The Hi-Fis

Members

Roger Newell - vocals
Len Ford - rhythm guitar, lead guitar, vocals
Ian Duncombe - lead guitar, vocals
Brian Bennett - piano, vocals
Alan Stainer - bass guitar
Malcolm Wright - drums

Tony Sharron (Tony Busson) - bass guitar, vocals
Ted Harvey - bass guitar, vocals
Gary Peterson - bass guitar, keyboards, vocals

The Hi-Fi's formed in Croydon, London in 1957.
Ian Duncombe left in late 1958 and Len Ford became the lead guitarist, having played rhythm before.
In 1959 Roger Newell later changed his stage name to Vern Rogers and the group became Vern Rogers and the Hi-Fi's for about three or four years. Vern Rogers signed a solo deal in 1962 with Oriole Records and eventually left the Hi-Fi's in April 1963 because he only wanted to be semi-pro and couldn't commit to full time.
Played as Brian Bennett and the Hi-Fi's for a short time.
In May 1963 the Hi-Fi's became a backing band on the Robert Stigwood package 'All Stars 63' Tour. They backed Grazina Frame, Billy Boyle, Duffy Power, Don Spencer, Bick Ford, and The Four Seasons.
Len Ford left on 29 Sep 1963 after collapsing on stage with pleurisy. This was at the Pigalle Club, Piccadilly, London. 
Ted Harvey replaced Tony Sharron in October 1963.
Ted Harvey had previously been in The Packabeats.
Gary Peterson was a member for a brief time in 1963.
The Hi-Fi's backed Duane Eddy on a tour in the UK for a few gigs in November 1963 during a Musician's Union dispute. Also on the tour was Little Richard (who dropped out after a few dates) and The Shirelles.



UK Singles

1963 Take Me or Leave Me/I'm Struck                                                                   Piccadilly 7N 35130
   (Released 18 June 1963. Both sides written by Brian Bennett, piano and vocals with the Hi-Fi's. Recorded at IBC Studios in London. Recording engineer on the session was Glynn Johns.)
1964 Will Yer Won't Yer/She's the One                                                                   Pye 7N 15635
   (Released 12 May 1964. Both sides written by bass guitarist Ted Harvey.)
1964 I Keep Forgettin'/Why Can't I Stop Loving You                                             Pye 7N 15710
   (Released 30 October 1964. B-side was composed by Ted Harvey.)
1965 Baby's in Black/Kiss and Run                                                                         Pye 7N 15788
   (Released 26 February 1965. B-side was composed by Ted Harvey.)

Known Gigs

17 Jan 1959 Cheam Public Baths. Supporting Cliff Richard and The Drifters.