Scunny Groups Page 3

The Moles about 1965

The Moles featured Martin (tweedy) Street on bass

Andy Boyd on lead Alan Beesty on drums and Steve Bainbridge on vocals

Keith Wyre and the Three Strands 1963

The group consisted of Keith Wyre on vocals; Andy Boyd on lead; Stuart Smith on drums

John Jackson on bass, later replaced by Tweedy Street on bass

Keith Wyre and the Three Strands

The group pulled the original stunt of driving down Scunthorpe High Street on the back of a flatback lorry while performing their music. I recall seeing them that day, and thought, what a brilliant stunt. I wonder how they got the mains power for the amps etc, you couldn't get battery power gear in those days, they must have used a generator.

Worrying Kind 1968

The line up was:- Andy Boyd, lead guitar; Martin (Tweedy) Street, bass; Alan Beasty, drums; Dave Waterland, vocals; Brian Hayes, sax & flute; Rowdy ??? trumpet; Colin Baysford, trumpet and Brian Hayes

Bonk Johnson joined later on keyboards

The Worrying Kind

The Contacts 1966

The trio featured Michael Byran on lead, Paul Duffin on rhythm, Bob York on bass and Pat Bryon on drums

Steve Earl and the Presidents 1960/61

The groups featured Ian Mavor (Maverick) rhythm guitar; Ernie Boynton lead; Martin Danks piano

Mick Strangleman drums and Dave Churchman on vocals

The Four Candles 1988/91

The group featured Jock McKay on vocals; Martin Street on Bass; Andy Boyd on Lead

Jed Cox on drums and later, Dave Proudlove joined on Sax and guitar

The Decoys 1963/64

The Decoys consisted of Mally Needham on guitar/vocals; Martin (tweedy) Street on bass

Andy Boyd on lead and; Jack Pearson on drums

I was reminded, I hadn't mentioned the agents who got the groups so much work in the early days. So to put things right I have included a list of the most popular of the 1960/70's. Terry Sampson who lived on the caravan site ( Peatfields down Burringham road or Ashby Decoy. There was Don Carroll for Grimsby he covered the Lincoln areas and the RAF camps. Earny Beaty for Doncaster and the mining welfare clubs. Pete Mcloud for Hull and the Star clubs. Robin Eldridge again Doncaster. Martin Yale of Grimsby, Martin Lighthowler of Doncaster.

1993-94 INSTANT REPLAY –Steve Wright (guitar) ,

John Vessey (drums), Darren Lee (vocals) and Gordon Blundell (bass).

Gordon (Irving) Blundell (bass guitarist)

Gordon (pictured above) has been a feature on the local music scene since the early sixties. His first group was 'Phase Five'in 1966, Gordon played lead guitar but would later change to his instrument of choice Bass Guitar with later groups.

On leaving 'Phase five' he joined up with 'Somebody's People' with among others, Steve Wright on lead guitar. The group would later have a change of personel and change their name to 'People'. Another reincarnation of 'People' would be'Kaleidoscope'. Gordon's next group was 'Vince Lauderdale & the Rock n Roll Revival Show', which featured Steve Wright on lead, Dennis Lonsdale on drums and Malcolm Halsal (Raving Rupert) on vocals. The group was renamed 'The Rock n Roll Revival Show', and finally in 1970 became, 'Raving Rupert's R&R Revival Show'.

In 1972 Gordon joined 'Assortment' along with Ian King on vocals,Martin Danks on keyboards, Colin Chambers on sax and Roger Gammidge on drums. Various other groups followed including 'Keith', 'Jimmy Jenkins Trio', 'Profile' with Jock McKay on vocals, 'Alpine Trio', 'Dolphins', 'Tina & Tomorrow', 'Mustard', 'Rock a Billy Rebels', 'Country Ramblers','Freeways'; 'Triple Standard'; 'Instant Replay'; 'Breakaway'; 'Casade'; 'Dizzy Heights' and 'Sky High' in 2001/2.

All and all a very busy and full musical history,one of the Towns senior musician.

