In the beginning
Herbies People began their
musical career in 1959
when five pupils of
Etheridge SM School in
Bilston, 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.
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