Sands

Members

Paul Stewart - lead vocals

Bob Freeman - rhythm guitar

Ian McLintock - bass guitar

Peter Hammerton - lead guitar

Ray Cook - drums 

Formed in Richmond, London.

Known Gigs

1 Oct 1966 London, Marquee. Supporting The Herd.

The Zephyrs

Members

Geoff Husson - lead guitar

Peter Gage - rhythm guitar, vocals

Johnny Hind - bass guitar

John Carpenter - drums, vocals

Guy Saville - vocals

Jerry Donahue - guitar

Geoff Pullum - keyboards

Mike Lease - keyboards

John Peeby - guitar

Formed in London in September 1961 as the Clee-Shays.

Guy Saville and Jerry Donahue left in 1963.

Geoff Husson left in 1964.

Geoff Pullum joined in 1964.

Peter Gage and Geoff Pullum left in 1965 and are replaced by John Peeby and Mike Lease respectively.

Disbanded in 1966.

UK Singles

1963 What's All That About/Oriental Dream                                                                           Decca F 11647

   (Released 10 May 1963.)

1964 I Can Tell/Sweet Little Baby                                                                                    Columbia DB 7199

1964 A Little Bit Of Soap/No Message                                                                            Columbia DB 7324

1964 Wonder What I'm Gonna Do/Let Me Love You Baby                                             Columbia DB 7410

1965 She's Lost You/There's Something About You                                                         Columbia DB 7481

1965 I Just Can't Take It/She Laughed                                                                             Columbia DB 7571

Known Gigs

30 Mar 1964 Tamworth, Assembly Rooms. With The Three Spirits, The Defenders, and Jumping Jacks.

The Riot Squad

This was the short-lived original line-up with Mike Martin in the sunglasses.

Members

Ron Ryan - lead vocals, rhythm guitar

Mike Martin - bass guitar, vocals

Bob Evans - tenor sax, flute, vocals

Mark Stevens - organ, vocals

Graham Bonney - lead guitar, vocals

Mitch Mitchell - drums

Brian Davies - bass guitar, vocals

Nero Gladman - vocals

Terry Clifford - guitar

Butch Davis - Hammond organ

Rodger Crisp - bass guitar

Del Roll - drums 

Rod 'Rook' Davies - lead guitar

Brian 'Croak' Prebble - bass guitar, (later lead vocals)

Pete 'Punch' Allen - six-string Fender bass

John Lee - trombone

David Jones (aka David Bowie) - vocals

Formed in London.

I am not adding too much detail to this post because there is an excellent and very detailed chronicle of The Riot Squad that was researched and published by Bruno Ceriotti, which can be viewed here. Go and look at it and donate a quid if you can.

The Rainchecks

Members

Tony Ritchie (Richardson) - guitar, vocals

Geoff Grimes - keyboards

Del Spence - bass

Steve Webb - drums

Alan ? - rhythm guitar

Formed in Enfield, London. 

Also known as The Society (according to many sources).

UK Singles

1965 How Are You Boy/Bye Bye Baby                                                                              R & B MRB 5002

   (Both sides written by Tony Richardson)

Heatwave

Members

Peter Allat - lead vocals, percussion

John Fellows - bass guitar, vocals

Richard Steen - lead guitar, vocals

Terry Shea - rhythm guitar, vocals

Martin H. Samuel - drums, pyrotechnics

Formed in London in 1969.

Richard Steen was from Liverpool.

Martin H. Samuel had previously been in the German group Jigsaw Puzzle.

Played at The Cavern, Liverpool for a week in 1970.

UK Singles

1970 Sister Simon (Funny Man) / Rastus Ravel (Is A Mean Old Man)                                                       Penny Farthing PEN 738

Known Gigs

The Viscounts

 

 

Members

 

Don Paul (Donald Fountain) - vocals (Born: 2 January 1937, Oldham, Lancashire, England)
Ronnie Wells (Ronald Cresswell) - vocals (Born 25 August 1939, Farnborough, Hampshire, England - Died 22 September 2013)
Gordon Mills - vocals (Born: 15 May 1935, Madras, British India - Died: 29 July 1986, Los Angeles, California, USA)

 

Formed in London.

