The Sheffields

Members

John E Alexander - vocals, harmonica, organ

Don Allison - guitar

Brian Cooke - guitar

Dave Fawcett - bass guitar

Richard Smith - drums

Roy Ledger - guitar
Kenny Slade - drums

Formed in Sheffield, South Yorkshire in 1963.

Originally known as The Vampires, although there are reports that they were also known as 'The Knives and Forks'.

As the Vampires they won a Sheffield group contest at the City Hall on 16th September 1963 put on by Peter Stringfellow. Tony Hatch was one of the judges and they were signed to Pye Records after Hatch changed their name.

Managed by Pete Stringfellow for a short while.

Backed Little Walter and Memphis Slim on their 1964 tour of the UK.
Backed Champion Jack Dupree on his 1965 tour of the UK.
Roy Ledger was formerly in Pete Fender and the Strollers, Johnnie Silver and the Thunderbirds, and The Chevrons.
Kenny Slade replaced Richard Smith on drums in early 1965.
Kenny Slade was previously in The Dae-b-Four.

Disbanded in 1965.

Roy Ledger was later in The Cruisers, backing Dave Berry.

UK Singles

1964 It Must Be Love/Say Girl                                                                                     Pye 7N 15600
   (Released January 1964)
1964 Got My Mojo Working/Hey, Hey Lover Boy                                                        Pye 7N 15627
   (Released April 1964)

1965 Bags Groove (Skat Walking)/Plenty Of Love                                                       Pye 7N 15767
   (Released 10 February 1965)

US Singles

1965 Bags Groove (Scat Walking)/Plenty Of Love                                                       Dot 45-16722
   (Released March 1965)

Known Gigs

13 Nov 1963 Sheffield, City Hall. Supporting The Rolling Stones. With The Big Three, Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders, Karen Young, Johnny Tempest and the Cadillacs, The Four Plus One, Vance Arnold and the Avengers, and The Vantennas.
1 Feb 1964 Manchester, Twisted Wheel Club.

1 Mar 1964 Liverpool, The Cavern, Mathew Street. Supporting Herman's Hermits. With The Bumblies, and The Detonators.

12 Mar 1964 Elgin, Two Red Shoes Ballroom, Scotland.
9 May 1964 Bournemouth, Le Disque A Go-Go.
16 Jul 1964 London, 100 Club, 100 Oxford Street, W1. With The Tridents.
5 Sep 1964 Manchester, Twisted Wheel Club. Supporting Memphis Slim. With Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames.
12 Sep 1964 Nottingham, Dungeon Club.
10 Dec 1964 London, Marquee Club. With Rod Stewart with the Soul Agents.
9 Jan 1965 Manchester, Twisted Wheel Club.

28 Jan 1965 Stafford, B. R. C. Club, Burton Manor, Staffordshire.
17 Mar 1965 London, The Bromel Club. Backing Champion Jack Dupree.
20 Mar 1965 Manchester, Twisted Wheel Club. Backing Champion Jack Dupree. With The Habit.
25 Mar 1965 Southsea, Kimbells Ballroom. Backing Champion Jack Dupree.
27 Mar 1965 London, Kingston Upon Thames, Kingston Technical College. Supported by Mike Dee and the Prophets.