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The Pink Bear
(c’63-65) Pat Martin (guitar / vocals), Ken Baker (guitar / keyboards/ vocals), Pete Perryer (vocals / drums), and Richard ‘Richy’ Colbourne ( bass/ vocals).
The Senders (c’64) first line up (LtoR: Richard Colbourn, Ken Baker, Pat Martin, and at back Pete Perryer). Formed by Martin, who was at West Byfleet CSS and Baker who went to St. Bedes school, (the same school as Eric Clapton) in Send, and after recruiting Perryer and Colbourne (both also St. Bedes boys).
After much rehearsal of covers these 13 year olds; Colbourn on a Strubleminster, Baker playing a Rosetti Lucky 7, Martin his Vox Stroller, and Perryer keeping the pulse, started playing the local youth clubs as The Senders, and then The Pink Bears. Their first ever gig was actually at the Butaca Club, Old Woking.
We know The Pink Bears played at Lancaster Hall, Send in ’65 and that Colbourne left that same year to be replaced by Woking based Dave McGreggor on bass. It was McGreggor who suggested renaming the band The Late Edition…
Gallery:
David Rose looks back at Woking’s Pink Bears and their development, via The Late, into Unicorn in this Woking News & Mail article from 2 November 2017. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
The Pink Bears playing in Send’s Lancaster Hall, ’65 -
Smokestakks
(’64-’66) Tony Porter (vocal), Peter Mould (rhythm guitar), Roger Allen (lead guitar), Jeff Smith (bass), Freddie Mills (drums), and William Neal (harmonica / vocals).
This 6-piece blues band were akin to a local band super-group: Porter had been in Astolats and Second Time Out; Mould – Bumblies; Allen – Arfur Fagg and the Dog Ends; Smith – Ricky and the Secrets; and Mills – Roadrunners. They all loved to play, and their management saw this too.
The band’s debut was at the hall next to the Guildford Lido. They, however, arrived 15 minutes late for the start time, thanks to an on-road holdup, too a huge crowd. They couldn’t use the venue’s backdoor and had to traipse all their gear through the now ‘slow hand clapping’ throng to the stage. Then there were the groans while Smokestakks tuned up with feedback no idea what it sounded like at the back. What felt like forever, but was getting o for 45-minutes, Porter apologized and announced the opening number: Route 66.
“One, two, three, four…” and only Mills’ drumbeats and Mould’s guitar could be heard, which they looped over and over while the others worked on fixing the issue. Smith’s bass came in really loud, completing the rhythm section and finally Allen’s guitar and Neal’s harmonica set the sound – raw and in perfect time – as Porte yelled “one, two, three, four…” and the band were off, not stopping for three more Chuck Berry numbers. That set, laid the foundation for what to expect from Smokestakks!
17 December 1964: Smokestakks, Hogsnort Rupert and His Band, along with Phantom Four. Image courtesy of William Neal On 17 December ’64: Smokestakks supported Hogsnort Rupert and His Band, along with The Phantom Four, at the End of Term Dance organized by Guildford School of Art Student Union and held at the school. The next month the Grand Beat dance was held at the Memorial Hall, Wonersh on 23 January ’65 with Smokestakks providing the music to dance too. The 13 February ’65 found the band performing at the St. Valentine’s Dance at Onslow Village Hall, Guildford and seven days later, on 20 February ’65, they were at The Pirrie Hall, Brook helping Brook Youth Club raise funds for the Betatron Cancer Appeal.
They played Bramley Village Hall, where Phillip Goodhand-Tait saw them play, followed shortly after with them supporting The Stormsville Shakers at Merrow Village Hall on a 31 March ’65. One of the bands most popular covers was “Country Line Special”. Neal left and was replaced by Ian May.
A business card for Smokestakks. Image courtesy of William Neal Managed by John Hewins and Alan Matravers, they went on to support The Phantom Four and Hogsnort Rupert at the Art School, Guildford again in ’66 and played Dronfield’s, Guildford and The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Through power failure, heckling drunks, strings breaking, or fire alarms any mess was handled with high energy professionalism; with the band riffing through Jimmy Reed, Howling Wolf or Sonny Boy Williamson covers with ease. Whether it called for busking or jamming acoustically – nothing would spoil a great show.