The members of The Viscounts had all been part of a TV ensemble called Morton Fraser's Harmonica Gang. 

Disbanded in 1965.

Gordon Mills was later a successful songwriter writing 'It's Not Unusual', which was a worldwide hit for Tom Jones. 

Don Paul became a record producer

Ronnie Wells went into the restaurant business. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UK Radio Appearances

 

29 Oct 1960 Saturday Club - BBC Light Programme. With Tommy Bruce, Mike Preston, Joan Small, Don Lang and the Frantic Five, The Wilf Todd Trio, The Betty Smith Quintet, and Arthur Greenslade and the Gee Men.

Known Gigs

27 Feb 1962 Bournemouth, Gaumont. Supporting Billy Fury and the Blue Flames. Backing John Leyton, Eden Kane, Ricky Stevens, and Jackie Lynton as well as performing in their own right. With Joe Brown and the Bruvvers, The Karl Denver Trio, Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers, and Shane Fenton and the Fentones. Compere: Don Munday. 'The Big Star Show of 1962'. Promoted by Larry Parnes. Two shows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Tornados

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members

 

Heinz Burt - bass guitar 

George Bellamy – rhythm guitar
Alan Caddy – lead guitar

Roger LaVern - keyboards

Clem Cattini - drums 

Norman Hale – keyboards

 

 

Formed in London in 1960.

The Tornados grew out of a group of session musicians who frequently played behind singers at Joe Meek's Studios in a flat above a leather goods store at 304 Holloway Road, Islington, London. It has been stated by some of the members that the group was formed around Heinz Burt by Joe Meek because of Joe's attraction to Heinz.

Between January 1962 and August 1963, The Tornados were the backing group for Billy Fury for recording and performing purposes. They also recorded and performed in their own right as an instrumental group during this period.

Their most famous instrumental was 'Telstar' written and produced by Joe Meek, which reached No.1 in the UK charts and the US charts. 

Heinz Burt left the group at the end of April 1963 to have a solo musical career and also to try his hand at acting.

 

UK TV Appearances

1 Jun 1963 Thank Your Lucky Stars

 

 

Known Gigs

 

3 Mar 1962 Hastings, The Pier Ballroom.

20 Apr 1963 Portsmouth.

20 Apr 1963 London, Croydon.

21 Apr 1963 London, Empire Pool, Wembley. With Cliff Richard and the Shadows, Billy Fury, The Beatles, Joe Brown and His Bruvvers, The Brook Brothers with The Rhythm and Blues Group, Mike Berry with the Innocents, Adam Faith with The Roulettes, Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen, Gerry and The Pacemakers, Frank Ifield, Jet Harris and Tony Meehan Group, Mark Wynter, The Springfields, and The Joe Loss Orchestra. NME Annual Poll Winners Concert 1962-63.

23 Apr 1963 Derby.

25 Apr 1963 Bournemouth.

5 May 1963 Birmingham

14 Jun 1963 Great Yarmouth, Windmill.

18 May 1964 Dunstable, California Ballroom. Supported by Linda Doll, and The City Sounds.

The Springfields

 

 

Members

 

Dusty Springfield (Mary O'Brien) - vocals (Born: 16 April 1939 – Died: 2 March 1999)

Tom Springfield (Dion O'Brien) - guitar, vocals (Born: 2 July 1934 – Died: 27 July 2022)

Tim Feild - guitar, vocals (Born: 15 April 1934 - Died: 31 May 2016)

 

Mike Hurst - guitar, vocals (Born: 19 September 1942)

Formed in London in 1960.

Dusty had previously been in The Lana Sisters.

Tim Feild left in late 1962 and was replaced by Mike Hurst.

