a new group and spent six months on Jersey in the Channel Isles on the Ronnie Hilton Show; also featuring Mr. Pastry.

Bill was introduced to The Paramount Twisters and sang with them at several dances and shows. The pianist, Gary Brooker went on to form Procal Harem together with the guitarist from the same group, Robin Trower. See more Pic Right Robin Trower with Paramount Twisters

Bill was given a tour of Scotland by Jack Murry a big London Agent and Manager. Bands were supplied at each booking to back Bill when singing. Jack Murry then took Bill to Paris with the idea of making him a star in France. Regretably, Bill, could not settle into the French pattern even though the shows he did were very sucessful.

After returning to London he worked and sang in The Jazz Cellar in Kingston upon Thames.

In 1963, Bill took a job as a Butlins Redcoat. After the seeason ended he went to Hull with the resident group from the camp The Tycoons. He stayed with the group untill the end of the year.

Back to London once more Bill star ted singing in Pubs and Clubs all around the London area. Fed up with living out of a suitcase Bill decieded to call it a day and returned home to Maidstone. In 1965, he formed yet another group, Bill Kent and his Kentishmen with two old pals; John Lane on guitar and Fred Love on drums. Bills old fans had not forgotten him. The Pubs and Clubs he played in were always packed. Now married, with two young children Bill decieded to call it a day once more then in 1982 after a painful devorce Bill now 41, appeared back on the scene one final time.

From, 1982 , to 1985, Bill played and sung his old Rock n Roll in Pubs and Clubs around Maidstone.

To the crowds he loved the best, the ones who were always there for him. The People of Maidstone.

In 2010 Kent MusicBiz was contacted to find a master copy of The Prettiest Girl In School and thus Bill Kent was honoured and included on an album about the 21's Coffee bar and the stars performing there it is called Rockin At The 2Is An Album also stuffed with great hits of the time by notables such as Tommy Steele, Cliff Richard, Wee Willy Harris, Adam Faith, Lonie Donegan, Terry Dene, The Vipers, Marty Wilde, Vince Eager, The Drifters, City Ramblers,Vince Taylor, Lonnie Donegan, Frankie Vaughn and Chrs McDevitt.
See also Andrew Ing's Book Rockin at the 2i's Coffee Bar

Dave Balchin
It is with sadness that we report the death of Dave Balchin, (June 2010) a lifelong musician based in the Maidstone area who many will remember for his talent and contributions to popular music in Kent.
He played lead guitar in the early 60s in bands that included The Kingfishers. When he joined Factory in the mid 60s he changed to bass guitar, the instrument he played until the end.
His playing was tight and accurate and with the addition of harmony proved to be a steadfast member of the rhythm section.
Dave's CV of bands included
Dickie Lee and the Travellers,
Kingfishers,
Factory,
Riff Raff,
Mick's Bunch and latterly BC Band.

Alf Ward

I was lucky to find "Kent Musicbiz" on the internet.
My name is Alf Ward and I grew up in the Mick and Keith days in Dartford in the 1950's - Mick's Dad was our teacher at Dartford secondary school.

We had a band at Gravesend School of Art in 1958/59 and then I went to Birmingham.
There I met Christine Perfect ( now McVee ) at art college along with Spencer Davis at Birmingham University. Christine was the manager of our band called "The Hookey Walkers" Spencer got Stevie Winwood into his band and then in the early 60's everybody moved from Birmingham.

I did some gigs around Birmingham and then Surrey in the late 60's and then joined Joy Webb of the Salvation Army group called the Joyfolk. We did a tour of USA in 1973 and were involved in many European tours throughout the 70's. In 1981 I moved to America and joined several Country Rock bands in Michigan and have continued to play gigs all over the States. Finally, I moved to "Rock" Hill in South Carolina and now play in a trio with John King from "Fatback" ( 70's era ) John continues play with Fatback all over Europe and Asia. I have attached a photo of our band "The Wild Cats" - from left to right John King, Tom Stanley, and yours truly on the right.
I don't suppose anyone will remember me but they may have seen me on TV with Joy Webb in the 70's.
All the best...................keep rockin'. Alf Ward

Martin Jones - Folkestone (Guitar & Vocals)      Boz(Brian)LeggettFolkestone (Guitar & Vocals)

Martin loved painting, drawing, science fiction, bird watching and recording,he was a talented musician playing Guitar, Banjo, Blues Mouth Organ, Keyboards and one tune on a Clarinet. His musical influences, the old blues guitarists.

His first guitar co-operation was in 1950, when he was in his early teens in Sidney Street when he met Boz Leggett, his since lifelong friend. They formed a band called the "Five Stars Skiffle Band" in 1958, which ceased the following year due to conscription. Martin joined the Air Force. Boz the Army.

In 1961 on leaving the forces at 22 years of age Martin and Boz joined Rock'n'Roll group The Travellers with Neville Takes on bass and drummer Roger Ames. They also acquired manager Dennis Pimlott.

During a forced name change they were called - Satan and The Zombies. Then again to The Sundowners who were one of Folkestone's and Kent's most influential bands of the 60's through to the mid 90's. Touring the UK in '63 with stars of the time made them a household name with appearances on the best TV Pop programmes.
The Sundowners were the first British band to record "House of The Rising Sun" which at the time was seen as a non-comercial ditty and only fit as a "B" side to Martin's own composition "Baby Baby". Their 5 year recording contract with Pye a real first for a Kent band.

For more info on one of Kent's most favorite bands, forllow the links above.

Martin Died 12th September 2002 Tribute

Bruce Winters
Bands:
The Falcons: 1962 - The Satans: 1963-1967 - Just 3 /Just 4: 1967 - The Variations: 1968-1973 - Becket 1973 - Apley Rise: 1974-1975 - The Variations (MkII):1976-1977 - Flame 1978 - Cascade: 1978-1983 - Now n' Then: 1983-1988 - Network: 1988-1994 - Lee,Winters and Gold 1994-1997 - No Justice: 1994-1998

Bruce went Solo in 1999

Goto Bruce's website for his Bio and the latest news

Roger Betts

Roger has been around the music scene for many years. He's been pro for the last 30, and played all kinds of music. In his early session days, he worked with a strange mixture of people from modern jazzers and classical, to heavy rock and funk. He's ended up playing with his old friend Mac (oh well ... you can't have everything).
Roger's great love though, has always been for the blues - not so much the cotton field blues, but the aggressive electric blues of the likes of Gary Moore and Peter Green.
Goto Roger's websitefor the latest news

South London - Herne Bay
Arthur Kay first appeared in 1979 as did his his 7" Single "Ska Wars/ Warska" on the Folkestone Red Admiral Records Label, an enterprise he had partially financed due to the appathy of the music industry to his compositions and the personal need of a writer to write with a purpose.

Due to family problems I was forced to move back to Kent and leave 'The Balham Alligators'. Link records asked if they could release a mini album of 'The Originals' so in 1988 they released 'Rare n Tasty'. In 1989 Link records released a second album of 'The Originals' titled 'The Sparkes of Inspiration'. A few years later we recorded our third studio album 'The Count of Clerkenwell' with my old mate the late Bob Coltart. We then flew to Berlin to play our first major Ska festival at Potsdam. We played alongside 'The Specials' and the first lady of reggae Dawn Penn. It was that gig I found the sound I was looking for. Bronx soul mixed with Ska and the London street songs I grew up with. The set was recorded and released on Step 1 Records. We then retuned to the studio to record three more songs. A tribute to the music of Dion called 'The Last Of The One Named Singers'. 'Back street Warrior' about my boxing Grandfather and a song for the free Tibet campaign called 'Night train to Lhasa'. We then went on to become Judge Dread's backing group and played on his last ever studio recording 'Skinhead Moonstomp'. We then backed Judge Dread on his last gig at the Penny Theatre in Canterbury where he died on stage from a heart attack. Sadly Kieron O Connor and Bob Coltart are now no longer with us but their music along with Judge Dread will always remain in our hearts and memories.

Today I drive a London Taxi in Canterbury. I have started my own Record label Skavalon Records to hopefully share with you the music of a Ska band that can hold an audience anywhere. I would like to thank our loyal fans everywhere.

ARTHUR KAY
See Also Arthur Kitchener - The Wordsmith

Folkestone
Ellis Pelham - Glasby, (picture on the left with knitting needle apparently stuck in each ear) now in his fifties, first burst - if that is the right word - on to the musical scene at the tender age of fifteen while still at school, his public debut coming at the All Souls Church Hall in Cheriton at a Youth Club dance in 1964/65 or thereabouts. This was also the first public appearance of his first band - The Fyrebirds (note the spelling - very avant-garde at the time!), in which he doubled on both lead guitar and organ.

Ashford

Keyboards

Romney Marsh - Canada

Guitar: Gibson 335

Bands: Marshmallow Tree - Tree - Daniel - Raw Material - Vivian Stanshell Band

Later Bio

Folkestone

Guitar & Vocals

Bands: Infinity - URF - Marshmallow Tree

Folkestone

Bass

Bands: Infinity - URF - Marshmallow Tree - Occasional One Band

Folkestone

Drums and Vocals

Bands: Infinity - URF - Marshmallow Tree - 1981 - Tristram Shandy - Crackerjack - Le Grand

Folkestone - 1956 - 2001

Bands included:

Badge - Whispering Wind - Tricks - Life 'n' Soul - Herman's Hermits - Arthur Kays Originals - Bilko - Gary & The Moondogs - The Maroondogs - Cho-Zen - The Warriors. He also played Bass in Chuck Berry's touring band & Guitar for Chris Andrews.

Tributes To Bob Coltart

Who died in 2001, including reviews of the recent tribute concerts, photos and video and from the Leas Club Tribute concert

Folkestone - Now working as an electrical engineer for British Aerospace in Saudi Arabia.

Bass Guitar.

Bands: Nomads, Vostoks, Thunderbeats

Dave writes
The very first band I saw were 'Pat Barry and the Travellers' (Ashford) at Toffs (pleasure gardens). Pat Barry (vocals), Ian Spratt (drums), Lawrence ? (bass). An outstanding left handed (upside down guitar) lead and rhythm. This was around 1960. I went to a dance at Kent House (Bouverie Road West) and a couple of groups were playing, one without a bass player. e.g. 'Nomads'. Keith Adams (lead), Trevor Sutton (drums), Dave Caswell (rhythm). As I knew Keith and Trevor from school I got talking and asked if I could join. (Not having a bass or played one). Only a tea chest one! I purchased a 'Dallas' bass from Arthur Seatons in Ashford which had belonged to Pat Barlow and the Cheetah's bassists (what a great band they were), and set about learning. My first appearance was at 'The Railway Club' Canterbury Road. We played only instrumentals and I shared Dave Caswells Amp. Occasionally I borrowed Trevor Wright's Amp until I could afford to have one built by Bill Fulford.