Neal who has told us that “it was obvious to us all that these moments together were truly special” continued in the arts. He studied at The Guildford School of Art with Top Topham, Duster Bennett and Dick Forcey from ’63 onwards He went on to create the covers for Emerson Lake and Palmer’s “Tarkus” and “Pictures at an Exhibition” LPs amongst other work. He was also a good boogie-woogie piano player. He moved north from Godalming in ’82 and now works out of his studio in Stranraer.
Gallery:
23 January 1965: The Grand Beat Dance at Wonersh Memorial Hall featured Smokestakks. Image courtesy of William Neal 
23 January 1965: The Grand Beat Dance at Wonersh Memorial Hall featured Smokestakks. Image courtesy of William Neal 
13 February 1965: Smokestakks played the Valentine’s Dance at Onslow Village Hall, Guildford. Image courtesy of William Neal 
20 Febraury 1965: The Brook Youth Club hosted Smokestakks at The Pirrie Hall, Brook. Image courtesy of William Neal 
Poster, designed by William Neal, for Wednesday 31 March ’65 gig at Merrow Village Hall. Alan Matravers, Arfur Fagg and the Dog Ends, Art School, Astolats, Bramley, Brook, Brook Youth Club, Bumblies, Dick Forcey, Dronfield’s, Duster Bennett, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Freddie Mills, Godalming, Guildford, Guildford School of Art, Hogsnort Rupert, Ian May, Jeff Smith, John Hewins, Memorial Hall, Merrow, Onslow Village Hall, Peter Mould, Phillip Goodhand-Tate, Ricky and the Secrets, Roadrunners, Roger Allen, Second Time Out, Smokestakks, The Lido, The Phantom Four, The Pirrie Hall, The Stormsville Shakers, Tony Porter, Top Topham, Village hall, William Neal, Wonersh, Wooden Bridge -
The Tunsgate Club, Guildford
This Guildford High Street ‘drinking’ den was above Russell & Bromley shoe shop. Ricky & The Rhythmics were the house band for a while. Another local band Ad-Finitum also played there, as did The David James Band.
In the late 50’s and early 60’s, Tommy Strudwick manged the club. Husband and wife team, Jerry and Anne, also managed the venue for a while, and ‘Old Jack’ was the doorman. If spread over two floors, with a bar on each, and was renowned for it’s revealing U.V. lighting. One of the venues managers once bought an old Foosball table from The Parrot Inn, Shalford for £10.00. Opening it up, once installed, he found £20.00 in tanners inside.
The venue also infamously banned a contingent of 1,400 French students that were visiting Guildford in the early 60’s. By ’65, The Rivals were playing the club regularly, on Sunday nights, despite the club’s £6 fee!
The Tunsgate Club was later renamed Dronfields, after the then manager John Dronfield, and we know that Smokestakks played the venue under this moniker in ’65 or ’66. In ’71 the club moved to 11 Quarry Street and shortly after was renamed Harpers.
Gallery:
Ricky & The Rhythmics in early special effect picture taken at The Tunsgate Club, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Bens Collectors Records 
Ricky & the Rhythmics on the Tunsgate Club roof over Russell & Bromley. Picture courtesy of Bens Collectors Records 
Tunsgate Club membership application from the 1960s. Source Peter Winning via Guildford Town Past & Present 
Dronfield’s Membership Card. Source: Pauline Kirke via Guildford Town Past & Present -
Roadrunners
(c’62-’67) Roger Newman (guitar), Vic Hatch (drums), Dave Franklin (bass), Mick Cheesman (vocals), and Osmond Abdullah (guitar)
All we have is this one publicity photograph taken at St. Catherine’s Chapel, Guildford of Worplesdon based Roadrunners. They formed at the village’s youth club in ’62 and rehearsed at the Memorial Village Hall, Worplesdon. Around ’65/’66 the band held a residency at the Harvest Moon Club, Guildford.
The band folded in ’67, with Newman and Abdullah forming a new band that played in Spain and on cruise ships. Reportedly, at some point, Freddie Mills played drums with the combo, going on to join Smokestakks.
