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Rosie 4:10 PM on January 2, 2008 Hi Des, I am caught in neutral here. I am reading about what an exciting life you have led. Question: How far is Preston from Chester,Cheshire, U.K.? I sent your site to my friend, Dizzy who is from there. He is on esnips, too. See you there. Rosie

Anna Mackenzie 3:40 AM on January 15, 2008 Hi Des and Moz, Love your website. Sure does bring back some great memories. Keep up the good work. Hope to hear from you soon. Love Anna and David

Stan 7:38 AM on January 20, 2008 Just did a search on the net for The Puppets as I was re-living some old memories. I remember, very well, travelling in a van with you guys from Glasgow, Scotland after we had done a show with Joe Brown and Vince Eager. We travelled to Dave’s home in Preston (I think it was Dave’s home) we had a bacon sandwich and then you guys were kind enough to drop Joe Brown’s gear off in Yarmouth! I was working with Joe at the time – but he wasn’t too happy with me as I accidentally let some stink bombs off backstage!! Some time later my mother made you all some food in Hartlepool just before you played at The Rink! Oh, happy days!!

Papa Darby 8:38 AM on February 4, 2008 Just bring you and mos a laugh http://heraldnet.com/article/20071221/MULTIMEDIA/283841756

marie 4:46 AM on April 11, 2008 g’day Des, I just love your website, what a fantastic life you have had. Love Marie. xxx

Geoff Ollerton 3:34 AM on April 18, 2008 What a fantastic read! You have brought back many happy memories of those golden days of the 60’s. As you say Bob Johnson was fabulous but David John and the Mood were my favourites of the time and I still have their records here at home, their version of Bring It To Jerome is one of the best records of all time in my opinion. I also have The Puppets records still but you miss out what I thought was the biggest ‘hit’ Juliet or is my memory failing here? The Catacombs was a fantastic place I don’t think there has been a place like it in Preston ever since. Thanks for being a part of Preston’s music in what was truly a great time and thanks too for the website and the memories.

eric lewis 1:11 PM on April 18, 2008 hi des,just found youre site .im just turned 50 and used to visit blackpool in the sixties with my parents who have long sandince departed but just came across my old autograph book in which i saw youre signature together with don parfitt gerry marsden the headhunters freddie garrity

Tony Harrison 6:23 AM on May 16, 2008 I love your music Des, you’ve certainly been around the music scene for a while! Are you back in the UK anytime soon, would love you to play a concert I’m setting up, looking for acts! If you book them….. they will come!

Sandy Flaps 6:25 AM on May 16, 2008 Hi Des! My friend (Mr Tony Harrison) and I came across some of your songs on esnips and we’ve got to say WE LOVE YOU! Any chance your coming over to the Uk soon? We would love you to perform at our concert. Keep it real my brother. YOU RAWK!

Geoff Ollerton 8:00 AM on June 5, 2008 Sorry Des I have now realised my mistake re my earlier post. The song Juliet was recorded by the Four Pennies from Blackburn – I’m really sorry for the error.

neil(guitar doctor)andrews 3:25 AM on June 13, 2008 Good one mate.:D

Julia 1:32 PM on July 10, 2008 Hi Des, I had to send you an email to let you know that my 5yr old twins(boy and girl) absolutely love to see yr ‘Little White Bull’ video on Youtube. We play it several times a week and they prefer it to the original Tommy Steel clip also posted there. My children first heard ‘Little White Bull’ on Radio 2, played by Steve Wright in the spring this year and that is how we came to the youtube site to see if it was on there. The twins love the song and often ask for ‘Desdinga’. What a great song. Many Thanks, Julia

Des 11:56 PM on July 10, 2008 G’Day Julia,thanks ,that’s fantastic. Enjoy and thanks for letting me know, tell them I’m very happy they like it. ~~Des

Andrew Hilton 4:22 AM on July 19, 2008 G’day Des, Love the website. It’s like a big house with lots of different rooms. Did you get my email, {music attachment] of a few weeks back. Nice to hear from Neil. Hope this rock@roll life treating you and Mos well. Andrew

Fergus 2:04 PM on July 27, 2008 Des Really enjoyed the website – especially sections on Crispian St Peters whom I interviewed a few years’ ago. Tell me – how successfully did you manage to perform live his ( minor ) hit ‘Changes’?

desdinga 8:33 AM on July 29, 2008 G’Day Fergus,In answer to your question, we didn’t have to as far as I can recall it must have been released after we worked for him, I asked Jim the bass player of The Puppets and he couldn’t remember the song either. We were with Crispian from late Jan through till the end of the Summer Season in Gt Yarmouth, in 1966. Thanks Fergus ~~Des

robb shenton [aka bob eccles 5:54 PM on August 9, 2008 yo desi how are you doin’, I last saw you following a concert walthamstow or east ham granada, where The Puppets were the House band [and bloody good you were]. you kindly invited me to the show, and gave me a lift back to the tube, after dropping Gene and his girlfriend. Remember Falconberg Mews [Spring of 1963] anyway Desi just a quick hello from me, and I hope you are taking care of yourself’ Apart from ”Bobby Sox and the Blue Jeans” I always thought that your vocals on Zippa de doo dah are still the best I’ve ever heard. Take good care of Yourself. Robb.R

des 8:52 PM on August 9, 2008 Rob, Great to hear from you, please send me your email address urgently. Thanks

Keith 10:21 PM on October 18, 2008 Hi Des Its been a while. How are you and mos, like your site, put together really well. Miss the trivia nights had a blast, keep on rocking. Cheers

pereric 3:59 PM on October 26, 2008 Hi Des! Great idea to put up a site like this. Have been reading a bit and its wery fun. Have to read those history chapters all of them! bring in back the music and memories from the sixtees. Remember sitting with radio on high volume and singin with Presley and Orbison, cant understand how my parents didnt get grazy of it. sorry starts dreamin …..:=) Ok Des Thank you for shearing your great memories to musiclovers this way.:D Take care Best from pereric!

bob Eccles 3:48 PM on November 4, 2008 Hi Desi, hope your keeping well and the sun is shining, [it’s not here] Desi can you send me your postal address, I would like to send you a October c.d and iTunes Release of mine. look after yourself. Regards, Bob

Linda Edwards 5:25 AM on December 17, 2008 Hello Des! Just found your website after doing a bit of googling looking for Mos. You’ve done a great job and there’s lots to explore. Hope to catch up with you soon.

Zak 8:29 AM on January 2, 2009 Hey Des, It’s Zak the one that you met at the fruit shop today. I just looked at your YouTube videos and they are great. Here’s a link to my videos – http://www.youtube.com/Zako242 Most of them are of me busking in Rundle Mall! Well I hope you like them! From Zak

Deb 7:13 PM on January 3, 2009 Hi Des Just having a look at your site very entertaining keep up the good work hello to Mos

Robb Shenton [aka Bob Eccles] 12:16 PM on January 9, 2009 Hi Des, Wishing you and your lovely lady and family a great 2009, and may it bring you peace, joy good health and prosperity cheers and G’day …. from Robb and Sheila. p.s. Great Site….