The Chills 1966

Ricky Hood on lead guitar; Pete Hood on rhythm; Doug Kirk on drums; Rick Capper on bass

receiving their trophy on winning The Star' Challenge Trophy

The Chills 1966

A later version of the Chills featured the Hood brothers with Terry Huish on bass with Chuck Curtis on vocals.

Poet's Arbour 1967

Mike 'Fred' Sparling on bass, Dave Grimblely on drums,T Ingham on guitar, J West on guitar and B Phillips on vocals

The Teenagers 1961

The Teenagers were Chuck Curtis on vocals; Ernie Boynton on lead

Mick Strangleman on drums; Dave Churchman on bass

Blues Anonymous; George Sutton, Paul Newton, Tony Dixon on drums, Ken Parkin, Jack Wooliven on lead

Dodger 1980

Dodger featured John Stevenson (of Freeways fame) on guitar and vocals; Andy Boyd on lead; Roger Gammidge on drums

Alan Wellam on bass; John's sister Maureen would later join them, at first only on their final spot, before eventually joining the group full time. The group eventually morphed into a reincarnation of the 'Freeways' Mk2, about 1986 when Irving Blundell took over on Bass guitar.

The Les Goddard Combo 1964

The group featured Les Goddard on lead and vocals; Dave Churchman on bass and vocals

Eric Mchutchion on drums and Rosie Bembenek on vocals

Profile 1975-76

Profile featured Gordon (irving) Brundell on bass; The late Martin Danks on keyboards

Ian (Jock) McKay on vocals and Roger Gammidge on drums

Assortment 1972-73

Assortment featured the late Ian King on Vocals; Mick Harriman on guitar; The late Martin Danks on keyboards

Roger Gammidge on drums; Gordon (Irving) Brundell on bass and Colin Chambers on sax

Jock McKay took over from Ian King but was still in the army while singing for 'Assortment'.

This meant, if the band had a Friday night gig,they would have to pick him up at Doncaster station on a Friday night, Many a hour was spent, waiting nerviously at the station, hoping he had not missed the train.

Gordon and Roger went on to join up with Jimmy Jenkins to form the 'Jimmy Jenkins Trio', and they also had a short

spell in 'Keith' with a scottish singer who's name they can't recall. The pair also had a spell with the 'Dolphins',in 1977 along with John & Tony Whiteley on vocals; Barry Gardner on guitar and Colin Hatton on drums

Adrenalin early 1990's, the band has since had a complete change of personnel

Adrenalin, Rick Ogleby (rhythm), Chris Harrison (lead), Tony Jones (vocals), Dean Godfrey (drums), Clive Faulkner (bass).

'Adrenalin' the band played music of the Rolling Stones, Free, Bad Company, Bon Jovi, Queen etc

Moscow 1989

Mark Shergold, Clive Faulkner, Geoff Wilson, Paul Woodward, Rick Oglesby

The Sunsets (later to become Tony and the Cadillacs)

Johnnie Dobbs, ??, Barry Garner, Richie Underwood, ??, ??, Tony Borrell, Keith Harrison,

Johnny Dobbs, Frank Coult & Barry Garner Johnny Dobbs with the Cadillacs

The Mel Oliver Band at Normanby Hall

John Robinson, Mel Oliver, Greg Tomlinson, Pete Jackson.

The Kingpins

Richard Capper on bass, Gerald Fillingham on rhythm,; John Cooper on vocals, Edward Baird on lead guitar,

William Cumberlidge on drums

The BarRoom Stompers 2010

Dave Churchman (Bass Guitar) Daz (Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar),

Andy Boyd ( Lead Guitar) & Phil (Eddie) (Drums & Second Vocals )

John J Paul Band

John Brady, Ray Thornton, John J Paul, Don Lee 1992-1997

The Myths 1967 (The group disbanded in March 1968)

Dick Payne on bass; Trev Mitchell on drums; Rick Stewart on rhythm and vocals; Bob Ridley on vocals

Dave Fawkes on lead and vocals; Other members were D Smith on drums and D Murray

on rhythm and vocals. Manager Ted Lusby. in 1965

The Classics 1963

Les Goddard, Rod Clarke, Ian King, Hugh Gourley & Colin Hatton

Open Road, ” Eric McCutcheon, Mick Harriman, Andy Boyd, Dave Churchman and Pete Drayton

Chapter Six

Sid Cuthbert on vocals; Eddie Ashworth lead and vocals; Alan Beasley on drums

John Hicks on bass; Jeff Fowler on rhythm

(anyone got a better photo?)

