A 60s local group from Stockton, name unknown. Photograph courtesy of John Robson. 
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
A 60s local group from Stockton, name unknown. Photograph courtesy of John Robson.
There are so many names I recognise from this thread, and they certainly bring back lots of memories. I would particularly like to get in touch with Colin Bradley in respect of Dave Usher. He is an old friend of mine but we lost touch a long time ago, he moved on to other things. I originally come from Hartlepool but moved South in the late 60″s with a local band called Engine, they consisted of Pete Rutter, Alan Plaice, Les Taylor and Dave Usher. There was quite a crowd of us used to hang around together in those days and most of us are still in touch today, in fact some of us met up on Saturday in Hartlepool to see Alan Plaice”s band Jak at the Woodcutter in Hartlepool, some of the names there were Tony Turnbull (great drummer), Bill Collier, and Mal Craggs, Alan (Granny) Grange, Derek (Wilko) Wilkinson, all three of them went on to have very successful careers as roadies working with bands all around the world. I now work with an r”n”b band called the Blue Bishops in the south, their lead singer is Geoff Grange from Hartlepool (brother of Alan), coincidentally, Mick Moody came along to one of their gigs in London last week, check out their myspace website, great band. We got to talking about Dave Usher and I remembered I had seen it on here that he is now living in Ireland. Colin, I would love to hear from you if you can give me any information on contacting him, I am sure the moderators would be happy to pass on my email address to you if you wouldn”t mind?
Hi Chris Bailey, Thanks for the compliment! I remember the Longlands college gigs quite well as the”stage” was ( or appeared to be) a set of tables that we had to set the equipment on!! and yes it was always hot and sweaty for us. You”re right about Pete becoming Peter Saint. Happy days Eh!
To Paul Butler:Yeah! Del & The Falcons! Pete Embleton was in my year at M”bro Boys High School as was Merv Jones, the drummer (Bob Gray drummer of the Fremonts was the year above) you guys seemed almost semi-pro before even leaving school! Pete later became “crooner” Peter Saint didn”t he? I recall Del & The F”s playing a gig in some old sports changing/canteen rooms close to Longlands College around 1964. It was so packed with bodies, the temperature had your clothes almost tattooed to your body with sweat and condensation. Somehow, the “now” sanitised atmosphere of well ventilated , smoke-free bars will never produce those atmospherics again!
Hi Geof, I often wondered what had happened to you. Have you moved away from the area ? Are you still in touch with Bill Postgate, I”d like to pick his brains about a show in the Jube back in 60/61 with Johnny Gentle. I remember the Aberfan Charity Night at the Knights Club with yourself, the Bluecaps and of course the mighty Fettlers and the jazz piano player with only seven fingers who also wrote for your paper.I think he was a joiner by trade hence the seven fingers.Greetings also to Davey S. long time no see or hear from.
Oooooops!! Having now read the article properly! I”ve noticed that it was Sharon Finlay who wrote about St Pats and Del and the Falcons and Saltburn by the sea/Memphis Tennessee back in May this year and not Gary Thomas! My apologies to both Paul
Hi Judie if you contact The Pictures of Stockton Team they will pass on my e-mail
Wow! I”ve just found this site and spotted the reference to Del and the Falcons by Gary Thomas (May 2007). I played guitar with them (and sang a bit!)and the mention of Saltburn by the sea (instead of Memphis Tennessee) brought back memories!!! This came about, if I remember correctly, as a joking reference when we used to play at the Cellar club in Saltburn, a great place that probably now wouln”t even be allowed to open thanks to health and safety! Glad to see that someone out there remembers those tremendous times!
