sixties pop groups hastings

George Bean and the Runners – Witch Doctor St Leonards 6th March 1965

Pete Fisher… In the early 80s, while I was living in North Norfolk, Alan Haven (who lived there on the coast) showed up at a village hall gig my band was doing, and afterwards said he’d like to record us. We ended up doing a couple of tracks at his home studio, and he played a Moog solo on one of them. Have to dig out the cassette…

Heinz and The Wild Boys – Witch Doctor St Leonards 29th July 1967

Eddie Larnerd Lane… Heinz great song Just like Eddie

Mark Mackenzie… I was the drummer with The New Breed on that gig and seem to remember that we also did the Witch Doctor in Catford,we worked for Radio Caroline .

Alan Esdaile… Have you got any photos of The New Breed, Mark?

Mark Mackenzie… Alas no,i had loads but all lost in a move overseas,still trying to track down the other guys ,John Couchman ,Joe Black ,Colin Wilson ,and Roger Fox….

Nigel Ford… My Aunt took my Bruv & I to see either Ferry Cross the Mersey with Gerry & the Pacemakers or a Beatles film at the Gaiety, Queens Road around ’63 (?) and the supporting film starred Heinz, but I can’t remember the title, but vividly remember my Aunt saying afterwards “thank you for introducing me to Heinz”

Alan Esdaile… I think it must be ‘Live It Up’ Nigel. Great clip below, a rather young looking Steve Marriott.

Nigel Ford… Could that be Jet Harris on guitar ? I seem to recognise him? Looking on allmusic.com it seems it was likely Ritchie Blackmore, ‘ knew the face was familiar from somewhere…

Mick O’Dowd… Saw “The Blonde One” in The Tornadoes as Billy Fury’s backing band at The ABC( now ESK) in Cambridge Road.

The Majority – Witch Doctor St Leonards – June 11th 1966

Arthur Sutherland… Were the Koobas out of Liverpool, because I seem to recall seeing a group at Butlins Ayr called the Koobas in 1962 just before the Beatles broke.

Alan Esdaile… Yes I think your right Arthur.

Mick O’Dowd… At last some names I do remember!!