PAPA DARBY AND MAMA ANN 2:22 AM on January 14, 2009 DES!! GREAT OF YOU TO GROP BY AND INVITE US OVER FOR ANOTHER LISSEN AS WE NEVER GET TIRED LISTING AT YOU AND VIEWING YOUR GREAT WORK AS A INTERTAINER. BIX IS NO LONGER IN THE KARAOKE BUSINESS. WHERE WOULD BE A GREAT PLACE TO STAY IN CONTACT WITH YOU AND YOUR MUSIC AS I AM ALLWAYS INTERESTED IN ALL OF YOU GUY’S.

PAPA DARBY AND MAMA ANN 2:36 AM on January 14, 2009 DES!! WHAT ABOUT TAKEING A VISIT AT MUZIKMAMA MABY DO A LITTLE ADVERTIZEMENT FROM THERE. http://muzikdriven.ning.com/profile/VihVergara THIS YOUNG LADY HAS A GREAT VOICE AND I AM SURE YOU WILL APPRECIATE HER AND ALSO DO A LITTLE ADVERTIZMENT WHILE BEING THERE.. THERE SOUND IS A LOT BETTER THAN uTUBE. UTUBE DOES NOT COME IN TO GREAT. http://muzikdriven.ning.com/profile/VihVergara

Pat Wilkinson 3:43 PM on January 19, 2009 HI, Des Just been reading chapters 1.2.3. I amsame age as you and memories came flooding back.mr Tootal at st igs school ,Going to watch emile ford at Puplic Hall.Ihad the stephensons pub in East st ,I remember Bob Johnson coming in for adrink . Iwas licensee for over 20 years there. Keep up the good work Des and thanks for the memories xxx Pat

Des 3:59 PM on January 19, 2009 G’Day Pat, How nice to hear from you, please end me your Email address on [email protected]

pat wilkinson 1:55 PM on January 20, 2009 Hi, again Des ,What a nice surprise to hear from you. Hope that every thihgs fine in Australia,also that your familys o.k. Igot an e-mail off Alan Letts he told me about your website. He knew you from playing in clubs that he ran from 60s and 70s. Maybe you will remember him He had a passion for music

jacyara 6:13 PM on January 23, 2009 i love CAPTAIN CLIVE KELLY AND DESSIE

kristi Nikolaeff 10:58 PM on February 2, 2009 Hi des. I’m not really sure how I found your website it was purely by accident. I used to regularly go the shennanagins for the quiz night. The best times in my life I reakon. So much fun. R u still doing a quiz night somewhere. MAybe you could start one at the aldinga pub. I/m moving to aldinga in 6 weeks.

Robb Shenton [Preston Bob] 9:06 AM on February 5, 2009 Hi Des, hope you and the family are well, just a quick note from me, did the CD. I sent you arrive, if you haven’t received it by now, I’ll send you another. Sincere regards to all. Bob..

Des 6:04 PM on February 6, 2009 G’Day Robb, please send me your Email addy thanks. I got the parcel yesterday, sounds great man. Well done

Papa Darby 2:40 PM on February 10, 2009 Des get in this contest.at bix. Bix user: mother0f6 Title of entry: By the time I get to Pheonix Link to entry: http://bix.yahoo.com/emailTracking/entry/279260?sId=TXerL%2Bpisac%3D Bix user: mother0f6 Title of entry: Don’t close your eyes Link to entry: http://bix.yahoo.com/emailTracking/entry/279259?sId=TXerL%2Bpisac%3D Bix user: mother0f6 Title of entry: The Chair Link to entry: http://bix.yahoo.com/emailTracking/entry/279258?sId=TXerL%2Bpisac%3D

Kev Brennan 6:39 PM on February 19, 2009 Hi Des, Kev Ash, bluesman from Preston told me about your site. I was a part time DJ for over 30 years in the UK(born and bred in Preston) before moving over to New Zealand last year. I had the pleasure of introducing many bands from the 60’s to the present day, went on tour with them etc etc. you know the story. You have an amazing site here mate and it is a pleasure to view it. Love the video intro. Keep up the great work. Boogie on! From another ex Prestonian. Kev B:D

Mike Hayton 7:08 AM on March 12, 2009 Des what a great site.So many names from the past. Bob Eccles was a cook at Preston Royal Infirmary when I knew him!!

clive kelly 8:32 AM on March 19, 2009 ime just waiting to put on the CLICK ON STORIES or go MERSEYBEAT.CO.UK THEN CLICK ON EDITORIAL THEN AT LEFT HAND SIDE PAGE CLOCK ON SOON I HOPE TO HAVE PHOTO MY FRIEND PLAYING AT ONE OF MY CLUBS PRESTON , HAS ANY READER MORE PHOTOS TO ADD? YOURS KARMATICKLY CATACOMBS KELLY.

Terry Christie 7:26 AM on May 16, 2009 Every Saturday Morning on BBC Radio Two and listen to The Sounds of The Sixties with Brian Matthew and the artists including The Swinging Blue Jeans,The Who,The Shadows, Johnny Kidd and The Pirates,Cliff Richard,Elvis Presley, Mike Sarne,John Leyton,Billy Fury,Eden Kane,Cilla Black, The Dave Clark Five,Manfred Mann and The Hollies. Rock on the great sounds of the sixties music. Terry Christie from Sunderland

john taylor 8:34 PM on June 2, 2009 gday

Joan Glen-Martin 3:33 AM on July 4, 2009 Excellent site, so many memories!!! Thank you for taking the time to write, upload all those pictures and share a bit of yourself. I found the site looking up Darryl Quist, from Sounds of the Sixties show, BBC Radio 2. They played a record of his. I like to look up info about old bands they play on there on this internet. I suffer from Paul Jones and Manfred Mann mania!! Still follow the band and its members and will do until the wheelchair batteries run out or we fall of the edge. Best memory was going into a curtained off area to get concert posters signed by the current Manfreds line up to find the whole band in stages of undress. Mike Hugg signed for me wearing underpants…….. All the best Joan

Hi Des 10:55 PM on August 10, 2009 Just came across your site while surfing on music. You mentioned a name Reg Welch who died March 2006? Can you tell me more about him and his music? Thanks. Was just curious is all. Was he married or have kids? Thanks

Peter Gray 9:20 AM on August 19, 2009 Hi Des, just been surfing the net and found you, well I actually googled cse shows El Adem, and found you, and you are in SA as well, I live at Greenwith and I am a very big 60s fan and reckon I know a great deal about the 60s music, I am shortly ( August 29th ) going over to the UK for 8 weeks and will chat to you more when I get back, whilst I am over in the UK I will be visiting an old friend of mine, Dave Berry, yes he of the crying game fame, I have known him for 40 years, even done a personal interview with him, wwell Des must go, keep in touch Peter Gray

Janet Towers (Pam’s daughter) 4:45 PM on September 5, 2009 Hi Uncle Des. What a wonderful website. It has been a joy watching you perform on the video clips particularly as I haven’t seen you for thirty years. Will add this site to my favourites. My children have heard of you of course but until now seen very few pictures. Hope you are keeping well. Janet

Reply Dave Keable 1:02 PM on September 11, 2009 Hi Des – what a surprise to find a web site all about The Puppets, one of my favourite 60’s bands. Cast your mind back to 1963/64 and Great Yarmouth. I worked at the Royal Aquarium Theatre for those two summers and am sure I saw you performing there a few times. I was one of the two guys operating FOH spotlights, and you performed on Sunday night concerts. What a great two summers they were as the regular shows were Helen Shapiro in 63 (with Peter Jay & the Jaywalkers), and Billy Fury in 64, (with The Gamblers). Sunday nights were a different line-up each week – acts like The Searchers, Brian Poole, Dave Berry, etc. However, the two bands that made the most impression on me at the time were The Puppets and Brian Howard & the Silhouettes. Once in retirement (very soon) I am planning to write a book web site about those happy days and the huge impact that the ‘beat boom’ had on seaside resorts like GY and Blackpool. The Beatles played the ABC in GY twice in 63, but I never saw them as worked 7 nights a week at the Aquarium just down the road. If you have any memories of working in GY I would love to hear from you. I am looking forward to studying your web site in detail over the next few nights. Keep on drumming – regards Dave

Reply Very nice site! 6:54 PM on September 20, 2009 Very nice site!

