(c’64-’65). Pam Eckett (vocals), John Obee (guitar), Phil Halslem (guitar), Bill Lowe (drums), and John Eckett (bass).
Not to be confused with instrumental band The Vibros from Paignton, Devon; this Normandy based 5-piece played throughout the South of England including local venues, such as the Civic Hall, Guildford; Youth Centre, Godalming and The Plaza, Guildford.
They won the regional heat of the 1964 National Beat Competition and played at the Oxfam sponsored final. This was held at Prince of Wales Theatre, London on 27 September ’64 and the judging panel included Ringo Starr, Brian Epstein, Cilla Black, Alan Freeman, Billy Hatton, Betty Hale, and Linda Lewis, with David Jacobs as chair. The Vibros competed against The Southerns, The Connoisseurs, The Starfires, The Apaches, Formula Five, The Down-Beats, The Countdowns, Roy Stuart and the Cyclones, Danny Clarke and the Jaguars, and The Crusades. The second half of the show, from 9.45-10.35pm, was broadcast live on television by BBC Two (only available on London and the South-East then) under the title “It’s Beat Time”. Don Moss was master of ceremonies and the winning group would get auditions for Rediffusion TV’s “Ready Steady Go!” and PYE records.
The Vibros didn’t win, but did support nationally recognized acts like The Hollies, The Zombies, and Brian Poole and The Tremeloes. On 31 October ’64 the band, along with The Tombstones, supported Rip van Winkle at the Ricky Tick Club held at the New Community Centre, Basingstoke. They also supported local bands like Pentad, who headline a gig with The Vibros in support, at the Orchid Ballroom, Oxford on 17 July ’65.
We believe Obee emigrated to Australia and played in a number of Melbourne area bands, including Franky and the Highlighters, and Flashback.
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