Gallery:
The Roadrunners at St. Catherine’s Chapel, Guildford. Source: Dragon News Archives via Jonathan Piers Butler -
Jackie Lynton’s Happy Days Band
(c’76-05) Kirk “Loader” Riddle (bass), Alan “Algy” Watkins (drums), Graham “Cupcake” Cooper (guitar) David Sherrington (Sax), and Jackie “Lash” Lynton (vocals).
While Lynton is from Middlesex, the band have always been seen as Guildfordian. It started in ’76 when Lynton (ex-Savoy Brown, Diesel, Jackie Lynton’s Grande), with former members of The Stormsville Shakers, hit the road as Jackie Lynton’s Happy Days. Both Riddle and Sherrington had previously done time with The Stormsville Shakers and Circus. Riddle would also form The Train Set before joining Lynton. Graham Cooper had joined The Phantom Four, when Richard Over left, who subsequently rebranded as Strange Brew departing himself in the summer 1968. Watkins had been in The Embers before joining agency band Rubber Duck and then Lynton’s combo.
On 19 April ’77, Jackie Lynton ‘s Happy Days opened for Remus Down Boulevard at the Marquee. Then late that year, on 29 December, we find the band, supported by Stamps, playing the Music Machine, Camden. The band were back at the venue on 20 February ’78.
“Live – A Week At The Bridge E16” a double EP gate-fold released on Bridge House Records (BHLP 001) A change of line-up, which may have seen Greg Squeak (sax / harmonica) replace Sherrington, in ’78 saw the name change to Jackie Lynton’s HD Band, then shortened to The Jackie Lynton Band. It was in ’78 the band were featured on two compilation albums: “Live – A Week at The Bridge” and “Who Invited Them?”. “Live…” was a double EP gatefold released on Bridge House Records (BHLP 001) and consisted of the blues rock / pub rock that appeared at The Bridge House, Canning Town at the time and carried the bands’ “You Don’t Have To Pay“. “Who Invited Them?” was a various Guildford artist compilation [TR001] on the Thumb Records label featuring 10 tracks, including “The Worlds A Wheelbarrow” and “Goin’ Down” by The Jackie Lynton H.D. Band. That same year, on 6 June, Jackie Lynton’s Happy Days Band were on the roster to celebrate Dingwall’s 5th anniversary.
Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records The Music Machine would host the band on 8 January ’79, supported by Zorro, and The Bridge House would host them on 14 April ’79. On 9 June ’79 the Corn Dolly, Oxford let you in to see the band for 20p. The band were also responsible for Thumb’s next two releases. The band’s debut LP, ‘Till We’re Blue In The Face’ (TR-002) in ’79, which was released in two version, the more collectable featuring blue vinyl. This LP release was accompanied by TR-003, the bands 7″ titled ‘Dan (The Hedgehog Song)’, and Thumbs’ only single. The ‘B’ side, ‘Farting With The Famous’, was co-written by Rick Parfitt, of Status Quo. That same year Status Quo scored with “Again And Again”; co-written by Lynton and Parfitt. The band were regularly performing at The Bridge House, dominating the stage again on 14 July and 15 September ’79. The next month, on 20 October ’79 The Jackie Lynton Band played Agincourt, Camberley.
At The Tramshed, Woolwich 1980 By ’80 Greg Terry-Short of House had replaced Watkins on drums – Watkins would subsequently join House – Graham/e White had replaced Cooper on guitar, and Headwaiter keyboardist/vocalist Tony Leach had joined. That same year the next album, called “A Bit Near The Mark” was released on Scratch Records [SCR L 5002]; a double album with three live sides and one studio set. They celebrated Christmas Eve ’80 by performing at the Golden Lion, Fulham.
Early in ’81, on 16 January, the band were back at the Marquee. They also appeared at The Reading Festival in ’81 and ’82, and have two tracks” “Slow Rider” and the “Hedgehog Song” on the “Reading Rock Volume One” album on Mean Records (MNLP 82). Also in ’82 the band acted as Frank Leyton’s backing band for the release of the 7″ single “Cry”, backed by “Alexander’s Rock And Roll Band” on the Dwarf Records label [DW 2]. This was produced by Lynton and recorded in January ’82 at Jacob’s Studios, Farnham.
