1972 - 1987

Following Mike Watson’s departure there was a temporary break of approximately 6months before the second phase of the band (’groups’ became ‘bands’ during this period!).

 

Ray Bennett (right) joined on bass guitar/vocals. Ray, who Alan had played with in a group many years previously, stepped in when a gig was requested for a club in Horden. That line-up continued until Ray was taken ill and Ken returned on bass in 1980.. and the story continued….

Unfortunately Ray Bennett has since passed away.

Line-up & Changes

 

1972/3:

Alan Plant and Joe Powell were joined by Ray Bennett on bass/vocals.

 

1980:

Ray Bennett leaves and Ken Nicholson rejoins on bass guitar.

 

1980–late ‘83:

Billy Crallan, joined on lead guitar.

 

1983-98:

Michael Gallagher, pedal steel guitar joined replacing Billy Crallan when he left.

After a short period performing as a trio, the band added a new face on lead guitar.

 

Billy Crallan was a well known country music lover and guitar player in the Hartlepool area, having performed with various acts including quite a long spell during the 60’s in ‘The Trakkers’ along with Stan Laundon. A photo showing them both guesting with the Country Gentlemen is included on the 1965-72 web page.

 

Billy’s love of guitars was only matched by his love of changing them!! Although top left he is shown with a Gretsch, Country Gentlemen model (who copied whose name?) Billy also owned and played Gibson's, Fender Telecasters, a Sano mandolin and on rare occasions a Dobro. In the lower photo, he can be seen playing his Fender Stratocaster.

 

Music fans will also note the band used both Fender and Vox guitar amplifiers and on the top left photo Alan was playing his trusty Epiphone jumbo which was originally bought by Billy in South Africa during 1978. Alan modified it substantially to improve the playing set up. On the lower photo though he is playing his Eko jumbo.

It is not known what amplifier Ken is using with his Shergold Marathon bass.

 

It was Billy who got the bands western shirts which he brought back with him from a trip to Nashville.

 

 

 

 

 

Memorable Highlights

 

...playing the 1st Go (Glaxo) Country Festival, Barnard Castle, June 1987.

 

...regular chosen as the first night ‘opening, name’ act for many new Country Music clubs in the Barnard Castle region.

 

...making a professional recording of their live show

 

...being the resident band for over 10 years at the old (and new) Hesleden WMC, as well as.

 

...residencies in the Golden Calf, Hesleden, Red Lion at Trimdon and The Hope in Sedgefield

In late 1983 or 1984, the next line-up change occurred, Billy Crallan left and the band finally found themselves a steel guitarist. Michael Gallagher joined them and was to stay with the band until it gave up in 1998.

Sadly, pedal steel guitarist, Michael Gallagher died suddenly in September, 2007.

Showing off another change of stage wear, the band coming off stage, however we are not sure which club this was, or even when? Maybe someone out there knows?

The band pictured, right, at the Golden Calf public house, Hesleden.

 

The boys started playing a residency here in 1984/5 and continued through into the 90’s, building a massive following of fans and friends. Indeed it was known that other artists, some from as far away as Australia, came to see and hear them.

 

With this line-up, in the 80’s they recorded a live show here, with cassette tapes available for sale.

1972—1987 Next Page