A while ago I received an email from Arthur Renwick, a north east guitarist who played in local bands in the late fifties and early sixties. Arthur reminded me that there was a very active music scene in the north east prior to the Beatles era and wondered why there was nothing on Ready Steady Gone about it.
The answer is really simple – this site is about my own experiences of the north east music scene which started around 1965. My knowledge of anything prior to that is very limited. Arthur has kindly filled me in regarding some of the groups and venues he knew from the fifties and sixties. More about Arthur’s band days below.
At the time Arthur started to play in bands, the UK charts were dominated by American artists; mainly solo performers or vocal groups Rock and roll had emerged a couple of years earlier with Elvis Presley and Bill Haley and UK acts like Tommy Steel, Marty Wilde and Cliff Richards started to appear in the charts from 1958 onwards. There were also some skiffle and jazz groups in the top twenty but still there weren’t that many iconic guitarists around to influence people.
US instrumental acts like Duane Eddy, Johnny and the Hurricanes and the Ventures had been appearing regularly in the UK charts. In fact, it was Duane Eddy and the Ventures that were the influences for Arthur’s guitar playing. However, it wasn’t until the summer of 1960, when Cliff Richards’ backing group the Shadows hit the charts with “Apache”, that thousands of teenagers decided they wanted to take up the guitar and become the next Hank Marvin. At around the same time, Johnny Kidd and the Pirates hit the UK charts with “Shakin’ All Over” and showed the world what could be done with a catchy guitar riff. Johnny Kidd and the Pirates were the first English rock band with a vocal/guitar line-up to achieve a number one hit in the UK. ‘Shakin’ All Over’ has been covered by numerous performers over the years and is still played by bands all over the world.
Things started to change over the next few years. After the Beatles first release in October 1962, more and more UK bands started to appear in the top twenty and by the mid to late sixties charts hits by UK artists outnumbered those from the US. Here’s a comparison of UK and US top twenty hits from 1959 to 1967: –
So from about the mid sixties onwards there has been no shortage of great bands and musicians to influence young people wanting to play music. Anyway, back to Arthur; in his own words, here’s his recollections of the north east music scene in the late fifties and early sixties: –
“I started to play guitar in local groups in the late fifties in Wallsend, my home town. There are two photos of me on Vintage Sixties Live: one in the Talismen the other in the Scimitars with the New Vikings. This photo was taken in a rock competition held in the North Eastern Marine Social Club. We came second and the Vikings came first. There were about fifty groups that took part and later that month there was an even bigger competition held in the Roxy in Blyth. The Sixteen Strings won that one. They were a Shadows type of group. The Scimitars were a six piece group with tenor sax. We played Johnny and the Hurricanes type material plus rock and roll. We used to open with the “William Tell Overture” but I guess people liked the Shadows.
Above – Sixteen Strings (photos courtesy of Bill Rowntree)
“Anyway getting back to the very early sixties; the main groups of that time were the Gamblers and the Delemeres who I thought were great. The Gamblers had a tenor sax and played the stuff I liked. The guitarist was Jimmy Crawford, the sax was Ken Brady and the bass player was Blackie Samuel. They went on to back Billy Fury in 1964. The next great group was the Delemeres who went to work full time in the Liverpool Majestic in 1961. Need I say any more – yes, they worked with the Beatles lots of times. The bass player Dave McGiven is one of my good friends and he tells some great stories about that period.
Thanks very much to Arthur for his memories. If you were around in the early sixties and want a reminder of some of the other bands that were playing at that time, it’s well worth visiting Vintage Sixties Live.
You mention The Sixteen Strings who were originally called The Strangers and the lead guitar was Tony Bates
They changed to The Sixteen Strings when they got a singer and red glitter suits and to avoid confusion with all the other ‘Strangers’
Tony left to become an actor and dropped the ‘s’ from the end of his name. He appeared in a long running period drama but he to changed his stage name to avoid confusion with the other Tony Bate
I seem to recall their singer was from Wallsend and that they recorded a single called ‘Sounds Like Indians To Me’
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Hi.
I have just seen your you article re Sixteen Strings.
Back in the early sixties I used to go to a youth club in North Shields and Bill Rowntree who was the drummer with the Sixteen Strings used to attend along with his mate Brian Bathey who was the bass player with Vostox Combo. Their lead guitarist and keyboard player was Pierre Peddersen and they were resident band at Rosehill club.
By chance I met Bill Rowntree in Whitley Bay just before xmas 2019, I had not seen him for about fifty seven years and he still recognised me.
Bill was badly injured when the Sixteen Strings van which he was driving back from a gig was in an accident he was in hospital for many months.