Reply James ((Jimmy) Tucker 12:30 AM on September 27, 2009 Born and raised in Preston 1950. First heard Bob Johnson and the Bobcats at Maudland Labor Club (my dad was the concert secetary at the time, I was ony about 12!). Great reading about all the music scene you were invloved in. I moved to USA in 1981 and kinda lost touch with most people. I still speak with George Scott now and again, he knows EVERYBODY, and sometimes Ged Carberry. My dad introduced me to all types of music and taught me to appreciate anything good. Thanks a lot.

Reply will greenwood 5:56 AM on September 30, 2009 Hi Des I just found this site…its wonderful….brought back many memories. I have a family connection with Duffy Power, so its great to see that time brought to life. all the very best.

Keith Dalton 9:47 AM on October 8, 2009 Hi Des, it’s Keith. Trying to contact Janice. Have you got an adress or phone number?

Desdinga 5:58 PM on October 8, 2009 G’Day Keith, good to hear from you man, please send me an email, I haven’t got your contact details.

Dave Morris 2:34 PM on October 9, 2009 Hi DES I just found this video on YouTube of LORD SUTCH singing “I’m a hog for you baby”….did Ginner play guitar on this?…Poster seems to think it was Jimmy Page, but it sounds like Dave Millen

Molly Taylor (nee Johnson) 4:45 PM on October 12, 2009 Hi Des, Learned of your site last night from my daughter-in-law Sharon. She is married to Gary my eldest son to Bob) Her mum is friendly with your sister Pam in Preston. Remember me now? Just nice to know everything turned out ok for you with your new life in Australia. The memories of those happy days will always remain. Regards – Molly

Dave Millen 6:41 AM on January 5, 2010 Good to see the Millen name moving on in the music world. Need a sax player? Blessings to you from Ohio. Dave

desdinga 7:14 AM on January 5, 2010

Dave Millen says…
Good to see the Millen name moving on in the music world. Need a sax player? Blessings to you from Ohio. Dave

G’Day Dave, what are you doing in Ohio? ~~Des

desdinga 9:00 PM on January 21, 2010

guitar player Dave Millen Ex Puppets ,passed away in hospital on Tuesday Jan. 19th 2010

RIP Dave~~Des

mike hayton 6:32 AM on January 22, 2010

So sorry to hear of the death of Dave Millen.

He was a great guitarist, a nice guy and a good friend of mine going back to our days at Preston Grammar School.

Please pass on my sincere condolences to his family.

Regards

Mike Hayton

Phil Eaves 4:51 PM on January 24, 2010

Hi Des,

Heard about the death of Dave this evening from Daz (Dave Smith)

A sad loss.

Regards

Phil Eaves.

jimmy lee 7:20 AM on January 25, 2010

hi des long time no see glad to here you are ok.i have photo of butlins compition i will send it ina email. ted flanagan lives in america i stilllive in preston grimsargh.67years on the clock been married 41 years to joyce who use to go to the catacombs it was joyce who found your site. we have 3 children julie james and richard plus 3granchildren. do youremember jack thompson agreat ballad singer we met up again in 2003 and have become good friends again.still well into music ,i remember going to e mile ford concert at the queens hall [saul st baths].another memoryof youwas practicingyour rythems on the bedroom walls at butlins dont no who was in the next room.will send you an email a.t.b/ jim

Campbell Tuck 2:13 PM on February 4, 2010

Aw’..Man!..Lapped up your site!…It’s put together very well…Felt like I was reliving my youth right along with you!!…You are indeed a great entertainer indeed!!!….Ye’ wee bugger ye!..Ye’ kept me up long past ma’ bedtime..but it was well worh it Lad…also saw you on ‘singsnap’ and ‘muzicdriven’…and could tell music flows through your veins and It’s been your lifefor sure!.. Hoping all is well with you as I haven’t seen you on the two sites mentioned…anyhoo’..All the best to you Mate…Campbell Tuck.(formerly of Glasgow..residing now in California for the past 50 odd years)

Bob 12:54 PM on February 7, 2010

Hi Des, thanks for the pictures of Dave Millen, what a sad loss. I have had a long chat with Dave’s daughter Lee. Glad we were all at the beginning of rock and roll and long may it live. God bless Bob.

P.S. this is Leonie’s email as I am not computer literate – yet! But I can still write songs.

Pete Morris 2:53 PM on February 19, 2010 Hi Des, Pete Morris here, it was me who sent you those pictures of Preston a couple of years ago.Very sad to hear about Dave Millen.I played drums with Bob Johnson and Dave in Smokey Joe and then Bush Country. I hadn’t seen him for about 20years. He really was a wonderful guitarist and knowing that he’d played with some excellent drummers like yourself,Fred Kelly,Keef Hartley and Viv Prince I was in awe of him really.I thought he had a real presence on stage. I remember coming home from doing a gig in Blackburn one cold winter night and we stopped at a chinese takeaway with Dave stood at the counter, long ginger hair,dark glasses, tassled suede jacket and a black stetson, looking resplendent.I commented to Daz that he looked slightly out of place in Blackburn,Daz said that he’d look out of place in Dodge City.

Terry Christie 7:23 AM on March 6, 2010

I Was born on Friday 28th August 1964 in Southwick,Sunderland Tyne and Wear and I remember the british pop groups from the sixties music

with The Beatles,The Swinging Blue Jeans,Johnny Kidd and The Pirates,Shane Fenton and The Fentones,John Leyton,Mike Sarne,The Who,

Cliff Richard and The Shadows,Manfred Mann,Michael Holliday,Adam Faith,Frank Ifield,Cilla Black,Billy J Kramer and The Dakotas,

Billy Fury,Georgie Fame,Gene Vincent,Gerry and The Pacemakers,Freddie and The Dreamers,The Fourmost,Ruby Murray,Marty Wilde,

John Barry Seven,Jerry Lordan,Mike Berry,Eden Kane,The Hollies,Small Faces,The Yardbirds,The Dennisons,The Big Three,The Mojos,

Jet Harris and Tony Meehan,Norrie Paramor and Edwin Astley.

Disc Jockeys also in the sixties such as Alan Freeman,Kent Walton,Jimmy Savile,David Jacobs,Pete Murray,Brian Matthew,Don Moss,

Tim Gudgin and John Dunn.

Keep up the great wonderful sixties music 1960-69 is fab and groovy man.