Dave Caswell and I changed guitars to 'Burns Tri-Sonic', bought from Goulden & Wind in Tontine Street. My bass had black strings. Keith Adams bought a Gibson. Whilst in the Thunderbeats I swopped my Burns for a Framus Semi-Acoustic (same as Bill Wymans) and bought a Vox AC30 Super Twin from Jennings in Charing Cross Road. I wanted a Vox T60 (transistor Amp) but they had none in stock. As it was I had to wait for the AC30 to come from Dartford so Alan Andrews and I went to a cartoon cinema next to Charing Cross Station 2/6d (12½p!). When I went back to collect the Amp 'The Who' were pushing their van up Charing Cross Road trying to start it. I later saw them at Tofts in Grace Hill and still have the tickets.

Hello Chris
A bit of news about myself really, I am still going strong and fronting my band Unit Five.

In 2011 my hit single I've got you on my mind, was featured for the first time on a compilation album called BBC Sounds of the 60's and reached the top 20 charts and this year it has been featured on another album called Honey Honey, this peaked a few weeks ago at no 2, which meant in a way I was back in the charts after 44 years.

Other news is that I have written a biography, called The Other Dorian Gray, all profits are going to Parkinsons, it is self published, but the sales have been out of this world really and going to a good cause.

We are running out own Charity Dance on Sat 20 October 2012 for Parkinsons, at Lordswood Leisure Centre Chatham Kent, tickets ony £9 advanced sales only on 01634 863941 / 07711 572306 or from a.ellingham@btopenworld.com

I have also been added to the Dave Tewes memorial concert at the Brook Theatre Chatham in November 2012
+ Dorian Gray and Unit 5

Best wishes Tony Ellingham
----------------

Tony comes from Gravesend (in North Kent), where he started singing with local groups in 1958. He was most successful with The Casuals, who in the early 1960's had a huge following in the North Kent area.

Discovered in 1968 by Roger Easterby when he was fronting the Brian Jenner Band who were resident at the Moat Hotel at Wrotham.

In 1968 Tony recorded many singles for EMI on the Parlophone Label under the name of Dorian Gray. His biggest hit " I've Got You On My Mind "(Youtube) stayed in the charts for over 7 weeks. Tony made several appearances on TV and radio, including Top of the Pops and the very popular Simon Dee Show, toured the country with the likes of Tom Jones and Cilla Black and had his fair share of pretty girls running after him.. Tony's music was a popular hit with the pirate radio stations. It seems when they dissapeared he went as well but he is still performing in Kent.

Tony is a founder member of UNIT FIVE and now lives in Lordswood, Chatham. He teaches hairdressing at a Kent Training College.
Thanks to John Stubbins

Ray played drums with numerous bands including The Lost Souls - The Rebounds - Inner Circle - 1974 John Brown's Body and Diablo in the Medway towns, from the early sixties until 1980 when he moved to Norfolk, Ray is now living and teaching drums in France. He was first introduced to the music scene at 12 years of age by his father Don who ran a Latin outfit the "Don Rey Quintet" and a jazz club "The Crescedo" under the Hong Kong Restaurant in Chatham.

For the last two years Ray has been touring in France his funky bluesband "Bluesgroove".

Ray would like to hear from old band members from The Lost Souls, The Purple Fruit Machine, The Inner Circle, John Browns Body, Diablo, and the Terry Milton Sound.   
Email: rayking.studio@orange.fr

Ray has written a book called "Once a Muso" an autobiography, but full of funny anecdotes, lots of B&W photos and interesting little bits of info. It is essentially a book for drummers, and Kent musicians with a lot of historical content regarding the Kent music scene as it was?

The book is published by Athena press, and can be bought through Amazon, distributors Gardeners, Books A Million, and has had rave reviews in the States, and in the "Classic drummer" magazine.

See sample page below .................................................................................................................................................................................

Alan Cork

I was in PPB from 1980 to 1982 when we played every Sunday night at the Who'd a Thought It in Grafty Green. We also did other gigs around Kent.
PPB (Private Parts Band) had a number of line ups before I joined because it grew out of an informal session, possibly at The Harrow, but I'd like to think that the period I was in the band was the height of it's popularity!
The line up was Richard Wight - lead vocal and guitar, Pete Hayward - bass, Pete (Mitch) Mitchell - drums and vocal, and myself on lead guitar and vocal. Jez Wyatt was on keyboards when I joined but left after a while.
Prior to me joining, Eric Snowball of ESE music was the regular pedal steel player and Dave Bloss did a couple of gigs. Others probably included John Bray.
I have some photos and a Kent Messenger article which I will send for inclusion at some point.
Richard still lives in Kent and I have just moved back after 25 years away. After a successful career in design, Pete is now a successful dance DJ and producer. I think Mitch is still around. I believe Jez moved to the USA.
I’ll update this as time goes on and my memory comes back!
I moved to London in 1982 and played on the circuit in South East London for many years including stints with Steve Waller at the Half Moon Herne Hill on Sunday lunchtimes.
Other Kent bands I was in were Orpheus, Scapa Flow, Pipedream and Skintight Jackson (and the Do-Rons). Details of these to follow but my friend John Buckingham has a good website for Orpheus and Pipedream at www.lusyd.co.uk

Mick Dunford (Drums) - in Enry - Father Luke

Judge Dread

born. Alex Hughes, 2 May 1945, Kent.
d. 13 March 1998 aged 53 On Stage in Canterbury, Kent.

Click for Alex's page

Chris Blunkell

Bobby Moore lifted the World Cup and Waspjuice singer Chris Blunkell was still relying on his Mum and Dad to wipe his bum in the year guitarist Brian Barnett formed his first band. As Chris slowly got to grips with basic hygiene, so Brian formed and deserted bands with gay abandon. Tintagel Toy Hiccups, Cripple Nipple and Dead Leg Antennae between them featured the use of meat products, a one-string guitar, a milk bottle and precious little by way of equipment. Their passing was not mourned.

In a volte face, Brian then launched high energy vaudevillian acoustic blues trio Have Mercy, whose ranks were to swell to an impractical 15 howlers, twangers and blowers. Spotted by a German blues enthusiast in Bunjie Folk club in London, Have Mercy were invited to play in Aachen, Germany. They went, and Brian was to ply his trade there for the next eight years.

With Brian safely out of the way, and with the bum-wiping thing now pretty much under control, Chris formed his first band. The Aged, whose name owed its coining to the bass player having access to unlimited 'Help the Aged' badges, were, by common consent, truly terrible. It was no surprise to anybody, then, when Chris co-founded the world's original bad-taste punk country band. The Alternative Alternative Country Boppers and Jim quickly drew the attention of the national press when the band's members were thrown out of school, their performance deemed to have spoiled a Carnival Club talent show. Notoriety beckoned, but the lads were all too well bred to take advantage.

In the mean time, Brian was hired as a German label's house songwriter, reporting to James Last's nephew. They wanted Oompah music, and Brian buckled down to the task in between voice-overs for porn films.

Back to London in 1984, Brian continued activities with Have Mercy, recording a new CD and touring. Not long afterwards Chris formed Black Cillas - a rather fey, instrospective guitar band whose performance supporting a heavy metal band at the Marquee led to him being called a 'f*****g w****r by Motorhead's drummer. A high-point of sorts.

They met when Chris moved in next to Brian in Whitstable. Angry exchanges over the garden hedge as to who was responsible for pruning it quickly gave way to gigs, festivals and recording and radio appearances. Originally two voices and two acoustic guitars, Waspjuice now also feature itinerent herbert and percussionist Andy Capon and reformed metallurgist Dave Minter on bass.
WASPJUICE
Because more wasps means more juice

John Milton

Folkestone
John Milton has been writing songs for most of his life. he taught himself to play the guitar & keyboards when he was younger and has always had a passion for music.
In 1981 he co-wrote a song with Mike Stock of Stock, Aitken & Waterman under the alias of J Gully called '1-9 For a Lady Breaker'. it was preformed by his band Mr Gentle and it reached number six in the local chart.

In 1982 the song was released again One Nine For a Lady Breaker (writers M Stock / J Gully / C Stock) - Go 401A - Julie Music - Logo Records - RCA - Artiste: Chris Britton (Mike Stock - who claimed that he wrote it )
Produced by Peter Collins for Loose End Productions (Pete Waterman)
Pete Waterman said in an interview "One Nine for a Lady Breaker was an utterly brilliant pop song". .He loved the song so much he bought it from Mike, and produced it for a singer called Chris Britton in 1982. In fact it was this song that brought Stock and Waterman together and Aitken 18months later..
No royalties have been paid to John - Yet................

John then went on to form a studio band called New Dimensions (featuring the late Keith Harwood on vocals) the band recorded a cassette called September Days in 1982 (at Europa Sound Studios) tracks were:
1.September Days - 2. Love Refused To Linger - 3. Land Of The Free

Since he trained as an aromatherapist five years ago, he has become interested in the power of music as a therapy. A 34 minute instrumental CD entitled 'Mother Earth' (© somebody's music) was released in 2001 (local sales have totalled 975 & rising). Extended version of mother earth is to be released in the summer of 2003 (© somebody's music). A new CD entitled 'Dream Away' (© somebody's music) is also planned for a December release.John still writes non therapeutic songs and has just started recording a solo project (calling upon various local musicians)
The cd will include the following tracks: 1. One Year On - 2. Love refused to linger (my tribute to Mr Harwood) - 3. Hey Girl, You Know Who You Are - 4. She's The One - 5. I'm Here - 6. I Remember - 7. Maybe - to be recorded at Lemanis Studios(© somebody's music)

the music lives on ....

Folkestone (Guitar & Vocals) now living in America.

Bands: Vostoks - Southern Four

Folkestone (Drums)

Bands: Nomads - Vostoks - The Lonely Ones

Became a Professional Photographer

Folkestone
The Fyrebirds - The Haunters - The End - The Prowlers

Folkestone

Folkestone

Solar System - Staires - Gary & The Moondogs - The Maroondogs -

Deal

Life 'N' Soul - Arthur Kays Originals

Memorial Album available on Red Admiral Records from 23rd July 2007
The melody fades but the Memory lingers - on 18th July 1998 Keith collapsed on stage at Seasalter, near Whitstable at the age of just 48.

I say we do mind Keith, you've left the stage forever.

Tribute to Keith Harwood by Mick Cork - Folkestone Herald July 30th 1998
Difficult accepting that someone you knew well has left this mortal coil so soon, albeit - if we could choose - on stage, where he belonged. Keith Harwood was a talented solo performer, though I knew him better as a member of what I believe was his first ever band - an early 70s rock outfit, somewhat bizarrely named Captain Black, after the type of pipe Keith had been smoking one practice night.

At a mutual friend's wedding reception I had been persuaded to come of (some kind of) retirement to back this nice little folk duo - Keith and Andy (Reynolds) who sang nice little folk ditties like Jamaica Farewell, chastity Belt and assorted Simon and Garfunkel songs. I'd like to think that I, along with my old friend. drummer Bill Regan, helped bring both of them into a broader spectrum of sounds. (I seem to recall that Keith said his dad was a bandleader, so his range of appreciation was never going to be limited).

In those days, his early 20s, Keithy boy always seemed a little insecure - but then weren't most people at that age? certainly most artistes and performers have had that about them. It somehow goes with the territory. We had good times.

