The Action: Kentish Town mod quintet, originally The Boys↓. Five 1965–67 Parlophone singles, including soul-rocker “I’ll Keep Holding On” and psych-tinged “Shadows and Reflections.” Recorded two+ album’s worth of material, later compiled on Action Packed! and Rolled Gold. Morphed into jam-rockers Mighty Baby. Guitarist Alan King surfaced in pub-rockers Ace.>
The Alan Price Set: R&B sextet led by ex-Animals organist. Ten+ 1965–68 Decca singles (incl. hit cover of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell On You”) and two albums. Price launched solo career and twice rejoined The Animals. Guitarist Peter Kirtley and (temp) drummer Alan White went onto the Price-produced Happy Magazine↓. Kirtley reteamed with saxophonist Steve Gregory in Riff-Raff; played in sequence of bands (Pentangle, Radiator). Gregory surfaced in Ginger Baker’s Air Force and Gonzalez. Reedist Johnny Almond (ex-Zoot Money) did multiple stints (Bluesbreakers, Keef Hartley Band) and formed Mark-Almond. White replaced Bill Bruford in Yes.>
The Applejacks: From Solihull, England. Seven 1964/65 singles and a self-titled album. Guitarist Dave Ball did brief stints in Big Bertha (w/ Cozy Powell) and Procol Harum (post-Robin Trower). Pianist Don Gould surfaced in Zakarrias. Bassist Megan Davies played in the ’73 one-off Mongrel.>
The Artwoods: London R&B quintet. Ten 1964–66 Decca singles, the ’66 album Art Gallery and EP Jazz In Jeans. Cut one ’67 psych single as The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Singer Art Wood was the older brother of Ron Wood (then of The Birds↓). Organist Jon Lord co-founded Deep Purple, formed Paice Ashton Lord and joined Whitesnake. Drummer Keef Hartley formed brass-rockers the Keef Hartley Band. Guitarist Derek Griffiths joined Satisfaction and reteamed with Hartley in Dog Soldier. Bassist Malcolm Pool surfaced in folksters Accolade.>
The Answers: Beat/pop trio. Two 1966 Columbia singles: the pounding, searing “Just a Fear” (b/w “You’ve Gotta Believe Me”), produced by Jimmy Duncan (Lesley‘s brother, Pretty Things); and the ballad “That’s What You’re Doing to Me” (b/w “Got a Letter From My Baby”), all written by guitarist Tony Hill. Singer J. Vincent Edwards joined psychsters The Owl. Hill joined US/UK garage rockers The Misunderstood↓ and formed High Tide.>
The Beat Merchants: Two 1964/65 Columbia singles, plus 14 demos collected on archival disc The Beats Go On.>
The Beatstalkers: Scottish beat-mods. Four 1965/66 Decca singles; four 1967–69 CBS singles, turning color-psych on “Silver Tree Top School for Boys,” “Sugar Chocolate Machine,” and “Rain Coloured Roses.” Bassist Alan Mair resurfaced in pop-punks The Only Ones. Drummer Jeff Allen did two stints in East of Eden and played briefly in Babe Ruth (1972) and The Rats. >
The Big Three: Liverpool beat trio w/ revolving lineup. Four 1963/64 Decca singles and At the Cavern EP. Charted with Leiber/Stroller/Barrett’s “Some Other Guy.” Passing ranks included bassist Jon Gustafson (Quatermass, Hard Stuff, Roxy Music, Ian Gillan Band) and guitarist Paul Pilnick (Stealers Wheel, Badger, Deaf School). Guitarist Patrick Chambers played in subsequent beat groups (The Escorts, The Eyes, Faron’s Flamingos↓). Backed Cilla Black and Beryl Marsden. Co-founder Adrian Barber went into production (Cream, Allman Brothers, Bee Gees, Loaded).>
The Birds: London R&B quintet. Three 1964/65 Decca singles. As Bird Birds, issued Robert Stigwood-produced “Say Those Magic Words” (b/w “Daddy Daddy”) on Reaction. Guitarist Ron Wood and bassist Kim Gardner joined The Creation. Wood joined the Jeff Beck Group (as bassist), left with Rod Stewart to join the Small Faces (turning them into Faces after an abortive union with Art Wood in Quiet Melon), then joined The Rolling Stones. Gardner co-founded Ashton, Gardner & Dyke, later joined Badger.>
The Blue Aces: London-based Irish beatsters. Three 1964/65 Pye singles. Half-lineup change brought in locals for two ’65/66 Columbia singles. Ron Ryan co-wrote songs for the Dave Clark Five and became a ’70s singer/songwriter. Keyboardist Michael Snow played in the The Checkmates↓, We Five, and Ferris Wheel.>
The Blue Chips: R&B/beat quintet. Three 1965/66 Pye singles, including the organ-driven sides “I Know a Boy” and “I’m On the Right Side” (b/w “You’re Good to Me”), all written by one Tony Hill (?). Drummer Alan White joined The Happy Magazine↓/Griffin, then the Plastic One Band and finally Yes.>
The Blue Rondos: Two 1964/65 Pye singles: “Little Baby” (b/w fuzz-tinged “Baby I Go For You”) and “Don’t Want Your Loving No More” (b/w “What Can I Do”), produced by Joe Meek. Singer/guitarist Mick Stubbs surfaced in rustic-rockers Home.>
Blues Council: Scottish R&B sextet. One 1965 Parlophone single, “Baby Don’t Look Down” (b/w “What Will I Do“). After two members perished in a car crash, drummer Henry Wright joined Lulu and the Luvvers. He and two other Luvvers (incl. future Robin Trower singer/bassist James Dewar) formed The Power with Leslie Harvey (brother of Alex) and his girlfriend Maggie Bell. Minus Wright, they became Stone the Crows.>
Bluesology: London R&B group, co-founded in 1962 by singer Stu Brown (later Cochise frontman) and teenage pianist Reginald Dwight (later Elton John). Two 1965/66 Fontana singles and a ’67 third (on Polydor) as Stu Brown & Bluesology. Toured heavily through 1968, backing singer Long John Baldrey in its final year. Nineteen members passed through Bluesology, including bassist Fred Gandy (Fairies↓, Hookfoot, Howard Werth & the Moonbeams), Pete Gavin (Heads Hands & Feet, Jody Grind), singer Marsha Hunt, saxist Elton Dean and trumpeter Marc Charig (both later Centipede, Soft Machine, Chris McGregor’s Brotherhood of Breath), guitarist Bernie Holland (Jody Grind, Stealers Wheel, Hummingbird). Guitarist Caleb Quaye cut a ’67 psych single, did two stints backing Elton John (1969–72, 1975/76), and played in Hoofoot and Cochise. Late-serving keyboardist Jimmy Horowitz married singer/songwriter Lesley Duncan and became a prolific producer and sessionist. >
Bo Street Runners: R&B quintet/sextet. Eponymous 1964 Oak EP and Decca 7″, followed by two ’65 Columbia singles and a ’66 third (“Drive My Car” by The Beatles). Drummer Mick Fleetwood (ex-Cheynes↓) played in short-lived Shotgun Express↓ with Rod Stewart and Pete Bardens (Them, Camel), then co-founded Fleetwood Mac. Singer Michael McCarthy and keyboardist Tim Hinkley formed Chicago Line with bassist Louis Cennamo (future Renaissance, Colosseum, Steamhammer, Armageddon, Illusion) for a ’66 Philips single. McCarthy issued ’66 solo single as Mike Patto, then fronted Timebox, Patto, and Boxer. Hinkley did stints in Jody Grind, Snafu, Vinegar Joe, and Beckett. Pianist Roy Fry joined the Ray Russell Quartet.>
The Boys: Kentish Town mod quartet; 1964 Pye single “It Ain’t Fair” (b/w “I Want You”), produced by Kenny Lynch. Became The Action↑.>
The Bystanders: Welsh beatsters, formed 1962. One 1965 Pylot single, five 1966/67 Piccadilly singles, and two ’68 Pye singles. After the arrival of singer/guitarist Deke Leonard, they became Man. Drummer Jeff Jones left Man in 1971 to join Wild Turkey with bassist Glenn Cornick (Jethro Tull, Paris).>