Disbanded in October 1963.

Mike Hurst later formed The Methods with Jimmy Page and later Albert Lee. 

Mike Hurst became a respected producer working with singers like Marc Bolan and Cat Stevens.

UK TV Appearances

20 Jul 1961 The Springfields. With The Marimberos, and dancers Audrey Gunner and Bryan Ryman.

10 May 1962 Pops and Lenny - Terry Hall and Lenny the Lion. With Craig Douglas, and Eden Kane.

18 May 1963 The Stanley Baxter Show - Stanley Baxter.

6 Jun 1963 Pops and Lenny - Terry Hall and Lenny the Lion. With Billie Davis, and The Raindrops.

UK Radio Appearances

19 Apr 1962 Ring-A-Ding Ding - BBC Light Programme

21 Apr 1962 Saturday Club - BBC Light Programme

29 Apr 1962 Easy Beat - BBC Light Programme

27 May 1963 Side by Side - BBC Light Programme

 

 

Known Gigs

 

31 Oct 1961 Elgin, Two Shoes Ballroom, Scotland.

20 Apr 1963 Bournemouth, Winter Gardens. With The Eagles.

 

21 Apr 1963 London, Empire Pool, Wembley. With Cliff Richard and the Shadows, Billy Fury, The Beatles, Joe Brown and His Bruvvers, The Brook Brothers with The Rhythm and Blues Group, Mike Berry with the Innocents, Adam Faith with The Roulettes, Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen, Gerry and The Pacemakers, Frank Ifield, Jet Harris and Tony Meehan Group, Mark Wynter, The Tornados, and The Joe Loss Orchestra. NME Annual Poll Winners Concert 1962-63.

 

21 Apr 1963 Leicester, De Montford Hall. With The Eagles.

22 Apr 1963 Norwich, Theatre Royal. With The Eagles.

23 Apr 1963 Birmingham, Town Hall. With The Eagles.

24 Apr 1963 York, Rialto. With The Eagles.

25 Apr 1963 Manchester, Odeon. With The Eagles.

26 Apr 1963 Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Odeon. With The Eagles.

27 Apr 1963 Bradford, Gaumont. With The Eagles.

28 Apr 1963 Liverpool, Empire Theatre. With The Eagles.

29 Apr 1963 Stoke-On-Trent, Essoldo. With The Eagles.

30 Apr 1963 London, Odeon, Hammersmith. With The Eagles.

2 May 1963 Wolverhampton, Civic Hall. With The Eagles.

3 May 1963 London, Granada, Kingston. With The Eagles.

4 May 1963 London, Granada, Tooting. With The Eagles.

5 May 1963 London, Granada, Walthamstow. With The Eagles.

7 May 1963 Bedford, Granada. With The Eagles.

8 May 1963 London, Granada, Woolwich. With The Eagles.

9 May 1963 Brighton, Essoldo. With The Eagles.

10 May 1963 Portsmouth, Guildhall. With The Eagles.

11 May 1963 Cardiff, Sophia Gradens. With The Eagles.

12 May 1963 Bristol, Colston Hall. With The Eagles.

31 May 1963 Banbury, Winter Gardens.

1 Jun 1963 Margate, Dreamland.

15 Jun 1963 Coventry.

15 Sep 1963 Blackpool, Opera House, Lancashire. With Vera Lynn, Mark Wynter, and Bob Miller and the Miller Men.

 

 

 

 

 

The Twins

 

 

Members

 

Derek Massey - vocals (Born: Hertfordshire)

Eric Massey - vocals (Born: Hertfordshire)

 

Formed in London.

Derek Massey and Eric Massey were identical twins.

Both Derek and Eric had previously been in The Clearways.

Appeared on the UK television show 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' on 5th February 1966. 

Appeared on the UK television show 'Opportunity Knocks'.