Jackie Lynton Band at Reading ’81 On 21 January ’82, the Jackie Lynton Band found themselves supported by Marillion at The Regal, Hitchin. The next day they were booked 40-ish miles South at The Greyhound, Chadwell Heath, along with support band Far Canal; and the Marquee welcomed the band on 23 July ’82.
The bands heavier “White Line” album, again on Thumb Records [TR 006], was released in ’83 with Willie Bath now on bass, replacing Riddle. Farnborough based Capricorn supported Jackie Lynton at The Royal, Guildford on 22 March ’84. In ’85 a VHS of live performances recorded at New Golden Lion, Fulham; Tramshed, Woolwich; Jim Davidsons’ Party in Guernsey and The Royal, Guildford was released titled “The Jackie Lynton Band…Live, Magic Cut’s 1980-84”.
The Green Gate, Bethnal Green hosts the band on 12 April ’86 and then on 4 July ’86, supported by Veto, they were at The Red Lion, Brentford. A few months later, on 31 October ’86, Jackie Lynton played The Swan, Fulham Broadway. Two and half years later, on 25 May ’89, the band, supported by Get Rhythm, played The Royal Standard, Walthamstow.
We lose track of the band until ’96, when the now 7-piece – Stuart Hughes (bass), Steve Bruce (drums), Poker‘s Keith Purnell (guitar), Mark Leppard (guitar), Ollie Holbrow (harmonica), Vince Bull (harmonica) and Lynton – are gigging regularly and release another live album; the 32-track “Alive! At The Bleak House”. This double CD, on A New Day Records [AND CD12] was recorded using the Running Frog mobile studio on 19 August ’96 (with a few additions recorded at their Windsor studio in September) and released in November that year. Almost 10 years later we see them on the bill for Weyfest 2005.
At some point Mick Hogsden/Bryant (piano/vocals), who was also in The Famous Rondini Brothers and Poker, played in the Jackie Lynton’s Happy Days Band. Chris “Wheelbarrow” Brayne, of whom the bands “The Worlds A Wheelbarrow” is about, also played drums in JLHD for quite a while, . Watkins went on to be a Bloodhound. Copper would be later found performing solo under the Graham “Cupcake” Cooper moniker, and some recall Eric Clapton joining him and other local musicians onstage at The Royal, Guildford for a charity gig in the early ’80s with Bruce Foxton of The Jam in the audience.
White, Leach, Hogsden, Brayne, Sherrington and Riddle have all sadly passed.
Links:
The first 6:25 on The Jackie Lynton Band Live Magic Cuts 1980-84 video: https://www.facebook.com/dave.reeves.505/videos/10158454513278469/?t=357Tracks:
Gallery:
19 April 1977: Jackie Lynton opened for Remus Down Boulevard at the Marquee. Source: www.tracks.co.uk 
29 December 1977: Jackie Lynton’s Happy Days, supported by Stamps, played the Music Machine, Camden according to this advert from NME December 1977. Source: Paul Rodgerson via Keep It Out Of Sight 
20 February 1978 
6 June 1978: Jackie Lynton’s Happy Days Band were on the roster to celebrate Dingwall’s 5th anniversary. Source: Alan McDonald via Keep It Out Of Sight 
This 1978 various artist compilation [TR001] features 10 tracks from Guildford bands, including the Jackie Lynton Happy Days Band. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collecters Records 
This 1978 various artist compilation [TR001] features 10 tracks from Guildford bands, including the Jackie Lynton Happy Days Band. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collecters Records 
8 January 1979: This ad from NME puts Jackie Lynton HD Band, supported by Zorro, at Music Machine, Camden. Source: Ulrich Wegener via Keep It Out Of Sight 
14 April 1979: Jackie Lynton’s H.D. Band played Bridge House. Source: Neil Barker via Mods N Sods 
9 June 1979 – 20p to see Jackie Lynton’s H.D Band on a Saturday night. 
14 July 1979 
15 September 1979: Jackie Lynton was at The Bridge House, Canning Town. Ad from Record Mirror. Source: Len Lighthouse via Keep It Out Of Sight 
20 October 1979: Jackie Lynton Band played Agincourt. Clipping Farnborough News 19 October 1979. Picture courtesy of Paul Trew 
Record Mirror 24 May 80 
24 December 1980: Jackie Lynton’s HD Band had the Christmas Eve slot at the Golden Lion, Fulham. Source: Len Lighthouse via Keep It Out Of Sight 
c’80/81 the band were l-r Jackie Lynton (vocals),Grahame White (guitar), Greg Terry-Short (drums),Tony Leach (piano/vocals), and Kirk “Loader” Riddle (bass). 