Keith loved the music of David Bowie. I owe him for turning me on to that. And colin Blunstone (ex-lead singer of the Zombies, who later became a pretty close friend of Keith's). I can still hear yer man doing Blunstone's 'Say You Dont Mind' a great song of its kind, and surely a unique choice in any local outfit's repertoire. When the rest of us fancied a beer, we'd leave the stage to Keith and he'd sing Vincent -"starry starry night" and all that. But we'd still listen. It was worth it.

If I could meet him now I'd probably say - to his face - he was always a poser in the nicest sense of the word. What solo artists aren't? It takes bottle to get up on stage and perform. In a band you can hide if needs be and take strength in numbers. On your own you've got to be a bit special, have something special.
Keith had that something about him and deservedly enjoyed a very successful solo career around the pubs, the clubs and the cabaret circuit, both at home and abroad.
He also played bit parts in The Bill, Minder, and probably a lot more.
But it was as an important part of the local music scene for longer than he'd care to admit that he'll be remembered most. "That's me in the corner, that's me in the spot - light" he sang in my local, in what will now forever be the last time I saw him - and more especially - the last time I heard him perform. In the spotlight. Where he belonged.

Left - The famous Medallion Man Gig. Devised by Barry the landlord at the The White Lion and finely executed by Chris of the Gig Guide. Half a million newspapers later Keith turned up for the gig and carried on as usual without batting an eyelid, ignoring the cheesey grins of landlord, staff and fans (they knew who would be performing from the wording alone) Keith knew his audience, and posing was part of it. He did it so well. - Ed

Bands: Keith & Andy - Captain Black - Solo - New Dimensions - Keith Harwood Band - Keith Harwood & Lee (Guitar) Robinson

Tim "Magic" Hughes
(an appreciation)
It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Tim "Magic" Hughes who died in Bangkok, Thailand after having suffered a major cerebral Hemorrhage on Thursday 15th January 1998. He underwent two major operations in hospital and later was pronounced dead on Friday 23rd January.

Timothy John Patrick Hughes was born at Little Aston Park, Staffordshire, England in 1944. As a small young lad he wore corrective leg irons and had a horrible stutter. The irons worked and he eventually outgrew the stammering.

Tim was not the slightest bit interested in sciences, and preferred studying art and languages. His keen interest in the guitar and pop music eventually led him to become involved with three pop groups in various locations in Kent, The Klan - Bern Elliott - Bern Elliott and the Fenmen. See Also The Cortinas - The Zephyrs

The band had a hit with a song called Money, which was originally written by Berry Gordy and first recorded by Barrett Strong. The Beatles version is a
cover.
Bern Elliott & the Fenmen where the only group to have a U.K. hit single with this song and their version entered the British Top Twenty near the end of 1963. It wasn't a patch on the Beatles' rendition (which had been released at about the same time on their second LP), but it was actually a pretty decent, soulful interpretation Tim's group played in a sort of tough Mersey beat style (although they weren't from the Mersey region).

Tim and the group made several appearances on Ready Steady Go, Five O'clock Club, Easy Beat and Saturday Club shows during the '60's. He toured regularly with the well known Mersey side groups of the day as well as big names like Roy Orbison, the Supremes, the Hollies, Manfred Mann, The Animals, The Who, Spencer Davis (Keep On Running), and many others.

Latterly in the 1960's he did a few gigs with Michael Cox and Marty Wilde before finally moving to Spain.

Tim worked in promotions for Carreras Rothmans and Castrol, before leaving and moving to Bangkok in 1969. He joined the Anglo-Thai Corporation, the British trading onglomerate, later becoming Managing Director of The Ford Motor Company's automotive operations in Thailand until 1982, when he decided to become an independent consultant.

An accomplished big-game fisherman, he successfully competed in the prestigious Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament in the seventies and served on the International Game Fish Association, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale in Florida. He has represented Thailand on the committee since 1975.

When Tim found time to relax his other interests included trekking in the Himalayas as well as in Peru, and of course he loved his music. He often used to be invited to the Royal Palace in Bangkok where he would organise 'jam' sessions with the children of the King and Queen. Tim leading them with vocals and of course his guitar.

Tim leaves behind a mother and married sister in the Malta, who have stated through the World Wide Web and Internet that Tim will always be "Magic" to them.

On a personal note I would like to add that I never had the opportunity of meeting MAGIC, feel that I know him so well through the kind words and messages that I have received on the Internet. It is so ironic to think that I would have played the records Tim and his band made, when during the 60's I was also in the music industry, as a disc jockey on the pirate radio ship, Radio Caroline.

Compiled by Miles Robert Wilson Tim's brother in law.
28 January 1998

Bern Elliott

Bernard Michael Elliott, b.17.11.1942 in Erith, Kent
He went to school at The Picardy School for boys, on leaving school at 16 he went to work in an insurance company.
1983-84
However, Bern had his heart set on forming a pop group and it was not long before "Bernie and his Boys" were playing at local dances. He was to sing with a another local group called "Bern Elliott and The Bluecaps" before forming the Bern Elliott and The Fenmen.

With the Fenmen he secured a recording contract with Decca, and his first disc "Money" written by Berry Gordy, beat all other versions in the race for the charts. Money and success now came to Bern, his recent disc "New Orleans an old Gary US Bonds hit bounded into the best sellers. During the summer months Bern has many club and dance hall dates lined up.

His next disc was a number penned by Johnny Worth called "Good Times" backed by his new group " The Klan". With the new boys, TV appearances and a film called "Swinging UK" are in the offing.

Roger Humphries

Roger Humphries professional musical pedigree stretches over 5 decades now having started playing music in the mid 1950’s when skiffle music, that eclectic blend of hillbilly, blues, american folk & roots music, became the overnight sensation in the UK, spearheaded of course by the late Lonnie Donegan and Wally Whyton, (both of whom were later to become personal friends of Roger Humphries).

Like so many of his generation, Roger Humphries went on to play the full gambit of musical styles, (as a bass player), and during the 1960’s he achieved some notable success working alongside such musical luminaries of the period such as The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, (then known as Davie Jones), Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages etc. etc.  Highlights in his career include an appearance on the legendary 60’s TV show Ready Steady Go and a year working in “Franco’s” Spain ………. Oh, and of course in common with the period, not getting paid for a lot of it.

It was during the 60’s and the stint in Spain, that Roger initially worked alongside Jon Keys and over the next 40 years, they have developed a musical rapport that has earned them the reputation of being something of a rhythm section “A-Team”.

Following his 1st marriage in 1968, Roger quit the music industry for 5-years to embark on a career as a Police Officer (PC 4461) in the Kent County Constabulary, but after seeing the error of his ways, returned to full-time music in 1972, but at this time channeling his attention to the then fledgling country music scene in the UK.

By 1976, having always been his “own man” so-to-speak, Roger switched from bass to acoustic 6-string guitar, whilst at the same time honing his skills as a songwriter, (something he has always done since the early ‘60’s), and he embarked on a solo career & released his 1st album, “Some Of Me Songs & That !!!”, which received very positive critical acclaim and which immediately drew him to the attention of management, bookers & the public at large, resulting in the next decade being taken up with over 350 gigs each year including several appearances  on the now legendary Wembley & Peterborough Festivals of Country Music in the UK, numerous radio & TV appearances, not only in the UK, but overseas, leading his own band consisting of the cream of country musicians then available.

Further memorable albums followed and Humphries literally toured the world including Canada & the USA, gaining a solid reputation everywhere he performed, with both audiences & some of the most noted country musicians of the day as somebody being primarily into his music.

Roger has never ceased to be completely absorbed in music and the attention that he has  generated in himself during his long career has never been his motivation. He has always had the opinion that he’d prefer to let the music speak for him and that in his view there are only 2-types of music anyway, one being good & the other being not necessarily to his particular taste. As a result, he finds it easy to move effortlessly from one musical genre to the other, and in recent years has found him in the fortunate position of being able to live to play, as opposed to being forced to play for a living.

More recently, Roger Humphries & his band have shared the stage at festivals & shows in the United States, Scandinavia, Lithuania & Germany as well as the UK with such noted artistes as Nanci Griffith, Joe Sun, Carlene Carter, Tommy Cash, Asleep At the Wheel, Heybale, The Cornell Hurd Band, Dale Watson, Kimmie Rhodes and many many more.

Roger’s discography: “Some Of Me Songs & That !!!” (1976). “A Blast Of Fresh Air” (1982). “Live At The Cruise Café, Oslo” (1987). “For Your Ears Only” (1996). “Benchmark (A Very Live Album) (1998). “Solo, Unplugged & Acoustic” (2005), "Where Were You?" (2007)

Folkestone

The End - Renaissance Faire - Whispering Wind -

Deceased

Folkestone

Bas Player - Left handed - Epiphone

Bands: The End - Renaissance Faire - Danny

Dave Fanti - Local band member.
I still consider myself to be a singer/songwriter despite gigging in a purely covers band these days. I've been the lead vocalist and lyricist in most of the bands I've been in.
Below are the bands I've been in - dates as close as I can remember.
Tomahawk - 1979 to 1981. Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar.
Zenith - 1981 to 1982. Lead Vocals
Lazy Toad - 1982. Lead Vocals, Bass
Rough Diamond 1983 to 1984. Lead Vocals, Bass.
Medium Wave Band - 1984. Bass, vocals
Pump Action - 1999 to 2005

Monkey-See, Monkey-Do! : 2006 – Present. Lead Vocals
Chris Bailey: Guitar
Jon Bryant: Bass (see also ‘Enry)
Dave Fanti: Lead Vocals
Iain Maitland: Drums
Matt Maitland: Guitar
Charlotte Rose: Lead vocals

We play a mix of modern and Classic rock from Zeppelin and Bad Co. to the Chillies and the Foo’s. We gig around Ashford, Dover New Romney and Folkestone, mostly pubs, but we do pick up the odd festival and function. A great bunch of guys (and Gal); it’s always a laugh.

Folkestone

The Fyrebirds - The End

Ray Vardon

Southern Four - Southern Five

Ron Price

Ron Price played bass with the Southern Four and childrens entertainer at Newbeach Holiday Centre (1982-84) alongside Uncle Charlie and Sky High (latterly the Gary Dean Band).

Melvyn (Dusty) Miller

Polaris - bass guitar in Rocking Edwardians

Gary Swinard New albums available After Five and Day Of The Hurricane

1963 to Present in Florida

Bands: The Young Ones - Couriers - Cleopatras Needle - Oliver - Gary Lee James Band - Sounds Country - The Gary Dean Band - Live'n'Kickin - (USA) Nitelife

Hi Chris
Just come across your site re Kent bands.

I thought I would drop you some info about my history as my name does appear in several places.