 

 

UK Singles

 

1966 We're Not Friends Anymore/When Will It Be                                                           CBS 202032

 

 

A Band of Angels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members

 

Mike d'Abo - vocals, guitar

John Baker - lead guitar

John Gaydon - vocals, rhythm guitar

David Wilkinson - bass guitar

Andrew Petre - drums

Formed in Harrow, London.

Mike d'Abo was later the lead singer of Manfred Mann replacing Paul Jones.

John Gaydon became a manager and then formed E.G.Records with A Band of Angels former road manager David Enthoven.

Andrew Petre was later in Timebox from September 1966 until August 1967.

UK Singles

1964 Me/Not True As Yet                                                                                     United Artists UP 1049 

   (Released 17th April 1964. Both sides written by John Baker and Mike d'Abo. Produced by John Barry)

1964 She'll Never Be You/Gonna Make A Woman Of You                                 United Artists UP 1066

   (Released 25th September 1964. B-Side written by John Baker and Mike d'Abo)
1965 Leave It To Me/Too Late My Love                                                              Piccadilly 7N 35279

   (Released 19th November 1965.)
1966 Invitation/Cheat And Lie                                                                              Piccadilly 7N 35292

   (Released 4th February 1966. A-Side written by Mike d'Abo.)

 

 

Known Gigs

 

19 Feb 1966 Nottingham, Dungeon Club, Nottinghamshire.

 

 

The Chasers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members

 

Roger Pincott - vocals, harmonica
Tony Wadlow - bass guitar
Len Tuckey - lead guitar
Algy Couch - rhythm guitar
Lenny Butcher - drums

 

 

Formed in Romford, London.

 

UK Singles

 

1965 Hey Little Girl/That's What They Call Love                                                              Decca F 12302

   (Released 3rd December 1965)

Louise

 

 

Members

 

Tony Durant - guitar, vocals
Nigel Smith - bass guitar
Bob Chudley - guitar

Chris Cutler - drums

 

Formed in South London.

Cut an acetate demo disc in 1967 including the songs 'Look at the Sun' and 'Toymaker Shop'.

Chris Cutler was later in Henry Cow.

Tony Durant was later in Fuchsia.

 

Known Gigs

 

14 Oct 1967 London, Happening 44, Gerrard Street, W1. With South East Blues Band, and Steve Harding.

20 Jan 1968 London, The New Roadhouse, Chalk Farm, NW1. Brunel University Students Union presents. With Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac, Crazy World of Arthur Brown, The Family, Geranium Pond, Spider, Paper Blitz, and Tissue.

 

 

.

Five's Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Left to Right: Steve Jones, Eddie Broadbridge, Colin Jordan, Ian Pearson, Bob Brunning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members

 

Chris Robinson - vocals, harmonica (Died: 1965)

Eddie Broadbridge - keyboards, vocals

Dave ‘Steve’ Jones - guitar, vocals

Bob Brunning - bass guitar (Born: 1943 - Died: 18 Oct 2011)

Ian Pearson - drums 

Colin Jordan - guitar

 

Formed in London in 1964.

Bob Brunning was previously in The Valiants (Bournemouth), who became Tony, Howard and the Dictators, Lee Peterson and the Defenders, and The Rovers (Bournemouth).

Chris Robinson sadly died of a heart attack in 1965 and was replaced by Colin Jordan.

Disbanded in 1967 after being dropped by Pye.

Bob Brunning was later in Fleetwood Mac as a temporary bass guitarist and then Savoy Brown Blues Band before having a long career as a teacher. 

UK Singles

1966 Sunday For Seven Days/The Big Kill                                                       Pye 7N 17118

   (Released 10 June 1966)

1966 Some Girls/Big Deal                                                                                 Pye 7N 17162

   (Released 10 September 1966)

1966 Session Man/Dejection                                                                             Pye 7N 17199

   (Released 4 November 1966)

 

 

Known Gigs

 

Jan 1965 London, St. Marks and St. Johns Teacher Training College, Kings Road, Chelsea.

