THE VERDICT

Sometimes known as THE VERDICTS.  Stoke’s first punk band – a 4 piece fronted by MARK RENAUDON; what he gained in the vision to form the band, he lacked in originality, with a live set comprising Beatles, Stones, and John Martyn covers, and a smattering of originals. Hogged frequently, mostly locally but occasionally out of town,  including supporting Siouxsie at The Vortex. Decca records at one point were interested in signing MARK as a soloist, and he later formed the ‘new-wave’ band RENE, and was also involved with FLIGHT 505, & tribute band STONED AGAIN. Bass player was DAVE EVANS, ANDY EVANS played drums, MARTIN SOLOMON played guitar.
Legendary gigs at The In-Set in Stoke, a cassette release of their final gig ‘Live At The In-Set’ did the rounds in the late 70s, featuring their infamous song ‘Stoke-on-Trent’. MARTIN SOLOMON later played with UXB.

THE SCANDALS

Rock/blues 3-piece, SIMON GOODALL (ex LEARNING TO SPEAK & INSTANT CHAOS) on bass/vox, JAMES PEDDIE on gtr, and CHRIS JOINES on drums.
http://www.isound.com/scandals

RENE

Formed by MARK RENAUDON, after splitting up THE VERDICTS.
More information required.

RAW MATERIAL

80’s Dr.Feelgood/Rolling Stones influenced band from the north of the city. Had a large following for a local band and an excellent frontman in JOHN ORME. Other members were LENNY LANE gtr/vox,TREVOR PINSON bass, CHRIS JACKSON drums. Started out as THE MOONSTONE BLUES BAND. JOHN now lives in Bristol and fronts a soul band called GEE BABY I LOVE YOU.
http://www.geebaby.co.uk/

THE ORBEATS

PHIL JOHNSON gtr, TERRY PROBYN gtr, STAN BAYLISS bass, TONY CHATTERLEY drums.
Together for around 5 years from the early to mid sixties, this Bradwell based band played R & B, and Beatles/Stones/Searchers style songs.
http://www.theorbeats.page.tl/Home.htm

 

THE ODD ONES

Formed in 1963, split in 1964, one of the first Mod bands in England. Based around Holden Lane. WILLY THOMPSON/bass, RAY PRICE/gtr, PHIL TUNSTALL/lead gtr, DEREK LYNDSAY drums. TUNSTALL became a promoter in Stoke before his death in 1984.

JOHN MAYALL

The godfather, nay, the grandaddy of British Blues, born in Macclesfield in 1937. Many of the bands on this site would never have existed if it wasn’t for the influence of this man.
http://www.johnmayall.com/

THE MARAUDERS

Sixties beat group (which didn’t evolve from a little known band called THE SHONDELLS), THE MARAUDERS were regulars at the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool, and comprised DANNY DAVIS gtr, BRY MARTIN ld gtr, BARRY SARGENT drms, KENNY SHERRATT bs, CHRIS RENSHAW gtr, (and not GARY CREWE on gtr. CREWE hadn’t left the band to join the police force before they signed a deal, because he was never a member).

45s:
1 That’s What I Want/Hey What’d You Say (Decca F 11695) 1963 (No 43)
2 Always On My Mind/Heart Full Of Tears (Decca F 11748) 1963 (-)
3 Lucille/Little Egypt (Decca F 11836) 1964 (-)
4 Baby I Wanna Be Loved/Somebody Told My Girl (Fontana TF 609) 1965 (-)

They were featured on Decca’s 1964 Saturday Club compilation, playing Greenback Dollar, and on Thank Your Lucky Stars, Vol. 2 a year earlier with That’s What I Want. They were also featured on At The Cavern playing Dr. Feelgood and Keep On Rolling.
Other compilation appearances have included: Doctor Feelgood and Keep On Rolling on Original Liverpool Sound (LP) and Live At The Cavern (CD); That’s What I Want and Hey Wha’ D’Ya Say on Rare 60’s Beat Treasures, Vol. 2 (CD); Lucille and That’s What I Want on Weekend Starts Here (LP); That’s What I Want on The Beat Scene (CD) and Beat Merchants (Dble LP).

Thanks to BRY MARTIN (who was never known as BRYN) for updates.

LONNIE’S FEW

DES PARTON on vocals, LONNIE COOK on gtr, IAN on gtr, VIC on bass, PHIL on drums.

THE PHIL LITTLER BAND

Starring PHIL LITTLER on lead gtr and vox, heavy rock/pub rock sort of sound. Formerly known as BLISTER. One or two decent support slots, eg MEDICINE HEAD.