FOR DEREK ELLIOT- WHEN I SPOKE TO RONNY PATTERSON LAST WEEK WITH REFERENCE TO THE BEER BARREL, HE WAS AMAZED AT THE NAMES I WAS QUOTING FROM THIS WEBSITE, PEOPLE WHO HE HAS NOT HEARD FROM FOR YEARS,BUT I HAVE TOLD HIM THAT I WILL PASS ON ANY MESSAGES THAT I SEE FROM NOW ON, WE KEEP IN TOUCH ON A MONTHLY BASIS WITH ME LIVING IN BENIDORM.
for BArry parkin I can confirm that although it was nearly 40 years ago the barrel of guiness did infact float after it was dropped over victoria bridge. I was the manager of cycle at the time an can confirm that Ronnie did have his beer glasses on at the time as it was after 12.00 at night having brought the barrel from my house at 175 Hesleden Ave acklam via Thornaby. I feel sure that John Whittingham will confirm this.
Hi Judy, Are you still in contact with Paul C? I”ve not seen him around for about eight years. Cheers, JT
I”ve really enjoyed this site, so many names I remember from my youth, Dave Shearer, last spoke to you in Redcar, lost your number, hope your ok,wish i had your email address.x
To Tony Scott: “Little” Billy Cockerill (correct spelling) was from Billingham, and played in a band called the Cherries, managed by Bill Postgate. They occasionally played the Saturday night dances at the Jubilee Hall in Stockton (mentioned elsewhere in this thread by Eric Whitehouse)as well as the Northallerton Town Hall dance run by my late brother Joe. Billy has a special place in my memory because he brokered the sale to me (from a friend of his unknown to me) of a really beat up “61 Fender Stratocatser that had been hand painted black. I bought the instrument in early 1967, used it throughout my sojourn with the Steve Brown Soul Sect [Paul Strooks ( “Stookey”), Micky Rowe, Mick McDermott, Steve Bell and myself as well as the aforementioned Steve Brown, later to morph into “Psycho 67” and then implode in early 1968)and then sold it back to Billy in the summer of 1968. How I wish I still had that guitar today!! No idea where Billy is – perhaps missing, presumed having a good time, to paraphrase the Notting Hillbillies.
TO TONY SCOTT, I TOOK EARLY RETIREMENT IN JUNE THIS YEAR AND MOVED TO BENIDORN, I WORKED WITH BILL COCKERALL ON COMMUNITY TRANSPORT AT STOCKTON BOROUGH COUNCIL, HE IS STILL THERE, AND HE LIVES ON DARLINGTON BACK LANE.
I HAVE JUST HAD CONFIRMATION OFF RONNY PATTERSON (BASS PLAYER) WITH CYCLE THAT THE BARREL DID SINK WHEN THROWN OFF VICTORIA BRIDGE, I HAVE KNOWN RONNY SINCE WE WERE KIDS, WENT TO SCHOOL TOGETHER AND GREW UP TOGETHER, DURING THE EARLY SIXTIES HE WAS WITH A GROUP CALLED PATCHWORK OTHER MEMBERS BEING ALAN AMBLER, ROB McKENZIE, MICK BONNAR AND GOFF PRAGNALL, THEY PRACTICED IN A GARAGE ON FAIRIELD ROAD,SOME OF THE GIGS WE WENT TO WERE THE HAVERTON HOP, STILLINGTON W.M.C. I HAVE A PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN WHEN THEY PLAYED AT THE AIR DISPLAY MIDDLETON ST GEORGE AND ANOTHER OF THEM PLAYING THE HAVERTON HOP, I WILL TRY AND POST THEM ON THIS SITE. RONNY WOULD LIKE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH ROB McKENZIE AND MICK BONNAR, HE STILL SEES ALAN AMBLER BUT SADLY GOFF PRAGNALL DIED A FEW YEARS AGO.
Hi Barrie Mick Bonar here good to read your stuff . Rob Mackenzie is coming over from Mexico next week to stay with me. Like to get in touch with ronnie
The name of the gent who played the drums at the Blythehome was Leo Duffy and he lived in Cranbourne Terrace off Yarm Road.