Alphabetical Alarm Clock 1969

The group featured Jock McKay on vocals; Roger Parot on drums; Paul Duffin on rhythm guitar

Mick Brown on bass; Richard Pryztupa on lead

The Misfits 1964

Peter O'Donnell keyboards, John H.S.Norris lead guitar, Richard Hainsworth drums, Stuart Dron bass.

The Misfit were on the go from 1961 til 1965, they were the first rock group to play the Jazz Workshop and played all the local venues, St Hugh's Youth Club, The Sherpa, The Desert Rat, The Crosby and The Cocked Hat.

John H S Norris moved to the USA where he lives today. The group broke up Nov 64

Lou Lewis and the Stardusters, late 1950's

The band featured Lou Lewis conducting,Tom Ellis on sax, Bob Johns on piano, Bayliss Thomas on drums,; Dave Stocks on bass, Jerry Rose on trumpet, Tony Watson on alto sax, Tom Ellis on tenor sax, Bob Duck tenor sax and John Thompson on baritone sax.The band played the circuit of dancehalls including Brigg, Louth,Lincoln Retford Gainsborough etc.

The Tropics 1964

Rodney Barker (ex Dominators); Stuart Showler (ex Aztecs)

David Stevenson (ex Aztecs); Andrew Mayers (ex Dominators)

The Chill 1990

The band featured Alan Occleshaw on lead guitar,

Jim Bryden on vocals; Gary Drane on drums and Gordon Cummings on bass.

The Chill 1990

The band started in 1990 and played the local Scunthorpe and Yorkshire scene.

They play Eric Clapton, Free, Dire Straits, U2 etc. They did a tour of Poland in 1992.

Ian Mavor (Maverick)

Another guy worth a mention is the late Ian Mavor (Maverick). He was the only

guitarist I knew who played a song in the key of 'F', this was in 1958, when

we were still trying to master the keys of 'g','d','e' and 'c'. My brother Hugh

recalls meeting up with him

I met Ian Mavor (Maverick) early in 1958; both of us 'played' guitar & we got on well together...he had an amplifier for his guitar...WOW!!!... no plans, just a couple of lads messing around... 'Move it' was released in late 1958 (???) & I had worked out how to play the riff. I went to see him, to show him- he lived off Frodingham Road somewhere, & we eventually managed to sort

the complete song out between us. He took me 'round the corner' to meet a mate of his..Dave Churchman... & sometime later Ian or Dave introduced me to a singer who also lived on or off Frodingham Road called 'Chuck Curtis', whose mother gave us both a glass of wine, (Rosé I think)... high living in Scunthorpe in the late 50's. Maverick later joined the police-force, and later moved to Grimsby with his job. He started a group in Grimsby, the members all policemen, I can't remember the

name of the group.

Moderation

In 67 the lineup was Rick Laughton (lead), Keith Burdett (drums); and Andy Mayers (bass), Bill Gibson (rhythm).

Rosie Bembenek of 'The Days of Wine and Rosie' made the occasional guest appearance with them. Two other members of Rosie's group (Wine n Rosie), Ernie Boyton and Mick Strangleman were thought by many

to be the top outstanding musicans among the Scunthorpe groups.