For the history and dates hear goes: I Started playing in a band called The Young Ones' in 1963 where we played the local church hall regularly. Following this, I joined 'The Couriers' in 1966 where I played rhythm guitar and then bass. Andy Kealey played lead guitar, Peter Kealey keyboards, Steve Marriott vocals and Tim Relf drums. The band changed drummers a few times with the last being Les Sampson. Andy and Peter left but before they did the band name changed to "Cleopatras Needle'. After this 'Oliver' then became the name. I left the band in 1976 and formed a short lived 'Gary Lee James Band. A six piece band with brass. After a couples of years rest, I joined and then toured for three years with a band called 'Sounds Country' In 1982 I left and went solo and performed at the World famous club called 'Gillies in Texas USA. In !983 I joined 'The Gary Dean Band' and in 1986 formed the now popular 'Live N Kickin where I stayed for 14 years. Some of the original members of 'Live N' Kicking' were in Cleopatras Needle in the 70's. The band was formed and the name born after a good music friend Dave Trott had died of cancer at the age of 37.

I hope the above will interest you. I have not given you all the in's and out's as there were many. I would like to wish all of my friends and acquaintances in and around Kent my sincere regards. All in all, apart from the 2 year rest I have been non stop in playing and entertaining almost 37 years.

I now live in FLORIDA and am currently playing lead guitar professionally for a band called 'Nitelife' I play about four nights a week in and around Orlando.
Members of my present band have played with the BoxTops and Bruce Hornsby. One more thing to add, you English bands are so lucky today, the normal playing times hear in the US a minimum of 4x45 sets and at weekends 5x45 sets.

We play tributes to The Blues Brothers, Garth Brooks, Elvis and I do an Eric Clapton show so will send you some pics on that show. Last year we palyed Nashville and Las Vegas and recently had Charlie Morgan drummer for ex Elton John guesting with us as our drummer was out of town. The band plays a lot of private parties and corporate events.

Have come across a couple of old Couriers pics that I need to get put on disc and will send to you. One of them has Les Samson and the Kealey Brothers.

I was also pleased to see my name mentioned in Pete Dugdale's information. I remember going to EMI studios very early on a Sunday morning to record the demos that got Pete Dugdale his record contract. I think it was around 1973. I played both base and guitar on those songs. When Pete was doing the remakes for release I was unable to play on them due to the fact I was playing at a major gig in London the same night as the recording session.

Anyway pass on my regards to people who know me and once again thank you.

Please pass on my email address to anyone who wants to say hallo, My personal email address is gswinard@earthlink.net
Please check out my new web site.  There are some great memories there and do not laugh too much at the previews'
www.garyswinard.com/
Regards
Gary

My Red Admiral Records page
My Albums on iTunes

Live'N'Kickin

Martin Judd

1967 - Present Day.

Bands: Tar Baby Stompers, Warlock, Porcelain Frog, Frogg, Quint, Live'N'Kickin'

My first foray into music came at the Simon Langton school with David Jones and some others who names elude me. We formed a jazz band called the Tar Baby Stompers.
My next band was called Warlock, we rehearsed and played around the Canterbury area, had the obligatory mentions in the local rag and had a whale of a time.
Now I'd really been bitten by the bug.
The next band was called Porcelain Frog. This band had Pete Robinson on keyboards, Bob Brown on drums, John Cheeseman on vocals, Mick Curd on guitar and myself on bass.
The band used to rehearse at at the Longbridge Youth Club in Canterbury.
Nigel Blow, an old schoolfriend of mine replaced Pete on keyboards after a time.
We later got the opportunity to tour abroad via Folkestone agent Dave Watkins and spent a year in Italy and a year in Germany. During this period we were left stranded by our agents and had strike up new associations to live and keep working. Agent Arno Lintner came up with work for 2 months in Zurich (Switzerland). We also did some television through Renzo Menin.
Now called Frogg and stranded in Italy, we befriended 2 Italian bands called "Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso" & "Il Rovescio della Medaglia". These fantastic guys actually paid for us to get home with some of the proceeds of a concert!
This period, although hard, was the time of my life and having arrived home I couldn't wait to do it all over again, so, following a lineup change, Geoff Spinner replacing John on vocals, we headed out to Italy again.
The next band was Quint with Steve Marriott on vocals, Graham Quinten Jones on guitar, Roger Diamond on drums and me on bass.
We recorded several singles with Bradley Records, RCA & United Artists, reaching number 70 in the charts with one of them. I also recorded a solo single in this period which again got to about number 70 but we'll say no more about that!
Graham left towards the end of Quint's lifespan and was replaced briefly by Mick Warren on guitar and Trevor Hills on keyboards. This lineup lasted a short while but never recaptured the success of the original and Quint folded shortly afterwards.
I had a brief spell of inactivity which I absolutely hated when I was approached by Gary Swinard and Steve Marriott to form the band I still play with today, Live'N'Kickin', with Mick Warren and Tim Relf on drums.
Tim left after a very short time to be replaced by Roger Diamond on drums. This highly successful lineup went on for 10 years.
Mick decided it was time to hang up his Les Paul at this time and was replaced by the jaw-droppingly good Martin Kidd on guitar who has stayed with us ever since.
A year on and Roger decided that it was time to call it a day due to several factors, Tinitis being the main one, and he was replaced by Nick "The Greek" Milton on drums.
2001 brought a couple of changes with Nick leaving to sort out some personal problems and Gary emigrating to the USA. Chris Jones replaced Nick and Jim Cobb coming in on keyboards to replace Gary.
A year later, Jim left to be replaced by the inimitable Martin "Wiz" Wisbey on guitar and vocals.
Nick rejoined the band in 2003 when Chris was having some personal problems of his own and todays lineup was complete.
We are just coming up to our 20th anniversary as I type and a lavish concert will be held to celebrate this milestone at The International Hotel on April 8th 2007.

Andy Kealey

1950 - schoolboy band - Rodney Burke and the Kluds -1964  Cleapatras Needle - 1970 Tristram Shandy - 1976 Noel Redding Band -1982 Dawn Trader - late 1982 ABK (Andy, Boris, Keith) - late 1990s Stumble Brothers - 2006 to present - Buzzard

(Vocalist) - Folkestone
The Fyrebirds - The End - The Circuit - Sons Of Chopin

Folkestone

Bands: Inhibitions Prologue - Square One - Mirrors - Freeway

Pete's Page and Pictures

Danny along with Gary Dean was responsible for the organisation of the charity team creating the Kent Aid for Africa event at the Leas Cliff Hall in 1985 and the Rocking Horse Club venture - Live Aid Kent Concert at Folkestone Football Ground in 1986.

Dear Chris ,like the web site!
I joined my first band in 1964 aged 12 as lead singer and bass player with schoolmates Brian Glanfield, Stuart Gain, Roger Garner, Steve Whitfield and Ron Harrisson. The band was called Sounds like 3 as there were usually 4 of us. Things got louder in 68 with "Peacefull" {me Brian, Stuart, Derek Kneller and "H" Ebdon} [ now appearing with the Phil Chaplin Band in south London checkout the web page]. I got married and Brian moved to Canterbury,. In 72 Roger and I and Mark Hewins were working for SCHWEPPES of Sidcup. Mark and I left to "go pro" with "Mother Sun" mostly touring the London circuit with John Hawkins on keys Vic Coleman on drums and Dave Bell on lead vocals. This lasted just over one year, we played the Speakeasy and topped the bill at the Marquee twice and a third time as a printing error! One of our tunes was 34 minutes long!!!!
Victor joined Gerry Cottle's Circus and went to the far east Dave became a Magician John went to work the cruise ships and Mark left for Canterbury . Check out Marks pages at Musart.co.uk ( he's currently touring with St. Bob himself!} I went home to Blackheath and Brian invited me to join
"Fury" his Canterbury band .{ I'd tried to do this before with his band "Feast" before Mother Sun but the drive was too much}
However Fury was great, with a 16 year old Steve Wise {WIZZ} on drums and John Case on second lead. Did some recording at olympic studios with our manager Mike Stuart who promptly left for the U.S.A. with our tapes and publishing advance money from ATV. John left to marry and was replaced with Adrian "ADA" { don't remember his last name} Brian was in another band at the same time "Danny" with Danny Clarkson, Roy Adams and Spud Taylor. As Fury died "Tricks" was formed with Danny on drums { he played pro drums for Whispering Wind for 5 years up north and supported Mother Sun at the Global Village in London in 72}
Tricks played the Kent clubs and pubs for two years 76 to 78? We did the Disco thing and recorded a lot at Andy Bells studio in Ramsgate. Our manager Johnny Jones {Jonesy} took our tapes to K-Tell in Denmark and ended up using a recording made at Decca with Steve Whitfield and Roger Garner the first prototype Tricks members. That was the last we saw of that manager. We had Bob Coltart ,a guy called Clive and later Nigel in the band at different times playing guitar. Brian got a letter from EMI as the band was thinking about splitting, we had sent them a tape and we recorded one track at Regents Park Studios. It was never released as that month the Pistols were signed, punk rock arrived and we were filed away.
Tricks disbanded and a few years later I started gigging solo as Steve Tracy encouraged by Bob Coltart and Keith Harwood. I later formed a duo with Danny Clarkson "Stevidan" which lasted almost 10 years until Nov 91 when I emigrated to Canada. Stevidan also performed as a four or three piece with Roy Adams and Kieth Adams. During Stevidan reign Danny and I also played the holiday camps as the GSD band with Gary Dean and later with Gary and Tick Brown in "Miami" We recorded two tracks at your studio and were due to appear on Opportunity Knocks in front of 65 million viewers with an original song when Les Dawson died suddenly and the show was shelved. During the Stevidan period Danny, Gary and I formed the Rocking Horse Club which is well documented on this site .

Since arriving in Canada I have worked in various bands notably The Knucklebusters with Beatle Bob Angel playing Rockabilly and I sang lead vocals for three years for Chevy Ray and The Fins a seven piece 50's R&R band .

I now perform with my wife Sandy in The West Coast Whistle Co. We have a CD out and web pages http://www.angelfire.com/music2/WestCoastWhistleCo/ We play anything from Celtic to Steppenwolf with originals with several different guys depending on the gig ,usually with Antony Duke on drums and John Hannah {of Brian Adams band fame} on bass. Sandy and I also tour with Will Millar formally of the Irish Rovers and will be touring in Florida next spring. I'll look up Gary Swinard if I get the chance.

O.K. that's about it I'll send you pictures of these bands when I get round to it. If any of my old pals want to e-mail me I'm at stevetozer@shaw.ca

P.S. Danny carried on with Kieth Adams in the duo "Shambles" and is still at it..

- Steve Tozer.

P.S. You should pump Roy for lnfo he remembers every little detail and even has an old pic of himself with Jimi Hendrix in Folkestone.

Vogue - Solar System - Valley Forge - Echo - Denigh - Freeway

Vogue - vocals with Valley Forge

The Checkers

Terry was a key member of the Checkers throughout the early 60's. When the band broke up he appeared to stop playing altogether, though he was known to strum a bit after a few whisky's.

On completion of his Carpentry apprenticeship he trainer to be a diver working with Folkestone Salvage. After a long period of diving in the Middle East he returned to Folkestone and started his own carpentry and building firm.
Sadly Terry died in March 2000 from complications caused by his years of deep sea diving.

( When Terry lived in Church Road, Cheriton I went with him to music shop in Tontine Street to buy his first amp - A 15Watt Watkins amp - I remember it was Blue and White with Gold Knobs and White carrying handle………Ed)

Terry bought his guitar from Terry Hughes.