14 Jul 1967 London, Kilburn

 

Fleetwood Mac

 

 

 

 

Members

 

Mick Fleetwood - drums

John McVie - bass guitar

Jeremy Spencer - slide guitar, vocals

Peter Green - lead guitar, vocals (29th October 1946, Bethnal Green, London, England - Died: 25th July 2020, Canvey Island, Essex, England)

 

Bob Brunning - bass guitar (Born: 29th June 1943 - Died: 18th October 2011)

Danny Kirwan - lead guitar

Christine McVie (née Perfect) - keyboards, piano, vocals

 

Formed in June 1967.

Sometimes billed as Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac in the first few months until this name was dropped permanently and they became just Fleetwood Mac.

Bob Brunning was the original bass guitarist playing a handful of gigs and was also present on one track of Fleetwood Mac debut album, 'Long Grey Mare' as well as both sides of their debut single.

Bob Brunning had previously been in The Valiants (Bournemouth), who became Tony, Howard and the Dictators. He was also a member of Lee Peterson and the Defenders, and The Rovers, with Tony Blackburn. By the end of 1964 Brunning had formed Five's Company.

 

Bob Brunning on the right playing live with Fleetwood Mac in 1967 at the Windsor National Jazz, Pop, Ballads and Blues Festival.
 

Known Gigs

20 Jan 1968 London, The New Roadhouse, Chalk Farm, NW1. Brunel University Students Union presents. As Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac. With Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Louise, The Family, Geranium Pond, Spider, Paper Blitz, and Tissue.

The Moonlighters

 

 

 

 

 

 

Left to right: Chris Arnold, David Martin and Geoff Morrow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members

 

Chris Arnold - vocals

David Martin

Geoff Morrow

 

Formed in London.

The Moonlighters were a studio group made up of songwriters and frequent collaborators Chris Arnold, David Martin and Geoff Morrow. They came up with the name The Moonlighters because they believed they were songwriters moonlighting as recording artists and also they all had regular jobs at that time.

They wrote both sides of their only single.

Later they would write for artists like Barry Manilow and Elvis Presley.

They eventually made the charts themselves under the group name Butterscotch.

UK Single

1966 We'll See It Through/Too Late To Come Home                                  Columbia DB 7910

   (Released on 13 May 1966)

The Ted Taylor Four

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members

 

Ted Taylor - keyboards, clavioline (Died: 1992)

 

 

 

Formed in London in 1952.

An instrumental group.

Ted Taylor was previously in Sid Seymour's Mad Hatters.

The tune M.1. was featured on 'Juke Box Jury' in 1960 with Ted Taylor hiding behind the screen. It was reluctantly voted a hit by the panel.

 

 

 

 

Ted Taylor waiting behind the screen on Juke Box Jury in 1960.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ted Taylor also worked in television, most notably on 'To-night' and 'The Benny Hill Show' as the musical director. He also regularly worked for the BBC in radio.

UK LPs

1968 In a Midnight Mood                                                                                               Davjon DJ 1005

 

Known Gigs

 

2 Dec 1962 Peterborough, Embassy. Supporting Frank Ifield. With The Beatles, Susan Cope, and The Lana Sisters.

 

 

Wayne Gibson and the Dynamic Sounds

Members

Wayne Gibson (Edward William Allen) - vocals (Born: 15 December 1942 - Died: 1 April 2004)
Mick Todman - lead guitar
Ray Rogers - bass
Pete Gillies - rhythm guitar
Larry Cole - drums (Died: October 2011)

Peter Cook - keyboards, piano (Peter was blind)
Danny Raider (Ken Hooker) - vocals

