JERSEY has produced many bands over the years and welcomed visiting talent. In the first of an occasional series, starting in the mid-60s, here’s a few of the ‘beat combos’ which took to the stage in that era.
The Soul Cousins at The Bay in June 1967. Formerly The Cousins, founded in 1961 with a different line-up, the band had “in a matter of months been transformed from five semi-professional, loud dressed, beat musicians into a neat, quiet and appealing jazz and beat combo,” according to the Evening Post. From left: Tony de Ste Croix, Colin Ball, “Griff”, Barry Walsh and Ken Thomson.
People’s People drew first place with The Pontiac in the Channel Islands Beat Contest at Springfield in August 1967 after a recount. Each winning band were awarded £40 in prize money. But the original, incorrect, result had not gone down well with everyone and several Pontiac fans were assaulted outside the stadium, the EP reported.
Duo The Merseys – Tony Crane (third from left) and Billy Kinsley (fifth from left), former members of The Merseybeats – arrive in Jersey with their backing band, The Fruit Eating Bears, to take part in the Pop Parade at West Park Pavilion in 1966.
The Existence – Craig Anders (lead guitar), Clive Anders (rhythm guitar), Chris Trauffer (drummer) and Frank Phillips (bass guitar) – were having a hiatus when this picture was taken in June 1967 as two members were taking their GCEs. Nevertheless, the Evening Post thought they were among the best of the Island’s young groups. “Not for them are flashy clothes and freak-outs; they thrive in casual dress and solid beat,” the paper said of them.
The Crescendos – Paul Wroe-Johnson, Les Falle, Peter Michel and Steve Huelin – performing in 1966 at The Tropicana, a popular nightspot on the Five Mile Road which later became Sands.
The Outrage – Brian Skelley (drummer), Mick Walsh (lead guitar), Tony Bertram (singer) and Mark Anders (bass guitar) – pictured at the Channel Islands Beat Contest in August 1967.
