The Epics

Members

Vic Elmes - guitar, vocals (born 10 May 1947, in Dagenham, Essex, England - died April 2017)
Ian Jansen - guitar, vocals
Stuart Tann - bass guitar, lead vocals
Bill Fifield (later known as Bill Legend) - drums

Mike Blakley - drums (born 12 January 1947 in Bromley, Kent, England)


The Epics were formed in Barking, East London as The 4 Zodiacs. They shortened their name to The Zodiacs before changing it again to the Epics and releasing records on the Pye label.
Mike Blakely replaced Bill Fifield on drums.
When the Epics were touring in Europe their Danish roadie Johan Lind, who was a singer in his own right, asked the group to back him up on a song, a cover of Chris Andrews' 'Yesterday Man', which was backed by a cover of Buddy Holly's 'Everyday'. The Epics agreed, but forfeited any payment for the job. This record was the first stereo singe released in Denmark. It made the Danish charts.
The Epics briefly changed their name to Blossom before becoming Acid Gallery with new bass guitarist Alan Ross.
Ian Jansen was later in Acid Gallery.
Vic Elmes and Mike Blakley were later in Acid Gallery and Christie.
Bill Fifield was later in Legend, The Romford Golden Sunshine Band and T-Rex (Marc Bolan gave Bill his new name Bill Legend because of his involvement with his previous band Legend).
For more information on The Epics see Jeff Christie's very good website here.

Left to Right: Stuart Tann, Vic Elmes, Mike Blakley and Ian Jansen

Johan Lind in in the centre of this picture of The Epics.

(Picture from Jeff Christie's website - see above)

UK Singles

1965 There's Just No Pleasing You / My Little Girl                             Pye 7N 15829
(Released 16th April 1965)
1966 Just How Wrong You Can Be / Blue Turns to Grey                     Pye 7N 17053
(Released 8th April 1966)
1968 Travelling Circus / Henry Long                                                   CBS 3564
(Released 28th June 1968)

US Singles

1966 Goes To Show (Just How Wrong You Can Be) / Blue Turns To Grey  Hanna-Barbera Records HBR-480

Denmark Singles

Johan Lind (backed by the Epics)
1965 Yesterday Man / Every Day                                     Jacks Beat Records    BR 1007
(Released December 1965)

Later releases credited the Epics on the cover of its picture sleeve.

Known Gigs

1 Jan 1966 Margate, Dreamland Ballroom. Supporting by Robb Storme and the Whispers.

The Epics in action on stage.

(Picture from Jeff Christie's website - see above)