Terry Christie

Sixties Music fan

from Sunderland

Doreen Beaumont 7:21 AM on March 17, 2010

Hi Des ,your story is interesting ,brings back lots of memories,as i mentioned am a good friend of Alan Letts who i have just caught up with on facebook after many years .Been in Adelaide for thirty six years but met up with Alan in 79when i whenthome to Blackburn for a holiday.Just wondering if you ever played the Starlight Club,i worked there from 68 to70. also married the drummer there maybe you will know him Eric Shaw .hope to hear back from you ,Regards Doreen.

Brian Parrish 1:38 AM on May 12, 2010

Hey Des– there you are ! Long time… etc. You may recall the 1964 tour with a bunch of people (Lulu+ Lovers, Searchers, Millie – and Gene Vincent with the Londoners…with myself on guitar. I dont recall being a particularly wonderful player at the time (I have learned another chord now!)- but I do remember your friendship and generosity- I stayed in your house “up North” one night during the tour. Truth to tell, at the age of 17, I was just knocked out to be doing what I loved. I am older now, as we all are, and its probably time I got “proper” job. Somewhat late for such ideas now! Anyway this is by way of “hello, how are you?”. Stay well, my friend. Brian

Fergus West 7:31 AM on July 7, 2010

Hi Des

Presumably you heard that Crisian St Peters died three weeks or so ago.

I’m doing an article on him for ‘The Beat’ magazine; if you’d like to send me any thoughts/details of your time with him, I’d be happy to include them.

Best wishes

Fergus West

jed Drummer 3:47 PM on July 8, 2010

Hi Pete,

Jed here, don’t expect you’ll remember but I rodied for Bush Country for a time, just wanted to say thanks for all your inspiration.

Take care mate !

Jed

Reply Kenny Jones 7:31 AM on July 10, 2010

Kenny Jones says…

Tremendous web site !

I remember 3D playing at The Lancaster – great nights ( and occasional lunchtimes ! )

So sad to hear of Ginner’s passing – I’m a bit of a recluse these days and wasn’t even awareofituntil I accidentally came across this site .

I also followedSmokey Joe around a bit , with Dave , Bob J. ,Daz , Eddie Entwistleand Pete Morris on drums .

Millen and Entwistle on guitars in the same band — WOW !! — What would I give to be able to go and see and hearthat again now ? — I particularly remember outstandingextended versions of Joe Cocker’s Delta Lady and Noel Harrison’s Windmills Of Your Mind .

As I’m sure you all know , Eddie sadly passed away back in 1993 and I was privileged to perform with my band Suspects at two of his memorial concerts , along with Steve Hesketh’s band , West Coast , and Eddie’s nephew Dean’s band . What a guitarist Dean has turned out to be too !

A bit about myself , as few will probably know who I am really .

Years before that I played bass in Dennis Delight and before that once formed a short – lived band called Fast Partswith Reg Kielty ,from Rubi Lazer , which both Keith Dalton and Ged Carberry helped us out with behind the scenes . Our FIRST gig was at the Guild Hall Foyer , playing to around 700 !!

Great to see you guys are still around .

Best regards

Kenny

ReplyKenny Jones 8:58 AM on July 10, 2010

Des ,

Sorry for going off track a little again , but I was wondering if you ever knew or remember one or two other groups who played around thePreston areain the early to mid 1960s. , but which I have found no reference to on the internet ?

If not , perhaps forum member / local musichistorian supreme ,Phil Eaves may remember these ?

One was a trio called Volga Beatmen , comprising of Eddie Pearson on lead guitar , Bill Wilmer on bass and Harold Dearden on drums .

Another was The Alpineswith a guy calledWillie Jenkinson on lead guitar , then therewas The Modern Blues Quartet ( MBQ ) featuring a tall lean lead guitarist with the nickname Tams , if I remember correctly .

Who was ” Tams ” and what became of him , anyone ?

Also , at the Lancaster in Preston I remember a support band called Jerusalem Smith supporting 3D once or twice , featuring a dark frizzy hairedguitarist called Steve ,who utilisedquite a unique , aggressive bottleneck approach.Does anyone here recall his full name and / orwhat becameof him ?

You may also beinterested to know that the paleorange colouredFender Stratocaster that Ginner always played in those days is still very much alive and well and regularly played by the finePreston guitaristGreg Slater , who bought it from Dave in the mid 1970s. and has used it ever since .

I’ve just been listening to all those Puppets recordings from the 1960s. and must say that in every respect , in my humble opinion , your version of Poison Ivy in particular is as good as ANY version ever recorded .

Kind Regards

Kenny

Reply Pete Morris 7:53 PM on July 10, 2010 Hi Des and everybody,Pete Morris here.I enjoyed reading the comments from Kenny Jones.I kinda remember you Kenny but not so much on a personal level.I must have seen you play a few times cos I knew everybody you mentioned.I remember MBQ with Tams on guitar and Paul Varley on drums ,Paul was a mate of mine,in those days anyway.Don’t know what happened to Tams though! The guitarist with Jerusalem Smith was Steve Fell who used to live in Lostock hall near me , but I haven’t seen him for many years . That was interesting about Dave Millens strat still being used.I remember Greg Slater,where abouts does he live now. Millen and Enty in the same band wasnt always a lot of fun I remember.They were two brilliant guitarists,very different in style,but like chalk and cheese off stage together. Eddie was a moulder from Coppull and Dave was a bit cosmic in those days.I always sensed that each one was plotting against the other.Great memories though. I actually have still got some old audio tape cassettes of us playing live at the Pear Tree in Bamber Bridge. Quality not great though! After Dave Millen moved to Darwin I played with Eddy on and off for a few years in different short lived bands. I remember rehearsing for weeks on end in Chorley a new band with Eddy and Dean o Shea on guitars,a great bass player from Wigan who played with a caberet band called Copper Kettle and singer Sheila Lee. We had just about got enough material to start doing gigs when Eddy and Sheila buggered off to the Isle of Man to do a summer season together as a duo. That was the end of that! I spent about three years after that playing with Steve Hesketh and his brother Jim and a couple of different singers doing cabaret work.Trying finally to earn a bit of money for my efforts.More clubwork followed with a band called Midnight Blue and after that I decided to call it a day.Work commitments and two young boys No spare time. I must say that I really respect Phil Eaves for his continued devotion to the cause and when I sometimes meet with Jed Carberry he’s always got plenty of information about people back in the day. Also if Jed in the other comment is the person I think it is,it’s so nice to here from you I remember you very well.Where are you now?

Kenny Jones 7:27 AM on July 11, 2010

Des ,

I’ve just re – read , with great attention to detail , all 10 chapters of your fascinating story , and hope that you haven’t given up on the promised ” to be continued ” chapters .

One main reason for this is that looking back from this long – time fast – foward position , even though there seemed to be a brief periodin the mid 60swhen it was not unknown to find the likes of The Yardbirds on the same bill as the jovially rotund pianist ,Mrs. Mills ,the transition from supporting the likes of Bert Weedon in summertime shows at seaside theatres , to appearing at venues such asThe Lancaster pub in Preston , performing songs by the likes of Cream and Jimi Hendrix seems to represent such a quantum leap , be it seen as forwards or sideways or whatever .

As I mentioned in my first message , I remember those latter occasions with great fondness , with Miffy and Kim Nicholson ( Preston’s answer to Joe Cocker ! ) guesting on vocals , and even one occasion when THE Pretty Things turned up and jammed along . I remember the drummer Fred Kelly playing too .

