A friend of mine a long time ago played keyboards with Sweet Chariot for a while, must have been late 70s early 80'. Phil Wareing from Tottington.

He had previously played bass with a band I was in called Happy Apple ( a club trio, two girls and me!) which evolved into a self contained group called Rusty playing pop. He bought the first Rickenbacker bass I had seen outside YES.

He  gave me a copy of a record produced by Sweet Chariot with their version of Paul Simon's AMERICA (based on the YES arrangement) and an original on the other side the title of which escapes me just now.

Pete and Ronnie also sang on some recordings at Strawberry Studios in probably 1972 of songs by another long standing mate of mine Steve Foley - and there's a story!

Bob Ainsworth

Sweet Chariot line-up of Pete Oliver, Ian "Andy" Anderson and Ronnie Grundy Was this about 1972?

I'm pretty certain that Sweet Chariot played regularly at The Cumberland Club off Langworthy Road on the Farnworth/Bolton road. My wife and I used to go to see them on a Friday night quite often before we were married, . They were brilliant! The compare was a colleague of mine called Norman Wardle. Norman died many years ago. He sounded like Sammy Davis Junior and was a great compere!

Some groups you never forget and Sweet Chariot are one of them!

Les Marsden

The Chariots did a residency at The Jollies in Salford in the early 70's and brought the house down every time.

Greatest memory: "Somewhere over the Rainbow". Showstopper. I watched them ever since around Manchester.

David Metcalfe

Just been looking at the group pages and seeing Sweet Chariot included,  reminded me of when Pete Oliver first started to play the drums. Pete was a Salford lad and was a regular at the Gaytime Club.

When he first started playing drums he practised in a rubbish strewn room below the club, at the back of Burtons Tailors shop. He was exceptional even in his early days, and it was no surprise that he became quite successful.    

Kenny Edmund
15/6/09

Pete Oliver, Ronnie Grundy, I knew you from the Southern Sporting club. I was the little dark haired girl that used to live facing the club and somehow got in there at weekends even though I was only 14yrs old. I remember Ronnie and his amazingly beautiful girlfriend Lynn who I am sure he went on to marry. Pete's girlfriend was like a model, she suited his car, I know he never went on to marry Beryl. He did eventually marry the daughter of the licencee of the Smithfield in Manchester near Tib Street.

I remember Pete Oliver giving me a spin in his yellow spitfire. They were a fantastic band and should of been more successful than they were.They were slated on Opportunity Knocks by Paula Yates biological father whose name evades me (Hughie Green).

Would love to hear from them. If you're out there hope you're well. Get in touch - Love to you Gail. 

Gail - incorrect email provided
13/9/09                  

Hi Gail your e-mail was incorrect so could't reply personnally.
Yes, Lynn & Ronnie have been happily married for 33 years now we have 3 beautiful daughters. Ronnie is an usher at crown court, Peter is living in Spain, not too sure what Stuart is up too saw him about 5 years ago. 
Lynn x
20/9/09

Heard Pete Oliver singing in a club in Spain just last week.  You could tell he was very profesional we all thought he was brilliant.

Thanks Pete.

Sandra
2/10/09

Many memories of Sweet Chariot at Wigan Rugby club The Dano Bass, Clavioline through a valve Copipcat Superb vocals.
Lovely memories

Mitch
15/10/09

I just wanted to put a post on here about my Dad, Phil Wareing, whom someone has fondly mentioned further up the page. He's recently gone back to playing the bass and has a Fender Jazz which he cant be separated from. Wish I knew more about my pa's Sweet Chariot days, so would be really appreciative if anyone could let me know anything.

Kate Wareing
20/10/09

Remember Sweet Chariot very well from the mid 1970s, when I ran the Inn on the Bay at Morecambe, they were probably one of the most popular group to play the Inn, and I booked them often. Another popular act at that time was Reg Coats Experience. My wife Sandy always said, Pete was the best looking guy in the club, hated him for that, but still booked him. Good luck in Spain Pete, if that's where you are.

Ray Brace
20/11/09

Thanks to all the above for your great memories!  Believe it or not I remember you all.

Hello Ray, do you remember when I saved your life at the bay.  You owe me a brandy in Benidorm.

God bless you all.

Pete
24/2/10