The Candy Dates: Two 1965 Pye singles: “A Day Just Like That” (b/w “Well I Do”) and “Some Other Time” (b/w “Show Me How To Live”). Bassist/songwriter Dave Collman surfaced in Loose Ends↓.>
Carl Wayne and The Vikings: Brumbeat. Two 1964/65 Pye singles and a ’66 third (the Temptations cover “My Girl”) on ABC. Wayne and drummer Bev Bevan joined The Move. Bevan proceeded with Roy Wood and ex-Idle Race Jeff Lynne to Electric Light Orchestra.>
The Checkmates: Fronted by Saint Lucia-born singer Emile Ford. Drummer John Cuffley joined the Climax Blues Band. Early keyboardist Alan Hawkshaw (The Shadows, Rumplestiltskin) became a prolific sessionist and library musician. Keyboardist Michael Snow played in West Five↓ and The Ferris Wheel.>
The Cherokees: One 1964 Decca single and four ’64–66 Columbia singles, produced by Mickie Most, including Ashford & Simpson cover “Dig a Little Deeper.” Morphed into New York Public Library for Rascals cover “I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore” and two ’68 garage-psych singles on MCA. Members formed Raw for ’71 Coral release Raw Holly.>
The Cheynes: R&B-beat. Three 1963–65 Columbia singles, incl. Isley‘s “Respectable” (Yardbirds live staple). Roger Peacock sang in Mark Leeman Five (with Brian Davison) and several ‘Brit Invasion of Italy’ acts (Dave Anthony’s Moods, The Primitives↓, The Trip). Guitarist Phil Sawyer, keyboardist Pete Bardens (later Them, Camel), and drummer Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac) joined Rod Stewart‘s Shotgun Express. Sawyer did brief stints in Les Fleur de Lys and the (post-Winwood) Spencer Davis Group. Temporarily had Ed Furst of (pre-Blossom Toes) The Ingoes.>
The Chosen Few: Tyneside R&B. Two 1965 Pye singles. Morphed into Skip Bifferty (aka Heavy Jelly) when Graham Bell replaced singer Alan Hull (later Lindisfarne, Radiator). Guitarist John Turnbull and Micky Gallagher followed Bifferty/Jelly with ARC, reteamed with Bell in Bell + Arc and later joined Ian Dury and the Blockheads. Bell and bassist Colin Gibson cut a ’69 single as Griffin with (future Yes) drummer Alan White. Gibson did one-year stints in Ginger Baker’s Air Force, Mark-Almond, and Snafu.>
Chris Farlowe & the Thunderbirds: R&B/blue-eyed soul sextet. Five 1963–65 Columbia singles and ’66 album. Resurrected for two 1968 singles on Andrew Loog Oldham’s Immediate Records during Farlowe’s solo career on the label, where he charted with Rolling Stones covers (“Out of Time,” “Yesterday’s Papers“). Farlowe formed The Hill with bassist Bruce Waddell, then did fronting stints in Colosseum (1970) and Atomic Rooster (1972/73). Early guitarist Bobby Taylor cut a ’64 Columbia solo single. Guitarist Alan Shacklock (ex-Juniors↓) co-founded Babe Ruth. Keyboardist Dave Greenslade played in Colosseum, If, and his namesake symphonic supergroup Greenslade. Guitarist Albert Lee played in numerous groups (Poet and the One Man Band, Green Bullfrog, Heads Hands & Feet). Organist Peter Solley did late-’60s stints in Les Fleur De Lys and Los Bravos, then a sequence of ’70s stints (Paladin, Snafu, Fox, Procol Harum). Drummer Ian Hague was initially in The Nice before they chose Brian Davison. Briefly included (ELP) drummer Carl Palmer (between stints in Craig and Crazy World of Arthur Brown).>
The Circles: Soul-beat sextet w/ five ex-members of Screaming Lord Sutch and The Savages. One 1966 Island single: “Take Your Time” (b/w “Don’t You Love Me No More”). Trombonist/vocalist Brian O’Shea and guitarist/keyboardist Paul Raymond formed psychsters Plastic Penny. Raymond cut several albums w/ Chicken Shack and Savoy Brown, then became a long-serving member of UFO.>
The Clayton Squares: Two 1965/66 Decca singles, produced by Ian Samwell (of Cliff Richard‘s pre-Shadows backing band The Drifters). Also appears on ’66 split-maxi Euro single with The Hideaways (aka Confucius↓). Guitarist Barry Womersley hailed from The Big Three↑. Singer Denny Alexander did 66–68 stints in The Thoughts↓ (w/ future Paladin/Player guitarist Peter Beckett) and psychsters Penny Peeps (w/ Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre). Also featured saxists Mike Evans (Liverpool Scene) and Albie Donnelly (Bernie & The Buzz Band, Supercharge).>
The Clique: Kenton beat quintet. Two 1965 singles on Pye: “We Didn’t Kiss, Didn’t Love, But Now We Do Do” (b/w “You’ve Been Unfair”) and “She Ain’t No Good” (b/w “Time Time Time”), produced by Larry Page (The Kinks, The Knack). Those and six others collected on Dig The Fuzz comp The Complete Recordings 1964-1965. Bassist Adrian Stambach played in R&B/beatsters The Cravats with a teenage Jesse Hector (later Hammersmith Gorillas).>
The Cops ‘n Robbers: Watford R&B quartet. Spicy 1964 single “St. James’ Infirmary” (b/w “There’s Gotta Be a Reason”) produced by Mike Leander. Two 1965 Pye singles and two undated acetates. Fourteen tracks compiled by archivists Distortion Records (1997). Included drummers Henry Harrison (The New Vaudeville Band) and Alan Whitehead (Loose Ends, The Attack, Marmalade). Late-period singer Dane Stephens (aka Zion De Gallier) came from The Deep Beats, which evolved into The Fairies↓.>
The Cruisers: Backing band of pop singer Dave Berry. Issued autonomous 1965 Decca single “It Ain’t Me Babe” (b/w “Baby What You Want Me to Do”). Alan Taylor played in French beatsters Les Gaëlic.>
The Cymerons: Manchester beat. One 1964 Decca single, “I’ll Be There” (b/w the slide/harmonica gallop “Making Love To Another”), produced by Mike Leander. Also, 1966 Polydor single “I Can See You” (b/w “Everyday (Will Change)”). Singer Mike Lynch cut two 1971 MAM pop singles. Guitarist John Pedro Dearden surfaced in country-rockers Poacher.>
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich: Salisbury novelty popsters. Four albums and numerous 1965–69 Fontana singles, including the hits “Hold Tight!”, “Bend It!” “Zabadak!” and “The Legend of Xanadu.” Made 1970 album without Dee, who became an Atlantic/WEA A&R. John Dymond (Beaky) and Ian Amey (Tich) formed country-rockers Mason.>
David John and the Mood: Preston, Lancashire R&B quintet. 1964 single “Pretty Thing” (b/w “To Catch That Man”) on Vocalion Pop. Two 1965 Parlophone singles. Bassist John Brierley hailed from Freddie Starr & The Midnighters (w/ Keef Hartley↓) and later became a producer (Tractor). Guitarist Peter Illingworth surfaced in Little Free Rock. Singer David John performed on the Thundermother side of the 1971 Holyground release Astral Navigations.>
Davie Jones with The King Bees: R&B Quintet. One 1964 Vocalion Pop single, “Liza Jane” (b/w “Louie, Louie Go Home”), the vinyl debut of Jones, who later became David Bowie. Jones and guitarist George Underwood proceeded to The Konrads↓.>
Denny Seyton & The Sabres: Liverpool Merseybeat quintet. Three 1964 Mercury singles. Morphed into the Denny Seyton Group for ’65 Parlophone single. Group members Harold Stott and Mike Logan drifted to UK→Italy beatsters The Motowns.>
The Diamonds: .>