Bob Evans

Bob learned to play the guitar at the age of ten. Self-taught, his first guitar had been passed down by his brother, who had reluctantly accepted that being tone-deaf was a significant drawback for a would-be rock star! Bob had no such difficulty and soon proved to be a very accomplished player. His Mum and Dad bought him a pick-up for his acoustic guitar and an amplifier for a Christmas present, which provided him with his first electric guitar. After being heard 'entertaining' the neighbours one day at his terraced home in Folkestone there was a knock at the door and a young lad called Martin Vinson introduced himself. Martin played the bass guitar and asked Bob to join his band. The other member of the band was a guitarist called Ian Milton. Drummers were in short supply at the time, so the band played without one. After much searching, Bob remembered a school friend called Derek Goodwin who had bought his first drum kit. Derek was still learning, but the band decided to ask him to join the band anyway, being sure that he would soon be able to keep the beat.

Martin Vinson left the band to be replaced by Terry Sexton. Up to this point the band had no name, then one day Terry's parents suggested 'The Checkers'. The band played its first gig at St. Martin's fete. Ian Milton left the band for 'other interests' and the band played as a trio for a while. One night, while playing at the pub called the 'Oddfellows Arms' in Folkestone, Pete Godden got up and asked to sing a song. As a result, he was recruited to 'The Checkers' as the lead vocalist. Dave Caswell also joined, a little later, to play Rhythm Guitar.

Bob recalls that 'The Checkers' became a popular and exciting band performing to appreciative audiences across the county of Kent. Looking back, some of the gigs were quite lively! Unfortunately, 'The Checkers' disbanded once the gear was all paid for and the apprenticeship completed! At the age of seventeen, Bob reluctantly gave up his place in the band in favour of his school work. He subsequently went on to Dover Technical College and finally Brighton University where he left with a good honours degree in Electrical Engineering. At around this time he met his future wife Marilyn. They subsequently married, moved to Crawley, West Sussex and had two children. He is now a Chartered Electrical Engineer and works for a defence company, as a Software Engineer.

Still living and working in Crawley, Bob and Marilyn have seen both children through university and 'fly the nest'. Bob still kept at least one guitar to hand and has continued to play as a hobby, quite often finding it therapeutic. Bob recalls, "making music always seemed to be in my blood for as long as he can remember". He always enjoyed making up tunes when he played in 'The Checkers'. With time once again to himself, Bob has resumed his interest as a guitarist and has teamed up with work colleagues, performing at occasional work functions and birthday parties. More recently, with the aid of the computer, Bob has produced a home CD containing a number of his recent compositions. 'Pop Idol' watch out!

Goto Bobby's Website

Perry White
keyboards
Bands: City Blues Band - Athur Kays Originals - Moving Targets inthe early 80's - solo

The Breakaways - Winston & The Churchills - Rhythm Of Blues

The Breakaways - Winston & The Churchills - RAM - Rhythm Of Blues

South London
Keiran OConnor sadly died some years ago, I think we could say "Worn Out".

This was a man of excesses.
Words like, Too much - Over the top - Rock solid - Flat out - Asleep - Genius - Really pissed - The best - Crazy - Missing - Hairy, all apply. If you knew him in his personal life you would find it easy to add some more.

Keiran was a drumming genuis, he could play the tightest solid backing, live or in the studio, even when he was not capable of standing up.
This man could make a drum machine sound - o u t.

We loved you.

Thanet
Paul Roland first appeared at Folkestone's Europa Sound Studios to evaluate it, he said for productions. He was at the time looking for work as a record producer and had already turned out some great recordings of himself via Graham Quinten Jones at Canterbury.

Paul had enlisted some of Kent's best session musicians to create his music and continued to add to the roster via Europa right up to its closure in October 1987. Paul was a prolific wordsmith and zany writer, not always easy to work with but still got what he wanted of his musicians, co-producer and engineer Chris Ashman.
Throughout the 80's Paul churned out tracks and masters for his albums which were plentiful and unique.

Alberto Crosio has created a wonderful website for Paul Roland, Click Here where you can also find the most comprehensive Paul Roland discograpy by R.P. Lindenbergh, a great lyrics section by Nico Steckelberg and much more.

b.Folkestone 25th December 1945
d.11th May 2003- Cork

Bands: The Strangers - The Lonely Ones - The Loving Kind - The Burnettes - Jimi Hendrix Experience - Fat Mattress - Road - The Noel Redding Band

Noel Redding Discography (part)
The Loving Kind
45s/ Singles: Accidental Love/Nothing Can Change This Love (Piccadilly 7N 35299)1966
I Love The Things You Do/Treat Me Nice (Piccadilly 7N 35318) 1966
Ain't That Peculiar/With Rhyme And Reason (Piccadilly 7N 35342)1966
The Jimi Hendrix Experience -(part).Are You Experienced? (1967) Polydor - Axis Bold As Love (1967) Polydor - Electric Ladyland (1968) Polydor - Smash Hits (1968) Polydor - Radio One (1989) Castle Communications
Fat Mattress - Fat Mattress (1969) Polydor - Fat Matress II (1970) Polydor
45/Singles:Naturally/Iridescent Butterfly (Polydor 56352) 1969 - Magic Lanterns/Bright New Way (Polydor 56367) 1970 - Highway/Black Sheep Of The Family (Polydor 2058 053) 1970
Road - Road (1972) Kama Sutra
Noel Redding Band - Clonakilty Cowboys (1975) RCA - Blowin (1976) RCA
45s/Singles: Roller Coaster Kids/Snowstorm ( RCA 2662) - Take It Easy/Back On The Road Again (RCA PB 9026)

Book - Are You Experienced? (Redding/Appelby)Fourth Estate Books
More about Noel
News

Ref: Trevor Willliams "The Lonely Ones" Telecaster
Hi Chris

Eric 
colourofthegrass@yahoo.co.uk

Ref: Fender Telecaster owned by Chris Adams, who is a musician, hoping to contact Trevor Williams(ex lonely Ones, The Joint, Judas Jump) who may have owned the guitar at one time.
Received a reply from Caesar Glebbeek, a Hendrix expert. This was intriguing because there no mention of Hendrix on my post: but he's correct, there IS a Hendrix connection. In his subsequent emails he has suggested that there indications that this could be the Telecaster used by Jimi on the Purple Haze sessions.

We have not as yet been able to contact Trevor Williams, but we contacted his friend John "Andy" Andrews. Who indicated that Noel Redding's Telecaster, which he had traded with Trevor had had a pschedelic paint job. . Obvoiusly, we don't want to intrude on peoples privacy, but this could have real historical significance and any suggestions you could make to progress matters would be appreciated. If you know any guys who know and played with Trevor and, of course, photographs of Trevor and/or Noel redding with the Telecaster, would be of great help.

born James Leverton, 1946, in Dover, Kent
Bands:
The Big Beats - The Burnettes - The Lonely Ones - The Loving Kind - The Hump - Fat Mattress - Juicy Lucy - Ellis - Hemlock - Frankie Miller - Savoy Brown - Leo Sayer - Joe Brown And The Bruvvers - Steve Marriott & Blind Drunk - Steve Marriott & Packet Of Three - Majic Mijits - Blodwyn Pig - Jim & Geoff - Caravan - Currently working with: Caravan, Jim Leverton & Geoff Richardson.

Career Review

Discography

Folkestone - Vocalist & Drummer

The Loving Kind - The Burnettes - Lonely Ones - Honeybus - Pete Dello And Friends - Shanghai - John Du Cann - L.E.X, - Andrew Mathieson, The Original Mirrors - The Nolans - Matchbox - Status Quo - Rossi/Frost

Discography: Loving Kind -Accidental Love/Nothing Can Ever Change This Love 1966 - I Love The Things You Do/Treat Me Nice-June 1966 - Ain't That Peculiar/With Rhyme And Reason September 1966
Honeybus
Delighted To See You/The Breaking Up Scene June 1967 - Do I Figure In Your Life/Throw My Love Away October 1967 - I Can't Let Maggie Go /Tender Are The Ashes March 1968 - Girl Of Independant Means/How Long- September 1968 - She Sold Blackpool Rock/Would You Beleive May 1969 - Story Album February 1970 - Story/The Night To Choose-March 1970 - She Is The Female To My Soul/For Where Have You Been- March 1972 - For You/Little Lovely One March 1973 - At Their Best CD August 1989-
Pete Dello And Friends -In Your Ears- Album 1971- In Your Ears -CD Reissue September 1989-
Shanghai - Album December 1974 - Candy Eyes-November 1975 - Shakin' All Over/Nobodys Fool January 1976 - Fallen Heroes Album February 1976-
L.E.X (Liverpool Express) -I Want Nobody But You/You Lied I Cried February 1979 - L.E.X Album March 1979 - Games People Play/Don't You Knock Upon my Door March 1979
Andrew Mathieson -True Romance/Johnny Let's Run June 1979 - Monteray Shoes- Album October 1979 - My Girls/Johnny Let's Run November 1979
The Original Mirrors -Could This Be Heaven/Night Of The Angels November 1979 - Boy's Cry/Chains Of Love December 1979 - Original Mirrors Album February 1980 - Dancing With The Rebels/Sure Yeah March 1981 - 20,000 Dreamers/Time Has Come June 1981 - Heart Twango And Raw Beat Album July 1981
The Nolans
Who's Gonna Rock You/Better Late Than Never November 1980
Status Quo
Dear John/I Want The World To Know March 1982 - 1+9+8+2
Album April 1982 - She Don't Fool Me/Never Too Late
June 1982 ( A Side) - Caroline (Live At The NEC)/Dirty Water Jealousy/Calling The Shots( not released) -Caroline (Live At The NEC)/Dirty Water October 1982 -1+9+8+2 CD Reissue May 1983 - Ol Rag Blues/Stay The Night September 1983 - A Mess Of The Blues/Big ManOctober 1983 - Back To Back
Album & CD Released November 1983 - Marguerita Time/Resurrection December 1983 - Caroline (Live At The NEC)/Dirty Water Going Down Town Tonight/Too Close To The Ground May 1984 - Live At The NEC Released July 1984 - The Wanderer/Can't Be Done October 1984 - 12 Gold Bars Vol. 2
Album November 1984 (Not all tracks) - Never Too Late/Back To Back CD Reissue (On Back To Back only) - If You Can't Stand The Heat/1+9+8+2 CD Reissue February 1991 ( Only 1+9+8+2)
Rossi/Frost
Modern Romance (I Want To Fall In Love Again)/I Wonder Why
May 1985 - Jealousy/Where Are You Now October 1985

More Discography at http://www.geocities.com/backtobackuk/petediscog.html

Henry is one of the worlds great guitarists and has spent his time playing all over the world. For a while he resided in Folkestone and made a lot of friends here. During his stay he gigged and recorded with our local stars. Bands and people he has been in or worked with are to many to list here but we have listed some notables below. There is also a link to to his own website and discography.

