The original members were Ronnie James, Ieuan (Griff) Griffiths, Grayham Barnett and myself (Phil Coggan).

We based our music on The Shadows, (I can remember copying Hank Note for note, even the mistakes!) but also played chart material.

Blackpool Conservative Club

I played a Watkins 33 guitar and a Dominator 17 watt amp, which doubled as a p.a. using a tape recorder mike, the sound must have been awesome!!! We called ourselves The Condors, The Sabres and then The Five Commandments when Ron(Bow)Harding joined as lead singer. I remember that we could get all the gear into a Ford Anglia, that is except my guitar which I held on the outside of the car with my hand through the window! We moved to Blackpool at the end of 1964 with a new rhythm guitarist called Terry Harlet who had a 'proper' guitar, a Gretsch. We stayed at the bassplayers mum and dads hotel at Station Street, South Shore.

We were now playing R&B ie. early Stones, Animals etc. With all new gear. I bought a Fender 'Regal' guitar which was a Harmony I believe although it was'nt marked on the guitar anywhere, I've not seen another one like it.

After a few months we rented a house in Great Ecclestone not far from the farm where The Rockin Vickers and The Wheels lived.

We played most of the clubs and dancehalls in and around Blackpool and had a good following, and a fan club.

Griff the drummer left first, he was replaced by The Batchelors ex drummer Tony Tolly. I was next to leave having been asked to join Lee Wade and the Wild Ones, and then another adventure began!

Phil Coggan.