I would be interested to know what the ” master plan ” , if any , was at that stage in your careers , with the formation and style of 3D ?

When was Jim replaced by Daz on bass , and for what reason ? and what became of Jim ?

From what I can recall amongst foggy memories , the 3D days seemed to end quite abruptly from my perspective , and the next time I saw Dave ( Ginner ) was backwith Bob Johnson in a short – lived line – up of Smokey Joe circa 1972 , then so sadly , never again .

What did Dave do after thatduringall those ” missing ” years , and to answer a question that has intrigued me for years , how did he become to be known as ” Ginner ” ?

Kind regards

Kenny

Reply Kenny Jones 6:02 PM on July 11, 2010

Kenny Jones says…

Hi Pete ,

What a pleasant surpriseto see a reply so soon after first posting here !

I’d had a gut feeling that apart from Des himself , this could be well be another one of those guestbook pages that are very seldom visited , so would not reallyhave been all that surprised to have found my messages still showing up as thelast ones posted in two or three months’ timefrom now !

So it wasSteve FELL , the guitarist from Jerusalem Smith ? — a surname that doesn’t ring any bells , but thanks for that information , Pete , as I’ve lost count of the people I’ve asked about him who have justlooked puzzled and said ” WHO ? ” thenlooked at me as if he and his entire existencemust have been no more thanimaginary by – products of my chosen recreational substances of the time 🙂

So was Tams justborn ” Tams ” then , or did he have a more conventional name , too ? 🙂

I only met Paul Varley a couple of times , during his flying visits from the U.S.A . His brother Ian was a friend of mine — also a drummer like his older brother , and sadly another one who left us too soon , as didhisclose buddy / bass playerPaul shortly afterwards , who together briefly played in a band called Nova Scotia .

Until a few months ago at least , Greg Slater still lived in the same house in Ashton that he’s resided at since 1978 .

Interesting that you also played drums with Steve and Jim Hesketh — which I’d somehow forgotten . Was that with Crossfire ? — with and without Eddie Entwistle and Cliff Ovenden ? I know Carl Davis played drums with them for a while , but not always , if I recall . Steve Hesketh first started coming round to our house for jam sessions when he was just 13 years old , with a red Wilson strat. copy ,and he was no slouch even at that age . Sadly Steve has become even more of a recluse than myself and last I heard from his singing wife Emma ,hadn’t eventouched a guitar in several years .

Was you also the drummer with trioMustang then , withEddie andFrank Whittle on bass ?

I have fond memories of Mustang and Phil Cool ( then Phil Martin ) performing at The Pear Tree in Bamber Bridge on Monday nights . Along with coveringclassics such as The Weight by The Band , Eddie featured a fewssongs he’d written himself which I particularly liked , one called Summer Driver and the other , title not recalled but including a line about riding with Jesse James .

Dean O’Shea must have been VERY young when rehearsing with you , given that as far as I recall he was a still a teenager when his uncle Eddie died in 1993 .

Finally ( and again , I hope Des doesn’t object to my ramblings here ) finding this site yesterday inspired me to look up Bob Johnson and The Bobcats , the web site of which includes a couple of musical videos / photographic montages featuring your good self , Pete , with Bob , Daz and Eddie . Most of those photosappear to have been taken from the Loon Street Gas Band / Smokey Joein it’s 4 – piece formatperiod , sans Ginner ,but set to music performed by Bush Country withAlex Leyland, Phil Wright and that bass playing policeman , whose name I never did get to know .It brought back some great memories , I can tell you . In fact you are credited with the stillphotography !

Anyway , great to hear from you , Peter and and hope you keep in touch here .

Kenny

Reply Pete Morris 6:25 PM on July 11, 2010 Hi Des, I must apologise for rambling on your guestbook page,probably about people you can’t even remember,but as we all were regulars at the Lancaster and greatly influenced by what we heard I guess its relevent to the development of rock music in Preston and many people still have fond memories of that time. In reply to Kenny Jones, Paul Varley I knew from being a young teenager and years later I worked with Ian at Baxi. He was a funny character,everybody liked him. Sadly I went to both their funerals .where I met their sister for the first time.She had come over from Australia I think for Pauls.Fred Kelly was there too,not looking in the best of health. Fred was a real drumming hero of mine,and a great help to me in the early days even bringing his brother John,who was a fine jazz player,to tune my kit properly. I followed Freds career very closely and got to see him with Rare Bird several times. Once at Manchesters Free Trade Hall. I tried my best to play like him but could never get near the subtlety he displayed. When he came back to Preston and played with Zanzibar I thought he was brilliant. I did play with Steve and Jim Hesketh and Eddy Entwhistle in the original Crossfire . ,but left to join Bush Country when their drummer Kenny Green suddenly left,I don’t think Eddie Ent ever really forgave me for that, but Steve and Jim encouraged me to do it and then got Carl Davis in minus Eddie and Clive Ovenden in. They turned out to be a great band .I think that’s when Eddy formed Mustang with a drummer from the Wigan area called John .That song of Eddie’s with the Jesse James line was called Average Man.I have it on a tape recorded in rehearsals at the Unicorn Pub.Bob Johnson is playing in Preston in August. I’ll try to get there Fancy meeting up? Dean O Shea was very young. about 15/.16 when he started playing with us.I’d love to hear him play now. Regards Pete Morris

Reply desdinga 9:56 PM on July 11, 2010

That’s Cool fellas, write away !!! it’s all good stuff, I admire anyone who has taken the trouble to learn an instrument, then go out and perform.So if this is one way that people can get a mention, then that’s the go !! As I recall Preston has a fine musical history, maybe it’s time to start up a Preston Page, I’ll look into it~~Des

Reply Mike (mick) Fleming 5:44 PM on July 14, 2010

It’s been a long time since I first saw you playing the drums on stage @ the Blessed Sacrament club one Sunday night, that’s the only night of the week they had bands sorry groups on, why Sunday’s & not Saturdays I don’t know.

Bob Johnson was then in a group called the Dominators after that 15 watt amp made by Watkins as I recall,that only we at our level could afford.The vox ac 30 would come later. Could ramble on more but don’t want to become tiresome. Wouldn’t mind knowing what you think tho. Mike Fleming.

Reply DAVE MORRIS 6:33 PM on July 16, 2010

HELLO DES….a couple of things from PRESTON…….Mick Fleming rang me tonight(Friday) and we had a long chat….

Some bad news was that drummer BRIAN BULLIVANT passed away about 12 months ago,. If you don’t remember Brian he played with a group called the DROVERS with BARRY LAWSON on Bass Guitar back in the 60s.Then after a bit of travelling he ended up playing at the club in Market Street (flamingo)????? as replacement for FRED KELLY.

Reply Steve Aldridge 2:56 PM on October 18, 2010

Seen a few notes on here about Eddie Entwistle. I played in a band in the 70s that did regular nights and afternoons at the Joiner’s Arms in Chorley and round about. Fantastic venues in the area. Is Eddie still around?

Reply Kenny Jones 6:17 PM on October 20, 2010

Hi Steve ,

It’s Kenny Jones here , but I’ve forgot my password for this site , so trying to send this as a guest message .

Very sadly , Eddie Ent. passed away in the spring of 1993 . Badly missed .