16 January 1981: The Jackie Lynton Band played the Marquee 
21 January 1982: Jackie Lynton Band, supported by Marillion at The Regal, Hitchin. Source: Diz Minnitt via www.morain.de 
22 January 1982: Jackie Lynton Band supported by Far canal. Source: Guy Tkach via www.morain.de 
Clipping from the Reading Festival ’82 paper. Source: http://robsbaralora.magix.net/public/newspreading1982.htm 
23 July 1982: Jackie Lynton Band played Marquee. Source: Mike Eldon via www.morain.de 
22 March 1984 Jackie Lynton’s at The Royal, Guildford. 
12 April 1986: Jackie Lynton’s Band were at The Green Gate, Bethnal Green. Source: Neil Thompson via Keep It Out Of Sight 
4 July 1986: Jackie Lynton, supported by Veto, was at The Red Lion, Brentford. Source: Neil Thompson via Keep It Out Of Sight 
31 October 1986: Jackie Lynton played The Swan, Fulham Broadway. Source: Neil Thompson via Keep It Out Of Sight 
25 May 1989: Jackie Lynton, supported by Get Rhythm, played The Royal Standard, Walthamstow. Source: Neil Thompson via Keep It Out Of Sight 
16 January 19?? 
Year Unknown 
A Bit Near The Mark 
A Bit Near The Mark 
A Bit Near The Mark 
Jackie Lynton Band Live Magic Cuts 1980-84 VHS sleeve (front) Source: Dave Reeves via The Jackie Lynton Band 
Jackie Lynton Band Live Magic Cuts 1980-84 VHS sleeve (back) Source: Dave Reeves via The Jackie Lynton Band A New Day Records, Agincourt, Alan Watkins, Bethnal Green, Bloodhound, Brentford, Bridge House Records, Bruce Foxton, Camberley, Camden, Canning Town, Capricorn, Chadwell Heath, Chris Brayne, Circus, Corn Dolly, David Sherrington, Diesel, Dingwalls, Dwarf Records, Eric Clapton, Far Canal, Farnborough, Farnham, Frank Leyton, Fulham, Get Rhythm, Golden Lion, Graham Cooper, Graham White, Greg Squeak, Greg Terry-Short, Guernsy, Guildford, Headwaiter, Hitchin, Horsell, House, Jackie Lynton, Jackie Lynton Band, Jackie Lynton H.D. Band, Jackie Lynton's Band, Jackie Lynton's Grande, Jackie Lynton's Happy Days, Jackie Lynton's Happy Days Band, Jackie Lynton’s HD Band, Jacob’s Studio, Jim Davidsons’ Party, Keith Purnell, Kirk Riddle, Marillion, Mark Leppard, Marquee, Mean Records, Mick Bryant, Mick Hogsden, Music Machine, New Golden Lion, Ollie Holbrow, Oxford, Poker, Reading Festival, Remus Down Boulevard, Rick Parfitt, Rubber Duck, Running Frog, Savoy Brown, Scratch Records, Stamps, Status Quo, Steve Bruce, Strange Brew, Stuart Hughes, The Bleak House, The Bridge House, The Embers, The Famous Rondini Brothers, The Green Gate, The Greyhound, The Jam, The Phantom Four, The Red Lion, The Regal, The Royal, The Royal Standard, The Stormsville Shakers, The Swan, The Train Set, The Tramshed, Thumb, Thumb Records, Tony Leach, Veto, Vince Bull, Walthamstow, Weyfest, Wheelbarrow, Willie Bath, Windsor, Woolwich, Zorro -
Yellow Lifetime
(c’85-’87) Duncan “Du Kane” Elder (lead vocal/rhythm guitar), Phil “Fil B.” Bushen (bass); Anna Lucy (vocals), “Scampi” Fullwood (Sax) and David Howick (drums).
