The Confederates

The Confederates were known originally as The Zodiacs Instrumental Group playing mainly Shadows numbers, the founder members were Les Marsden and Roy Holden (now deceased).

Original Lineup

• Robert Farnley - Bass
• Roy Holden - Vocals/rhythm guitar
• Les Marsden - Vocals /lead guitar
• Kevin Pritchard (aka Kevin Pete) - Drums

Several other bass players followed in Bob's shoes:- Steve Turner, Ray Turner, Mike Bentley, Dave Tierney and Terry Beirne.  We also had two front men one was Billy Butler and later Dave Blomley who also played Harmonica. The managers were Michael Wilson then Cyril Crossley and later his brother Paul Crossley.

The final line up was as follows:-

• Les Marsden - vocals/lead guitar
• Roy Holden - vocals/rhythm guitar
• Terry Beirne - bass guitar
• Kevin Butterworth  - drums 

Pictured on stage at Ryder Brow School, Gorton, 1966

The band was a regular at:

• Top Twenty Hollinwood
• Catacombs Oldham
• Candy Club Newton Heath
• G.P.O Club Manchester
• Browns Dance Clubs Levenshulme, Stretford, Newton Heath
• Sutton Social Club Gorton
• Beat City Manchester.

Info courtesy Kevin Butterworth & Les Marsden

Hi, it's Ray, former bass player with the Confederates.

When I joined the group in 1964/5 the main string of music was Beatles, Gerry & the Pacemakers, Swinging Blue Jeans, etc, we were difinitely into the '60s scene and not the Shadows.

The band changed it's name about 1965 to "Him & Us" - him being Roy.

I left the band to join the forces and played in a band called Random Selection in 1969/70. Alas this band only played out in the Persion Gulf, Sharjah & Dubai. Sorry to hear about Roy passing away. He was a great guy! Would like to hear from Les if he's still around.  Good luck to the Manchesterbeat

Ray Turner