BLAZES, THE
Last updated: 13-03-2018
- The Blazers
Basic Information
- Hadleigh, Suffolk, Uk
- 60s Pop
L1959 - L1966
L1970 - C1973
Musicians
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Lead Vocals: Paul Riddlestone (2)Bernie Harvey (3)Brian Dunn
Guitar: Johnny Pipe (2)Dave Cutting
Guitar: Peter Gowers
Bass: Glen Riddlestone (2)Bill Russell (3)Steven Fryer*
Sax: Brian Snoddy Richardson
Sax: Richard Dick Maun
Keys: Trevor Naylor
Drums: Paul Bim Richardson
The original line-up got together in late 1959 and were all school friends at Hadleigh Secondary Modern. “My first kit consisted of biscuit tins and drum sticks that were a couple of pieces of firewood. Later on our manager was the local Chemist John Forrester, who also helped in buying equipment,” said Bim Richardson.
Harvey was the group’s longest serving vocalist and after finishing his National Service replaced Riddlestone in the early sixties. The band were regular performers at The Royal Hotel, Lwst and had in May 1964 turned up to support Little Richard. “Richard had only turned up with a sax and trumpet player so we did his backing as well. It was going fine until his entourage jumped on stage, grabbed all the mics and hung them inside his piano, all you could hear then was the Georgia Peach going crazy!” said bassist Russell.
In June 1965 the band entered The NM&J Great Beat Comp and played in the penultimate heat at the Diss Corn Hall but did not progress to the final. “The band finished in late 1966 and some of us formed The Champagne Set, although the group did start up again in September 1970* and played my wedding reception and then continued on for another three years,” added Bim Richardson.
*The original line-up of the band with the exception of a new bass player Fryer reformed in September 1970 to play at Paul Richardson's wedding reception and then continued for another three years.
Selected advertised supports:
09/08/63 Royal Htl, Lwst - Ricky Valance
31/08/63 Royal Htl, Lwst - Neil Christian & The Crusaders
13/12/63 Royal Htl, Lwst - Billy J Kramer & The Dekotas
20/02/64 Royal Htl, Lwst - Brian Poole & The Tremeloes
16/05/64 Royal Htl, Lwst - Little Richard
17/08/64 Royal Htl, Lwst - Little Millie
19/12/65 Tavern Club, Dham - Jimmy James & The Vagabonds
23/01/66 Tower BR, GY - The Herd
(Cutting - Nix Nomads) <> The Champagne Set