Anyone remember little Billy Cockerall who use to play for a rock band in the seventies i think called Kellys Eye he was one hell of a guitarist,I used to go to a club in chapel road billingham to watch them ,
Sadly or gladly in the early 60s there were not many drummer/percussion teachers, if you have to ask then like me you are just a lowly drummer. One of the old few was a gent called Leo Duffy who played in the Blythe Home Club, Leo, as a young man, had been a traditional circus drummer and had great hand technique, unlike Kell Dennis who was a great drummer AND teacher. You could pick out Leo”s students because he taught well but without being to unkind his kit playing was too flamboyent, but his xylophone playing was amazing. I just started because it was all I wanted to do “Play The Drums” yes I know I can hear some of you guys “Still trying then” Have Fun keep music live.
To Dave Shearer / Johnny Taylor: Reading thru these threads I was astonished to read of Tony Relphs demise. I recall he bought, perhaps his 1st kit of drums, an ancient set of Premiers, from myself for £20. I in turn had purchased these from schoolmate Alf Raine (of The Eagle, B/Hills) for £50. Not having appreciative or understanding neighbours, I”d given up the drumming career and stashed “em in my dads outhouse. It was Alf who first started me playing “harp” with his band The Model T”s, later The Mark Five.Tony obviously made much better use of the kit. To Paul Bowen: I lived in Penhill Close, B/Hills a tad further up Ingram Rd (1953-“68). Micky Moody lived over our “back-fence” in Scalby Rd.
Hi,again,to all…re the above photo.I agree with Davey Shearer…it”s “Connection” I remember Walter(Wally)Latheren(sorry if I”ve misspelt your surname)as I lived opposite him in Kinver Close,Berwick Hills.He was also a great footy player and I remember us all being given a super session with a M”bro player “Joe Matthews”before we got into the music business.Keith(Porky)Davison and I saw “Connection” about”73-4 at a workmens club in Pallister Park one Sunday lunch 12-2pm.I remember them playing an excellent version of “Reeling in the years”(Steely Dan)Wally had a black Les Paul(3 p/u I think) and the other lead guitarist had a sunburst custom Les Paul.Is Wally still playing?
To Barbara Baldwin. You mention the Youth Club at St Mary”s, Norton. This was a great club and was instituted by a very enlightened Parish Priest Fr Cornelious O”Callaghan. It was sighted in the old St Mary”s Junior School. I remember great gigs by some of the great bands around the area at the time especially “Free” fronted by the great Paul Rogers and the late great lead guitarist Paul Kossoff. Wonderful memeories!
Barbara Baldwin. I was the original bass player with The Panthers – thanks for your comment. I have kept in touch with Les Bennett and will give you contact details if the Stockton Pictures team will provide you with my email address.
Fab site indeed… quite a few names from my past sprinkled in there, mostly from four formative years as a cub reporter on the old Billingham & Stockton Express (65-69)… Eric Whitehouse and the late Mick Kemp of The Bluecaps, Bill Postgate, Joe Bradley (The Cherries). I even played at the KD Club Billingham on the same bill as The Denmen for a charity night! I was in a little folk band and I remember The Denmen enjoying my auto-harp strumming! Saw The Yardbirds there when Jeff Beck was with them … and caught Cream at the Redcar Jazz Club (Coatham Hotel). Eric White of The Bluecaps … I knocked around with you & Mick a little and I remember you lending me that old Harmony for a while, obviously before you sold it to Alex from The Fettlers. Speaking of which, the little folk band I was in – The Windhovers – played regularly at Stockton Folk Club and we once supported the McPeake Family at a gig in Hartlepool. Happy days, long gone but not when you”re feeling nostalgic!
This may be a long shot, but trying to trace Les Bennett ex guitar player from various groups in the 60″s. I see someone remembers him and says he was still in Billingham, can anyone add more to this. Organising a Youth Club re-union from St. Mary”s Norton and Les is one of this missing persons. Would be great if we can find him. I remember many of the groups they used to play at youth club dances, The Panthers were very polular.