Formed in South London.
Previously called Danny Raider and The Tornados, with Ken Hooker on vocals as Danny Raider.
Managed by their agent Terry King.
Played in Germany from November 1962 at the 'Top Ten Club' in Hamburg and then the 'Top Ten Club' in Hanover from January 1963. Also played at the 'Tabu Club' in Cologne in February 1963.
Had a residency contract with BBC's 'Beat Room' which was extended for a third time in Oct 1964. They backed other artists on the show, like Millie Small.
Toured the UK with The Hollies, The Dixie Cups, The Tornados, Heinz and the Wild Boys, and Jess Conrad with The Hi-Fi's. Marty Wilde stood in for The Dixie Cups for the Huddersfield gig. The tour started on 23rd October 1964.
Appeared in the film 'It's All Over Town (1964)' starring Lance Percival, Willie Rushton and Frankie Vaughan.
Disbanded in 1965.
Wayne Gibson later went solo and was represented by Starlite and King Limited agency.
Peter Cook later recorded as Peter London.
In May 1966 Gibson released a version of The Rolling Stones' 'Under My Thumb'. At that time it was not a hit, but in 1974 it was re-released and became a Top 20 hit in the UK charts and a favourite on the dance floors of the Northern Soul clubs. 

Known Gigs

23 Oct 1964 Tunbridge Wells, Essoldo. Supporting The Hollies. With The Dixie Cups, The Tornados, Heinz and the Wild Boys, Jess Conrad with the Hi-Fi's, and Larry Burns as compere.
24 Oct 1964 Norwich, Theatre Royal. Supporting The Hollies. With The Dixie Cups, The Tornados, Heinz and the Wild Boys, Jess Conrad with the Hi-Fi's, and Larry Burns as compere.
25 Oct 1964 Boston, Regal. Supporting The Hollies. With The Dixie Cups, The Tornados, Heinz and the Wild Boys, Jess Conrad with the Hi-Fi's, and Larry Burns as compere.
26 Oct 1964 Haslemere, Rex. Supporting The Hollies. With The Dixie Cups, The Tornados, Heinz and the Wild Boys, Jess Conrad with the Hi-Fi's, and Larry Burns as compere.
27 Oct 1964 Watford, Gaumont. Supporting The Hollies. With The Dixie Cups, The Tornados, Heinz and the Wild Boys, Jess Conrad with the Hi-Fi's, and Larry Burns as compere.
28 Oct 1964 Ipswich, ABC. Supporting The Hollies. With The Dixie Cups, The Tornados, Heinz and the Wild Boys, Jess Conrad with the Hi-Fi's, and Larry Burns as compere.
29 Oct 1964 Cannock, Danilo. Supporting The Hollies. With The Dixie Cups, The Tornados, Heinz and the Wild Boys, Jess Conrad with the Hi-Fi's, and Larry Burns as compere.
30 Oct 1964 Dunstable, California. Supporting The Hollies. With The Dixie Cups, The Tornados, Heinz and the Wild Boys, Jess Conrad with the Hi-Fi's, and Larry Burns as compere.
31 Oct 1964 Scunthorpe, Baths. Supporting The Hollies. With The Dixie Cups, The Tornados, Heinz and the Wild Boys, Jess Conrad with the Hi-Fi's, and Larry Burns as compere.
1 Nov 1964 Leicester, De Montfort Hall. Supporting The Hollies. With The Dixie Cups, The Tornados, Heinz and the Wild Boys, Jess Conrad with the Hi-Fi's, and Larry Burns as compere.
2 Nov 1964 Dartford, Granada. Supporting The Hollies. With The Dixie Cups, The Tornados, Heinz and the Wild Boys, Jess Conrad with the Hi-Fi's, and Larry Burns as compere.
3 Nov 1964 Aylesbury, Granada. Supporting The Hollies. With The Dixie Cups, The Tornados, Heinz and the Wild Boys, Jess Conrad with the Hi-Fi's, and Larry Burns as compere.
4 Nov 1964 London, Granada, Grantham. Supporting The Hollies. With The Dixie Cups, The Tornados, Heinz and the Wild Boys, Jess Conrad with the Hi-Fi's, and Larry Burns as compere.
6 Nov 1964 Huddersfield, Essoldo. Supporting The Hollies. With Marty Wilde, The Tornados, Heinz and the Wild Boys, Jess Conrad with the Hi-Fi's, and Larry Burns as compere.
7 Nov 1964 Birmingham, Plaza, Handsworth. Supporting The Hollies. With The Dixie Cups, The Tornados, Heinz and the Wild Boys, Jess Conrad with the Hi-Fi's, and Larry Burns as compere.
8 Nov 1964 Coventry, Coventry Theatre. Supporting The Hollies. With The Dixie Cups, The Tornados, Heinz and the Wild Boys, Jess Conrad with the Hi-Fi's, and Larry Burns as compere.