Kenny

Reply Rhonda and Peter (Pryers) 9:01 PM on October 29, 2010

Hi Des and Mos,

Just loved your website. You are truly aremarkable couple. It is always a pleasure having you perform for our cabaret shows. We have had good feedback and look forward to your next visit

Love Rhonda and Peter xx.

Reply Bob Johnson 9:01 AM on November 1, 2010

Why no drumming vid’s des? I used to watch you in The Lancaster and you did a great solo then. Parchment farm I think.

juliea 2:44 AM on November 4, 2010

Hi Des (Andrew and Rob)

Sadly Neil passed away in
August. Thankyou for the videos – the kids appreciate seeing this part of Neil’s life – I know he loved it too

Regards to you

Julie

Reply Desdinga 8:18 AM on November 4, 2010

That’s sad news folks, Neil Andrews AKA The Adelaide Guitar Doctorwho sang and played guitar with Monkey Business and appears on the Videos of Monkey Business on this site passed away in August 2010~~RIP Neil~~Des,Andrew and Rob

Reply MEL POWELL 2:02 PM on November 8, 2010

MEL HERE, WENT TO SEE BOB JOHNSON AT THE SHIP WATERY LANE PRESTON LAST SATURDAY FANTASTIC GIG JUST LIKE THE OLD DAYS.

BOBS PLANNING ANOTHER GIG IN THE NEWYEAR WITH A GUEST COMEDIAN PHIL COOL ON THE SHOW SHOULD BE A REAL HUM DINGER.

REGARDING DENIS DELIGHT I OWN ONE OF HIS GUITARS HE USE TO PLAY

AT THE SHIP IN THE 1970S, I BOUGHT IT OFF HIS UNCLE, I HOPE HE DOSENT WANT IT BACK. THEY WERE GREAT DAYS AT THE SHIP IN PRESTON AT THAT TIME IT MUST HAVE BEENA MAIN VENUE FOR BANDS TO PLAY, I REMEMBER A GUY CALLED STEVE HESKETH USE TO GET UP AND PLAY, WHAT GREAT GUITARIST MAGIC.THATS ALL FOR NOW SEE YOU SOON.

Reply MEL POWELL 2:16 PM on November 8, 2010

HI DES ITS MEL HERE AGAIN, I DONT KNOW WHEN DAVE MILLUM FIRST MOVED TO AUS, BUT I DO REMEMBER SEEING HIM PLAY IN THE SHIP AROUND ABOUT 94 HE DID A COUPLE OF SONGS WHILE BOB JOHNSON WAS HAVING A BREAK, WHAT A GUITARIST, THE TWO SONGS HE PLAYED AND SANG WHERE SUPERSTITION , AND SOMETHING LIKE LETS GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD, I LOVE TO HEAR THEM AGAIN I DONT KNOW IF DAVE EVER RECORDED THEM I WONDER IF YOU KNOW DES. CHEERS MEL

Reply NormanG 8:36 AM on November 22, 2010

I recall seeing Steve Hesketh in Chorley in the 70s and he used to work at an audio shop called Sound Advice Installations in Coppull nr Chorley. I also remember Phil Cool doing lunch time gigs on Sundays in The Joiners Arms in Chorley high street long before he was discovered. Phew what good times those were.

Reply David Noblett 3:18 PM on March 29, 2011

Hi Des ,Long time since I saw u a Preston Cath Col ! Your name came up today as Mick Murray tried to contact you when he visited Auckland last week …my daughter is coming for Easter currently in NZ!!Long time since the Puppets days so will enjoy the rest of your site .I married a girl called Winifred Lawson ,lived in Deepdale ,and was a friend of David Smith….!!Anyway glad that the chance discussion today led me to your site .Hope you are well ,sounds like life in Aus has been ok and wish you well .

Reply Dave Noblett 3:25 PM on March 29, 2011

Old age has set in . Mick was in Adelaide not Auckland !!!

Reply MEL POWELL 3:41 AM on May 8, 2011

HI DES VERY BAD NEWS ABOUT BOB, ITS VERY SAD. MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH BOB AND HIS

FAMILY.

TAKE CARE MEL.

Reply Kenny Jones 6:09 PM on May 8, 2011

MEL POWELL says…

HI DES VERY BAD NEWS ABOUT BOB, ITS VERY SAD. MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH BOB AND HIS

FAMILY.

TAKE CARE MEL.

Reply Kenny Jones 6:10 PM on May 8, 2011

Yes , Just to post an official announcement here , very sadly the great Bob Johnson passed away on Saturday 7th. May .

R.I.P Bob — a true local musical legend .

Ken

Desdinga 11:41 PM on May 8, 2011

Thanks Kenny, you know on reflection Bob was probably as important to Preston and it’s music scene as Lonnie Donegan was to skiffle and R’n R.

Always good value, always a ‘pro’

Bob Johnson RIP

Reply MEL POWELL 4:39 AM on May 9, 2011

YEAH SO SAD BOB HAS PASSED AWAY, TO LOTS OF PEOPLE INCLUDING MYSELF HE WAS JUST HAS BIG A STAR AS SOMEONE WHO HAD MADE IT WORLD WIDE AND IN MANY CASES BIGGER . I SAW BOB PERFORM FEW MONTHS AGO AT THE SHIP IN PRESTON, AND AS SOON AS HE OPENED HIS MOUTH AND SANG YOU COULD TELL THIS GUY WAS A TOP PRO WHO COULD SING ANY SONG WITH TRUE FEELINGS, ADDED WITH THAT PRESENCE HE HAD ON STAGE YOU COULDN’T HELP BUT LIKE HIM. GOD BLESS YOU BOB. YOU’ LL BE SINGING WITH THOSE STARS IN THE SKY NOW.

Reply ROBB SHENTON 4:32 PM on May 9, 2011

BOB JOHNSON AND THE BOBCATS WERE PRESTON’S FIRST ROCK AND ROLL OUTFIT, I RECALL SEEING BOB AND THE BAND AT A SUNDAY NIGHT GIG AT THE BLESSED SACRAMENT YOUTH CLUB – RIBBLETON PRESTON, i RECALL BOB SINGING ‘BABY I DON’T CARE’ WITH SUCH POWER AND CHARISMA, HE REALLY ‘NAILED IT’. BOB’S ARTISTRY AND TALENT SHOWED THAT LOCAL BANDS COULD STAND ON A PAR WITH MANY OF THE NATIONAL NAMES IN ROCK AND ROLL AT THE TIME – BOB WAS SURELY THE FINEST VOCALIST OF HIS GENRE THAT PRESTON EVER PRODUCED. MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND HIS MANY MUSIC ASSOCIATES. I SO REGRET NOT BEING ABLE TO GET TO BOB’S FINAL GIG ON MARCH 27TH. GOD BLESS YOU BOB – REST IN PEACE IN ROCK N’ ROLL HEAVEN.

Reply alyx Bird 10:32 PM on May 9, 2011

Hi all, You know already know about Neil but I just wanted to say that being his longest partner and best friend, I know how much he held Monkey Business in his heart.Im glad you have the videos up for his 3 children to see as our 15 yo son mourns his father every day. He was the best father Jake could ever have and we miss him dearly. Such a shame he never knew he was a grandfather but I know he was a beautiful father to our son and my children.