Hi Jimbo, Glad to here you are well. I agree with you “Ezza” was certainly underated as a lead guitarist when he was Mick, but he had past lead guitarists Howard Rayner and Ian “Tex” Peacock for Mick to compare with.They all played their part with Mick at different musical eras of the sixties. Howard was around in the early rock”n”roll Shadows era and Tex was around during the Beatles to the Mod / Flower power era. One week we”d be at the Club Fiesta doing cabaret supporting Frankie Vaughan or Brenda Lee, the next Sunday we”d be playing a completely different set supporting John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers or Long John Baldry”s Steam Packet and holding our own. Kempy worked us all hard so we became very versatile. My favourite line up when I played with the band was with Mick (drums), Tex (guitar), Pedro (bass), Peter Embleton (vocals), Linda Kemp (vocals), Jock Graham (trombone) and Gerry Denning (trumpet). It”s a pity it all fell apart, but we all had to move on to better things or so we thought at the time.
Great site!!!!!What a fantastic trip down memory lane.I can remember most of the bands,and members, mentioned by most of you guys.To Eric Whitehouse,I took your place in The Blue Caps from “68 until “76 with many,many band members changing..Dave “Spotkins” Watkins(Zephrons)Keith(Porky)Davison,Steve Lewis,Rob McKenzie,Ralph Chapman.Ezza was lead guitarist then…was..and still is my idol.Teesside”s answer to Jeff Beck.After the Blue Caps I went into PAPERBACK with Colin Bilton(vocals)Paul Rhucroft (sax)RIP.Johnny”Totty” “Talcy bot”Taylor(trumpet)John Rogers(bass)Barry Robinson(keyboards)Musically that was the best band I”ve ever played in,thanks guys.From the huge “sound” Davey Shearer(The ultimate drummer) and I formed a trio with Barry Skeldon(bass) who also served an apprenticeship with Mick Kemps” Bluecaps.We called ourselves “Mirrors” with an added player for a short while,Dave Halliday.Ezza,Spotkins,Michael Pugh(drums)Ray Southgate and myself,had a band called “Jon”s Court” “65,when RoadRunners,Crawdaddies,Denmen,Bluecaps were all the top N/E bands.I also remember “Cycle” one time,when in the Bluecaps,playing at the Spitfire,Johnny Whit asked if they could do a couple of numbers whilst we had a break,Mick Kemp said ok,but he wasn”t happy about it,they were great..Sunshine of your love..but Norman broke Mick”s snare-skin and it was World War 3…Happy Days. Great to hear all your comments. Keep on playing till you drop.Cheers..Jimbo now in Australia
To Billy Yull, Yes I did work at the John Collier factory (and various shops on Saturdays),left about three years before it closed, when the writing started to appear on the wall. I”ve moved on a little from trainee cutter, but still work with fabrics, for a company in Stockton in the filterbag industry. I caught a picture of you with the hearse and snazzy suit (not one of my creations). I will get in touch. To Chris Bailey, Not the same Bowen family, I only have a brother; we did live in Berwick Hills ( Ida Road) between 1955 and 1965. Where did you live as your name rings a bell?
To Colin Bradley: Colin, I”d have to agree. Bruce always seemed to have his own “agenda” in life, very enigmatic. When The Machine were rehearsing Cream numbers in 3-part harmony, Bruce would pull-back off the mike, almost reducing the number to two-part. This used to cause Bob Mc. to fly into one of his famous rages and he go over and physically threaten Bruce! Hard-core stuff! Bruce seemed not to have this problem by the time he reached Elvis & The Attractions. Bruce didn”t go to Art College (where I was at the time ) but had a job in the large art-dept at the Ev.Gazette as a trainee.When he left with the RR”s(or Wildflowers) for London they advertised his job, and out of 75 applicants, guess who landed it! So, Ive much to thank him, and his professional aspirations for. 10 years later I moved into Architecture, and see that Bruce became an author having written (amongst other things), as you know, the definitive book on Bruce Lee! For the record, I now play Hohner Special 20″s, at a cool £21.00 per key! These little “toys” used to cost 7/6d (37p) from Hamiltons Music Store back in “63 when I first started playing.