J.P. Sunshine

George 'Jorg' Duffell

Goodway
Adrian Shaw - guitar

Pete Biles - bongos

Andy Rickell

Pat Morphin - drums

Formed in London in 1967.

Recorded an album's worth of tracks that were only released in the 1990s.

The Federals

Members

Tony Bolton - vocals
Frank Milne - vocals, trumpet
Brian Hawkins - guitar
Michael Bush - bass guitar

Tony Kaye (Tony Selvidge) - keyboards

Guy Shepard - drums

Formed in Watford, North London.

Recorded for Parlophone.

Made an album in Romania.

Tony Kaye was later in Johnny Taylor's Star Combo, Jimmy Winston and his Reflections, Winston's Fumbs, Bittersweet, and Yes.

Known Gigs

20 Dec 1963 Paignton, Esplanade Ballroom, Devon.

Nero and the Gladiators

Members

Nero (Mike O'Neill) - keyboards (Born: 8 July 1938, Lowton, Lancashire - Died: 10 October 2013)

Colin Green - lead guitar

Rod 'Boots' Slade - bass guitar (Born: 3 September 1941, Weston-super-Mare - Died: 3 May 2013, Murcia, Spain)

Laurie Jay - drums (Died: 2017)

Joe Moretti - lead guitar

Don Adams - lead guitar

Tommy Brown - drums

Diz Disley - guitar

Jim Cannon - bass guitar

Mick Jones - guitar

Alan Bugby - bass guitar

Ralph Danks - guitar

Formed in 1960 in London.

Colin Green left in 1961 before the release of their second single. He was replaced by Joe Moretti who had played the famous guitar riff on Johnny Kidd's 'Shakin' All Over'.

Colin Green was later in Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames. He also became the musical director for Shirley Bassey in later years.

Laurie Jay left in 1961 and was replaced by Tommy Brown.

Laurie Jay later formed The Echoes.

Rod Slade left and later joined The Alan Price Set.

Disbanded in early 1964.

Mike O'Neill was later in The John Barry Seven, The Ivy League, The Echoes, and Head, Hands and Feet.

Reformed in 1991 by O'Neill and Green playing in nostalgia shows until 2005.

UK Singles

1961 Entry Of The Gladiators/Boots                                                                                 Decca F 11329

   (Released 24 February 1961. Peaked at number 37 in the UK charts.)

1961  In The Hall Of The Mountain King/The Trek To Rome                                          Decca F 11367

   (Released 30 Jun 1961. Peaked at number 48 in the UK charts.)

1961 Czardas/That's A Long Time Ago                                                                             Decca F 11413

   (Released 8 Dec 1961)

Known Gigs

19 Jan 1962 Grantham, Granada. The Temperance Seven, Vince Eager, Michael Cox, Johnny Gentle, Shane Fenton and the Fentones, and The Echoes.

20 Jan 1962 Mansfield, Granada. The Temperance Seven, Vince Eager, Michael Cox, Johnny Gentle, Shane Fenton and the Fentones, and The Echoes.

10 Nov 1962 Torquay, Town Hall, Devon. With Paul Keen, and Mel Fear and the Fhantoms.

1 Oct 1963 Wednesbury, Youth Centre, West Midlands. Supported by Denny Laine and the Diplomats.