The Diplomats

After I left the Stylos, I joined The Diplomats who were the resident group at Bernard Manning's famous Embassy Club in Harpurhey. Originally I think I'm correct in saying that the group was formed by about eight or ten young Jewish lads, all based around Prestwich and Higher Broughton, including Lawrence (Lol) Creme and Graham Gouldman. They soon realised that there were too many members and the band split into two - one half became The Whirlwinds, the other becoming The Diplomats.

When Lol Creme left for college, the Diplomats needed a lead guitar, that's when I joined. By this time there was another non-Jewish member, Ivor Collinge, on bass guitar.

The line-up at this time was Tony Rothschild (drums), Steve Pollock (vocals and rhythm guitar), myself (lead guitar) and Ivor on bass guitar. We were resident at the Embassy Club, playing six nights per week, the only night off was Tuesday, when the club was closed.

About a year after I joined, Steve Pollock left for family business reasons and to team up with his cousin Maurice, a singer, and they formed a double act which played at various clubs for a while.

We stayed at the Embassy Club for about four years until I retired from the group scene in early 1967. At which point the Diplomats disbanded.

Kevin Murphy

Hi there, I didn't know Kevin had written this article and I am now living in Rotterdam and before this I lived in South Africa for 20yrs. Yes we did have a great time at the Embassy but I first went there with the band Sky High Five.

I started teaching in 1974 and after the Diplomats split up I started working freelance, backing such artists as Danny Williams and with the BBC, many who appeared on the Pebble Mill at One show.

I have the copyright on my system since 1978,and the new system goes on line February 2012. It is called www.2getdrumming.com. My slogan is "play in a day Tony's way"

I play in the Delft Blue Big Band (Glen Miller/popular) and my own band the Buddy Rich Tribute Band (my idol) and also a Nina Hagen band.
So any more info you need just e-mail and only too pleased to help,

Tony Rothschild......Happy Sticking!! - 23/12/11