In the
beginning
Herbies
People began
their musical
career in
1959 when
five pupils of
Etheridge SM
School in
Bilston, West Midlands, England, formed a band
known until 1965 as Danny Cannon and the
Ramrods. They were: Danny Robinson, Ken
Hooper, Alan Lacey, Len Beddow and Pete Walton.
According to Len Beddow, it was decided that Danny
should be the singer because he had invested in the
group's only microphone. Len became lead guitarist
because he had bought the guitar and Alan Lacey
drummer because he had purchased the drum. Pete
elected to play bass, and Ken became rhythm
guitarist. It was thus all soon settled.
In time they became increasingly popular
throughout the greater Midlands area. In their home
town, where the lads regularly played at the
Saturday night dances held in the Town Hall, they
came to enjoy a huge and loyal following. In the
ballrooms of the Black Country the Ramrods
became a major attraction.
Buddy Holly captured the
imagination of the Ramrods
because of the distinctive
sound he and the Crickets
achieved, which the Ramrods
tried to emulate.
Early Influences
In 1962, the band made their
first appearance at the Royal
Albert Hall in London with the
above line-up, as part of the
Toc-H Golden Jubilee
celebrations.
Early Achievements
popular 60s recording group
Welcome
In May 1964 with a slightly
different line-up (Mike Taylor
on rhythm and Brendan
Guest on bass), the
Ramrods reached the finals
of the national "New Sound
1964" competition held at
the fabled Cavern Club in
Liverpool.
They finished equal first.
© Herbie’s People