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Hi Tony
Thanks for the mention; I remember Brian, Pierre and many others, happy times. Tony did change his name to James Bate because of another actor; he was very successful appearing in TV shows such as When the Boat Comes In, Doctor Who, Auf Wiedersehen Pet and many others. he also made TV commercials and a couple of movies. We kept in contact and visits back and forth to London. He died in a London hospital when he was 45.
The bass player was Peter ( Ricky ) Longstaff he was such a talent, he sadly passed away 3 years ago, he was still playing weeks before he died. Ricky and I were very close we and kept in regular contact.
Colin Oliver was the rhythm guitarist and singer, a really talented guy; still plays and sings, for pleasure only, we also keep in contact
Ray Banks was the vocalist, he left to form his own band the Don Juans.
I have so much memorabilia form those heady times, photos, posters. group cards etc
I stopped playing after 25 years however, my 2 youngest sons both play various instruments and studied music at university.
My thoughts to all the guys / bands from the 50s and 60s that are still around.
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Bill it is good to have my ancient brain storms confirmed as valid memories.
Back in those early days Tony lived about 200 yards from me on Whitley Road and Ricky lived on North Parade as I recall. When I started work in Shields Ricky used to give me a lift most days. The Strangers were very active around the coast as you know and my memories are of many great nights in the various church halls and The Social Service Centre on Friday nights.
Was that record really called ‘Sounds Like Indians To Me’ ???????
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Bill Rowntree (#3) – there has been a little chat on the Monkseaton FB page about St Andrews Church and the dances
The son of Tony Bates one time girl friend has been in touch and Lesley Wolstenhome has sent me a publicity picture of the Strings
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Hi Dave, I trust that you are safe and well during these difficult times. I remember Lesley with fond memories and it would be special to have contact with her, also to see any photos.
I have so much memorabilia, posters, photos, Tony’s publicity file when he changed to acting etc
I’m still in contact with Colin and Ricky’s sister Denise and his first wife Susan.
I will make the effort to post some memorabilia on this site
Take care
Bill
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hi Bill a blast from the past – Ernie. Nice to see you’re still alive. You were one of my best friends. Last time I saw you was in Newcastle when we bumped into each other.
Sad to hear about Ricky, nice lad. l lost my wife 3 years ago, still working when l can.
You cant keep good guys down all the best, Ernie
take care
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Hi Ernie, A nice surprise to hear from you we go back a long time; sorry to hear about your loss. Yes it was very sad about Ricky he was a very talented guy, we kept in contact until the end and there was a memorial service for him in Whitley Bay.
It also brings back memories of dearest Tony or James Bate as he was known when he became a full time actor. I miss him so much and think about him often, on the 19th of this month it will be 28 years since he died suddenly at the age of 47; taken too soon.
I keep in contact with Colin and he’s fine; the short lived period of the 16 Strings had such an influence on my life and I’m always grateful that I played with such talented guys. Regards Bill
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I’ve been reading with interest the various comments about Sixteen Strings and, in particular comments #2 and #3, which mention Pierre Pedersen. I played alongside Pierre in 1969 and 1970 in the Newcastle band – Sneeze. The last time I saw him was in 2016 when Sneeze did a reunion gig in Gateshead. Pierre told me that before Sneeze he had been with Coloured Rain and Tricity Clan. He never mentioned Sixteen Strings or the fact he had previously been a guitarist. All the time I knew Pierre he only ever played Hammond Organ.
Last week I heard the awful news that Pierre had died on 23rd April in Kent. He was 72.
His wife, Anne, posted the photo below on Facebook but didn’t say who the band is. Pierre is top left. Could this be Sixteen Strings? If not, does anyone know the band and the other band members?
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Hi, Thanks for your message, that is sad news about Pierre; I always remember him as a special guy. He was 6/7 years younger than me, although we didn’t see a lot of each other I remember him and happy times.
Once i went London I never saw him again; the photo shows him as I remember him.
The other guys in the band I don’t recall their name but will look through my memorabilia.
Pierre was not in the 16 Strings, it was Tony Bate, Colin Oliver, Ricky Longstaff and myself.
Kind regards; Bill
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Thanks Bill. I’ve just reread Tony Glynn’s comment (#2) and think that he means that Pierre played in the Vostox Combo (not 16 Strings). You’re right – Pierre was a special guy. I never, ever knew him to lose his temper or bad mouth anyone. As far as I’m aware he was playing in a local Kent band until fairly recently.
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Hi Roger
Following our chat about Pierre what you said was very true, he was one of the genuine people. I remember with horror of the accident on stage because of the power mishap.
When looking through my memorabilia especially group cards; every group seemed to have one. I think this one was prior to Vostox Combo; it was “The Forebeats Rhythm Group”
Pierre’s name and address on the card.