The Chechakos

Gerry Farnham, Chris Francis, Pete Jackson, Gregg Tomlinson and Geoff Theaker

The Chechakos appeared in the mid 1960s, another excellent group, I remember seeing them at the Jazz workshop in Ashby, and being very impressed by them. The line-up consisted of Gerry Farnham, Greg Tomlinson, Chris Francis, Pete Jackson and Geoff Theaker. Later members were Roy Jepson (lead Guitar), Ian King (vocals), Steve Cox (drums)

‘Chechakos’ (L-R) Geoff Theaker (Bass Gtr), Roy Jepson (Lead Gtr), Ian ‘King’ Stanaghan (Vocals), Gerry Farnham (Rhythm Gtr), Steve Cox (Drums)

Roy Jepson is another of the Towns Musicians from years ago. he started in my early days playing in a Duo with another well known local Musician, Stuart Grey and they were doing a lot of ‘Everley Brothers’ material, not unlike another well know local Duo at that time, Jim Ryder and Pete Hornsby. Their first public appearance was at the ‘aBc Minors’ on Doncaster Road. Following this, Roy was in several groups one being ‘Ralph Shawn and the Bluenotes’ which featured Tony ‘Tosh’ Wallis on Vocals (who later emigrated to Australia). he then went on to play lead guitar for ‘The Executioners’ which also featured Mick Cowling (Drums), Terry Cowling (rhythm gtr), Ralph Beacroft (Bass gtr) and Tony Wallis (Vocals).After a spell off he then joined ‘The Chechakos’, shown in the photo above (left to right) Geoff Theaker (Bass gtr), Roy Jepson (Lead gtr), Ian ‘King’ Stranaghan (Vocals), Gerry Farnham (rhythm gtr), Steve Cox (Drums). The band were kept busy with bookings at ‘The Jazz Workshop’ Ashby where they played regularly. They eventually had an audition at the famous ‘2 I’s’ coffee Bar in London which secured them a months work in Germany where they played a gig at ‘The Top Ten Club’ in Hamburg which is well known, owing to ‘The Beatles’ having played there. However the story did not have a happy ending in that on returning to England their van,

containing all of the equipment, was stolen in London and never recovered and this led to the Band ‘calling it a day’.

Following another spell out of the scene Roy did a regular gig at ‘The Cocked Hat’ Monday nights along with Pete Johnson (Drums) and Pete hornsby (Bass).Finally Roy joined up with an old schoolmate, guitarist John Stephenson and his sister Maureen and became involved with the well know local Band ‘Maureen and the Freeways’, before retiring from the music scene.

The Ensigns playing at the Baths 1964

The Ensigns 1963/65

Scunthorpe group,'The Ensigns' featured Terry Richardson (keyboards), Mal Smith (guitar) Jeff Sanderson( bass)

& Paul Bryars (drums). The guys all played in Brumby Youth Orchestra and formed a band called the 'Crusaders' in 62, which eventually became the Ensigns in 1963. They were managed by Harry Turner Licensee of the Grosvenor Hotel.The band won the 'Star Challenge Cup', beat contest in 1964, two points behind were 'The Imps' followed by 'Maureen and the Freeways' in third place. The group started their spot with an unusual choice of music, namely, their version of 'Swan Lake', brave choice in 1964. Not thinking themselves very strong on vocals, they played quite a few instrumental numbers,

namely, Shadows, Johnny and the Hurricanes, Etc. They played many of the local venues, the Sherpa, the Ancholme Inn at Brigg, the Queen Bess and many of the Scunthorpe working mens clubs. The band split up in 1965 after a short, but successful couple of years. Jeff Sanderson( bass), went on to join 'Tony and the Cadallics'. Terry Richardson (keyboards) and Paul Bryars (drums) formed a band called 'The News' which played the local scene for a few years. Mal Smith (guitar) joined 'The Vikings' later to become 'Del Vikings', which played the local scene for many years, 'Del Vikings' still play the occasional gig.

The Ensigns winning the Challenge Cup at the Baths 1964 Ashby Labour Club 1964

There was always a live band playing in the

Scunthorpe and district pubs and clubs in the sixties.

Malcom Turner, Pete Hornsby & Jimmy Ryder Malcolm Turner

Malcolm Turner has played a major part in the Scunthorpe Group scene. He started of playing

skiffle with Gerry Graham Beat Group, line-up was Mal, Tony Graham, Pete Johnson and Ray

Elliot. They Changed their name to the 'Highlights', Toyne Tomlinson and Dave Markee Took the place

of Ray Elliot and Pete Johnson. Mal then joined up with Jimmy Ryder and Pete Hornsby to form

'The Nightriders'. After the 'Nightriders' he teamed up with Paddy O'Connor, Ernie Boynton and Mick

Strangleman to form 'The Turnabouts'. He then teamed back up with Jimmy Ryder and company to

form 'The Shantells'. After 'The Shantells' Mal went Solo for several years, using the stage

name 'Malcolm Roy'. In the late sixties, he could be found at the 'Cocked Hat', with the

old team of Jimmy Ryder, Pete Hornsby, Pete Johnson and Mal Hamilton, where they used

to perform their act and back anyone who fancied singing. Another star act from the

late fifties and on.