The Dimples: One 1966 Decca single, “The Love of a Lifetime” (b/w “My Heart Is Tied to You”). Guitarist Terry Wincott, bassist Craig Austin, and late-period singer John Gladwin cut a 1968 sunshine pop single in Gospel Garden, which morphed into Methuselah. Gladwin and Wincott became two-thirds of Amazing Blondel.>
Downliners Sect: Twickenham R&B combo. Three albums and 12 singles on Columbia, 1964–66. Reformed as pub-punks in 1977 and masqueraded as F.U.2.>
The Escorts: Liverpool Merseybeat quartet. Five 1964–66 Fontana singles and one Columbia 7″, compiled on From the Blue Angel. Guitarist Patrick Chambers also played in Faron’s Flamingos; Paddy, Klaus & Gibson; The Big Three; and The Eyes (all elsewhere on this page). Early drummer Pete Clark surfaced in folk-rockers Liverpool Scene and did one-album stints with Jackie Lomax, Kiki Dee and Badfinger. Guitarist/singer Terry Sylvester briefly joined a late-period Swinging Blue Jeans and replaced Graham Nash in The Hollies for their entire 1969–79 output.>
The Eyes: Formed as instrumental rockers The Renegades, then became Gerry Hart and The Hartbeats before settling as The Eyes. Four 1965/66 Mercury singles, including multi-comped “When the Night Falls”, “The Immediate Pleasure”, “You’re Too Much,” and “I’m Rowed Out,” all gathered on Blink (Bam-Caruso, 1983). Released 1966 Rolling Stones covers album as The Pupils.>
The Excheckers: Backing band of pop singer Jimmy Justice. Formed by ex-members of Emile Ford & The Checkmates. One 1963 Pye single (with The Breakaways): “You Gonna Need My Lovin’.” Guitarist John Inglis and bassist Harry Kershaw formed the Denmark-based Ex-Checkers. Drummer Jimmy Campbell (not the Kirkbys/23rd Turnoff songwriter) became a Danish pop producer.>
The Fairies: Colchester R&B, originally Dane Stephens & The Deep Beats. One 1964 Decca single and two ’65 singles on His Master’s Voice. Bassist Fred Gandy later played in Bluesology↑ and Hookfoot. Keyboardist Mick Weaver played w/ numerous blues-rockers (Wynder K. Frog, Ten Years Later, Keef Hartley Band, Hemlock, Butts Band, Frankie Miller). Drummer John Charles Alder (aka Twink) became a psych/space/proto-punk journeyman (Tomorrow, The Pretty Things, The Pink Fairies, The Rings).>
The Falling Leaves: Beat quintet. One 1965 Parlophone R&B single, “She Loves to Be Loved” (b/w “Not Guilty”), and ’66 Decca harmony-pop single, “Beggar’s Parade” (b/w “Tomorrow Night”), produced by Mike Leander.>
The Farinas: Leicester R&B. One 1964 Fontana single: “You’d Better Stop” (b/w “I Like It Like That”). Briefly gigged as The Roaring Sixties and evolved into rock heavyweights Family, which issued seven albums between 1967 and 1973.>
Faron’s Flamingos: Two 1963 Oriole singles and a ’64 Columbia split-single with Rory Storm & the Hurricanes. Guitarist/singer Nick Crouch joined The Mojos↓. Guitarist Patrick Chambers and William “Faron” Ruffley were in the Big Three↑. Chambers also played in The Escorts↑ and The Eyes (different from ↑), which became Paddy, Klaus & Gibson. Drummer Trevor Morais, a brief Hurricane (between Ringo Starr and Keef Hartley) surfaced in The Peddlers and Quantum Jump. .>
The Favourite Sons: Hatfield quartet, formerly The Juniors (1964) and The Hi Numbers↓ (1965). One 1966 Mercury single: “That Driving Beat” (b/w “Walkin’ Walkin’ Walkin'”). Guitarist Alan Shacklock formed Babe Ruth. Brothers John Glascock (bass) and Brian Glascock (drums) later played in psychsters The Gods (and followup Head Machine), blues-rockers Toe Fat, and the flamenco-glam Carmen. John played in Chicken Shack (Imagination Lady, 1972) and Jethro Tull (1975–79). Brian did stints in Captain Beyond and The Motels.>
The Federals: Watford beat sextet. Six 1963–65 Parlophone singles: “Brazil,” “Boot Hill,” “Marlena,” “Twilight Time,” “The Climb,” “Bucket Full of Love.” Keyboardist Tony Selvidge (aka Tony Kaye) played in Yes (1968–71, 1983–94), Flash (1972), Badger (1973–74), Detective (1977), and Badfinger (1981).>
The Fifth Column: Scottish folk-pop/harmony combo. One 1966 Columbia single: “Benjamin Day” (b/w “There’s Nobody Here”). Singing guitarists/songwriters Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan recorded three albums as Stealers Wheel and launched solo careers.>
The Fleur de Lys (aka Les Fleur de Lys): Southampton mods. Two 1965/66 Immediate singles: “Moondreams” (b/w “Wait for Me”) and Townshend‘s “Circles” (b/w “So Come On”). Much-comped ’66 Polydor single “Mud in Your Eye” (b/w “I’ve Been Trying”). Went psych on ’67/68 singles “I Can See a Light” and “Gong With the Luminous Nose.” Numerous lineups. Masqueraded as Chocolate Frog, Shyster, and Rupert’s People. Backed singer Sharon Tandy. Keyboardist Pete Sears became a transatlantic journeyman (Rod Stewart, Hot Tuna, Harvey Mandel, Jefferson Starship). Bassist Gordon Haskell became a solo singer/songwriter amid brief stints in King Crimson and Stackridge.>
The Fortunes: Brummie beat-harmony quintet; 12+ 1963–67 Decca singles, incl. ’65 Brit Invasion hit “You’ve Got Your Troubles.” Further runs on UA (1967–70) and Columbia (1971–73), latter w/ three albums and ’71 hit “Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again.” Keyboardist David Carr played on albums by Harriet Schock, The Ventures, and Cherie Currie.>
Four + One: One 1964 Parlophone R&B single: “Time Is On My Side” (b/w “Don’t Lie To Me”). Singer Keith Hopkins became Keith West of The In Crowd↓, which morphed into Tomorrow (w/ Steve Howe), and later fronted Moonrider.>
Four Just Men: Liverpool Merseybeat quartet. Two 1964/65 Parlophone singles. Early singer Harold “Lally” Stott joined Denny Steyton and UK→Italy beatsters The Motowns (elsewhere), later wrote pop hits. Others morphed into psychsters Wimple Winch. Drummer Lawrence Arends surfaced in Pacific Drift. Guitarist/singer Dee Christopholus played on the Webber/Rice musical album Evita.>
The Four Pennies: Blackburn beat. Two Philips albums and 10+ 1963–66 singles, incl. hits “Black Girl,” “I Found Out the Hard Way,” “Until It’s Time for You to Go,” and “Julia” (UK #1). Drummer Alan Buck backed folkster Noel Murphy. Singer/guitarist Lionel Morton cut solo singles and ’72 album Lionel. Bassist/keyboardist Mike Wilsh wrote Lionel’s “Waterloo Road” (first recorded by psychsters Jason Crest) and penned numerous Euro pop hits. Guitarist Fritz Fryer went into production (Steamhammer, Junco Partners, Gary Farr, Skin Alley, Rock Workshop, Stackridge, Horslips, Nucleus).>
Freddie & The Dreamers: Mancunian beat quintet. Numerous 1963–67 singles (and albums), incl. UK hits “If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody,” “You Were Made for Me,” “I Understand (Just How You Feel),” and “I’m Telling You Now” (UK #2, 1963; US #1, 1965). “Do the Freddie” (US #18) represented their comedic stage-dance. Session guitarist Big Jim Sullivan (later Tiger) played on several recordings. Regrouped for two 1976–78 albums on Arny’s Shack.>
Freddie Starr & The Midnighters: Two 1963 Decca singles. Starr became a ’70s MOR singer. Guitarist Mark Scott joined Them-offshoot The Belfast Gypsies. Bassist John Brierley joined R&B quintet David John & The Mood↑. Drummer Keef Hartley joined The Artwoods and became a bandleader (Keef Hartley Band, Dog Soldier, Broken Glass).>
