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Band Members

Biographies:

Alan Plant – 1965 – 1987

Alan (Horden) lead vocalist, guitar player and founder member, joined Mike in 1965, initially performing Country Music as the duo “Alan & Mike”. Later joined by Ken in ’65, the name changed and “The Country Gentlemen” came into existence. Often seen playing a variety of guitars, from 1962 Alan used a Burns Split Sonic, (which he still has today) followed variously by Ecko and Epiphone. Alan also took responsibility for the running of the band from 1971/2 and stayed with the band until 1987. Following this he went on to play in duo’s “Horizon” with Malcolm Robinson, bass and “Westbound” with

Peter Craddy, keyboards/vocals. Alan also has had the pleasure of performing in the famous ‘Legends’ bar, Nashville. Today Alan still plays ‘for fun’ and has a great collection of guitars and equipment.

Mike Watson – 1965 – 1971/2?

Mike (West Hartlepool) guitar player, vocals and founder member, joined Alan to form the country duo not very originally named “Alan & Mike” later to become “The Country Gentlemen” when Ken joined. Mike played a Burns Short Scale Jazz guitar throughout his period with the band, which ended in 1971/2 when he left for reasons of work and home moves. Shortly afterwards he did play occasionally, briefly joining Liverpool band Phil Brady & The Ranchers on a tour in the North East, and forming a backing trio with Stan Laundon (www.stanlaundon.com) and Ken Nicholson for a visiting singer David H Lee. After loosing touch with Alan and the others for over 30 years, Mike and Alan met up again in 2004 and today Mike still plays for fun, now using a Fender Telecaster and/or Aria semi acoustic.

Ken Nicholson – 1965–72 and 1980 - 98.

Ken (Wingate) Bass player and founder member, renewed playing with Alan and Mike in 1965 after leaving local group, The Corantos, who they had all previously played for. When he joined, “Alan & Mike”, the duo changed their name and came up with “The Country Gentlemen”. Initially playing a Hofner bass, Ken went on to use various guitars including a Hofner Violin bass, Antoria and finally a Shergold Marathon bass. Ultimately, along with Joe Powell, one of the longest serving members of the band, having rejoined following a break in the late 70’s, he stayed with the Country Gentlemen until they finally

disbanded in 1998. Ken sadly passed away in 2004.

Cliffy Brookes – 1965 – 1969?

Mike reminisces “We met Cliffy (West Hartlepool) when we started playing the Burtree

Social Club, Seaton Carew where he was resident drummer. After a long residency there,

three nights a week initially, Cliffy decided to join us permanently”. He stayed with the

original line-up until returning to Club residencies in c. 1969.

Cliffy sadly has since passed away.

Joe Powell – 1969 - 1998:

Joe (Blackhall) replaced Cliffy Brookes as Drummer when Cliffy returned to

residencies in clubs. He went on to become one of the bands longest serving members along with Ken, staying with them until disbanding in 1998. A vocalist and ‘comedian’,

Joe took over the running of the band when Alan left in 1987.

Ray Bennett - 1972/3—1980:

Ray (Blackhall) had played with Alan in a group many years previously, in fact it was a fore runner of The Corantos from which Mike and Ken subsequently came. Initially joining the line-up to fulfil a specific request for a performance in Horden, Ray remained until illness meant he had to leave.

Ray sadly has since passed away.

Billy Crallan - 1981 - 1983:

Billy (Seaton Carew) was a well known country music lover and guitar player in the Hartlepool area, having performed with various acts including quite a long spell in 60’s band ‘The Trakkers’ with Stan Laundon. Billy’s love of guitars was only matched by his love of changing them!! Billy has owned and played Gibson's, Fender and Gretsch guitars at various times.

Michael Gallagher - 1983 - 1998:

Michael (Horden) replaced Billy Crallan and brought that unique country pedal steel guitar sound to the band. Originally using a custom built guitar made by Clayton Moore, who himself was a well known musician and guitar builder in Hartlepool, Michael went on to play a Buddy Emmons pedal steel. Michael was with the band up until it gave up in 1998.

Michael sadly passed away in 2007.

Billy Hully - 1987 - 1998:

Billy (Peterlee) joined the band as lead vocalist and guitarist following the departure

of Alan Plant in 1987. Billy had previously played in a number of acts, the most

recent prior to this being the ‘Wilden Brothers’.