Johnny Smith and The Chevs

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supplied by Gordon Humphries via Hastings Groups from 1958 to The Present

Johnny Smith and the DJ4 later to become Johnny Smith and the Chevs, L-R = Dave Johnson (Drums) Gordon Humphries (Rhythm Guitar) Dermot Murphy (Bass Guitar) Johnny Smith must be behind the camera. No picture of him available – YET! Played in the George Street Market Hall (Hastings) the Pier and many other local venues between 1961 and 1963

Nigel Livermore… Dave Johnson, Dermot Murphy and Gordon Humphries were in my year at the Hastings Grammar School from 1956-61. Smith was older than us, and rode around on a 350cc Douglas Mark IV motorbike with Harley Davidson ‘ape-hanger’ handlebars and scalloped flames on the tank. Always considered a very cool guy, with Steve McQueen-style hair. We used to get together at the Fiesta coffee bar in 1961. Johnson died from cancer a few years back, and Smith had a head injury after a scooter accident later on, leading to severe brain damage. Tragic! Many of us used to go every week to the Market Hall concerts, including Bob (Robert John) Lambert and Paddy (Terence Donovan) Flynn (who bought Johnny’s Douglas later on). Any of them still alive?

Lloyd Johnson… great group!…saw them along with The Talismen at the Market Hall George Street…and use to go to The Sombrero after with Henry from The Talismen…The Sombrero was a coffee bar near The Pumphouse…they had Ride of the Valkyries of the jukebox….

1 thought on “Johnny Smith and The Chevs”

  1. Dave Johnson, Dermot Murphy and Gordon Humphries were in my year at the Hastings Grammar School from 1956-61. Smith was older than us, and rode around on a 350cc Douglas Mark IV motorbike with Harley Davidson ‘ape-hanger’ handlebars and scalloped flames on the tank. Always considered a very cool guy, with Steve McQueen-style hair. We used to get together at the Fiesta coffee bar in 1961. Johnson died from cancer a few years back, and Smith had a head injury after a scooter accident later on, leading to severe brain damage. Tragic! Many of us used to go every week to the Market Hall concerts, including Bob (Robert John) Lambert and Paddy (Terence Donovan) Flynn (who bought Johnny’s Douglas later on). Any of them still alive?

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