The Game: Mitcham mods. 1965 Pye single, “But I Do” (b/w “Gotta Keep On Moving Baby”), and ’66 Decca 7″ “Gonna Get Me Someone” (b/w “Gotta Wait”), produced by Kenny Lynch. Two ’67 Parlophone psych singles: “The Addicted Man” (b/w “Help Me Mummy’s Gone“) and “It’s Shocking What They Call Me.” Guitarist Terry Spencer joined The Secrets↓ and formed hard-rockers Grail.>
Gerry & the Pacemakers: Liverpool Merseybeat quartet, managed by Brian Epstein, produced by George Martin. Three 1963 UK #1’s: “How Do You Do It?,” “I Like It,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Part of ’64 Brit Invasion w/ “I’m the One” (UK #2) and ballads “Ferry Cross the Mersey” and “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying.” Multiple singles/albums on Columbia (UK) and Laurie (US).>
The Giants: Offshoot of instrumental rockers The Flee-Rekkers. One 1964 Polydor live album and single, “Let the Four Winds Blow” (b/w “Cerveza“). Backed singer Tony Vincent. Bassist Harry Kershaw was in The Excheckers↑.>
The Habits: One 1966 soul-rock Decca single: “Elbow Baby” (b/w “Need You”). Drummer Brian Davison (Chris Farlowe, The Cheynes) surfaced in The Nice, Refugee, and his own band, Every Which Way.>
The Happy Magazine: Two Alan Price-produced singles on Polydor: soul-rocker “Who Belongs to You (Ooby Dooby Doo)” (b/w sunshine ballad “Beautiful Land”) and “Satisfied Street” (b/w Aretha cover “Do Right Woman – Do Right Man”). Guitarist/singer Alan Marshall and guitarist Peter Kirtley hailed from Loose Ends↓. Kirtley was also in the Alan Price Set↑ with drummer Alan White. Post singles, Marshal joined One (then Zzebra), Happy Magazine became psychsters Griffin (one single) w/ ex-Skip Bifferty singer Graham Bell and bassist Colin Gibson. Bassist Kenny Craddock became a journeyman (Ginger Baker’s Air Force, Bell + Arc, Lindisfarne, Mark-Almond). Kirtley surfaced in Riff-Raff, Pentangle, Sweet F.A., and reteamed with Craddock and Gibson in Lindisfarne-offshoot Radiator. White joined Plastic Ono Band, then Yes. He regrouped the Happy Magazine/Griffin crew for his 1976 solo album Ramshackled. >
The Hellions: Beat quintet of ex-Unit Five guitarist Gordon Jackson and ex-Jaguars↓ singer/guitarist Dave Mason. Three 1964/65 Beatle-esque Pye singles, incl. raw/echoey “Shades of Blue” and mandolin-harmony “Tomorrow Never Comes.” One ’66 a-side, “Hallelujah,” as The Revolution. Mason cut a single with Julien Covey↓ while the others formed Deep Feeling (not the ’71 band) w/ guitarist Luther Grosvenor (VIPs, Art/Spooky Tooth) and cut an album’s worth of material, later issued on Sunbeam comp Pretty Colours. Drummer Jim Capaldi reteamed w/ Mason in Traffic, which backed Jackson on his 1969 solo album Thinking Back. Multi-instrumentalist Poli Palmer became a journeyman (Blossom Toes, Eclection, Family, Linda Lewis, Elkie Brooks, Streetwalkers).>
The Hi-FiS: Early UK rock ‘n’ roll band, formed in 1957. Vinyl debut: 1962 side “In Hong Kong” on split-single on Belgian Moonglow. One 1963 Piccadilly single, “Love Me or Leave Me” (b/w “I’m Struck”), then three 1964/65 Pye singles, incl. early rock cover of Leiber/Stoller’s “I Keep Forgettin'” (later covered by The Artwoods, Procol Harum, Roger Chapman, Michael McDonald, David Bowie). Concentrated on Germany, where they issued the 1967 album Snakes And HiFiS on Star Club Records. Late-period guitarist Malcolm Lenny and bassist Gary Unwin hailed from The Packabeats↓. Unwin surfaced in Kraut jazz-rockers Niagara. Drummer Mel Wright joined the Brunning Sunflower Blues Band and ’80s folksters Traitors Gait.>
The Hi Numbers: Hatfield quartet, became The Favourite Sons↑. One 1965 Decca single, “Heart of Stone” (not the Stones song) b/w “Dancing In the Street” (Vandellas cover). Featured guitarist Alan Shacklock (Babe Ruth) and the Glascock rhythm section (The Gods, Toe Fat, Carmen).>
The Hideaways: R&B quartet. Two shoddy live recordings (“Black Night,” “Momma, Keep Your Big Mouth Shut”) on split 1966 German EP Beat In Liverpool (w/ The Clayton Squares↑). Morphed into Confucius for single “Brandenburg Concerto (That’s What It Was)” (b/w “The Message”) released in 1970 but sounding 1966–68. Guitarist/singer Chris Finley did time in Gerry & The Pacemakers, Herman’s Hermits, The Masterminds, and The Merseybeats↓. Guitarist Ozzie Yue surfaced in Supercharge.>
The High Numbers: Aka The Who, renamed for three months (July–Oct 1964) by then-manager Pete Meaden. One Fontana mod-themed single, “Zoot Suit” (b/w “I’m the Face”).>
High Society: Folk-pop studio project w/ songwriter Graham Gouldman (Mockingbirds, 10cc), arranger John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), bassist Keith Lawless (Ivan Meads, Sweet Marriage), drummer Clem Cattini (Hungry Wolf, Rumplestiltskin) and singer Friday Browne. One 1966 Fontana single: “People Passing By” (b/w “Star of Eastern Street”). Guitarist/singer Peter Cowap fronted the Herman’s Hermits followup Sourmash.>
The Honeycombs: North London beatsters, formed 1963 as The Sheratons. Multiple 1964–66 Pye singles and two ’65 albums, incl. Brit Invasion hit “Have I the Right” (UK #1, US #5). Produced by Joe Meek. Named after drummer Honey Lantree. Late-period guitarist/singer Colin Boyd co-founded Honeybus and recorded 1971 solo album as Colin Hare.>
The In Crowd: Mod-soul quartet w/ singer Keith West (ex-Four + One↑) and guitarist Steve Howe (ex-Syndicats↓). Three 1965 Parlophone singles: “That’s How Strong My Love Is” (b/w “Things She Says”), “Stop, Wait a Minute” (b/w “You’re on Your Own”), and “Why Must They Criticize” (b/w “I Don’t Mind”). Tapped for Blowup but replaced by the Yardbirds. When drummer John “Twink” Alder (ex-Fairies) joined, changed name to Tomorrow. Howe joined Yes and later Asia. Twink became a journeyman (The Pretty Things, Pink Fairies, The Rings). West resurfaced in Moonrider.>
The Incas: Scarborough mod quintet. One 1966 Parlohone single: Small Faces cover “One Night Stand” (b/w Marvelettes/Action cover “I’ll Keep Holding On”).>
The Ingoes: London R&B/beatsters, formed in 1962 as The Gravediggers. Managed by Giorgio Gomelsky (Rolling Stones, Yardbirds). Toured Europe, issued 1965 Italian-language cover of the Beatles “Help” (“Se Non Mi Aiuti Tu“) on Ricordi International and ’66 French EP on Riviera. Final lineup morphed into Blossom Toes. Many vaulted tracks, later comped on Sunbeam’s Before We Were Blossom Toes. Guitarist Brian Godding and bassist Brian Belshaw later backed Julie Driscoll and partook in her husband Keith Tippett’s big band Centipede. Godding became a jazz-rock journeyman (Mike Westbrook, Magma, Mirage, Annette Peacock).>
Ivans Meads: Mod quintet. Two 1965/66 Parlophone singles: “A Little Sympathy” (b/w “The Sins of a Family”) and “We’ll Talk About It Tomorrow,” a Bayer Sager-penned Mindbenders cover (b/w “Bottle”). Keyboardist Rod Mayall (brother of John Mayall) joined Euro pop-rockers Los Buenos and The Pipe. Bassist Keith Lawless partook in High Society↑. Drummer Alan Powell did multiple stints (Chicken Shack, Vinegar Joe, Hawkwind). Early bassist Dave Bowker surfaced in Limey.>
