L-R:John Gaydon, John Baker, Andrew Petre, David Wilkinson, Mike d’Abo
Andre Martin… That was a great night at the Witch Doctor on our College events that always drew in the crowds. Noels band The Defiants were one of the supporting acts.
Alan Esdaile…..Not sure if this record was a hit but was big with the Northern Soul crowd. I used to go and play the piano for Mike ‘d’Abo’s mum ‘Primrose’. A lovely lady and very much missed.
Andre Martin….Very true – now being played in Japan in the Northern Clubs ! Hope Mike and the Boys are getting their Yen.
Pete Shaw….We used to play at The Continental Club, Eastbourne which was a three/four storey building which is now Laura Ashley….had to carry the kit up to the third floor and we were great competition for Eastbourne bands…one drummer used to leave chewing gum on my drum stool….it stopped when I stuck one on him..literally….I did succumb some years later and joined an Eastbourne band…but this is where playing away from Hastings really started…we were friends with The Lurking Gromwells!!…a Ninfield band…at least Graham had a Thames Trader 15cwt Van that we turned over at Cowbeech! The farmer was more interested in the integrity of his recently replaced 5 bar gate than us…I left via the shattered windscreen to pick up my scattered drums along the Lane!! Remember that Dave!! Graham’s Van was, yep, well bent and left outside his home!
Andy Qunta….Oh the good old days, eh Pete! Great stories!
Robert Searle….Great stories Pete.The O’Driscolls had some great photos of the Lurking Gromwells. Don’t know if they still have them though.