The Sky Rockets - The People - Eire Apparent -Sweeney's Men - Joe Cocker - The Grease Band - Paul McCartney and Wings - Roy Harper - Marianne Faithfull - Leon Russell - Ronnie Lane - Donovan - Andy Fairweather - Lowe - Spooky Tooth - Viola Wills - Bobby Harrison - Gerry Lockran - Hinkley's Heros - Snooker - No Rush (1984) Eric Bell - Frankie Miller - Denny Laine - Eric Burdon - Tim Rice - Andrew Lloyd Webber - Pink Floyd - Last Bandits - Rosetta Hightower - Fleadh Cowboys - Teresa Brewer - Terry Clarke.
Henry's Website

Barry Catt

Bands: The Clovas - The Eavesdroppers - Jaspa - Sky High - Gary Dean Band - Second Site - Freeway - Revival - Doubletime - Touchwood - Tripletime.

Solo career as "Barry More" started about 1984

Barry's website site and history can be found here

Mick Rogers
Mick? - I don't know his name either, but he used to get up and sing Eddie Cochran numbers with us (Sky High, Gary Dean Band) at the Five Bells, Brabourne for nothing! .....bc

The mystery singer's name is Mick Rogers.
He used to get up at Stevidan gigs and sing Stones numbers. I believe he had a singles act, Gary knows him. .........ST

 

 

 

 

Mick Morris - Guitar & Vocals - Dover.
Gibson SG Deluxe/Fender Stratocaster guitars/ Carlsbro Amp

Mick had been trying to get a band together with Les Godley and it wasn't really working out. so he accepted an offer to join The Rolling Stones, so Les formed his own band, The Big Beats
RollingStones - Playboys - Take 5 - Spectrum - Mirkwood - Sprinter - Easy Action - Icebreaker

Terry Hughes
Folkestone
Bands: The Avengers - Kayne Lynton & The Cossacks - The End

Terry was invited by school buddies at Brockhill School to join their band even though he couldn't play a note. He swopped all of his Adam Faith records to buy a Fenton Weil Bass guitar which he later sold to Terry Sexton of The Checkers. Terry has always said he was a busker and was not a very good musician in those days and appreciated the help given to him by members of the band. The Avengers originally being an instrumental band were soon looking for a singer, Terry tried and failed miserably, some of these problem led to him leaving the band and after a little practice formed the Cossacks in which he played lead guitar. The band was a success. As is normal the band reached a peak and then started disbanding, Terry joined The End as rhythm guitarist. The End were one of the most popular bands in South Kent during the middle to late 60's and picked up a huge following of girls. Terry has fond memories of his Watkins Copycat, Binson Echo, and Reslo ribbon mics, but like everyone else ended up with usual Fender Strat and Shure Unidyne III microphone.

Suppliers remembered - Arthur Seaton(Ashford), Lee & Doughty (Sandgate)

Ater a few years break Terry got back in the biz as a disc jockey in social clubs as 'Terry T' with Mike Hall (Scratchy Mick) set up MT Disco Show - Resident at the Black Bull until poached by the Rank Organisation to do 4 nights a week at the Sandgate Bar (Odeon Bar) by Tom Scannell the then bar manager.

In 1972 Terry and partners purchased the 'Talk of the Town Restraurant' in Tontine Street and tuned it into 'Stones' Burlesquteque? Terry changed his professional name to Lee Andrews, Then in 1977 he sold his share to Tom Scannell. The club is still there and now known as Pipers. Dave Shackle the spent some time there as the bar manager.

In the 2011 Terry reformed a band to remember The End and recorded a CD in 2013
Terry is a D.O.T. Approved Driving Instructor his firm is the Sandgate Driving School.

Nigel Blow (deceased 2010)

Keyboards

Bands: Orange Teacup - Porcelain Frog - Frogg

Nigel cousin of the Sinclair brothers (Caravan) started his musical career when he met Martin Judd at school.
1971 a tour in Europe was set up by Folkestone agent Dave Watkins Pocelain Frog toured between 1971/73 in Germany, Italy and Switzerland and even did a bit of Television.

In the late 70's Nigel found himself in Folkestone and visited the local recording studios operated by Chris Ashman. Nigel was disturbed to find no piano and arranged to obtain one. See The piano. Nigel introduced Mike Craig from Herne Bay to Chris and Europa Sound Studios was formed.

Ian Milton
Folkestone

Phil Allchin -

Folkestone
Guitar

Last Orders - Denigh

DENIGH Pix by Rob Grain

John Everett

Dover
Bass & Vocals

Denigh

DENIGH Pix by Rob Grain

Ian Devlin

Folkestone
Guitar

Denigh
The Watch

DENIGH Pix by Rob Grain

John Reagan

Folkestone
Drums

Denigh - Echo 11- Network (1988-92) - Pump Action

DENIGH Pix by Rob Grain

Steve Blattman - (Guitar)

Steve Blattman has spent the last 30 years playing in local bands including :

Galaxy Tramp

Last Orders

Red House

Hippo Band and most recently the

Rhythm Doctors (1993) who are currently doing the pub circuit in Kent & Sussex.

Chris Mayfield

Tick Brown
Dover - Lead Guitar

Bands: - Dead Dogs Don't Lie - Enry - No Surrender - Miami - Scandal - Little Alligators - User Friendly

THE TICK BROWN BIOGRAPHY
The Highlights, ( there is much more , 32 bands and counting but I`d be here all day ! )

Hi, my 1st notable band was BARNACLE ,I joined in the early 70`s. The band featured the 3 brothers Gary , Pete and Steve who later became
famous session musicians. The highlights of this were surporting many famous bands like E.L.O..HELLO, GEORDIE,GLITTER BAND and STACKRIDGE among others and playing at the B.B.C.`s Paris theatre and at the 1975 melody maker rock concert at The Roundhouse in London to 3,500 people. We also won the oppurtunity Knox roadshow at the Leas cliff hall hosted by Hughie Green.
I moved to London in late 1975 to join art rock band GLORIA MUNDI which was quite an experience getting my head around various costume
changes and make up all over my face.
The next project was a band called TORPEDO a heavey rock outfit . We played on the London pub circuit at places like The Bridge House . The Brecknoc, Fulham greyhound and The Green Man in Ilford to name a few.
After that I was asked to join THE TIGGER LIONS BAND and recorded a single with them. Tigger was previusly in a band called HUSTLER who got a mention in the guiness book of records for doing the most gigs in a year.In 1975 they did 362 gigs ,alot of these were surporting QUEEN on there world tour that year.
I moved back to Dover at the end of the 70`s to join DEAD DOGS DONT LIE , we recorded with Topper Headon of the CLASH and used him when he was available for live gigs because our drummer also played with Robin Knox Johnson from the VIBRATORS.
Next I thought I`d like to make some money out of this music industry so I joined FABEGE` a husband and wife caberet group and found myself in clubland surporting the MINI TONES , a duo featuring 2 dwarfs one of which was inside R.2.D.2. in the star war films !
Martin young the 1st BARNACLE singer contacted me to join his band `ENRY. This I did and had a great laugh for the next 3 years , the gigs were hillarious.
After `ENRY I formed CRYWOLF playing a set of original songs by Derek the singer and me. When Derek left we bcame NO SURRENDER with the famous Bob Blythe on vocals, or Bob the groaner as he was known after an accident between his neck and a gangplank.
We changed the name of the band to TICKLED PINK and when Bob left to go to Australia we recruited Andy Mcmurray thus starting a long and fruitful musical partnership between Andy and me.TICKLED PINK recorded a song by the keyboard player called Easy Now which had a lot of interest . People still ask me to play it today.
Next I jioned THE GARY DEAN BAND which then became MIAMI.
After a couple of years I was contacted by the Wisby brothers Martin and Clive and we formed SCANDAL. 6 years and nearly 1000 enjoyable gigs later in 1996 USER FRIENDLY
was formed and has been getting better year by year ever since. Also running in tandem to USER FRIENDLY I formed LITTLE ALLIGATORS with my wife Lisa and have also done gigs with GO BOB and LAZARUS.

Thats enough for now as I have writters cramp but the tale isnt over ,
the best is yet to come!

Tick Brown , 13:58 9th January 2008

Martin Young - Dover - Sax & Vocals
Bands: Barnacle - Styx - Enry - The Charlesworth-Young Band - Just Martin

Hi! Chris, I am Martin Young (ENRY) Frontman and Sax player with 'Enry'. Yes, I remember you coming down The Gate at Hythe and taking that picture. Do you remember the article that appeared in the Folkestone Herald? It sort of back fired on us! band was formed in 1979 when I lived in St Margarets at Cliffe.

The name 'ENRY' came about because Henry was the middle name of Pete and myself - we mucked about talking like 'Enry Cooper' and it stuck. Our band logo was based on a Don Martin cartoon character named Carbuncle that apperaed in 'MAD' magazine. We were the first Band to play at the Red Lion Inn at St. Margarets at Cliffe.
We split up in December 1981, when due to 'Maggie and her Hoods' the Railway Works at Ashford where I worked was closed, and I had to make the choice to move elsewhere (Derby) Strange to say, we've always kept in touch as friends and even resurrected ENRY in 1996 for a few months - 'hitting the road once at The Swingate'. Then, I got a job in Greece. To say the least I wasn't very popular again. I sing with Tick and Lisa's band Little Aligators from time to time as a guest - but that's another story.

I was lead singer with Barnacle before Roger Betts replaced me. The band after Barnacle was called 'The Charlesworth -Young Band' 1972 - 1975.
Again we played The Leas and the East Kent circuit.

I've got a lot more to tell you and lots of photos and anecdotes if you want them - not got time at present. Interestingly enough Mick Morris was in a band called 'The Rolling Stones' in the very early 60's in Dover, and his drummer was my old boss from Ashford Railway Works named Brian Scotcher. (give Mick a ring)

The Couriers lead singer was Steve Marriott, and the Bass Player was Dave 'Wiggy' Trott, from Ashford. Both worked at the Railway Works as Apprentices 1 year above me. Steve now with Live'N'Kickin - as for Wiggy tragically he died of cancer in the early 80', a loss to us all. The guy was an absolute NUTTER!

The influence of Gary Barnacle, David Bowie, Rory Gallagher and Andy Mackay led me to play the alto sax to be different from guitar based groups, and increase the range of different songs with sax riffs.  My first tutor was the late Tim Smye-Rumsby who was a Royal Marine bandsman, and my second was the late jazz musician Barry Cole.
I moved back to Kent in 1988 and regularly sang on Friday evening at the Headcorn Jazz Club with The Imperial Jazzmen.  I started performing my solo act as ‘Just MARTIN’ in 1993, going out with backing tracks on CDs.  Two of the tracks, ‘Baker Street’ and ‘Running with The Night’ were compiled in a studio with Tick playing the lead breaks; both recorded in one take.  Awesome!
One highlight in my musical career was appearing live on daytime TV from The Assembly Rooms, Derby on the first Tom O’Connor Roadshow in January 1987, where dressed in a pink and white Cowboy outfit, I sang a Goodies song called ‘Cactus in My Y-Fronts’!  What a laugh!

Geoff Hillion

Folkestone - Rhythm & Vocals
Bands: The Daltons - Thunderbeats

Geoff would like to thank Mick Whibley; Dave Mitchell, John Berry Keith "Coco" Adams, Dave Sheppard , Chuck, Noel Redding, Martin Jones, "Boz'' Leggett and Alan Andrews for their friendship in some of the best days of his life.

