The Pathfinders

Members

Tom Earley - rhythm guitar, vocals
Roy Brockhurst - bass guitar, vocals
Pete Brockhurst - guitar
Dave Stephenson - guitar
Tony Berry - drums

Mike Jones - guitar
Billy May - lead guitar, vocals (Died: 2019)
Brendon McCormack - lead guitar (temporary stand-in around May/June 1963)
Frank Bowen - lead guitar (temporary stand-in around May/June 1963)
Richie Prescott - lead guitar
Tommy Bennett - drums
John Hinton - piano
Frank Hopley - piano
Tony Aldridge - drums
Kinglsey Foster - organ

Formed in Birkenhead in 1960.
Dave Stephenson was replaced by Mike Jones.
In February 1963 Tom Earley left and joined The Kinsmen. He was replaced by Billy May from The Valkyries.
Mike Jones left around May 1963 and Tom Earley returned. Billy May went back to his old group, The Valkyries.
Brendon McCormack and Frank Bowen stood in at various gigs as lead guitarists on a temporary basis.
Pete Brockhurst left in 1963 to concentrate on a career.
Tony Berry left to join The Asteroids in 1963.
Richie Prescott and Tom Bennett joined in late 1963. They had both previously been in Derry Wilkie and the Pressmen.
John Hinton joined on piano in late 1963.
Tommy Bennett left in early 1964 to join The Kinsmen. Tony Aldridge left The Kinsmen to join The Pathfinders.
Billy May returned in January 1964 to replace Richie Prescott.
Entered the national groups competition 'Ready, Steady, Win!' and came second in the national heat.
John Hinton left in the first half of 1964 to pursue a career in journalism. He was replaced by Frank Hopley who had recently left The Mastersounds.
Frank Hopley recorded The Pathfinders' first single but decided to leave just before its release in December 1964 to complete his professional studies.
In June 1965 Kingsley Foster joined on organ.

After recording the second single with the group, Kingsley Foster left before the end of 1965.
The Pathfinders recorded another single for Parlophone with the songs 'I'll Always Love You' and 'Come Back Baby' but this was never released.
Played in Paris and the surrounding area for a time in March 1966, and also played a festival in Monte Carlo. At this time The Pathfinders also appeared on French television on 13 April 1966 performing a half hour set.

Managed by Barry Lloyd from 1964 to 1966.
Disbanded in 1966.
More details about The Pathfinders can be found on this website.

UK Singles

1964 I Love You Caroline/Something I Can Always Do                                       Decca F 12038
   (Released on 4 December 1964. Recorded at Decca's London studio on 13 Jan 1964. Produced by Mike Smith. Both sides were written by guitarists Tom Earley and Billy May. I Love You Caroline was considered for the signature tune to Radio Caroline, but The Fortunes song 'Caroline' was used instead.)

1965 Don't You Believe It/Castle of Love                                                  Parlophone R 5372
   (Released on 12 Nov 1965. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London. The A-side was written by Tom Earley and Billy May, but was credited to manager Barry Lloyd)

Known Gigs

3 Feb 1964 Chester, Quaintways.
8 Feb 1964 Loughborough University, Telford Hall.
4 Apr 1965 Wallasey, The Kraal, New Brighton.
25 Jun 1965 Park High School, Sixth Form Summer Dance. With The Cordes, and Steve Day and the Drifters
17 Feb 1966 Connah's Quay, Flintshire. Supporting The Moody Blues.

Reunion Gigs

31 Mar 1989 Tranmere Rovers Club. (Line-up: Tom Earley, Billy May, Tony Aldridge, Roy Brockhurst and John Hinton)
Oct 1989 Buxton, Derbyshire. The Palace Hotel, The Buxton Beagle Hunt. (Line-up: Tom Earley, Ian Hunter, Tony Aldridge, Roy Brockhurst and John Hinton)