Reply Derek Hunter 9:39 AM on May 18, 2011

Bob, A friend and Gentleman, sang Morning Dew better than Tim Rose, Turret Lounge, Lancaster Pub, and probably most of the other pubs, clubs in the Preston area will miss one of the best!

Rest in peace friend.

Reply thorny 8:49 AM on May 20, 2011

What a guy, a true gentleman and bloody good musician. It was a pleasure to play in his band. He will be sadly missed!

Reply pete taylor 10:24 AM on May 20, 2011

bad news about bob johnson to day

Reply eddie baldwin 11:35 AM on May 20, 2011

very sad news to hear about Bob Jonhson knew him well ,just found your site due to a letter in the evening post good to hear about you.I see Baryy Grey quite a lot and will let him know about the site.

Regards Eddie Baldwin ex outsiders and solution,

Reply Kenny Jones 1:41 PM on May 23, 2011

Hi again all !

In response to a private e – mail I received today , notifying me of a message from Kev Brennan , I logged in , but couldn’t find the message here . Anyway , just to say Hi again to you Kev , and thanks for letting us know you’re still around . Kathy and myself have been visiting Phil Sunderland and Julie recently , and they both send their best wishes to you and yours . Phil hasn’t been too well recently, unfortunately .

Kind regards

Kenny

Reply phil kehoe 2:42 PM on May 26, 2011

hiya kev great to hear from you, i am going to post some memory’s when i can work out how to do it, be lucky.

Monica Dennu 6:49 AM on May 27, 2011

Hi Des

I used to be your sister in law. Just found your website and loved reading about your life. Would like to give you my best wishes and wish you lots of love and happiness for the future.

Hope everyone in your family are well and happy.

Love Monica x

Reply Paul Nicholson 6:20 AM on June 13, 2011

Hi Des,

Long time no see, hows your varnishing going? Elaine and I doing a bit of varnishing, Hope you and Mos ok, love the video clips.

Paul and Elaine

Reply CAPTAIN CLIVE KELLY 9:31 AM on June 18, 2011

DESSY HAD THE PATIENCE TO TEACH ME TO PARRADDLE.

Reply CLIVE KELLY 9:34 AM on June 18, 2011

PLEASE READ ONLINE MY STORY IN LANKYBEAT@ MANCHESTERBEAT> IT TELLS OF HOW I ALSO STARTED MY MUSIC PROMOTRION CARREER INPRESTON.

Reply Michelle Bartholomew 10:03 AM on June 20, 2011

Found you!

And we didn’t even meet until halfway through Chapter 13! Still missing those quiz nights – I think you only got me once on a 90s song

Reply DAVE 7:09 AM on July 9, 2011

I finally received the DVD of BUSH COUNTRY performance at “Big Draw Rock Club” aka “The Club Royal”, Market Street, Preston in 1976.

The original was filmed by a good friend of mine, Barry Jackson.

It was filmed on pre-vhs equipment in black and white.

The Quality is as good as we can get seeing the age ALMOST 40 YEARS.

Line up is as follows :- BOB JOHNSON vocals

TONY WRIGHT Lead Guitar, backing vocals

ALEX LEYLAND Guitar,Mandolin,Violin, backing vocals

PETE MORRIS Drums

DAVE “DAZ” SMITH Steel Guitar and Bass Guitar

DAVE MORRIS Guitar and Bass Guitar

PADDY BROWN Keyboards

Many thanks to my buddy MICK JORDAN for posting on YOUTUBE

You can find them on tw28st

If you look closely you will see WALLY “the Roadie” and hear the voice of DARRYL EDWARDS …D.J. and MC

hope y’all enjoy

P.S. I must admit to feeling quite emotional watching these especially now we have lost both BOB and PADDY. It was a pleasure to be in the band and you can see what fun we had. And MY GOODNESS didn’t we ROCK

DAVE MORRIS

Reply desdinga 4:09 PM on July 9, 2011

G’Day Dave

Fabulous Dave thanks for posting~~Des

Reply pam and jack 3:12 PM on August 31, 2011

hi des and mos

have just been perusing your updated website again

great stuff and happy memories of the preston days

thanks again pam (still your big sister !)

Reply desdinga 8:44 AM on September 6, 2011

Sorry to hear of the passing of ‘Albie’, Billy Fury’s brother AKA as ‘Jason Eddie’ RIP Albie~~ Des

Reply Catherine M (O’Reilly) 10:05 PM on September 8, 2011

Hi Uncle Des. I’m Dermots daughter Catherine. I have been looking at your site with interest. I loved reading about your childhood. I remember going to 144 Deepdale Road to visit grandma many times and there being big cardboard cutouts of famous people that you had worked with. Susan ( my sister ) will be seeing you soon on her visit to Australia so I hope she comes back with lots of stories from you about what you remember from your past and the exciting times you are having now. I see Aunty Pam and Uncle Jack regularly and saw Aunty June and Uncle Bob a couple of weeks ago when they were in Preston. Lots of love Catherine xx

Maggie Gallagher 2:10 PM on September 18, 2011

Hi Des

Back in ’65, when I was 15, I was on holiday in Blackpool, with my sister & parents. I was on the Pier every day, I was such a fan of Gerry Marsden. I still remember Gerry being so friendly & chatty to the fans. We must have been such pests ! I also remember you guys, up & down the pier. I met a girl called Elaine, from the Redcar area, in the North East. She was ‘very friendly’ with one of The Puppets, I think it was Don. Because she & I hung out together, I was hoping to get to know you a little better. Oh, the dreams of youth ! All harmless fun in those days. All my life I have considered it a privilage to be at a Gene Vincent gig, memories I will always treasure. It was a Sunday show and even then I felt sad that such a great star was at an ‘End of The Pier Show’ No disrespect intended. When I came out, I heard some stupid girl say, ‘Didn’t he stand funny’. I was so angry, I’m afraid I put her right, in a very positive way !

I have just been reading my Gene & Eddy book & thought I would look you up online. My life long regret is never getting to see Eddie, but I was 9 years old when he died. I now live in Bristol, part of the decision to move here was the Hippodrome. Did you know there is a commemorative plague for Eddie in the foyer.

You made the right decision to move to Australia, this country is awful. Earlier this year I met a lovely lady, from N.S.W. We were doing the Route 66 Tour. Fantastic experience.

All the best, Mags

Reply MEL POWELL 3:46 AM on November 18, 2011

HI DES HOPE THINGS ARE ALRIGHT WITH YOU . GOING BACK IN TIME TO OCTOBER

1971 ME AND MY BROTHER DAVE BOUGHT TICKETS TO SEE GENE VINCENT ATTHE GARRICK CLUB LEIGH WE WERE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING THIS LEGEND OF ROCK N ROLL BUT UNFORTUNETELY GENE PASSED AWAY A FEW DAYS BEFORE HE WAS DUE TO APPEAR . AM I CORRECT IN SAYING YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN BACKING HIM AT THAT TIME. ALL THE BEST MEL

Reply Pete Morris 7:57 PM on December 1, 2011

Hi Des,Sad to hear of the death of Keef Hartley. I always followed his career after he left Preston to join Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. The first time I saw him play was at Blessed Sacrement youth club in Ribbleton when he played with the Original Midnighters in about 1963. Reg Welch was on lead guitar and the singer was I think Tony Bell(not Freddie Starr).After that he moved to London and joined the Artwoods.I remember going to Southport Floral Hall to see John Mayalls Bluesbreakers,expecting to see Eric Clapton with Hughie Flint on drums, but when we got there Peter Green was on guitar and Keef on drums ,still with Artwoods on his bass drum. I must say that Peter Green blew us all away that night with some amazing playing. Everybody thought who the hell is this guy? Ainsley Dunbar also played with that line up,John Macvie on bass.Maybe Keef was just sitting in that night,but it wasn’t long before he joined the Mayall band on a perminent basis.I saw him again with Mayall at Lancaster University with a jazz/rock/blues outfit made up of some black american musicians.I thought Keef played brilliantly that night,really showing off his versatility.He had a great feelto his playing and the technique to go with it.

