(c’78) Chris Brayne (drums), Stuart Reffold (vocals), Keith Purnell (guitar), Tim Weatley (bass/vocals), and Mick Hogsden/Bryant (piano/vocals).

The band appeared on the Guildford artist compilation Who Invited Them? [TR001] on the Thumb Records label in ’78. Featuring 10 tracks from Guildford bands it included Poker’s “Walkin’ the Dog”, “Something You Got” and “Rock ‘N Roll on our Minds”.

When Eric Clapton played the Village Hall, Cranleigh, on 7 September ’79, Poker were the support. The hall was packed and crowded around Clapton who stood in the middle of them all. Poker paused between songs, and Clapton was heard to shout “Come on get on with it … it’s show business“…

Brayne had played in The Stormsville Shakers; Backhurst was in The Famous Rondini Brothers, prior to Poker, before going on to join Mungo Jerry. Purnell is rumored to have been in Billie J. Kramer’s backing band. Reffold had been in The Rivals and Duffy in the early ’70s, who saw success in Europe. Weatley owned / ran Chestnut Studios, Churt and had played in Good Earth, Gracious, Taggart, then House before joining Poker. Wheatley and Brayne also performed in Cryin’ Out Loud. Another ex-Stormsville Shaker, Dave Sherrington (sax) had also been part of Poker as well as guesting with House.

Tracks:

Gallery:

1978’s compilation [TR001] included Poker’s “Walkin’ The Dog”, “Something You Got” and “Rock ‘N Roll On Our Minds”. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
1978’s compilation [TR001] included Poker’s “Walkin’ The Dog”, “Something You Got” and “Rock ‘N Roll On Our Minds”. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records