The Ivy League: Harmony-pop trio of session singers John Carter, Ken Lewis, and Perry Ford. One 1965 Piccadilly album and multiple singles, incl. hits “Funny How Love Can Be,” “That’s Why I’m Crying,” and “Tossing and Turning.” Carter and Lewis left to write songs for The Little Darlings↓, Herman’s Hermit’s, and The Flowerpot Men. Two 1967/68 Ivy League albums (on Marble Arch) feature replacements Tony Burrows and Neil Landon. Burrows sang on hits by The Flowerpot Men, Edison Lighthouse, White Plains, The Pimpkins, First Class, and the Brotherhood of Man. Landon formed Fat Mattress w/ ex-Jimi Hendrix Experience bassist Noel Redding.>
The Jaguars: One 1963 surf-instrumental single on Impression: “Opus to Spring” (b/w “The Beat”). Guitarist/songwriter Dave Mason joined The Hellions↑, which featured drummer Jim Capadli. While Mason played w/ Julien Covey↓, Hellions became Deep Feeling. Mason and Capadli reteamed in Traffic w/ ex-Spencer Davis frontman Steve Winwood.>
The Jaybirds: Formed in 1960 as The Atomites by guitarist Alvin Lee and bassist Leo Lyons. Multiple 1964 singles on Embassy, incl. Kinks cover “All Day and All of the Night.” Final lineup became Ten Years After.>
Jaymes Fenda and the Vulcans: Beat/pop quintet. One 1964 Parlophone single: “Mistletoe Love” (b/w “The Only Girl”). Bassist/co-writer John Ford joined The Five Proud Walkers, which morphed into Elmer Gantry’s Velvet Opera. After a 1970–73 stint in Strawbs, he and drummer Richard Hudson recorded as Hudson–Ford (later The Monks).>
Johnny & John: Duo of bassist John Gustafson and drummer John Banks, both ex-Merseybeats↓. One 1966 Polydor single: “Bumper to Bumper” (b/w “Scrape My Boot”), included on The Merseys Plus: A & B Sides, Rarities & More 1964-1968. Gustafson joined The Quotations↓ and became a ’70s journeyman (Quatermass, Hard Stuff, Roxy Music, Ablution, Ian Gillan Band).>
Johnny Deen and the Deacons: Soul-pop quartet. One undated single on German label Hit House: Impressions cover “It’s Alright” (b/w Jr. Walker’s “Shotgun”). Cut 1969 soul-psych album as John Deen and the Trakk. Incl. guitarist Phil Sawyer (Les Fleur de Lys, The Cheynes, Shotgun Express, The Spencer Davis Group) and drummer Terry Fogg (Taggett).>
Julien Covey & The Machine: One 1967 Island soul-rock single, “A Little Bit Hurt” (b/w “Sweet Bacon”), produced by Jimmy Miller. With Dave Mason (Traffic), Jim Cregan (Blossom Toes, Stud, Family, Cockney Rebel, Rod Stewart), John Holliday (The Pirates). Drummer Covey journeyed under multiple aliases (Phil Kinorra, Philamore Lincoln, Robert Anson), worked w/ Don Rendell and Brian Auger. As Lincoln, cut 1970 album The North Wind Blew South.>
Junco Partners: Newcastle mod/R&B sextet. One 1965 Columbia single, “As Long As I Have You” (b/w “Take This Hammer”). Tenacious northeast live act up through 1970, when a four-piece lineup issued Junco Partners on Philips. Broke up soon after but reformed in 1977 and issued two further singles. Guitarist Charlie Harcourt played on the first Jackson Heights album and joined the mid-’70s Lindisfarne. Keyboardist Bob Sargeant cut a ’74 solo album and joined the Mick Abrahams Band.>
The Juniors: Hatfield beat combo. One 1964 Columbia single, “There’s a Pretty Girl” (b/w “Pocket Size”). Morphed into Hi Numbers↑. Featured guitarist Alan Shacklock (Babe Ruth) and the Glascock rhythm section (The Gods, Toe Fat, Carmen). Briefly interluded a pre-Bluesbreakers Mick Taylor, who later replaced Brian Jones in The Rolling Stones.>
The Kingbees: Irish beat. One 1966 Tempo Records single: “My Little Red Book” (the Bacharach/Davis song made famous by Love) b/w “I’m a Kingbee,” produced by John Paul Jones.>
The Kirbys: Two 1966 songs, “It’s a Crime” and “I’ve Never Been So Much In Love,” written/performed by Jimmy Campbell (later 23rd Turnoff), recorded w/ The Merseys↓, included on their Oxford Records comp The Merseys Plus: A & B Sides, Rarities & More 1964-1968.>
The Knack: Ilford mods, formed as The Londoners, backed Gene Vincent in Germany. Named after 1965 mod film The Knack… and How to Get It. Two 1965 singles on Decca (incl. Kinks cover “Who’ll Be the Next in Line”) and four ’66/67 singles on Piccadilly. Guitarist Adrian Gurvitz and multi-functional Paul Gurvitz led the powertrios Gun, Three Man Army, and Baker Gurvitz Army (w/ Cream drummer Ginger Baker). Singer/guitarist Brian Parrish reteamed with Paul in Parrish & Gurvitz, then formed Badger (w/ ex-Yes Tony Kaye). Brothers also recorded in the Graeme Edge Band w/ namesake Moody Blues drummer. Bassist Gearie Kenworthy also played in The Limeys↓.>
The Konrads: Two singles: “Baby It’s Too Late Now” b/w “I’m Over You” (1965, CBS) and “I Thought of You Last Night” b/w “I Didn’t Know How Much” (1966, Decca). Early, pre-record members David Robert Jones and George Underwood joined Davie Jones & the Kingbees↑. Jones became David Bowie. Pakistan bassist Rocky Shahan later cut two Philips solo singles. Also featured David Hadfield (The Qik↓) and Neville Wills (psychsters Pregnant Insomnia).>
The Krew: Soul-rock sextet, originally from Liverpool. One 1966 maxi-single on Riviera (France). Backed singer Tuesday Jackson and Nicole Croisille on ’68 singles. Incl. keyboardist/composer Alan Reeves (Shorty and Them↓, Clinic) and Jamaican singer/songwriter Owen Gray.>
The Krew Kats: Pre-beat instrumental rock combo. Two 1961 singles on His Master’s Voice: “Samovar” (b/w “Jack’s Good”) and “Trambone” (b/w “Peak Hour”). Drummer Brian Bennett and bassist Brian Locking joined Cliff Richard & The Shadows. Keyboardist Mike Pinder and multi-instrumentalist Ray Thomas surfaced in The Moody Blues. Guitarist Big Jim Sullivan became a prominent sessionist and later formed hard-rockers Tiger. (Not to be confused with French surf-rockers The Krewkats).>
The Limeys: North London beat quartet. Seven 1965–67 singles, two apiece on Amcan, Pye, and Decca, plus a final on Jay Dee. Bassist Gearie Kenworthy did a brief stint with The Knack↑ and also played w/ Simon Dupree & the Big Sound.>
The Little Darlings: Coventry beat quintet, formed as The Pines. One 1965 Fontana single: the Carter/Lewis (Ivy League) penned “Little Bit O’ Soul,” a ’67 US hit for the Music Explosion (b/w the Troggs-like “Easy to Cry”).>
The Lively Set:
The Liverbirds: Female Liverpool Merseybeat quartet. Residents at the Star Club, Hamburg. Two 1965/66 albums and four singles on Star-Club Records, incl. hit cover of Bo Diddley’s “Diddley Daddy” (#5 Germany).>
Liverpool Five: One 1964 single as Liverpool 5. Two ’64 singles as The Boasters on German/Spanish International label. One ’65 album, Tokio International, as the 5 Liverpools. Multiple 1965–67 RCA singles and two albums (all covers). One ’67 single, “I Love My Dog” b/w “Wings”) as Common Market.>
Loose Ends: Bexleyheath quintet. Two 1966 Decca singles: “Tax Man” (b/w “That’s It”) and “Send the People Away” (b/w “I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore”). Bassist Dave Collman came from The Candy Dates↑. Singer Bob Saker issued three late ’60s singles, incl. pop-psych ’68 Parlophone side “Foggy Tuesday” (as Saker), produced by Paul Korda. Featured several subsequent journeymen: drummer Alan Whitehead (Cops ‘n Robbers, The Attack, Marmalade), guitarists Alan Marshall (One, Zzebra) and Peter Kirtley (Alan Price Set, Griffin, Pentangle, Riff-Raff), and keyboardists Roy Davies (Cayenne, Gonzalez) and Phil Lanzon (Grand Prix, Sweet, Uriah Heep). Marshall and Kirtley both played in The Happy Magazine↑.>