The 5-piece Yellow Lifetime, described as sax-based pop (which we misread, often), played The Old Schoolhouse, Woking in ’85 and supported The Rapids at The Riverside Club, Fetcham on 2 February ’86. The next month they recorded the “Is It Just Lust” demo cassette at Unknown Studios W1, except “Adore” which was laid down at Electrorhythm, NW10; with production by Nick Sykes and Steve Smith.
Recorded in march ’86. Picture courtesy of Du Kane They became the 6-piece Lax Lifetime in July ’87; with the addition of David Maskrey (lead guitar) and Anton Daniels (percussion) and departure of Scampi. A couple of months prior to the name change the band, with the addition of Damian Hand, recorded “Step in Time” and “Shout! About” at Peppermint Studio, where they were produced by George Chambers and Elaine Fairfax.
Video:
This video, courtesy of Mike Krabbers, features Yellow Lifetime performing “Till The Ending Time” at The Old Schoolhouse, Woking in ’85: https://www.facebook.com/mike.krabbers/videos/2051330858446816/Gallery:
Recorded in March ’86. Picture courtesy of Du Kane 
James Steen looked back at 1987 in the 31st December ’87 Soundscene column. This is the July section of that issues and Yellow Lifetime changed their name to Lax Lifetime. 
February 1986 and Yellow Lifetime are supporting The Rapids. Picture “borrowed” from Christopher Short 
Yellow Lifetime demo, with other cassettes… Anna-Lucy Torjussen, Anton Daniels, Damian Hand, David Howick, David Maskrey, Duncan Elder, Elaine Fairfax, Electrorhythm, Fetcham, George Chambers, Lax Lifetime, London, Mike Krabbers, Nick Sykes, Peppermint Studio, Phil Bushen, Scampi, Steve Smith, The Old Schoolhouse, The Rapids, The Riverside Club, Unknown Studios, Woking, Yellow Lifetime -
Poker
(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 Billie J. Kramer, Chestnut Studios, Chris Brayne, Cranleigh, Cryin’ Out Loud, Dave Sherrington, Duffy, Eric Clapton, food, Good Earth, Gracious, Guildford, House, italian, Keith Purnell, London, Mick Bryant, Mick Hogsden, Mungo Jerry, photography, Poker, Stuart Reffold, Taggart, The Famous Rondini Brothers, The Stormsville Shakers, Thumb Records, Tim Wheatley, travel, Village hall -
Thumb Records
(c’78-’83) Thumb was a small independent label based out of 83 Waltham Avenue, Guildford and owned by Tony Leach, who was in Headwaiter. Their LPs and singles shared the same TR-000 numerical series.
Their first release was TR-001, a various artists LP entitled ‘Who Invited Them?’ in ’78 that featured four Guildford bands: Headwaiter, House, Poker, and the Jackie Lynton H.D. Band. The Jackie Lynton H.D. Band were also responsible the labels next two releases. The LP, ‘Till We’re Blue In The Face’ (TR-002) in ’79, which was released in two version, the more collectable featuring blue vinyl. This LP release was accompanied by TR-003, the bands 7″ titled ‘Dan (The Hedgehog Song)’, and Thumbs’ only single. The ‘B’ side, ‘Farting With The Famous’, was co-written by Rick Parfitt, of Status Quo.
Reading based Mainline’s ‘Where We Are Now’ (TR-004) came out in ’81, apparently selling 500 copies in New South Wales, Australia and making it a local No.1. Interestingly we can find no record of a TR-005. In ’83, two years after Mainline’s LP, Thumb put out the Jackie Lynton Band’s ‘White Line’ (TR-006), which they had recorded at Jacob Studios.
The label’s next and final release came in 2010. This was label creator and owner Tony Leach’s own pop balladry LP “Reunion” (TR-007). This project saw Leach, who regrettably left this realm in 2015, and fellow ex-Headwaiter member Sev Lewkowicz get together again. Lewkowicz as well as producing, engineering and mixing the album contributed keyboards, electric guitar, bass, and backing vocals. They also roped in Lesley Broughton (backing vocals), Arthur Bainbridge (drums), and Dick Middleton (electric guitar) – but only on track 8.
