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| Line-up #1 |
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| Pete Bocking |
Keith Shepherd |
Pete Howarth |
Graham Smith |
Trevor Jones |
| Lead |
Bass |
Piano |
Drums |
Rhythm |
| Line-up #2 |
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| Dave Blackley |
Mike Macconnell |
Pete Howarth |
Graham Smith |
Barry Tipping |
| vocals |
lead |
keyboards |
drums |
bass |
When the Skyliners broke up I had intended to have a break from playing in a group but the Phantoms manager persuaded me to join them, which I did for a short time.
But again, as happens I decided to leave for musical reasons and 3 of the four members asked if they could join me and Dave Blackley (ex Skyliners) in starting another group. We agreed to keep the Phantoms name and the new line-up was Dave Blackley, vocals, myself Mike Macconnell, lead guitar, Barry Tipping, bass guitar, Graham Smith drums and Pete Howarth keyboards.
We had a lot of fun playing all the usual venues and at one point backed Susan Maughan, on tour, with her number one hit 'Bobbies Girl'. I remember that she went down really well at all the venues except at the Cavern Club, Liverpool where her ballerina dress looked really out of place!.
I played with the group until the end of 1963 but had to leave when my day-job company sent me to Edinburgh to work for 12 months. that was the last time I played with a group.
Dave Blackley went on to sing with the N.D.O. then became a cabaret singer then on to own a club in Dubai I think.
Graham Smith joined 'The Toggery 5' then owned his own photography shop/business, Mr Smith's in Stockport, and I'm not sure what Barry and Pete went on to do (it's a long time ago!)
It would be great if anyone could let the site know or give any other bits of information.
Mike Macconnell
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