Regards Bill
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hi Bill, thanks for getting back to me. How’s things with you and famlly – is your son still into music? When you have some time go onto Youtube and put in
Ray Burton dance baby dance, should be at the top list and see if you know him.
all the best take care
Ernie Johnson
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Hi Ernie, I mean Ray
Thanks for your message, you’re looking good;
Yes my 2 younger sons are involved in music, Edward who is 24 still plays guitar, drums, violin etc however, he is pursuing a career in classical music; his web page is edwardcampbellrowntree.com
Take care Ernie, hopefully meet up when COVID 19 is gone.
Stay safe and all who are part of this RSG
Regards
Bill
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hi Bill hope your all well checked out Edds web page. You must be both very happy with him sounds good keeping up the Rowntree music.
Yes l would like to meet up some time when thinks get better. Look after your self and your wife, all the best Ernie
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Hi everyone
On this date 28 years ago I lost a dear friend, Tony ( James ) 16 Strings guitarist and an excellent musician; he was also a very talented actor.
He died suddenly in a London hospital aged 47 years, he has missed so much of life which saddens me.
I remember the good times with the Strings and the times we spent together in London long after the Strings had broken up.
Also remembering Ricky and other musician friends that have gone.
Regards
Bill
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hi Bill, just to see how thinks are and your well working on new backing tracks to play when this daft thing has gone. Looking towards meeting up with you.
All the best to you and your wife – Ernie
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Hi Bill,
It’s been so interesting to read all the comments regarding the Sixteen Strings. I was drummer in a Consett group called The Phantoms and it was our bass player, Malcolm Scott, who made me aware of Roger Smith’s Ready Steady Gone web site. I don’t know if you remember The Phantoms, we played support to you several times with so many great memories. The first time we saw the Sixteen Strings was when we played at the Roxy in Blyth. As well as just watching probably the best band in the North East, we were knocked out seeing Ray Banks making his entrance by leaping over the grand piano onto the stage. That is where we met Tony Bates’ father who subsequently helped us find many booking across the Tyneside area. We were much appreciative of his help as, being from Consett, we had mainly played County Durham and the dales.
Great times and I expect we all have interesting tales and great memories of those days. So sad to hear that Tony and Ricky have passed away. Kind regards and best wishes during these worrying times. The photo shows the group in 1964. From L-R Colin White Rhythm Guitar and Vocal, Me, Peter Townsend, Drums. Malcolm Scott, Base Guitar and Dave Moore, Lead Guitar.
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Sad news that Ray Banks singer with the 16 Strings passed away this morning; Saturday 3rd April.
Ray went on to form the Don Juans and the 60s Rock and Roll Show.
RIP
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Hi Pete
Apologies for taking so long to your message which I was so pleased to receive and I remember your band. I will message you again soon with a lot of memories, I’m a hoarder of memorabilia of that time.
Regards
Bill
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I’m 71 now and was also first influenced by the Shadows back then. My older brother, Norman got a Hofner guitar for his birthday (or Christmas, not sure) and taught himself to play. I got a guitar soon after and he taught me some chords to the Shadows tunes. Before long we knew every tune and formed a little band doing youth clubs. Norman got approached by a local working band called The Blue Shades and worked with them into the mid 60s. Later, I joined the band on rhythm guitar, but at 17, I sold my gear and bought a drum kit from Keith at the Drum Centre. I then worked for Keith a few years after that. I’ve played drums for the past 54 years. During the mid 60s we got to know Ray and the boys from the 16 strings and my grandmother once put them on a show at the City Hall. Bill Rowntree, (Hi Bill) who has posted on here will know all about those days and I was so sad to here that Ray passed away the other week. My brother Norman was only just working with Ray a year or so ago.
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Hi Terry
Thank you for your post it was good to know that your still playing drums ? and I do remember the Blue Shades.
Today was Tony’s birthday, we would have been 76, he missed so much of life. I think of him often, the good times with the Strings and the times I spent with him in London after I recovered; he was a huge talent.
You refer to your your grandmother, was her name Ida; if so so I have the programme for that show.
Take care
regards
Bill
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Hi Bill. Yes her name was Ida and I have somewhere, a newspaper clip/photo of the Strings. Sad about Tony. It was through Wally McGill that I found out about Ray. I just seen Wally a couple of weeks ago. We keep in touch. We lost our long time friend and great session keyboard player, Mal Maddock two years ago. Wally and I worked with him back in the seventies when he was only 16. Last time we both seen Mal play was at the City Hall with Chris Rea. Passed away at 54, just before we was due to come up from London to visit us and family before retiring to Crete. He had an amazing musical carreer and like Tony, taken far too soon. Lovely to catch up with you.