Dave Legge (Lee) deceased January 2012

Canterbury - The Swinging Secrets, The Others, The Ways And Means and Chaucers Tales

Dave Lee MBE
Dave started his career as a drummer and had several records released (well escaped) and then went on to join a comedy show band. From there he launched himself on an unsuspecting world as the Dave we all know, as one of the countries top stand up comedians. A Panto Legend who appeared at 16 productions at the Marlowe Theatre

His Dave Lee's Happy Holidays charity has raised more than £2 million since 1994 for sick and disabled children. His efforts were rewarded with an MBE in 2003 and was to be made a Freeman of the City of Canterbury on January 31st 2012

Dave was nominated in the British Comedy Awards. He is equally at home working in Theatre, After Dinner Speaking, Conferences, Cruising and Television Studio’s or in the middle of a war zone entertaining the troops. He is a truly versatile entertainer.

In Dave's Words
It all started with a kit comprising of bass drum (with only front skin) a snare drum and high hat and a really tatty cymbal all bought from a lad in Chartham (Robin Arnold) for the princely sum of for £5 all wrapped up in a mattress cover! I remember practising to a record player in my Mums front room at the tender age of fourteen.

I was invited to audition for a group at Littlebourne village hall, I set out on the bus from Chartham to Canterbury then by train to Littlebourne carrying my drums only to be told after playing Apache that i bought a brand new meaning to the word crap! (or words to that effect) They could talk, two guitars and mikes through a watkins domenator. My great escape, or am i just bitter/ The latter i expect.!!!!!!!!!!
Never give up.
I then discovered Arthur Seatons music shop in Ashford WOW my first experience of a real music shop, he always greeted you with a "Good day squire" and then set about selling you your dream kit, in my case a white pearl unnamed full kit, I've arrived (poor boy i was fifteen) what a great day. This was followed by a Trixon kit (crap fittings) but looked fantastic, i chose Trixon after Tony (Sounds Inc) let me have a go on his kit after i saw them play at the Dreamland Ballroom one Sunday night, then came a black pearl Premier kit which i used until i sold them to my mate Buster Osmond!
I am now the proud owner of a 60s Ludwig kit, have a look www.dave-lee.co.uk with my band The Bewildered Gentlemen, a fantastic bunch of elderly ex rockers.  

I have now discovered a real music shop Music Bay in Folkestone, its just like music shops should be, and run by all my mates led by Dave Hall, Athur Seatons love child!
Great. I guess we all started like this! All the best.
Dave Lee or Dave Legge. Burp!

I am looking for copy's of the three records released by The Ways and Means, can anyone help please?  
Many Thanks
Dave Lee daveleeherne@aol.com
Dave passed away mid January 2012 after a short illness that forced him to pull out of the next Cinderella production at the Marlowe Theatre

Dave Pain

Trespassers - The Mystics -The Mixed Feelings - The Lonely Ones - The End - Renaissance Faire - Davey Payne and the Medium Wave - The Medium Wave

I came across this excellent web-site recently and it brought back many good memories, however the frightening thing was how many things I read about myself and people I played with that I have no recollection of. So here is a quick dip into the past from my perspective but if I have “mis-remembered” then please let me know (e-mail is davidepain@aol.com).

The ‘singing career’ started at the Harvey Grammar School and we created an unnamed band to do a couple of songs at the annual school concert – the songs were;
“I’m a Moody Guy” and “Just Because”. This led to the formation of the Trespassers.

To my mind the best bands in the area in the early days were the Sundowners and, although very different, the Lonely Ones with Noel Redding who were exceptionally good.

 I moved on to various local bands over the years: The Mystics    The Mixed Feelings and for a very short period of time The Lonely Ones and we played all over South East Kent mainly on our own but very often backing many of the big names of the day –some of whom were very good but others were surprisingly poor when seen ‘live’. In those days, and for some unknown reason, SE Kent was considered to be a very hard place to play and perhaps this is why so much talent came out of the area.
One of the gigs that we played as the Lonely Ones was the Albert Hall where we had an audience of 12,000 people which was great. I think the line up of the band  was me, Ian Taylor (lead guitar), John Andrew (bass guitar) and Laurie –Nu Nu Whiting (drums).

I then moved away from Folkestone and from singing but I missed it  and decided to return to Folkestone to create a new band to turn professional. I tried to entice various members of the End away from their established band but they convinced me to join them and they agreed to turn professional.

We re-launched ourselves as Renaissance Faire and turned ‘pro’ but unfortunately Phil Marriott (who was very creative) wanted to go to college and so he left the band at that stage. We played all over Southern  England and eventually we secured a record contract with Ember Records (their ‘star’ at that time was Glen Cambell who had a UK hit with Wichita Lineman) .

We cut a record which Kenny Lynch  wrote and produced called “A Walk in the Sunshine” ( too many trumpets!!) and the record company decided to call us The Medium Wave. I think the record sold about 28 copies in the UK but it was launched in Europe using different names such as Davey Payne and the Medium Wave and I once received a royalty cheque from Germany for about £3.50!!

Soon after this excitement I decided to give up singing and earn some prpoer money; whilst we were professional we made on average £8 per week each (not really enough to live on even in those early days). I went into the exciting world of Insurance and  did quite well –ending my days as a Director of a small UK Insurance Company but it was certainly not as fun as those early singing days I retired in 2004 and now live in Steyning in West Sussex. 
David Pain   August 2008

……references to Davey Payne and the Medium Wave can be seen by using a search engine on the web (not to be confused with Davey Payne who was a saxophonist with Ian Drury and the Blockheads)

.…….”A Walk in the Sunshine” - Rainy Day Mind: Ember Pop 1969-1974 can be heard on line by going to  HatchFM  (WFMU’s Hatch –Artists Played playlist -6 August 2005) –which comes up if you search for Davey Payne and the Medium Wave.

Peter Frampton

Peter Frampton born April 22, 1950, in Beckenham, Kent, England. At the age of 10, Peter was in a band called The Little Ravens, playing the same bill with George & The Dragons, which included Bromley man David Bowie. Peter later played with The Trubeats then The Preachers, produced and managed by the Rolling Stones' Bill Wyman. At 16, Peter was recruited as lead guitarist/singer for The Herd. Then Humble Pie with ex-Small Faces singer/guitarist Steve Marriott.

Mark Taylor

G'day Chris

An ex pat here who relocated to Australia from Folkestone in 1980 aged 19.
I had 'played' a gig with the 'Moondogs' a Folkestone RnB band in 1978 and formed and rehearsed 'Purple Rump' a school band (Hillside/Wyndgate) and jammed with Denigh in 1978.
That was the Kent music side.
In oz I worked as a pro muso in two of this country's most popular touring bands through the 80s.
Do I count for your Kent muso list? Will send pic if so
Cheers , Mark Taylor

Jill Pryor

I worked on the Kentish Gazette/Kent Herald from 1966-72 and wrote loads of reviews of local bands in that time. I remember that I and a few of the other junior reporters who came and went (John Catt and Caroline Moulsdale are two names) put together a column which was in the Kent Herald every Wednesday. I expect it was called something like Disc Date!
I guess there are copies on microfiche in Canterbury Library.

If you were interested I wouldn't mind having a look for you - good excuse for a bit of nostalgia. I'm very busy so it won't be immediately, but in the next few months I could visit Canterbury and see what I can find. If you've already got this covered, fine.

Cheers, Jill Stevens (formerly Jill Prescott-Decie [first marriage]; nee Jill Pryor)

Jill,
as usual thanks for your help. As long as I don't have to re-type your articles I will happy to expose a few more oldies email text or word docs are fine.....Ed

Nigel Stewart - Former Manager Leas Cliff Hall

Remember fondly the association with Andrew Macpherson from the early days with Expedition and then when I asked him to get more involved with gigs. [He was remakable at finding bands at short notice when we were let down by bands not showing]

Other bands and people were Pete Brown, oh what fun we had, Pete was in my house nearly every day drinking loads of coffee and telling tales, Roger Betts, Bill Barnacle "Blue Horizon" Jimmy Tagford the list goes on.

Great Website I will continue to visit it

Nigel Stewart

George Harland

George was born in 1926 and served in the Intelligence Corps 1944-48. Trained as an actor at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art 1949-50

His first proffessional appearance August 1950 was followed by reportory experience as an actor and director throughout England, Scotland and Ireland, then touring as an actor in England and Southern Ireland. Appeared in "Judith" at her Majesty's Theatre 1962, Various TV credits for BBC and ITV.

Since 1973 George has brilliantly performed a series of Solo performances as Charles Dickens, recreating the authors own performances of scenes from his novels and now has the largest reportoire of any Dickens performer. Performing as Charles Dickens, George was under exclusive contract to P&O crises working on the "Sea Princess" for 2 1/2 years. George has toured his Dickens show five times on the USA East Coast and performs at most British Arts Festivals. Now residing in Folkestone.

Audio recordings available "A Christmas Carol" - "Nicholas Nickleby" at Dotheboys Hall. - "Sikes & Nancy" (the murder from Oliver Twist)

Sike & Nancy was recently performed for Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theatre in a recreation of Dickens final performance ( Soon to be available on CD in the USA) Contact 01303 251798

Roger "Twiggy" Day

It all started with an appearance on Southern TV's Pop The Question hosted by Muriel Young. It was a panel game where members of the public joined teams of pop stars to answer questions on pop music. It was recorded in October 1965 at the Winter Gardens, Margate. Guests were the Fortunes and Chris Andrews. As a result of this he was offered the resident DJ spot at Dreamland, Margate. Soon he was also spinning discs at the Starlite Ballroom in Herne Bay.

In Spring 19666 Roger was hired by a new pirate station Swinging Radio England.
While on shore he was compere at the Uppercut Club in Forest Gate owned by the boxer Billy Walker. While there he introduced one Jimi Hendrix on only his second appearance in Britain.

Radio Caroline was the next stop in 1967 where the nickname "Twiggy" was adopted.
Another shipmate was Johnny Walker now of Radio Two.

When Caroline ceased broadcasting in March 1968 Roger went to the legendary Radio Luxembourg where he stayed until he left to compere the Beach Boys European Tour, which also featured local groups Vanity Fare and Candy Choir. During this period he was voted one of the top five disc jockeys in Britain

After that he created a mobile roadshow that played at most venues in Kent, and still makes selected appearances today. Another award came along as being the best live disco.

In 1970 it was back to the ships again with Radio North Sea International.

Since then he has worked at radio stations in Manchester, Birmingham, London and Cornwall. In 84 Roger returned home to Kent for the launch of Invicta Radio where he stayed until 1992. Then to BBC Kent.

Now he is a freelance broadcaster and hopes to return to the airwaves of Kent soon.

Hi

Well I've had the most amazing couple of weeks. Starting with the Radio Caroline Staff reunion on the 28th March 2004. This was one of the best days of my life, you know the sort that is one of those real special but unrepeatable days. I attach a favourite picture taken at the event with myself , The Admiral Robbie Dale and Sir Johnnie, the first time the three amigos have been together since March 68. As you can see we have retained our boyish good looks!!!!!!!! Great to see JW looking so good. You see when you have fought governments, Cancer is no problem.