The Loving Kind:
The Lower Third: One 1965 Parlophone single, “You’ve Got a Habit of Leaving” (b/w “Baby Loves That Way”), produced by Shel Talmy and released under the name of frontman/songwriter Davy Jones, who subsequently became David Bowie. In 1966, issued Pye single “Can’t Help Thinking About Me” (b/w “And I Say to Myself”) as David Bowie & The Lower Third.>
Mal Ryder & The Spirits: Beat quintet; two 1964 singles: “Your Friend” b/w “Forget It” (Piccadilly) and “See the Funny Little Clown” b/w “Slow Down” (Vocalion Pop). Singer Paul Bradley Couling joined Brit→Italy beatsters The Primitives↓ and later recorded solo.>
The Manchester Mob: Manchester studio project, the same team behind High Society↑, incl. songwriter Graham Gouldman (Mockingbirds, 10cc). One 1967 Parlophone single: the rock medley “Bony Maronie at The Hop” (b/w “Afro-Asian”).>
The Manish Boys: R&B septet. One 1965 Parlophone single, “I Pity the Fool” b/w the David Jones-penned “Take My Tip,” produced by Shel Talmy. Singer/saxophonist Jones hailed from The Kondrads↑ and The King Bees↑ and joined The Lower Third↑, then became David Bowie.>
The Mark Leeman Five: One mysterious album, Rhythm & Blues Plus! (no label), and two 1965 singles as the Mark Leeman 5: “Portland Town” (b/w “Gotta Get Myself Together“) and “Blow My Blues Away” (b/w “On the Horizon“). Singer Leeman (aka John Ardrey) was killed in a 1965 car crash, but the band continued w/ singer Roger Peacock for two ’66 singles, “Follow Me” (b/w “Gather Up the Pieces”) and “Forbidden Fruit” (b/w “Going to Bluesville”). Everything compiled on Memorial Album (See for Miles, 1991). Peacock also did stints in The Cheynes↑ and Brit→Italy bands The Primitives↓, The Trip, and Dave Anthony’s Moods. Drummer Brian Davison (Chris Farlowe, The Cheynes, The Habits↑) later surfaced in The Nice, Every Which Way, and Refugee.>
The Martells: Brummie beatsters, issued one 1965 Atco single: “What Can I Do” (b/w “Since I’ve Been Away”), produced by Scott Solomon. Previously known as The Strangers↓, morphed into psychsters Finders Keepers.>
The Masterminds: One 1965 Immediate single: Dylan cover “She Belongs to Me” (b/w “Taken My Love”), produced by Andrew Loog Oldham w/ guitar by Jimmy Page. Guitarist/singer Chris Finley did multiple stints (Gerry & The Pacemakers, Herman’s Hermits, The Hideaways↑). Guitarist/singer Joey Molland surfaced in Gary Walker & The Rain, then formed Badfinger.>
The MeddyEvils: Southampton mod quintet. Two 1965/66 Pye singles: “Find Somebody to Love” (b/w “Place Called Love”) and soul-jazz waltz “It’s All for You” (b/w “Ma’s Place”). Bassist John Roberts and guitarist Bruce Roberts joined The Quik↓.>
The Merseybeats: Liverpool Merseybeat quartet on Fontana. Two 1963 hits: “It’s Love That Really Counts” and “I Think of You” (UK #2). Bassist/singer Billy Kinsley replaced by John Gustafson (ex-Big Three↑). Two ’64 hits, “Don’t Turn Around” and Bacharach/David “Wishin’ and Hopin’ ,” and self-titled album. Kinsley returns, three ’65 singles. Kinsley and guitarist Tony Crane formed The Merseys↓. Briefly featured (later Creation) bassist Bob Garner. Gustafson became a journeyman (Quatermass, Hard Stuff, Roxy Music, Ian Gillan Band).>
The Merseys: Vocal pop duo of ex-Merseybeats Tony Crane and Billy Kinsley. Multiple 1966–68 Fontana singles, inlc. hit cover of The McCoys’ “Sorrow” (later covered by David Bowie). Morphed into Crackers for ’69 single “Honey Do.” Kinsley resurfaced in the Liverpool Express.>
Mike Sheridan and the Nightriders: Brumbeat combo. Four 1963–65 Columbia singles. Briefly included (eventual Move) singer/multi-instrumentalist Roy Wood. Singer/guitarist Jeff Lynne joined, band became The Nightriders for three Polydor sides — “Love Me Right Now” (b/w “Your Friend”) and “It’s Only the Dog” — then The Idle Race. Lynne later joined The Move. Wood and Lynne formed Electric Light Orchestra. Guitarist Dave Pritchard surfaced in the Steve Gibbons Band.>
The Mindbenders: Manchester beat quartet. Eleven 1963–65 Fontana singles and two albums as Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders, incl. “Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um” (UK #5) and Brit Invasion hit “The Game of Love” (UK #2, US #1). After Fontana launched solo career, continued as a trio w/ guitarist/singer Eric Stewart at the fore. Two 1966/67 albums and further singles, incl. Bayer Sager‘s “A Groovy Kind of Love” (UK/US #2). Final lineup had bassist/songwriter Graham Gouldman (Mockingbirds), organist Jimmy O’Neil (The Ugly’s↓), and drummer Paul Hancox (later Chicken Shack). Stewart and Gouldman became the long-running half of 10cc.>
The Misunderstood: Riverside, Calif., garage band, followed manager John Peel to London. Hired local guitarist Tony Hill (ex-The Answers↑). Cut six songs, incl. 1966 proto-psych “I Can Take You to the Sun” (b/w “Who Do You Love“) and the post-split (’69) single “Children of the Sun” (b/w “I Unseen“). Hill formed psych-metal trio High Tide.>
The Mockingbirds: Mancunian beat quartet, formed by three-fourths of The Whirlwinds↓, led by guitarist/songwriter Graham Gouldman, writer of hits for the Yardbirds (“For Your Love”) and The Hollies (“Bus Stop”). Featured drummer Kevin Godley. One 1965 Immediate single, “You Stole My Love” (b/w “Skit Skat”), followed by two apiece on Columbia and Decca, incl. “How to Find a Lover” (b/w “My Story“). Gouldman joined Eric Stewart in The Mindbenders↑. Godley, Gouldman, and Stewart later formed 10cc w/ Whirlwinds associate Lol Creme.>
The Mojos: Liverpool Merseybeat quintet, originally The Nomads. Four 1963–64 singles, incl. “Everything’s Alright” (UK #9, later covered on Bowie‘s Pin-Ups). Two ’65 singles w/ drummer Aynsley Dunbar (Journey), one as Stu James & The Mojos. Two ’67/68 singles from reformed band w/ guitarist Eddie Harnett, last on Liberty. All collected on Everything’s Al’right (Deram, 1994). Morphed into Natural Birth for 1970 Philips single. Harnett surfaced in brass-rockers Heaven.>
The Montanas: Brumbeat combo, locally popular. One 1965 Piccadilly single, “All That Is Mine Can Be Yours” (b/w “How Can I Tell“). Six 1966–69 Pye singles, produced by Tony Hatch, all comped on You’ve Got to be Loved (Sequel, 1997). Singer Johnny Jones and keyboardist Terry Rowley played on the debut album by Trapeze, which Rowley later rejoined. Late-period singer Ian Leese (ex-Finders Keepers↑) became a comedian and TV personality. Jones played on solo albums by Moodies Ray Thomas. Rowley played on recordings by Justin Hayward, Glenn Hughes, and Roy Wood‘s Helicopters.>
The Motowns: Brit→Italy beatsters. Two 1966/67 singles and one album on RCA Italiana. Further singles (1968–71) on Durium, Fermata, and Cinevox.>
The Moquettes: One 1964 Columbia single: Farfisa raveup “Right String Baby, But the Wrong Yo-Yo” (b/w “You Came Along”). Had Tago Byers (Les Fleur De Lys↑).>
