R&B/Beat group

Line up: Brian Fowdrey (Saxophone), Ron Smith (lead guitar), Dave Norris (rhythm guitar), Johnny Wells (vocals), John Davies (bass), Gerry O'Brian (drums)

Formed around 1964, they quickly worked up material, switching from 'beat' to more blues influenced material. They cut demos around the middle of 1964 (including 'Keep On Looking'), hoping to impress EMI or Decca. They Appeared on 'Opportunity Knocks' in June of that year and had their hair dyed specially for the appearance with one white streak!

Toured Germany (where they released a single in December 1965) and added Johnny Williams (Sax) from The Chads whilst there in July 1965.

Ron Smith Left in April 1966 and was replaced by Jeff Lynne .

 They split later in 1966 after having their gear stolen.

Single: ?? (Germany 1965)

Beat/soul outfit

Line up: Neil Tyson (vocals, guitar), Nick Mayne (lead guitar), Dave Colkin (bass), Steve Talbot (drums), plus brass section.

Previously called the Matadors, they expanded to an eight piece band during the 'soul band' explosion of the mid '60's. and may have recorded for Polydor.

Gigged regularly until 1975, without releaing any records.

Tyson died in January 2000.

The MATADORS
circa 1962 - 1967

Beat group

Line up: Neil Tyson (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Dave Finlay (organ, vocals), Dave Colkin (bass, vocals), Harry Heppingstall (drums).

Formed 1962 , they were a hard gigging and well respected band who were based in Coventry, but who actually came from Hinkley.

In 1964 they signed with Joe Meek as their recording manager and cut a number of sides with him.

"Joe twisted our sound up, he speeded us up so we sounded like chipmunks" said Dave Colkin recently.

After a delay Their first single was leased by Meek to Columbia in 1965 and local sales proved healthy. They released a second single, but dissaffection was setting in with Meek's techniques and they shopped around for another recording manager, and both Tony Hatch and Andrew Loog Oldham both showed interest around May 1966.

By 1967 they were being courted by Polydor, but as the label had a low profile in the UK then,but they never released any singles.

They became Magazine in 1967 with the addition of a brass section, a reflection of the tastes of the time.

Single:

As 'The Four Matadors'

A: A Man's Gotta Stand Tall/ B:Fast Cars And Money (Columbia DB7806 1966)

Included Neol Davies and Dave Moss. Davies later formed The Selecter.

Line up: Cedric Bogle and others

Previously Willie's Cult.

Beat Group

Line up: Paul 'Mitch' Mitchell (guitar), Rick Robbins, Peter Sykes, Keith Sandall.

Warwick based band, played at the Coventry Theatre December 1963. Released debut single on Ember in August 1965, but were 'unhappy about the promotion of it' . 

Appeared on 'Thank Yor Lucky Stars' in June 1965 as well as at Coventry Carnival the same month.

Single:

A: Show Me Around /B: Only Two Can Play (Ember 1965      ?) 

'fantastic new group' - ad in CET 1967

Beat group

'Five piece Small Faces- type combo' , said Midland beat in November 1966

Possibly recorded for Polydor.

Cut some tracks at Zella Studios in Birmingham March 1970.

Formerly The Chicanes, became Beautiful People in September 1967.

Joe Meek recorded some tracks with them in late 1965, but they remained unreleased.

Line up: Tim James (sax, harmonica, keyboard), Bob Jackson (keyboards), Paul Hooper (drums) and others.

Harmony Folk

Line up: Terry Leeman (organ), Rod Joyce (perc.) plus others.

CSNY type outfit.

Line up: Paul Kennelly (vocals), Dave Sutton (guitar), 'Lil' (bass), Granville Barber (drums).

Kennelly replaced 'Sabu'.

Became Revelution 1969.

' with Gordie, also Mick that mad, mad drummer ' gig ad CET 1968

Contemporary Folk

Line up: Colin Armstrong, Rob Armstrong, Pip

Album :

Songs Of Sunshine (Westwood 1972 )

Beat group

Line up: Mick ? - guitarist/ vocalist, Pat Brookes - bass/leader, Lynne Curtis - female vocals, Tony Fennell - drums

Drummer, Tony Fennell tells us, "This was a long time ago!!!! 3 guitars and drums plus girl vocals. I must have started the band 1961-ish and left 1963-ish. Apart from demos no recording deals. I lost track of the band when I left to dep. for other bands. We played local venues - Coventry Locarno - sharing bills with The Challengers, Avengers, Matadors. - Chesford Grange - Played at Northern venues and Skegness supporting Shane Fenton & The Fentones. Other local venues I can remember were Coventry Matrix, Leofric Hotel. Don’t know of any bands members joining any other bands. 

Would like to hear from anyone from those old Cov days and even better if others have photographs of those days (Unfortunately I do not) [Contact info@broadgategnome.co.uk and we'll pass any messages on to Tony]

"I played with the Mustangs in Coventry in the 60’s. We had a girl singer called Lynne Curtis who I recall recorded for Larry Page (Manager of the Orchid Ballroom). Pat Brookes was bass guitarist and leader . We played most venues in the area and often appeared at The Coventry Locarno."