Tony Rivers and the Castaways

Members

 

Tony Rivers (Anthony Thompson) - vocals

Vic Larkins - lead guitar

Mickey Johnson - rhythm guitar

Ray Brown - bass

Brian Talbot - drums

 

John Lyons - rhythm guitar

Ricky West - lead guitar

Steve Scott - lead guitar 

Frank Townsend - guitar

 

Formed in Dagenham, Essex.

In 1961 Tony Rivers joined a group called The Cutaways as their new lead singer.

The group soon changed their name to Tony Rivers and the Castaways.

John Lyons replaced Mickey Johnson on rhythm guitar around 1962/3.

Ricky West replaced Vic Larkins on lead guitar around 1962/3.

Steve Scott replaced Ricky West on lead guitar in 1963.

This line-up recorded for Columbia from 1963. 

Frank Townsend joined in 1966. Townsend was previously in The Easybeats of Liverpool, The Beachwoods and The Escorts.

In 1968 they changed their name to Harmony Grass.

Known Gigs

1 Oct 1962 Hamworthy, Empire Hall, Dorset.
16 Jan 1963 Walton-on-Thames, Walton Hop, Surrey.
26 Jan 1963 Walton-on-Thames, Walton Hop, Surrey.
6 Feb 1963 Walton-on-Thames, Walton Hop, Surrey. With Shane Fenton and the Fentones.
1 Sep 1963 Margate, Dreamland Ballroom, Rendezvous Club.
21 Nov 1963 Aberdeen, New Palace Ballroom.
2 Aug 1964 Warminster, Longleat House. Supporting The Rolling Stones. With Danny Clarke and the Jaguars.
19 May 1966 Coventry, Mecca Ballroom, Smithford Way.
22 Sep 1967 Wolverhampton, Civic and Wulfrun Halls, West Midlands. With The Californians, Dual Purpose, The Staffords and The News.
29 Jun 1968 Burton upon Trent, 76 Club, Staffordshire. With The John Smith Affair.