The Muldoons: One 1965 Decca single: “I’m Lost Without You” (b/w “Come Back Baby Now”). Had guitarist/bassist Jim Cregan (Blossom Toes, Stud, Family, Cockney Rebel, Rod Stewart) and ex-T-Bones↓ drummer Andrew Steele (The Herd, Stealers Wheel, Gerry Rafferty, Clifford T. Ward).>
The Nashville Teens: Weybridge R&B/beatsters, formed 1962. Backed Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Chuck Berry on UK/German tours. Eleven 1964–68 Decca singles, incl. Brit Invasion hit “Tobacco Road” (UK #6, US #14). Keyboardist John Hawken co-founded Renaissance w/ ex-Yardbirds members. Renaissance name handed to pre-record Teens Terry Crowe and then Michael Dunford, who directed the mainstream ’70s lineup. Hawken played in Third World War, Vinegar Joe, Strawbs, and Illusion.>
New York Public Library: Leeds beatsters, formerly The Cherokees↑. One 1966 Columbia single: Rascals cover “I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore” (b/w “Rejected”), produced by Mickie Most. Two 1967 MCA singles: “Got to Get Away” (b/w “Time Wastin'”) and Doors cover “Love Me Two Times” (b/w “Which Way to Go“). Morphed into Raw for 1971 album. Later members Dave Bower and Tez Stokes cut 1972 NYPL single “Whei Ling Ty Luu” (b/w “Boozy Queen”).>
The Nocturns: One 1964 Decca single for Lionel Bart musical Maggie May, “Carryin’ On” (b/w Leiber/Stoller “Three Cool Cats”), produced by Peter Sullivan. Band-written ’65 Fontana single, “What Do They Know” (b/w “Sha-La-La”), produced by Derek Lawrence (Deep Purple, Wishbone Ash). Guitarists David Elias and Keith Draper also backed Billy Fury. Singer David Wilcox was in The Young Ones↓.>
O’Hara’s Playboys: Beat sextet popular in Germany. Four 1964 Decca singles and one album, Playboys Party No 1. Seven ’66–68 Fontana singles, incl. two Bee Gees covers. Went psych on “The Ballad of the Soon Departed.” Singer/keyboardist Russ Harness joined psychsters The Plague and funksters Heads Together. Bassist Dave Bowker (ex-Ivans Meads↑) joined Eclection and Limey.>
The Others: Richmond R&B/mod quintet. One 1964 Fontana single, “Oh Yeah!” (b/w “I’m Taking Her Home”). Four members formed psychsters Sands, incl. writer/producers Ian McLintock and Bob Freeman (High Noon, McLintock, Sun Dragon, The Cruisers). Most of their work comped on Listen to the Sky (Rev-Ola, 2006).>
The Overlanders: Initially a folk combo w/ two 1963 singles on Pye. Adopted light beat sound w/ ’64 Chad & Jeremy cover “Yesterday’s Gone.” Scored hit in Australia and Chicago area with Shadows cover “Don’t It Make You Feel Good.” Both on 1965 Pye album Michelle w/ cover of Beatles hit. Joint ’66 album w/ harmony-folksters The Settlers. Pye singles ended w/ ’67 original “The Leaves Are Falling.” Late-’60s lineup had bassist Mike Wedgwood (Caravan, Curved Air, Kiki Dee).>
The Packabeats: Instrumental rockers. One 1961 Parlophone single, “Gypsy Beat” (b/w “Big Man”), and two ’62/63 Pye singles: “Evening in Paris” (b/w “Theme From The Traitors“) and “Dream Lover” (b/w “Packabeat”), produced by Joe Meek. Guitarist Malcolm Lenny and bassist Gary Unwin joined The Hi-FiS.>
Paddy, Klaus & Gibson: Liverpool beatsters with German journeyman Klaus Voormann (Manfred Mann, Plastic Ono Band). Three 1965 Pye singles. Also recorded as The Eyes (not ↑), which released the 1966 Star-Club Records single “She” (b/w “Peanut Butter”). Drummer Gibson Kemp hailed from Rory Storm & the Hurricanes. Guitarist Patrick Chambers also played in Faron’s Flamingos↑, The Big Three↑, and The Escorts↑.>
The Paramounts: Essex R&B quartet. Six 1963–65 Parlophone singles (incl. “Poison Ivy”) all collected on Whiter Shades of R&B (Edsel, 1983). Singer/keyboardist Gary Brooker formed Procol Harum as a studio project, scored a hit w/ “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” then invited ex-Paramounts B.J. Wilson (drums), Chris Copping (bass), and Robin Trower (guitar) to make Harum an ongoing band. Trower left Harum in 1971 for a solo career.>
The Peeps: Four 1965–66 Philips singles plus ’67 psych single, “I Can Make the Rain Fall Up,” as Martin Cure & The Peeps. Drummer Paul Wilkinson and guitarist Steve Jones joined popsters Flying Machine. Singer Martin Cure joined Cupid’s Inspiration, then Still Life.>
The Pretty Things: London R&B quintet, formed 1963 by guitarist Dick Taylor (an original Rolling Stone). Multiple mid-’60s Fontana singles, incl. hits “Rosalyn,” “Don’t Bring Me Down” (UK #10), and “Honey I Need.” Two 1965 albums: The Pretty Things and Get the Picture? Embraced baroque pop on Emotions (1967) and psych on “Defecting Grey” and S.F. Sorrow (1968, feat. ex-Fairies↑/Tomorrow drummer John “Twink” Alder). Went hard rock on Parachute (1970) and subsequent ’70s albums. Continued until 2019.>
The Primitives: R&B/beatsters, originally The Cornflakes. Two 1964/65 Pye singles (Pretty Things/Downliners style) w/ first bassist Roger James↓: “Help Me” (b/w “Let Them Tell”) and “You Said” (b/w “How Do You Feel”). Another as Mal & The Primites: “Every Minute of Every Day” (b/w “Pretty Little Face”). One ’66 maxi-single on Disques Vogue. Went Brit→Italy w/ ’66 album Blow Up and two ’67 singles on Arc. Drummer Pick Withers cut a ’71 album w/ Spring and joined Dire Straits. His replacement, Robbie McIntosh (ex-The Senate↓), surfaced in Brian Auger’s Oblivion and the Average White Band. Singer/bassist Jay Roberts (Robert Farthing) cut two ’72 singles in Forum Livii. Guitarist Dave Sumner was in multiple Italian bands (The Motowns↑, Sopworth Camel, I Camaleonti). Second vocalist Paul Bradley Couling (Mal Ryder) became an MOR singer.>
The Puppets: Preston beatsters, managed by Joe Meek. Two 1963/64 Pye singles: “Everybody’s Talking” (b/w “Poison Ivy”) and “Baby Don’t Cry” (b/w “Shake With Me”), plus a vaulted third, “Three Boys Lookin’ For Love” (b/w “Shake With Me”). Backed numerous artists (The Ronettes, Dee Dee Sharp, Gene Vincent, Billy Fury, Millie Small, Duffy Power). Guitarist Dave Millen surfaced in Thundermother.>
The Quik: Southampton/Guilford mod quintet. Three 1967 Deram singles: “Love Is a Beautiful Thing” (b/w “Bert’s Apple Crumble”), “King of the World,” and “I Can’t Sleep” (b/w “Soul Full of Sorrow”). Had two ex-MeddyEvils↑ and (briefly) keyboardist Alex Chamberlain of Les Fleur de Lys. Guitarist Bruce Roberts surfaced in Iguana (later the Jess Roden Band).>
The Quotations: One 1964 Decca single, “Alright Baby” (b/w “Love You All Over Again”), produced by Ian Samwell. Backed Carl Perkins (’64), The Walker Brothers (’65/66) and later Cat Stevens. Two 1968/69 CBS singles: “Cool It” (b/w “The Mark of Her Head”) and “Hello Memories” (b/w “Pretend”). Guitarist Graham Dee (The Storytellers↓) cut two late ’70 yacht rock albums. Also incl. saxist Peter McGregor (Albert Marcœur), trumpeter Tony Mabbett (Maynard Ferguson), keyboardist John Goodison (Roger Glover), and Merserybeats↑ bassist John Gustafson (Quatermass, Hard Stuff, Roxy Music, Ablution, Ian Gillan).>
The Remo Four: Liverpool Cavern regulars, formed 1958. Cut 1963/64 Pye singles behind singers Tommy Quickly, Johnny Sandon, and Gregory Phillips. New lineup w/ keyboardist/singer Tony Ashton and drummer Roy Dyke produced 1967 R&B/soul-rock album Smile! on Star-Club. Backed George Harrison on Wonderwall project. Served as Bily Fury’s late ’60s backing band. Tony and Roy formed Ashton Gardner & Dyke with ex-Birds↑/Creation guitarist Kim Gardner.>
