ALLEY KATZ SKIFFLE GROUP, THE

Lead Vocals: Pete Jock Bullen left not replaced

Lead Vocals, Washboard: Brian Lambert

Vocals: Malcolm Hooper am

Vocals, Guitar: Micky Large am

Guitar: Bob Bowles

Guest Guitar: Mick Large am

Guitar: Alan Callf am

Tea Chest Bass: Sid Ginger Waller

Banjo: Frank Weinle

Drums: Stewy McIntosh + Lead Vocals (2)Derek Moore am

unplaced musicians: David Mobbs

These Red Lion PH residents are often dubbed as one of Norwich’s first skiffle outfits, but really came about towards the end of the boom. Many of the band’s members had already belonged or performed with other skiffle groups or rent party style bands. The confusion may have arisen as bandleader cum art student Bullen had led two previous skiffle bands at the same venue, which was a stone’s throw from Norwich Art School and considered a bohemian hang-out. He first fronts the eponymous Jock Bullen SG and then later The JT SG. Banjo player Weinle initiates the new band sessions, and the group are born. The Katz core was Bullen, Lambert, Waller, Bowles and Wienle.

Ex RAF man Lambert said, “We christened ourselves The Alley Katz after the howling racket tomcats make. Our first gig was at The Royal Oak on North Walsham Road; City footballer Bobby Brennan was there, and he bought us all a drink and wished us good luck.”

The Red Lion PH, Nch was run by Jimmy and Beatty Beales who would often invite local musicians to guest with the band. Regular guest singer Hooper would often sing a couple of songs and then run a mile to The Horse Barracks PH, to also guest with the newly formed Toffs. Hooper would later join The Toffs as a permanent member. "When Jock quit art school, I took over leading the sessions," said Lambert.

In October 1958 one of the group’s vocalists, McIntosh, entered the Find A Voice Competition and after winning the Norwich heat, went on to win the final held at The Dereham Memorial Hall in October 1958.

The band faded as the pre beat era came of age and the younger members of the group drifted away to form rock and pop bands. McIntosh joined The Zodiacs and occasional guitarist Large continued with The Jack O Diamonds until forming The Continentals.

Brian adds "When the group finally split up i settled down to a life of married bliss."

Selected advertised supports:

11/06/58 Dham Memorial Hall - The Festival Of Skiffle

Residencies:

The Red Lion PH, Nch 1958

(Bullen - The JT Skiffle Group) <> (McIntosh -The Zodiacs) (Moore -The Footprints) (Hooper -The Toffs) (Large -The RH Skiffle Group)