Then it was up north for the thirtieth anniversary of Piccadilly Radio.
Back down to Essex for the broadcasts on Pirate BBC Essex on a lightship in Harwich Harbour. Don't know if you heard any of it, but well done to the Beeb for a fitting tribute to offshore radio. It was fantastic fun and the reaction from listeners was incredible. Sure proves that there are a lot of people who don't like what is on offer on Brit Radio.Pity it can't be permanent.
Which brings me to ask, would you like my Caroline shows to adopt that format or leave then as they are. Or perhaps a mix of the two.

Photo by Mary Payne at the Radio London Website
Finally it was down to the Riga Bar Southend for the Fortunes Gig and great to meet so many of our wonderful listeners.
What a couple of weeks. Don't think my liver could take that sort of treatment too often though.
Anyway back on Caroline this Saturday at 3.00 pm, then BBC local radio in the south and south east on Thursday 29th, Friday 30th and Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May 19.00-22.00 plus Radio Kent Saturday 1st May sitting in for Dave Cash at 18.00-21.00
Oh yes, almost forgot my birthday was in the middle of all that as well.
Best Wishes

Roger Day

Miles Robert Wilson - disc jockey on the pirate radio ship, Radio Caroline.

Miles involvement witht Caroline in the 70's to operate the Mi Amigo Roadshow then left for Denkmark where he also operated as a Dj in the clubs. He became a BBC Reporter and broadcaster and worked on local stations. In 1998 he moved to Malta where he again along with his wife Michele operates the Roadshow across the island. Finding music for his shows should not be too difficult witha library of 49,000 records.

Michele is the brother of Tim (Magic) Hughes.

Eddie Austin -
Holds record for the largest fine given to a private pirate radio operator.

Eddie was one of the main creators of Shepway Sound, White Cliffs Sound and Thanet Sound Radio .He was an important part of the team that won the franchise for Neptune Radio, broadcasting to Folkestone and Dover in Kent. Sadly it lost it's independance when later absorbed into KMFM. Eddie now lives in Kuala Lumpa

Eddie Austin from Dover, Kent, born 5th September 1949. Like many of his generation, Eddie was fascinated by the offshore stations of the sixties. As a 16 year old student, he planned to launch a part-time station, Radio Dover, from a friend's cabin cruiser although, sadly, this came to nothing. In early 1970 he met Steve & Debbie England, as both he and they had local mobile disco businesses. At the time Eddie was sharing a flat with Robin Adcroft and together they operated the land-based pirate Channel Radio. Eddie takes up the story a few years later: “In early March 1974, Steve asked me to visit the MV Jeanine to assist Andy Anderson with engineering and present the Yawn Into Dawn show (on Radio Atlantis). As my wife was expecting our first child it was agreed I would only stay a few weeks.” Eddie remembers one funny incident whilst on board: “I decided to do some spring cleaning after coming off air at 6am. I picked up what I thought to be some rags in my cabin. Later that day Dave Rogers was quite upset when he could find his underwear!! On my departure from the ship, I was given a stack of 10 inch open-reel tapes and asked to record shows to be used as ‘storm tapes’ for when the sea got too rough to play records. As these recordings could not contain time checks or any reference to chart positions, I decided to make up comedy sketches between the songs.” As well as being used in times of rough weather, Eddie says these were also transmitted sometimes late on Saturday nights, after the chart show. He also helped Atlantis in other ways: “When the station needed urgent supplies from the UK, I would send them on the Townsend Thoresen ferries at Dover and they would be collected by A.J Beirens in Belgium (who held a senior position for the shipping line at that time). A.J. ensured they got onto the tender out to the ship. During Atlantis' last week on air, in August 1974, my wife gave birth to a daughter. We named her after the station's ship, Jeanine. News reached the station and her birth was announced on air during the final hour. In my opinion Atlantis was the most fun-loving and imaginative of all the seventies radio stations. It was so sad the audience was limited by such a low powered transmitter.” After the closure, Eddie brought back Channel Radio but was taken to court and fined a then record £250. He formed a company to bid for a local radio franchise. This resulted in Kent's Invicta Radio. He later put together another group to bid for an East Kent license and Neptune Radio was launched in September 1997. Eddie says “In 2001 I decided to sell my shares and move to Malaysia. Neptune is now part of the KMFM group.

http://www.eddieaustin.com

Tommy Vance

Tommy Vance born Richard Anthony Chrispian Prue Hope-West, 11.7.1940, in Eynsham, Oxon died 6.3.2005, in Kent.

Not only was he a great pirate radio presenter, but was involved in early formation of the Folkestone disco scene in the early 70’s and co-owned a record shop in the Old High Street..

Legendary rock radio DJ Tommy Vance died of a stroke in the early hours of Sunday March 6th 2005. He was 61 years old and had one of the most recognisable voices in radio. Tommy's career began in the early 60s in US radio followed by a successful stint with Radio Caroline South where he made his UK debut in 1966.
Read more about TV on radio's career, tributes from Radio Caroline DJs and listeners, and links to other tribute pages on the web by clicking here.

Tommy was in partnership with Seventies Disco DJ Johnnie Scott (aka John Scotchmer) in a record shop called Scenic Sounds in the Old High Street (near the Earl Grey pub). I believe Tommy had put up the money while John managed the business on a day-to-day level. Later John was promoted to entertainments manager at the Grand Hotel and left the partnership: his place was taken by Gary Fowler. (Eventually, Mike Oliver took over the business).

Tommy used to turn up regularly to see how his shop was doing, and would usually do the rounds of Seventies and some of the other local night clubs.

When I was DJ at Seventies in 1973, we booked Noel Edmonds to make a personal appearance for what was then a huge sum - £1,000. (Noel was at that time the breakfast DJ on Radio One). However, his agent cancelled at the last minute, for reasons which were never fully explained (not to me anyway). Hundreds of people had bought tickets and we were in a fix. Johnnie Scott had the brainwave of calling upon Tommy Vance to come and do the gig at just a few hours' notice. Tommy was at that time helping to set up Capital Radio, which was due to go on air soon. He arrived in the nick of time accompanied by none other than Dave Cash. Between them they did an incredible show, and put away quite a bit of Fundador brandy - which is what we were promoting that night. Tommy's opening words were "We're here to tell you all about Fundador: it comes from Spain, where the boys say "Ole" ... and the girls do!"

Whether working as a DJ or as a voice-over artist, Tommy was one of the very best. He gave me much valuable advice which - though I never remotely achieved the heights that he did - has served me well in my own career.

Best regards Robin Quinn.......

Tommy's funeral took place 2.30pm Tuesday 15th March 2005 at Golders Green Crematorium in London N.W.11.

At last, thanks to BFBS Radio and Sanctuary, I've now been able to post a PODCAST of an archive interview I did with legendary DJ Tommy Vance in 1978. It lasts about 16 minutes and includes plays of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer <http://pages.britishlibrary.net/johnscottcree/A%20superfluous%20man.html>, His greatest hit, and The original Flamenco. I hope you enjoy it.

You can find the Podcast at http://pages.britishlibrary.net/johnscottcree/1%20Track%2001.mp3

best
John
John Scott Cree
Horley, England

website - http://pages.britishlibrary.net/johnscottcree/

Mike Brill

Mike Brill for some years presented the best Local Band Radio show in Kent. The show was called "Kent Rocks" on BBC Radio Medway and later BBC Radio Kent. The BBC dropped the programme, when they forgot they were supposed to be the Local radio Station for Kent people. Mike was originally an engineer for the radio station and ran the programme in his own time on Sunday nights, he is now a computer consultant.

Mike was a gentleman presenter even when his guests (2 or 3 Kent bands per show) would mis-behave.
Chris Ashman Writes:
I was fortunate to be on Mike's show in the 80's when he invited me to talk about the my studio and the Gig Guide. The next year I accompanied The Breakaways to Mike's Christmas show. The Breakaways turned up in Fancy Dress, including Roadies. Mike did not bat a eyelid, he just cooly introduced the boys as a fine young bunch of lads from Ashford who had been doing some recording at Folkestone recently. He was not really phased when a band member moonied through the control room window, he just said " my goodness" and went on introducing his next record.
About 8pm it started snowing very hard, everyone stayed a lilltle bit after the show and then decided to try and get home. I got home at 4.30 am. The band got stuck in a snowdrift at the bottom of Charing Hill and decided to walk. They were aprehended by a passing police patrol who wanted to know who this buch of fairys, gnomes, ghosts and Diddimen were doing up a lonely country lane at that time of the morning.

My next visit was with Winston & The Churchills after they won Battle of the Bands at the Leas Cliff Hall ( Mike was one of the Judges) complete with army uniforms and rifles loaded with party poppers. During my interview Winston burst into the studio and shot me in the eye with a "popper". a very painful experience. Mike was very concerned. He said later, " that he never, had anyone else shot on his show, however bad they were".

Super Roady -
40 years On Willy (Brian W. Wilson) has found us, he writes.
Dear Chris.
I just happened to Google a name and came upon your web site, I was Fascinated! 
Names from the past  kept coming at me!
I was Willy who you describe as the first lead singer of URF who <couldnt get the hang of it> I believe the original lineup of URF was Ellis, Bob, Roy Pratt and Myself.
(Could be, I took the job that night in a band called Infinity . URF was months later....Chris)

I started in the Folkestone Music scene as a roady with the Cossacks, then went with Pete Taylor and Roy Pratt to The End and then Roady with Rennaisance Faire.before moving to live at the Flat in Bouverie Road East with Ducky Pete and becoming involved with Bob Hodgeman who lived with his mother on the floor below.
I would like to get in touch with Bob if he is still around also Pete (Spud ) Taylor and Roy Pratt (Adams) who I went to school with. If you know of their whereabouts, please give them my Email address.

Do you remember the time when we went to see the Moody Blues at Bridge Country Club in your old Bedford van and they didn't turn up and we got stuck in the snow on the way back to Folkestone? (Oh yes I will never forget that night - We were supposed to be discussing a record deal and ended up stranded at Capel Le Ferne in 5 feet of snow - It was scary...Chris)

Well i am still married to Lyn who was with us on that trip. And I can definately say I was in the Hillside Club on the 31st of December 1966!

Hoping for some type of reply.
Brian W Wilson

The only known pictures of Pete (left and in the towel) with Nick Ashman, Ellis Pelham - Glasby, Pete Sewell ( seen here sporting "Virgin Socks") and Willy. He was a quiet sort of bloke who had a flat in Bouverie Road East at the top of a large house. The flat was used as a meeting place for the hoards of his friends and the other people living there. The landlord probably gave up on the property after he saw the psychodelia painted on the walls, and a bed in every space except the lounge which was always full of colourful people and foreign students ( studying Englands youth?)

We invite you to write the stories about " The Seance", "Clean Sheets", "Willy's Cooking" Bob Hodgeman's habits and sayings. All these stories may have to go past our solicitor before we publish, you've been warned.