The Riot Squad: Mod-rock sextet, produced by Larry Page, then Joe Meek. Seven 1965–67 Pye singles. Originally w/ drummer Mitch Mitchell (Jimi Hendrix Experience, Ramatam). Joined in 1967 by David Bowie, just prior to his debut album. Guitarist Rod Rook Davies (The Sorrows↓) surfaced in Silverhead. Bowie-era recordings comped on The Last Chapter: Mods & Sods (Sleazylistening All Stars, 2012).>
The Roadrunners: Liverpool Merseybeat quintet. Three 1964/65 Ariola singles (all covers) and one live album in the label’s Twist-Time Im Star-Club Hamburg series. Split ’65 album w/ Shorty and Them. Drummer Terry McCusker cut a 1971 album w/ psych-rockers Colonel Bagshot. Saxophonist/poet Mike Hart co-founded Liverpool Scene and cut a 1969 album; later formed Comrades w/ Viv Stanshall.>
The Roger James Four: Two 1965/66 Columbia singles: “A Letter From Kathy” (b/w “Leave Me Alone”) and “Better Than Here” (b/w “You’re Gonna Come Home Cryin'”). Bassist Roger James (The Primitives↑, The Prestons, The Hobby Shop) became a solo singer/songwriter. Drummer Howard Tibble became a rockabilly player (Shakin’ Stevens, Billy Fury, Buddy Knox).>
The Rokes: Evolved from The Cabin Boys, the continental backing band of teen idol Tommy Steele. Became the biggest Brit→Italy band w/ numerous Italian-sung singles and albums on Arc (1964–68). Their ’66 hit “Piangi Con Me,” written by London-born singer/guitarist Shel Shapiro, became a stateside hit and Vietnam-era anthem when translated to “Let’s Live for Today” by The Grass Roots (recorded just prior by UK psychsters The Living Daylights, a precurror to The Greatest Show On Earth). Shapiro became a solo artist and Italian-market writer/producer.>
The Roulettes: Hertfordshire beatsters, formed as The Strangers (not↓). Cut 1962 Pye single “Hully Gully Slip and Slide.” Hired by Adam Faith for multiple ’63–65 Parlophone singles and two albums. Also cut multiple autonomous Parlophone singles and ’65 album Stakes and Chips. Two final ’67 Fontana singles. Singer Peter Thorpe surfaced in Elias Hulk. Guitarist/songwriter Russ Ballard and drummer Bob Henrit joined Unit 4 + 2↓, then Argent. Ballard later recorded solo and wrote numerous hits for other artists (Frida, America, Roger Daltery, Rainbow). Henrit became a journeyman (Phoenix, Charlie, The Kinks).>
The Rustiks: Devon beat quartet, managed by Brian Epstein. Two 1964/65 Decca singles: “What a Memory Can Do” (b/w “Hallo Anne”) and “I’m Not the Loving Kind” (b/w “Can’t You See”), both written by guitarist Rob Tucker and bassist Dave Gummer. One ’65 Italian-sung maxi-single. Three undated IBC acetates.>
The Secrets: Freakbeat quartet. Three 1966/67 CBS singles, collected w/ related projects on Infatuation: Singles and Demos 1966-1968 (Grapefruit, 2015). Clifford T. Ward became a singer/songwriter. Guitarist Terry Spencer (ex-The Game↑) formed hard-rockers Grail.>
The Senate: Glaswegian mod-soul septet, originally backed singer Sol Byron. One 1967 single and two covers albums: Pipe Club (RCA Camden) and Sock It to You One More Time (UA). Backed soul singer Garnet Mimms on ’67 UA release Live. One ’69 RCA Victor single and Beatles/Stones covers album Le Più Belle Canzoni Dei Beatles e Dei Rolling Stones (RCA Italiana). Included journeyman keyboardist Brian Johnstone (Heaven, Heavy Metal Kids, Streetwalkers, Whitesnake). Drummer Robbie McIntosh (The Primitives↑) and singer/guitarist Alex Ligertwood (Jeff Beck, Troc) both did stints in Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express and the Average White Band. Ligertwood later fronted Santana.>
Shorty and Them: One 1964 Fontana single, “Pills or Love’s Labours Lost” (b/w “Live Laugh and Love”). Second side of split live LP (w/ The Roadrunners↑), Star-Club Show 2. Keyboardist Alan Reeves joined The Krew↑ and Clinic; became a film composer.>
Shotgun Express: Mod-soul super-combo of singers Rod Stewart and Beryl Marsden and keyboardist Peter Bardens (Them↓, Camel). Two 1966/67 Columbia singles: “I Could Feel the Whole World Turn Around” (b/w “Curtains”) and “Funny ‘Cos Neither Could I” (b/w “Indian Thing”). Also involved guitarists Philip Sawyer (The Cheynes↑, Les Fleur De Lys, Spencer Davis Group) and John Moorshead (Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation). Evolved from Bardens’ instrumental group Peter B’s Looners, which featured Peter Green and Mick Fleetwood (pre-Fleetwood Mac). Between Stewart’s time in the unrecorded Trinity-precursor Steampacket and the Jeff Beck Group.>
The Shots: One 1965 Columbia mod-rock single: “Keep a Hold of What You’ve Got” (b/w “She’s a Liar”), group-written under the collective pseudonym A. Maldon. Morphed into freakbeat psychsters The Smoke.>
The Snobs: Croyden quartet, popular in Finland. Wore powdered wigs and cravats. Two 1964 Decca singles: “Heartbreak Hotell” (b/w “Ding Dong”) and the Sandland/Boulden originals “Buckle Shoe Stomp” (b/w “Stand and Deliver”).>
The Sorrows: Coventry R&B/beat quintet, formed 1963. Six ’65/66 Picadilly singles and the album Take a Heart. Issued multiple ’66–68 Pye singles in Italian and German. Went psych on ’67 Picadilly single “Pink Purple Yellow and Red” (b/w “My Gal”). Early singer Don Fardon charted w/ “Indian Reservation” (US #20, 1968 | UK #3, 1970), later a hit for Paul Revere & The Raiders. Pye-era guitarist Roger Lomas founded Ro-Lo Productions (Bad Manners, The Selecter, Reluctant Stereotypes).>
The Soul Brothers: .>
Sounds Incorporated: .>
The Sounds of Jimmy Nicol: Featuring drummer Jimmie Nicol, fresh from his time with The Beatles (he deputized Ringo on 13 dates of their June 1964 tour of Australia). One 1965 Parrot single: a soul-jazz take on the trad “Sweet Clementine” (b/w the organ/sax/drum instrumental “Roaring Blue”), recycled on Decca (b/w the uptempo organ/drumroll soul belter “Bim Bam”).>
The Spectres: .>
The Storytellers: One 1966 Decca single: “Deedle-Um Song” (b/w “Hey Lover (I Want You To Stay),” written by the team of Brian Potter and (ex-Quotations↑) Graham Dee, who wrote for numerous singers and beat groups (Dave Berry, Barbara Lewis, Riot Squad↑, The Applejacks↑, Small Faces). Dee cut two 1977/78 soft rock solo albums. >
The Strangers: Brummie beatsters. One 1964 maxi-single on Discos Decca (Spain). Morphed into The Martells↑ and then the pop-psych Finders Keepers.>
The Syndicats: .>
The T-Bones: .>
Thane Russal & Three: .>
Them: .>
The Thoughts: .>
The Toggery Five: .>
The Tomcats: .>
Tony Jackson & The Vibrations: .>
The Tremeloes: .>
The Troggs: .>
The Ugly’s: .>
Unit 4 + 2: .>
The Universals: .>
The V.I.P.’s: .>
The Vogues: .>
The Warriors: .>
West Five: .>
The Whirlwinds: .>
The Worrying Kynde: .>
The Young Ones: One 1963 Decca single: “Baby That’s It” (b/w “How Do I Tell You (I Don’t Love You)”), co-produced by Shel Talmy and arranged by Reg Guest. Singer David Wilcox joined The Nocturns↑.>
The Zephyrs: .>
Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band: .>