The Andicaps

Left to Right: Dave Walsh, Dave Watson, Jeff Lynne, and Rob Reader

Members

Jeff Lynne - guitar (Born: 30th December 1947)
Rob Reader - bass guitar
David Walsh - drums
Dave Watson - guitar

Kevin 'Kex' Gorin - drums
John Kerton - lead vocals
Dave Merrick - bass guitar
William Watson (Dave Watson's brother) - harmonica
Jake Commander - lead guitar
Malcolm Garner - bass guitar
Mike Heard - lead guitar


The Andicaps were formed in early 1963 by four teenagers in Shard End, Birmingham as The Rocking Hellcats. After a name change and a bit of practice, the Andicaps began playing regularly at Shard End Community Centre. Their repertoire consisted entirely of instrumentals at this early stage.

John Kerton joined as the lead singer in 1964.
Kevin Gorin replaced David Walsh on drums in 1964. Dave Walsh joined another Shard End group, the Boulevards. He later helped to form Second City Sound.

Dave Merrick replaced Rob Reader on bass guitar in 1964.
William Watson, Dave Watson's brother, joined for a short while in 1964 on harmonica.

In 1965 Jeff Lynne left to join The Chads and William Watson also left. Jake Commander came in on guitar. Jeff Lynne was later in the Nightriders, who became The Idle Race, and then the Move and ELO (the Electric Light Orchestra).
In May 1966 the Andicaps played in Germany. They later also played in Lapland! They also made a record that was released in Finland.
In 1966 Dave Merrick was replaced by Malcolm Garner on bass guitar and Mike Heard, who had formerly been in the John Bull Breed, replaced Jake Commander on lead guitar.
Malcom Garner was later in The Exception.
In 1967 John Kerton left the Andicaps and later joined Red Sun.

Kex Gorin was later in the Birmingham rock band Magnum. Jake Commander became a recording engineer and producer. He produced Magnum's first album. Jake also worked with the Electric Light Orchestra (E.L.O.) in the 1970s, with Jeff Lynne. Malcolm Garner joined the 'Jasper Stubbs Gloryland Band' and later joined The Exception. 


Finland Singles

1966 You Make Me Happy / It's So Fine                                            Sonet T 6513

'You Make Me Happy' was written by guitarist Mike Heard.