The Kult and The Initials, The New Breed and The Beat Syndicate. Hastings Pier December 1968.

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supplied by Sarah Harvey

Sarah Harvey…. The local Bexhill based band The Kult – December 21st, 1968. Richard Melhuish (guitar), brothers Pete (Vocals) & Mike O’Driscoll (vocals & bass), and John Hales (drums)

Nigel Ford… The KULT made several appearances at Battle Dances too around this time.

Robert Searle… A bit before my time

Mike Waghorne… When did you join them Bob? I know it was 50 years ago but it does not seem that long , I can remember you playing 2nd guitar before taking over from Mick on bass

Group 004 + 1 & The Beat Syndicate – 1964/65

Any flyers or posters on these bands?

The Beat Syndicate at the Photoshoot 001

The Beat Syndicate.. supplied by John Maskell

John Maskell… I was a vocalist for a support group on Hastings pier on the 19th September 1964. The group was called Group 004 + 1. I appeared with another group called The Beat Syndicate later that year or early in 1965 supporting Verne Rogers and the Rebounds.

Are there any archives that you know of that have flyers/posters or other details of the time. I am trying to trace my time in the bands, but not having much luck. I am attaching a photo of the group which was taken after we won a beat competition at Coronation Gardens Leytonstone London, which was where we were based.The good looking one is yours truly at the back, left to right is Tony the Drummer, Jim the Rhythm Guitarist, John the Bass player and Mick the Lead Guitarist.

Group 004 + 1 or Johnny and the Bobcats as they were previously known, also appeared at the West Cliffe Ballroom Ramsgate on occasions to raise money for the Football Club. We supported acts like Duffy Power and Deke Arlon and the Offbeats to mention a couple. I am sure you are aware that Deke Arlon went on to become a successful manager, Shena Easton being one of his big stars.

Andre Martin… Here is the Newspaper advert from 19 September, that shows the Beat Syndicate as supporting. Will see what else I can find out for you.

1421284_10202434732807657_1353946471_oAndre Palfrey-martin collection

John Maskell… I was very pleased to receive the West Cliff poster from Nick Warburton. This poster shows both groups that I sang with. At the time I didn’t realise that The Beat Syndicate were backing Duffy Power, We had been on a supporting list some time before on Hastings pier The Beat Syndicate. The Headline Group at that time was Verne Rogers & The Rebounds. Around three months after the West Cliff gig I joined The Beat Syndicate as lead singer. Regrettably, I have to announce that Jim Newton Rhythm Guitarist for The Beat Syndicate passed away in September 2018.