Best regards, Terry
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David McGiven of the Delemeres passed away 17 August 2021 of Covid. He told me many happy memories he had of life with the band in Liverpool in the sixties.
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Hi Terry. George Evans here. I played bass in the blue shades when you played rhythm and norman on lead. Alan Robinson was on drums and Ray was our singer. I’ve lost Norman’s phone number when I bought a new phone. Could you e mail it to me. Pleased to hear you’re still playing. Geordie.
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Hi George. Lovely to hear from you. Just this minute I’ve been chatting to your Jimmy. I’m sure by now you’ll have Norman’s phone number.
I’m not drumming now, after 54 years and ‘re learning’ piano. Sold all my drums and jut bought a Roland F701 piano. Pandemic put paid to gigging for me. Take care, Terry
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Stunned,shocked, speechless.
Sixteen strings
R.I.P.
BILL ROWNTREE
Sadly died 16.5.2022
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Dear all,
This is Edward (Edd), Bill Rowntree’s son. I hope you are all doing in these trying times. It goes without saying that we are all devastated to have lost my loving father, but are constantly reminded of such happy memories every day. I’m sorry to hear of all your recent losses in the community, also.
I just wanted to say hello here and pass on my email. My dad gave me the gift of music (I’m now a concert pianist after early experiments on the guitar and drums!) and I was always fascinated by the way he spoke about his time playing in bands during the 60s and 70s. We’re lucky enough to have lots of memorabilia which he kept with great love and care, but I was always sad not to have heard a recording of the Sixteen Strings! Dad always spoke about a potential arrangement with Pie Records which fell through after his accident, which me and my brothers have always been curious about. If anyone had any idea of whether things like audio/video recordings do exist, I’d be most grateful.
I will be arranging a charity piano recital over the next year in memory of my Father. If any of you would be interested in attending I would be happy to post the information here.
My email is info@edwardcampbellrowntree.com if you’d like to get in touch.
Wishing you all the very best,
Edd
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hi edde did you get my email – ernie johnson
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Hi all.
It is with great sadness that I have just read of the passing of my old friend Bill Rowntree,due to the covid epidemic we never got to meet up and have that coffee and chat we had promised ourselves.
Sleep in peace.
Tony
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That is sad news indeed Tony Bill Colin and Ricky were all a big part of my early life
when The Strangers were the top band in my area around Whitley Bay
Last weekend I celebrated my survival to reach threequarters of a century which considering my history was definitely unexpected
Bill was a bit like an older brother to me and news of his passing serves to awaken many happy memories of a time long gone but never to be forgotten
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Sixteen strings was a big part of my life. I travelled with them to gigs (wasn’t with them when big accident happened).
I was bridesmaid to Bill and Lilian and god mother to Christopher!!! So sad to know Tony, Ray, Ricky and Bill now gone. Hope Colin all well (I always fancied Colin) – we were just good friends.
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Glad to read peoples memories of the Sixteen Strings.
When Tony Bate left to pursue his acting dreams, they were looking for a guitarist. I applied and had an audition with them, in the middle of a very snowy winter. That took place in a location they used for practicing, somewhere in Whitley Bay or Monkseaton, above a pub, if my memory is correct. I was in complete awe of the 16 Strings as they were very polished, had won the “1963 North East Rhythm Group Competition” and as a result once played live on Tyne Tees TV.
They also had professional gear of Fiesta Red Strats and a Precision Bass, as well as big Fender amps. I, like many other aspiring players of the day, could only afford a Hofner though I did have a Selmer 50 watt amp.
Colin Oliver had taken over from Tony Bate and was the frontman for the band then. I’m not sure what happened next. I think that they had also taken on George Harrison with his Vox Continental organ but to cut a story short, my stay with the Strings was extremely short as George Harrison decided to form his own band, I went with him and actually stayed with him till I quit playing in 1967. I don’t remember playing any gigs at all with the Strings, but it was over 50 years ago!
I can’t recall if at that point the Strings actually continued to play – maybe someone who knows their history after Tony Bate left, can clarify that? According to Wikipedia , they disbanded after he left.
I did recall seeing Tony appear in a BBC TV (childrens?) series called “The Sand Pilot” which was set on Morecambe Bay and no doubt inspired by the real-life Queens Sand Pilot Cedric Robinson.
The only video footage I can find featuring him was a trailer for another children’s TV series called “The Intruder” in which we get brief glimpses of Tony:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8Lh9XLeRwk
He did have quite a successful career in acting, if you look at his IMDb record, sadly cut short by his death in 1992
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0060770/
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