To Chris Bailey: Chris, I stumbled across a lengthy interview conducted with Bruce Thomas recently by the Fender guitar comany. Of all of the ex RR”s to become “famous”, he seems to be the one with the darkest personality and the highest cynicism quotient -Great to read your observations throughout this thread, and to know that you still knock out the odd tune on the old “Marine Band” – or is it a Lee Oskar these days?
To Derek Elliot I too was shocked at the death of Arty McDermott, he always looked much younger than his age, fit, tanned and without any of middle-age spread that has affected so many of us. I believe he had ventured back to his trade as a Painter & Decorator and suffered a stroke during a tea-break,resulting in his demise a few days later in hospital. A truly sad loss. His funeral, as you can imagine, was well attended by many local “musos”(Johnny T. being one of them) and I actually ended up (post reception) in The Market Tavern “Doggy” with Thornaby”s own Stevie Harris,(& Barry Faulkner) on vocals,myself on harp, belting out Mustang Sally (as a tribute) to a Karaoke “Soul” tape (!!!!) the DJ found in his collection. To Paul Bowen: Did you have a sister Gwendoline who was in my class at Berwick Hills Jnr School?
Hey Johnny T. thanks for the mention on here! The Bruce Thomas “missing years” were spent in the company of myself, Bob McConnell(lead) and Denny Chatto(drums)-“The Machine” Rehearsing in an ice-cream van garage off Newport Rd. Micky Moody mentions in his book that Bruce joined them (The Roadrunners) after our breakup was caused by the band being “just as adept at taking money from his till (the manager)as producing sounds from their instruments” Exit Bob & Denny, stage left, to a detention Centre. Technically, by that time i was just “sitting in” as my dream of a new Butterfield Blues Band had been overtaken by the emergence of supergroup Cream which suited the 3-man line up. Chicago Blues, at that time, was in reality, just not suited to achieving regular gigs at the main fountain-head of musical showcasing-the Workingmens Club! After this ,like you Colin, I decided to get on with my career in design. I still have a lot of promo-material I designed for local bands (Both Paul Rodgers & Micky featured the RR”s card in their books) and John Whittingham showed me his adaptation of the original Elastic Band card he”d adapted for Raised on Rusks – and who recalls the “Steel Mill Blues Band” …Neil Hunter , John Gilgan etc? These days I play blues-harp hardly at all , although I still have my various mikes and harps…oh, and the strong will to play ! I”ve also got a reel-tape of Micky Moody (aged 15),Bob Mc. and myself rehearsing Booker “T””s “Red Beans & Rice” in my front room made about 1966?. The past is definitely another country.
For David Thomas sadly John Cunningham died quite some years ago in a motoring accident he was believed to be coming back from a gig Newcastle way when at the bottom of the run near Castle Eden brewery heading towards Teesside his car ran off the road. At that time John was really involved with his buisness as well as the band and was very enthusiastic about his life and family. Very sad indeed.
When I sent this photograph to the Picture.Stockton website I had no idea it would provoke so many memories for subscribers to the site. The photograph was given to me many years ago by Alan Harrison, bottom left of picture. I have known Alan for many years, our paths crossed at work and at local social clubs to watch rock “n” roll groups perform. It was with great sadness that I read in the Evening Gazette that Alan died a few days ago. It was good to see amongst the family notices a tribute from the group I will always associate him with, The Zephyrs from Stockton. I will remember Alan for the whirlwind of fun and laughter he was. RIP to a great rock “n” roller.
