Cutting supplied by Sarah Harvey, photo supplied by Robert Searle
With Sunshine, Robert Searle, Pete O’Driscoll and John Hales.
Geoff Peckham... An evocative picture! I was young at the time but this band made a strong impression on me. Sunshine had that incisive Led Paul sound and Pete a strong stage presence. The pic encapsulates how I remember them.
Sarah Harvey… This Day August 10th, 1968. Another appearance locally, this time on the pier.
supplied by Kerry Derbyshire
Pete O’Driscoll, Richard Melhuish, John Hale, Robert Searle.
Unreleased demo by the Kult, recorded in Pye #2 Studios in Marble Arch, London in 1969. Written by Richard Melhuish and Pete O’Driscoll. Produced by Vic Mail.
supplied by Kerry Derbyshire
Alan Esdaile… Excellent band, loved The Kult.
Robert Searle… Proud to have been a member of The Kult.
Dave Nattress… Kult have been referred to on and off on SMART for a while now and rightly so. Kult were indeed really excellent. I was 16 in 1969, left school that Summer, you did too Jaffa! Saw Kult many times around Bexhill area around that time. Mallet Hall, (London Road traffic lights), The Granville, and best one of all for me, supporting T2 at the De La Warr. Thinking back so long ago, there were of course so very few bands around, especially those playing heavy/progressive rock. This set them apart and it’s a shame they didn’t make it big. When I discovered SMART, one of the bands I hope would come out of the memories was Kult and I’m delighted that we have not only a good few photo’s but also some sound recordings.
Peter Linnett… Used to be part time roadie spent many happy times with them in Brentwood and Bexhill last saw Peter back earlier 70s at his place in Battle Sussex
The Kult’s only single, on CBS Records, 1969. Recorded in Pye #2 Studios in Marble Arch, London in 1969, the A side was written by producer Vic Maile. B side ‘Mister Number One’ was written by Richard Melhuish and Pete O’Driscoll. The Kult were based in the Bexhill-on-Sea area of Sussex, and included Richard Melhuish (guitar), brothers Pete & Mike O’Driscoll (vocals & bass, respectively), and John Hales (drums). Bassist Robert Searle replaced Mick O’Driscoll when he took over management.
Alan Esdaile… Hi Robert, I remember seeing this band a number of times and they were very good. This singles still sounds strong. Did the band or the brothers live in a house near Ninfield and the only way to get to the house was over a field? I think we brought an amp from them once?
Pete Fairless….Yeah, I like it. Did they ever play on the Pier?
Robert Searle….I lived at the O’Driscoll home at Moor Hall Ninfield. The Kult played the pier a number of times.
Andy Knight….Diversion supported Kult, AK Drums, Digger Rosewell Voc, Jeff Peckam Bass and Dai Harding Gtr
Tony Court-holmes….hartnells on hastings seafront next to courts on thursday nights
Alan Esdaile Johnny Mason…I saw them at Hartnells and other places, I was probably only about 15 or 16. The group ‘The Town Council’ manager Harry (father of the drummer Brian ‘Bear’) used to organise coach trips to follow ‘Town Council’ and see other bands in the area. Saw a few bands play in Ninfield.
Andy Knight….I remember TC, Bob Shipway Bass (joined Shaft later), Chris ? Gtr, Pete Robertson (married Gloria) Voc, Bear (Williams?) Drums)
Phil Gill…. really like this Kult song, it has that real trippy 60s thing going on. Nice find.
Rickie….Saw the original guitarist posted on a band from the States that covered the song. Worth checking out! The Underclassmen – No Home Today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkAaibqvKxA