The band was led by the legendary guitarist, Pete Cowap and made up of members of Powerhouse, the Perfect Circle and other local musicians. It was a sad reminder of a much-loved, musician's musician who took his final bow on July 16 1997.

Pete had an illustrious pedigree starting with local skiffle group The Moonrakers through to The Country Gentlemen - better known as the Country Gents - and peaking with Herman's Hermits in the seventies.

The following year he joined Sourmash aka Herman's Hermits. The band recorded an album entitled, 'A Whale Of A Tale' that was not released due to contractual difficulties. A couple of the tracks reflect Pete's stay on his paradise island, one in particular - 'Small Island Boy' - captures his irrepressible laughter.

Pete went solo after leaving Sourmash living off his royalties, session work and club dates; assisted by his old friend and road manager, John Dean.

Pete was as entertaining off stage as he was on and has left a legacy of good music, good memories and good friends behind, each with a classic Cowap tale to tell.

It may be six years since he passed away but his music lives on. Copies of 'Whale Of A Tale' by Sourmash and 'Vault 69', with recordings by the Bujjies, are now obtainable from www.plutomusic.com.

A video by Eric Jones and the late Dave Maxwell of Pete and fellow musicians was made shortly before he died. 'Rock Of Ages' reflects on Middleton's musical heritage - an exceptional town with a disproportionably large amount of good musicians - due in part to the influx of youngsters from Manchester to Langley.

There is also a very good quality recording under the name of 'Rambling Mad Jack' that demonstrates Pete's versatility, writing talent and prowess on the guitar.

The latter two are not readily available but hopefully their owners can be persuaded to release them before it's too late and while they still have a commercial value. It is vital that material of this calibre is not denied the audience it deserves. I wish I could share my own one-minute clip but time has taken its toll and the young lads on film are beginning to fade away; just like real life.

If anyone has any photos, tapes, film or memories of any of the bands mentioned or other Middleton musicians from the sixties, I would love to hear from you. Ring Danny on 01706 373687.

Danny Hardman

Norman, who shared a house with Pete, told me a story that typifies their life style and Peter's generosity

"I was walking up Boarshaw road one afternoon when I bumped into a long faced Peter and Mick coming in the opposite direction, when I asked them what was wrong. Peter told me that he had a gig in Heywood and couldn't get there due to lack of finances and no transport. Nay problem, said Norman, I have got a fiver left we can afford go to The Brick layers Arms get half a lager each, then go to the flat, get Peter cleaned up, pick up his gear and then get a taxi to the gig, this they did.

Peter, of course, subbed his wages, bought the beer all night, bought the fish and chips and paid for the taxi home."

I worked with Pete in the late night pop dance band at the Poco a Poco in Stockport. The years would be around 1970 to 1973. We were a 4 some and always packed the dance floor.

I can remember playing, "Stuck in the Middle with You". Great days.

If you look at my web site which I have only just set up there is a feature marked Pressmen because I am sure that is what we were called.

Pete was a great guy and a real Star Player as were the other talented members of the band who I hope will contact me in due time.

Rick Henshaw

Peter Cowap recorded three singles in 1970/71 at Strawberry Studios in Stockport. The studio was co-owned by Eric Stewart,Peter Tattersall and later, Graham Gouldman.

The three singles were On Safari, Crickets and The Man With The Golden Gun. The session musicians on the songs were Eric Stewart, Graham Gouldman, Lol Creme and Kevin Godley later to become 10CC!

Graham Long

I had a friend called Phil Miskelly who played base guitar with Pete Cowaps Country Gents for a few gigs in the sixties.
Yes Pete Cowap was a phenominal guitarist who was admired by all in the sixties music scene.
He once told me that Chet Atkins had seen him at a gig and and complemented him on his musicianship. He was a modest guy so I don't dispute the fact.
I last saw him in the mid seventies playing at a small club on the East Lancs Road called The Ponderosa.
Of all the great British guitarists I have seen he ranks with Albert Lee as the best.

Barry Speed

Coming from the Regent Hotel, it was a stll warm night and the sound had travelled all over the place.  At first Ithought it was a group playing but when Ii went in to the hotel I saw Pete playing on his own with his black Gibson coming through a Peavey twin speaker guitar amp and his mic. 

Thats all the gear he had with him and he sounded great. I was a fan of Pete from that moment. I still don't know how one man could produce a finger picking sound like that to this day,no one could pick a guitar like Pete could.

I became friends with Pete and took him to a lot of gigs he played because he had no transport.  Pete moved into a flat next door to me and I saw him most days. The Isle of Man was booming in those days with plenty of work for musicians. 

Pete could make you laugh.  He said to me one morning "Did you hear the racket out on the street last night?" He said he was in bed and someone was banging on the front door.  "I jumped out of bed, ran down and opened the door and there was a copper standing there!" "The copper started smirking then I realised I was stark naked.  Anyway the copper told me to go back to bed as it was the wrong door he had knocked on". Pete had me in stitches.  Pete is really missed  - he gave us all very happy memories of the years he spent on the island. Dave Wallace 18/3/09