Penny Black – early 70’s Hastings and Brighton

source David William/ Facebook Eastbourne Bands From 1960 on

David William.. first photo Hastings early 70’s. far right Dave H Terry Creasey Terry Mcconnel Dermot

Robert Searle… Great pictures

Pete Millington… Great flares!

Mark Asseenontv Scutchings-Stevens… Is that a Watkins/WEM bass ?

Dave Nattress… Went to the old Hastings College with Terry Creasey. Iain Cobby was there as well at the time. We were all doing construction studies. Also had Mick Kemp, drummer and Paul Durrant, Keyboards from Damaris – all doing construction. I remember when Paul brought in his first synthesizer. There were a lot of musicians there at the time. I was there part time from about 1970 – 1975. I remember Phil Gill there but don’t know what course Phil was doing. Do I recall correctly, Penny Black became Steam. Terry was definitely in Steam.

Chris Dann… Well, my wife has just had a look at the two photos of Penny Black and she says that the bass player in the first photo is Dermot and I am in the second photo. I was the original bass player in Penny Black. Consequently, left to right in the first photo ; Dermot Searle, Terry McConnell, Terry Creasey, Dave Hacker. (circa 1972) Second photo; Terry McConnell, Chris Dann (me),Terry Creasey, Dave Hacker. (circa 1970). I played bass with Penny Black from 1970 to 1971. 2nd April 1971 we played with Factory and DJ Tony Kane at Hastings High School. That’s how I remember playing on the same stage as Factory. I remember they were really good although I seem to remember that there was only three in the band ?? Dermot took over from me in July 71 when I went over to Brighton Top Rank to play full time in the Ronny Keane Band. In 1972 I went to study Jazz at Leeds College of Music and stayed in Leeds until about 1978 when I joined the Jack Hawkins Showband in London. I stayed with Jack as a pro bass player from 78 to 84 and then (sick to the back teeth of travelling) I packed in playing and took a job teaching music at Seaford Head School. During the late 60’s early 70’s I played bass (part time) with the Ted Crouch Band, Penny Black , Ronny Keane and various others who I just can’t remember right now. I also did a short stint with a band called The Kingsmen. I seem to remember that we opened Kings Country Club and became the resident house band. I left after a very short stint because I hated it ! When I came back to Eastbourne in the 80’s I played odd gigs with Ted Crouch and also with a band called the Amazing Rubber Band which was run by (if I remember correctly) Gary Bonner from Bonner’s Music in Grove Rd Eastbourne. I think I have some photos of Penny Black. I’ll dig them out and forward them to you.

Ian Williams…  Was your father Roly Dann, excellent drummer?

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Centre Page with Rev at The Yelton Hotel – early 2000

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supplied by Josie Lawson

Another great photo from Josie Lawson.  Josie’s cousin Rev was the keyboard player. I would think this is Centre Page with the much missed Dave Easton anyone confirm.

Colin Fox… Dermot playing Bass.

Peter Gladwish… Yep! ‘Centre Page’ with the incomparible Dave Easton on vocals. I was the drummer when Rev was in the band, before my time with ‘Looking Back’. Two great bands!

Josie Lawson… This photo was taken when The Entertainer mag was around as I wrote about this with my cousin and they published it. I called the poem I think “My long lost cousin”. I don’t know if copies of the mag were ever kept but unfortunately a lot of my research etc were thrown as I explained to you due to ill health.

Colin Fox… The last time I saw Rev he was having a drink at Cooden Beach Hotel. He had really long grey hair and beard.

Josie Lawson…I think that may have been before he passed which was 23rd December 2004 sad days. Last time I saw Rev my cousin he said even though I have all my disabilities to follow my heart and dreams as I could make it.He said he followed my creativity within the Mags.It was so good meeting him again after all those years.Just by chance I heard his name when the band took a break.I heard his name and knew and he realised too and so a hug was had.Would be great to have the poem again.I have many floppy discs with many of my poems but that is where they Are at the moment until I can gain access.

Anyone help Josie with copies of The Entertainer magazine?

Colin Fox… That’s correct Josie. Everyone loved him even though he some problems.