Dave Shearer..I did not know that John Cunningham the Bass Player had died. Was this very recent? I uses to gig with him and two others in the seventies. And mention of Henry Fawcett being in the Johnny Taylor 5 reminds me of practising, using the back of a Fruit and Veg lorry as a stage in Portrack when he was trying to put some showbiz into us.
Gordon Valentine, If you taught at “Breck”, then you are the GV who taught Art at OLSB Stockton. I have been trying to trace you for ages and drawn a blank. I thought you might have popped your clogs, but you are hiding in France. I am still at the above school. As for Mick Kemp, he was my wife”s cousin, what a character!
Hi Paul Riding on the back of my motorbike, that takes me back. If my memory serves me well you were training as a cutter at John Colliers. Unfortunately I no longer have a bike, but I do have a sports car and an old hearse. I was a rocker in the sixties and still have a yen to buy another bike. I am considering buying a trike, you know boys with toys stuff. Have a look at my web site and you will see that I am still as mad as ever. Best Wishes Billy
For Paul Bowen: Glad you enjoyed “Playing WIh Trumpets” Paul – Olwyne often mentions you during our regular telephone calls. It”s quite amazing how this little thread that started in June 2006 has brought out many friends and acquaintances from the past, either from school days or from the musical community. I recently exchanged e-mails with Jim Dearlove, courtesy of information passed along by none other than Vin Early. As for the music – I long ago realised it will always be a part of who I am. I enjoy playing as much as ever. Take care and good to hear from you Paul.
For Colin Bradley: Just finished reading Micks book, kindly loaned to me by your sister, also listened to your music, keep up the good work, you sound great. That picture of you on your bike in Victoria Rd took me back, as I grew up in Myrtle St before moving “up market” to Berwick Hills, just a few streets away from Moody. Jim Dearlove now lives in the Birmingham area; we keep in touch and meet up when he visits family during Christmas or Easter. For Billy Yull: What a picture is forming in my mind, you and Moody as alter boys — never!!! I still have the shakes when I recall the odd times you gave me a lift on the back of that motorbike of yours from DOGGY to Easterside; what a pair we must have looked, you in your bike gear and me in my best John Collier suit. Great to know you guys are still well.
david shearer:sorry to be morbid but does anyone know when and how Arty McDermott passed away as he was in my band Loving Feeling quite a few years ago
Just found your website and looking at photo. Top right is Andy. He played bass in a few local bands with my late husband Ronnie Moore who sadly passed away in 2002. Ronnie knew many of the folks mentioned in the pieces published and although I didn”t meet him until 68 I have heard many stories of the “Maison,” etc. He played there quite often in another local band – “The Sattelites”, Billy Jarret,Peter Cuthbert and Frank Garvey. Ronnie and Peter later played in various local bands.
For Al Todd – I can”t believe that you have a copy of that performance – it will make interesting listening. To get in touch please can you jot down your email address on a bit of paper and send it to me at my business address – Freepost CN1401, Billingham, TS23 3BR – no stamp needed. I”ll then send you a more detailed email etc. Hope you”ve still got your Teesside accent!
Wow Andy Hunter, he is playing bass in my band now, we are called Infinity. Cracking fella, it”s weird to see him looking so young.
For Nev Reed: WOW! So happy to hear from you Nev! Everybody keeps asking me if i”ve heard from Mick Martin but i”m afraid the answer is sadly no. The last time i saw him was over 20 years ago when i went to London for the day and met him for a pint but nothing since then. The same with Collie…..Have no idea what happened to him. Of course i well remember you doing that gig with Colin Dale and him being taken to hospital. I even have a recording of you playing at that gig and if you can give an email address i”ll forward it to you if you”re interested. Ah! the “Red Rose”. What great laughs we used to have in there! Where are you living these days? I landed in Birmingham in 1972 and have been here ever since. Be sure to keep in touch Nev.