Gallery:
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Headwaiter
(c’76-78) Doug Ferguson (bass / vocals); Tony Leach (keyboards / vocals); Sev Lewkowicz (keyboards / vocals); Dave Bidwell (drums); and James “Jimmy” Kean (vocals).
A set of Headwaiter head shots In ’76 Ferguson was exiting Camel and returned to Guildford where he teamed up with Leach, who’d been in The Famous Rondini Brothers, on a writing project; Bidwell was recruited along with Kean (vocals), from Sweet Charity. Lewkowicz, ex-keyboardist with Running Dry and Asylum, joined for the first demo/s that were laid down at Chestnut Studios, Churt and Camel’s Andy Latimer played guitar and flute on those recordings. At this point they planned to stay a 5-piece, with a bit of help from Latimer.
After over a year together the “writing project” band had not yet played live. That was soon to change as the band had a Dutch tour booked for November ’77, supporting Caravan. But Bidwell was deep into his addiction, disappearing into London’s underbelly, and unable to tour and was replaced. The Netherlands support tour, which saw Headwaiter billed as the Doug Ferguson Band, was set up with both Sandy Davis, who was ex-Gracious and had solo LPs on EMI to his name, and Greg Terry-Short recruited to replace Bidwell on drums. “The band never played live with Bidwell in the line up, sadly. He was always everyone’s first choice as drummer. It’s a measure of his excellence that 2 drummers were recruited to replace him!” said Lewkowicz. The tour took in four cities: Uden, Tolleboek, Zutphen, and Zaandam from 25 to 28 November ’77. Bidwell, who’d spent time in Chicken Shack (’68-’71) and Savoy Brown (c’71–’75), died in January ’78 of a heroin overdose.
This Headwaiter poster, featuring a band members girlfriend at the time, was sent out to venues. The band played the college/ university circuit in the UK, keeping roadie Mike Lichtman busy, as well as pubs and clubs such as the Boat Club, Nottingham. They entertained locally as well, appearing at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford and the Free Festival at the University of Surrey. A second tour of The Netherlands happened in March ’78, which included Camel’s Andy Latimer who also joined them at gigs in the UK. At some point Dick Middleton (guitar), who also played in House and owned a music shop in Guildford, having played with Gene Vincent, Johnny Halliday and in Mungo Jerry and The Famous Rondini Brothers, joined the band for a couple of UK gigs in ’78 – filling in for gigs Latimer couldn’t do because of Camel commitments. Headwaiter also did one date with Caravan at a concert hall in The Hague.
That’s a Headwaiter poster (featuring girlfriend) on Terry Murphy’s office wall c’78/’79. Murphy was the landlord, of Bridge House, Canning Town and owner of Bridge House Records. Managed by David Simmons and represented by Joe Slattery of the NEMS Agency Ltd, they did not record or release an album or single, although some songs were recorded, but are now lost in the mists of time. They were offered a couple of album deals, but hung out for a better offer that never came. Three tracks did appear on the Guildford band compilation titled “Who Invited Them?” on the local Thumb label. “Who Invited Them” was recorded in summer 1978, by which time the band had pretty much stopped gigging. They played a few final contracted dates in the autumn of ’78, but without Sandy Davis on drums. The band folded after their last gig in ’78.
This 1978 various artist compilation [TR001] on the Thumb label features 10 tracks from Guildford bands, including Headwaiter “Loser”, Thrown It All Away” and “Believer In Dreams”. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records Terry-Short had also been in Black Velvet, and as well as Headwaiter played in House. He also partook in the Katmandu Sessions with Peter Green, Ray Dorset, Len Surtees, Jeff Whittaker and Vincent Crane in December ’83/January ’84; that was released in ’85 as “A Case for the Blues” by Katmandu; later in the 80s he was in Cast Of Thousands. Terry-Short still resides in Guildford, but no longer plays the drums due to illness. Leach, who regrettably left this realm in 2015, and Lewkowicz did get together in 2010 to record Leach’s “Reunion” album, which Lewkowicz produced. Kean went on to musical theatre, singing the part of Che Guevara in Evita on the London stage for a few years. Davis may be in Germany. Lewkowicz can be seen in local group The Upbeat Band. Ferguson now plays with the Jackie Lynton Band.
