Denny and the Diplomats

Members

Denny Laine (Brian Hines) - guitar, vocals, harmonica (Born: 29 October 1944, Tyseley, Birmingham, England - Died: 5 December 2023, Naples, Florida, USA)
Phil Ackrill - guitar, vocals
Bev Bevan - drums, vocals

Steve Horton - bass guitar
Nicky James - lead vocals
Mike Hopkins - lead guitar, vocals
Jim Onslow - vocals, bass guitar

Dave Wheeland - bass guitar

Formed in Birmingham.
Dave Wheeland left in 1962 and emigrated to Australia. He was replaced by Steve Horton.
Nicky James joined in 1962 and took over the lead vocal duties. During 1963, Nicky James was offered a solo career, which he decided to take, and recorded for Pye, Columbia and Philips labels.
Denny Laine left in 1964 to join the Soul Preachers who became the Moody Blues.
Mike Hopkins and Jim Onslow joined following Laine's departure.
During this transition, Steve Horton left.

In 2010s/2020s Bev Bevan was in the band Quill.

Known Gigs

28 May 1963 Wednesbury, Youth Centre, West Midlands. 

20 Jun 1963 Wednesbury, Youth Centre, West Midlands. 

29 Jun 1963 Wednesbury, Youth Centre, West Midlands. Gala Day Twistacular.

5 Jul 1963 Old Hill, Plaza Ballroom, West Midlands. Supporting The Beatles.

18 Jul 1963 Wednesbury, Youth Centre, West Midlands. 

1 Oct 1963 Wednesbury, Youth Centre, West Midlands. Supporting Nero and the Gladiators.

16 Nov 1963 Wednesbury, Youth Centre, West Midlands. With The Redcaps.
11 Jan 1964 Lichfield, Guildhall, Bore Street, Staffordshire. With Gerry Levene and the Avengers, and The Saints.
26 Jan 1964 Burton upon Trent, 76 Club, High Street, Staffordshire.

31 Mar 1964 Wednesbury, Youth Centre, West Midlands. With The Spartans.