Billy Yull – how could I forget Dukes House Wood camp at Hexham and the dreaded Mr. Darragh? Yes indeed, I was there when you guys were, as was my old buddy Jim Dearlove, with whom I lost touch many years ago. Tea and jam sandwiches for supper – I hated it! Might has well have been in Stalag Luft 13. I imagine the Corpus Christi photo of Micky Moody would give him a chuckle. He was at my brother”s funeral last year, and it was fun to catch up on each other”s lives etc. Check his website if you are interested. Glad to hear that you are a blues fan, and that you make it to Chicago periodically.
For Al Todd :- I”ve just discovered this site & saw your comments. Hope you are OK – fancy a pint in the Red Rose?. Are you still in touch with Mick Martin? I still remember the night I stood in with the Boston Movement (a club in Sunderland as I recall) where Colin Dale was rushed to hospital for some reason – nightmare. Do you (or anyone else) know what happened to Collie? (John Collins). I lost track of him a long time ago when he was working for Edwin Shirley. He used to call round to my house in Middlesbrough when he was trucking at City Hall gigs but I haven”t seen or heard of him for a long while. For everyone – Sad to hear about Arty McDermott. I didn”t know him that well but he always appeared to be a genuinely decent bloke.
To David Shearer: Hi David. No sorry…My memory is atrocious these days!:) Apparently, my sources tell me, Pete Webster now has a music shop in Stockton. called “bandland”
To add to my gone but not forgotten list a man who needs a seperate mention, a man who did more to promote the live music scene throughout his life is the grand “Joe Bradley” who has seen more bands and promoted more bands and musicians in the North East than anyone I can think of.
Gone but not forgotten : Alan Ludley Singer, Trevor Bullock Guitarist, Ian McLaughlin Bass Player, John Cunningham Bass Player, Ian McLennan Drummer, Paul Rhucroft Saxaphone, Bob Evans one of those clever guys who played just about everything, Ken Smeaton Saxaphone, Mick Kemp Drummer/Singer, Peter “Pedro” Thompson Bass Player/Singer, Robert “Bob” McConnell Guitarist, Tony Relph Drummer, Howard Rainor Guitarist, Kell Dennis Drummer and a fine teacher, and now Arty McDermott Singer. I know I have got some names wrong but the memories are still there.
Hi Johnny “Totty” Taylor hey John fond memories of your mam I remember the “Andy Pandy” suit she made You wore it at a gig at the Kirk one Christmas Remember the Sycamore Club when you fell over the balcony and knocked your self out… we couldnt see you so we just kept on playing and yes I have some photos. Alan Todd can you remember Pete Webster putting “Claptrap” together you came for the early stuff but then dropped out glad to see your still with us.
Glad you remember me Colin, thought senility may have been setting in by now. If you are ever in England again please look me up. I have never been to Canada but get to Chicago for few weeks a year to visit my daughter. I always make a point of going to Buddy Guys; unfortunately he has to look for new premises. I saw him over the New Year period the man is still awesome and gave a fantastic performance. My son-in-law is a big blues fan and we always set aside a few nights for the lads to visit Chicago’s blues scene. I’m not sure if you were at Hexham camp with Paul Rodgers, Mick Moody and myself but the three of us appeared on stage in one of my short comedy sketch’s. I also have great photo of Mick Moody and me as altar-boys in Middlesbrough’s Corpus Christie procession when we where both at Saint Alphonsus School in North Ormesby. Mick’s rock-cred is seriously damaged with his hand clasped during a pious moment.
For Al Todd: Yes, Danny Ramage, Gerry Pears and the old Britania test-house still haunt my memory from time to time. Shame about the stroke Al, but glad to see it hasn”t made you bitter. I”m still playing on a part time basis (as explained elsewhere in this “thread”)but still make my living in the engineering business, which has taken me all over the world. Keep music live!