“The Shantells” Jimmy Ryder, Pete Johnson, Pete Hornsby, Front – Mal Turner

Martin Danks.

I didn't know Martin very well, although our paths crossed a few times in the sixties.

The last time I saw him was in the late sixties, we shared a train journey from Scunthorpe to

Doncaster. We had a very interesting chat about the group scene as I recall. I moved away from Scunthorpe shortly after, and we never met again. He struck me as a very pleasant guy, and this has been born out by others I have spoken to. I believe his first group was, 'Blues Syndicate', which included, Dave Churchman (bass), Alan Harsley (lead) and Alex Maw on drums. There next came a spell with the 'Turnabouts', with Ernie Boynton (lead guitar), Paddy O'Connor (bass), Mick Strangleman (drums) and Tandi Carroll (vocals). His next group was 'Profile' with Jock McKay (vocals), Roger Gambridge (drums) and Gordon Brundell (bass).This was followed by the 'Strollers' with Mal Hamilton (guitar), Stuart Smith (drums), Terry List (bass) and John Banks (guitar). He joined the 'Imps' about 2004, fellow members were Greg Tomilson (guitar), Bill Gibson (bass), Stuart Smith (drums) and Alan Harsley (guitar). Martin sadly passed away in 2004. He was major influence on the Scunthorpe music scene.

Ian King

I first met Ian King (real name Ian Stranaghan) while playing with the 'Jesters'. This is where he got the name King from, Ian King and the Jesters. The lineup was Ian on vocals, Derek Hodson (lead guitar), Dave Churchman (bass), Jim Gourley (rhythmn guitar) and John Gouldthorpe (drums). He then joined the 'Classics' which became known as 'Ian King and the Classics. The Classics lineup was Ian on vocals, Hugh Gourley (rhythmn guitar), John Hill (lead guitar), Rod Clarke (bass) and Colin Hatton (drums).The group was very popular in the sixties and had a regular gig at the Priory Hotel. After singing with the 'Classics' for several years, he then joined up with the 'Chechakos', the lineup was Ian on vocals, Geoff Theaker (bass),Roy Jepson (lead guitar),Gerry Farnham (rhythmn Guitar) and Steve Cox (drums). Another group was 'Assortment' with Martin Danks, Ian King,Roger Gammidge, Mick Harriman and Irving Brunnel. Ian later emigrated to America where he sadly died several years ago.

Ian King and the Classics

Triple Standard 1990/92

Gordon Blundell, (Bass), Shaun Shepherdson, (vocals) Steve Wright (guitar)

Triple Standard did quite a few pub dates around Scunthorpe.

They used a sophisticated drum machine,(for the time), which Gordon had to program in for each number they played.

The Morning Glory Band 1968

The group featured, Dave Waterman on vocals, Alan Beasty on drums, Ray Johnson on organ, Alan Browes on trumpet, Colin Baseford on trumpet, Andy Boyd on lead and Martin (Tweedy) Street on bass

After Methuselah disbanded, Craig Austen went on to form 'Distant Jim' in 1969

The group featured Craig on bass/vocals, Hull based Les Nicol,lead/vocals and Steve Chapman

drums. The group were based in London were they had a recording contract.

Distant Jim', Members featured Craig Austen, Les Nical and Steve Chapman

1998-2000 CASCADE – John Vessey (drums).) ,

Gordon Blundell (bass), Dave Jacklin (keyboards) and Lynette ? (vocals)

They played middle of the road, popular songs of the era.

