In 1964 the line-up changed when Ken Hooper left the group and Dudley-born Mike Taylor joined as rhythm guitar in his place. From this time the musical style began to change, concentrating more on close harmony numbers. The songs of Buddy Holly and the Crickets still inspired the lads but now they were able to expand their repertoire to include some sparkling interpratations of Beach Boys and Four Seasons numbers. Mike and Pete were both able falsetto singers, but Pete had a rich bass voice as well that complimented his great dexterity on his adored Fender Jazz bass. Pete took a year out at about this time and was replaced on bass by Brendan Guest. They began to develop their own distinctive style and both Danny and Mike pooled their songwriting talents to produce some interesting sounds. Pete, too, on his return to the group, was an active songwriter.
Clockwise from top left
Danny Robinson - lead vocals
Mike Taylor - rhythm guitar
Len Beddow - lead guitar
Alan Lacey - drums
Pete Walton - bass
The group met their manager Bill Bates when, as a public health inspector, his job took him from Jersey to Bilston. While taking a walk one evening he heard the band practising at the Toc-H club (a venue shared with The 'N'Betweens, later known as Slade). Impressed, Bill went inside to listen closer and to introduced himself.

Bill was already a successful song writer. His song "Will I What?" had been a top 10 hit for Mike Sarne. Artists PJ Proby and Clinton Ford have also recorded his material.
Bill married the sister of Ken Lewis of the chart-topping recording group The Ivy League.
The Ramrods changed their name to Herbie's People and Bill wrote a song for them, "You Thrill Me to Pieces".
It was the beginning of a significant relationship that spawned a recording contract with Southern Music and resulted in some fascinating and original records.
Len Beddow, Danny Robinson, Pete Walton,
Alan Lacey, Mike Taylor