The Keef Hartley Band finally made it to Preston,playing the old Public Hall,with Little Free Rock supporting them.They were excellent as we knew they would be.I think that the Halfbreed album was a real classic of it’s time.OnKeef’s return to Preston, years later, I was invited to sit in on a rehearsal with the Steve Hesketh Blues Band. Steve, a fabulous guitar player,rang me and said you will never guess who the new drummer is. I couldn’t believe it when he said Keef Hartley. I spent the whole evening just sat next to the guy watching him play.Sadly the group never got going for whatever reason.Shame that! I did get to see Keef play once more though,at the Ship Inn on Watery lane,a gig I’d done so many times drumming for Bob Johnson.Keef played a one off night with a guitarist Dave Gardner and assorted musicians doing a tribute night of the music of John Lennon.

I never really knew Keef,but the brief conversations I had with him were always humorous,he had so many stories and anecdotes to tell.He seemed to remember everything. He will be sadly missed

Reply Allan Christy 7:41 AM on August 2, 2012

Hi Des, Long, long long time no see. Only heard about the loss of Keef last week (24th July). I used to live around the corner from Keef and Reg Welch who used to live in Cambridge Street, I lived in Elmsley Street. Reg and I played together for a short time in ’58 in the Rockets. Reg, Keith (as he was then) and I used to rehearse stuff in reg’s and my house, keith’s mum wasn’t too happy abouit practicing at her house.. Also used to play with Harold Dearden. Remember such good times. Was founder member and played bass in Johnny Vance and the Crusaders with Rick Greenwood on guitar, then The Talismen and a few other local bands. Remember you well and I am still playing bass guitar and double bass with my son Alex who has a big band (12 piece) and jazz trio. He does a Buble/swing tribute and is also a singer songwriter . Check out jameschristymusic.com and the track “Man Made of Glass”.

Good to find you after so long, although I wasn’t looking really. I was checking somethiong else out and there you were. Really interesting reading and many memories have come flooding back. WOW

Reply Deb &Kelvin 8:13 PM on August 17, 2012

Hey Des

Love the web site brings back a lot of memories I do miss your quiz nights The girls and I still go but it’s not the same . Well catch up in the warmer weather.

Love Deb

Reply pete sherburne 7:53 AM on October 26, 2012

Hi i used to play in a local preston band called Potomac in the seventies. We played the Cavern in Liverpool and the Fulwood and Broughton cricket and tennis clubs, changed our name to Pearl and used to play saturday nights down the Ship. Steve Hesketh joined us and we played a lot at the Stoneground in Manchester supportin Alex Harvey Golden Earring Sassafras and bands like that. Regards Pete

Reply Desdinga 5:36 PM on October 26, 2012

G’Day Pete

Welcome aboard,lots of stuff on here plus lots of names you may know~~enjoy~~Des

Reply Shani 5:48 AM on November 22, 2012

Hey Des,

What a fascinating life you have led.

Very interesting to read about all you have done so far!

See you next time at The Pryers.

Shani

Reply campbell (Wellfield) singsnap 5:22 PM on December 21, 2012

Merry Christmas Des!…Fab New Year Laddie!

Reply Mags Cummings 8:57 AM on March 23, 2013

Just been re reading your piece on Billy Fury. As you have said, he was a lovely as well as supremely talented man and I miss him so much. I run the website for the Billy Fury In Thoughts Of You fan club and enjoy our get together with all Bily’s fans who are, as you mention, some of the nicest people ever. We are lucky to have known Billy and to have seen his electric performances. x

steve 1:24 PM on July 2, 2013

trying to contact steve and jim hesketh, a friend of mine’s 60th birthday soon, he played in bands with them in the 60’s 70’s and 80’s, any help greatly appreciated

Reply Pete Morris 8:26 PM on July 26, 2013

steve says…

trying to contact steve and jim hesketh, a friend of mine’s 60th birthday soon, he played in bands with them in the 60’s 70’s and 80’s, any help greatly appreciated

Reply pete morris 8:30 PM on July 26, 2013

Pete Morris says…

Reply pete morris 4:52 PM on July 27, 2013

pete morris says…
Steve lives at 22 lightbown Street in Darwen,don’t know where Jim lives though!

Reply Carey Lai 3:41 AM on August 15, 2013

Hello there Des, my name is Carey and I was a dancer in the Big Star Show 1965, so we probably knew each other quite well for a while. My alternative name was Tattyhead if I recall correctly. Seems like you are the keeper of the Flame for all things musical from around that time. So thought I would drop you a line to say how nice to hear that life has treated you kindly. It is hard to believe how long ago all those fun times were, I have lived in Melbourne for over 30 odd years now and although I have worked in theatre and the arts my dancing days are long gone. Cheers Carey

Reply tony green 6:25 PM on June 23, 2014

DAVE says…

I finally received the DVD of BUSH COUNTRY performance at “Big Draw Rock Club” aka “The Club Royal”, Market Street, Preston in 1976.

The original was filmed by a good friend of mine, Barry Jackson.

It was filmed on pre-vhs equipment in black and white.

The Quality is as good as we can get seeing the age ALMOST 40 YEARS.

Line up is as follows :- BOB JOHNSON vocals

TONY WRIGHT Lead Guitar, backing vocals

ALEX LEYLAND Guitar,Mandolin,Violin, backing vocals

PETE MORRIS Drums

DAVE “DAZ” SMITH Steel Guitar and Bass Guitar

DAVE MORRIS Guitar and Bass Guitar

PADDY BROWN Keyboards

Many thanks to my buddy MICK JORDAN for posting on YOUTUBE

You can find them on tw28st

If you look closely you will see WALLY “the Roadie” and hear the voice of DARRYL EDWARDS …D.J. and MC

hope y’all enjoy

DAVE MORRIS

Just a bit of info Alex Leyland is now playing in one of my mates bands the Fourmost

Reply Julie Anderson 1:55 PM on August 10, 2014

Des, what a pleasure to have discovered your SS page, and now this page. You most definitely have yourself a new fan. Stellar vocals and larger than life personality! You’re fabulous!! Can’t wait to hear more from you!

Reply Francesc Josep 5:48 AM on August 18, 2014

Hi,Rockin´regards from Catalonia.

Dj Eddie-Cesc

Reply Jack Naylor 5:40 PM on September 12, 2014

Hi Des, Great site mate, bringing back a lot of memories for an ex Preston boy from Ribbleton.

Regards Jacko

Reply david raison 6:13 PM on October 23, 2014

not to be missed out. autograph can you help 11 wilson ave clowne derbyshire s434nh uk. excellent thank you

CHAPTER 18

TESTIMONIALS