John Vessey (drummer/guitarist)

John Vessey (pictured above) has been on the Scunthorpe music scene from the early sixties. In 1968 John played Guitar in a Band called “After Midnight People”. He returned to the Drums in 1969 in a Band called “5AD” which also had Keith Grice (later of “New Era”) on Lead Guitar. In 1970 John began a long association with Gloria Mayne (“The Gloria Mayne Trio”)which also featured Cliff Batty (Guitar), doing Cabaret. About a year later he moved back to Guitar and formed “The Sound-Breakers” with Stef Chriyinski. In 1972 he re-joined Gloria Mayne who by this time had been joined by her Daughter Allison and somewhere around 1973 he adopted the stage name Johnnie Vee. In 1974 he began touring with them. In 1977 Allison left to join a Band called “Judy Blue” and John met the Whiteley family for the first time . He joined their Band “Southbank”and did the local circuit with them for a while. He then became the resident Drummer at “Elm House” in Scunthorpe around 1978. After a couple of years he returned to Guitar once again and played with John and Chris Whiteley in “Ocean Blue”before forming a ‘rock ‘n’ roll’ Band called “Red Hot” with Guitarist Keith Mullard (he actually played Bass with this Band for a while after their Bass player left and the only substitute they could get was another Drummer (Roy ‘Animal’ Allenby). In 1981 he joined up with Chris Whiteley (Guitar), Terry Pitchfork (Guitar), Kev Oades (Bass) and the late Roly Smith (Vocals) to form“Hybrid” which was a popular Band doing the local circuit. This was followed by a 2 year period with “Contact Four”which featured a number of different local Musicians including Paddy O’Connor (Bass) Roly Smith, (Vocals), Toyne Tomlinson & Trev Mitchell (Drums) and Frank Cornish (Bass). During the period when Trev Mitchell was with them, John played Bass and one of the features of the show was a Drum solo with both of them playing together.During the period 1984 to 1988 John did Summer Season work with local Organist, Dave Jacklin playing at “Coastfeld” (Ingoldmells) and “Seymours” (Humberston) as well as doing work with Grimsby Band “Kenny King and the Breakaways” which commenced during 1985 and lasted until around 1990.

The Vikings later to be renamed 'Del Vikings' playing at the Baths 1965

Bas Brader (guitar), Mal Smith (guitar), Les Stringfellow (Bass) & Trevor Gammidge (drums).

'Inner Movement' (1967/71)

Inner Movement featured Wil Jefferys on drums John Underwood on lead Mick Bryan on rhythm

Pat Byran on keyboards Paul Elleron on bass Barry Hessleton on vocals

The guys played quite a lot in the Doncaster area, (which was quite common in those days, there were loads of working mens clubs to go at) The group was managed by Terry Richardson Road manager Lou Nikolajew and van driver David Cook

The Inner Movement

The group was reduced to a four piece on midweek bookings as Paul Ellerton was studying at Sheffield University, John Underwood and Mick Bryan would fill in on bass on these occasions.

The group hoped to get a record contract after recording two songs they had wrote. The first was written by lead guitarist John Underwood with a song called The Colour Change, and the second track which was co written by all the guys was called Heartburn. What ever happened to those tracks?

Inner Movement 1968/69 Back Row left to right; John Underwood, Pat Bryan, Paul Ellerton, Mick Bryan. Front Row left to right; Baz Heseltine, Wilf Jeffrey

'Scott Pearson Set' 1971

The Scott Pearson Set featured

Scott Pearson with Pat Bryan on keyboards and Ann Hilder on vocals they played at 'Tiffany's'

Ann Hilder went on to sing for 'The News' which also featured Terry Richardson and Paul Bryan. They played mainly clubs and private functions.

The Bridge County Rebels 1981

The group featured left to right

Dave Jackson on guitar Tony Besley on vocals Steve Setterfield on drums and front Dave Kopke on bass

The guys specialised on 50's rock a billy music. Dave Kopke went on to join Grimsby band

The Blue Dakotasin 1983 and Dave Jackson formed Vince and the Velocettes about the same time

After a 25 year lay off Dave Kopke has picked up his double bass again and is now playing with

a Sheffield rock a billy band called the 'Slingshots'.