In 2021, Joe Smith decided to research and make a radio documentary about Doug Ferguson’s band Headwaiter for a college final. Thankfully, Smith posted this to YouTube and we can now listen to Headwaiter members Lewkowicz and Kean discuss their time in the band.
Tracks:
Gallery:
Headwaiter band member biography sheet 
Headwaiter promo photo montage 
Headwaiter flyer This 1978 various artist compilation [TR001] on the Thumb label features 10 tracks from Guildford bands, including Headwaiter “Loser”, Thrown It All Away” and “Beliver In Dreams”. Picture courtesy of Ben Darnton 
Headwaiter band photo 
Headwaiter’s Greg Terry-Short. Picture courtesy of Joe Smith 
Headwaiter’s Sandy Davis. Picture courtesy of Joe Smith 
Headwaiter’s Sev Lewkowicz. Picture courtesy of Joe Smith 
Headwaiter’s James Macmillan Kean. Picture courtesy of Joe Smith 
Headwaiter’s Tony Leach. Picture courtesy of Joe Smith 
Headwaiter’s Doug Ferguson. Picture courtesy of Joe Smith Andy Latimer, Asylum, Black Velvet, Boat Club, Bridge House, Bridge House Records, Camel, Canning Town, Caravan, Cast of Thousands, Chestnut Studios, Chicken Shack, Dave Bidwell, David Simmons, Dick Middleton, Doug Ferguson, Evita, Free Festival, Gene Vincent, Gracious, Greg Terry-Short, Guildford, Headwaiter, House, Jackie Lynton Band, James Kean, Jeff Whittaker, Joe Slattery, Joe Smith, Johnny Halliday, Katmandu, Katmandu Sessions, Len Surtees, Mike Lichtman, Mungo Jerry, NEMS Agency Ltd, Netherlands, Nottingham, Peter Green, Ray Dorset, Running Dry, Sandy Davis, Savoy Brown, Sev Lewkowicz, Sweet Charity, Terry Murphy, The Famous Rondini Brothers, The Hague, The King's Head, The Upbeat Band, Thumb, Tolleboek, Tony Leach, Uden, University of Surrey, Vincent Crane, Wooden Bridge, Zaandam, Zutphen -
Big G and the Go-Gets
(c’64-’65) Les “The Big G” Hardy (vocals), Georgie Cato (bass), Jim Pelham (guitar), Alan Horabin (guitar) and Ian “Mac” McAllister (drums).
The Big G and the GoGets… (L-R) Jim Pelham, Alan Horabin, Lez Hardy, Ian McAllister and George Cato. This Farnborough covers band built a solid local following with the likes of “24 Hours from Tulsa” in their repertoire, then moved into writing their own numbers. All five members attended Cove County Secondary School, played regularly at the Krakatoa Youth Club, Farnborough; and were managed by Jack English and Dusty Payne.
The Go-Gets at Wimbledon Palais. Picture courtesy of Shirley Saunders Pelham The Go-Gets received air play on London Radio, a pirate radio station, as part of the Melody Maker sponsored National Beat Contest “Beat Time” (which must be ’65 or ’66 as it was sponsored by Wall’s Ice Cream in ’64) at the Wimbledon Palais, where the band performed three covers and two of their own numbers, “Tears” and “Can’t Be True”. The band came second in their heat, moving onto the semi-final.
Reportedly they created a beat ballad / country crossover sound with Hardy, who sounded a bit like Gene Pitney, singing with a Texan drawl.
Gallery:
Clipping courtesy of Shirley Saunders Pelham 
Clipping courtesy of Shirley Saunders Pelham 
The Go-Gets Fan Club membership card. Picture courtesy of Shirley Saunders Pelham 
Clipping courtesy of Shirley Saunders Pelham 
Picture courtesy of Shirley Saunders Pelham 
Picture courtesy of Shirley Saunders Pelham
Our Soundscene 
Human beings takes me back to 1981. Followed them all over the Surrey reading area for a year a great band and 3 good guys playing well written songs of the era. I wish john Tim and steve well what ever they are doing now. Should reform for a few shows just like Oasis but do the wooden bridge.
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