Youngsters once wanted to become engine drivers or films stars, then they wanted to be pop stars, and now they want to be “influencers” or something on YouTube.
There was a time when it seemed there was a pop group in almost every Shropshire street, and youngsters with stars in their eyes created music on whatever instruments they could lay their hands on.
It was a vibrant pop scene, and a great era for live music in pubs, clubs, and halls. Fun times, but also past times, as although there’s still live music about, things are just not quite the same these days.
Let’s roll back the clock with a photographic encore featuring some of Shropshire’s pop bands from yesteryear. Were you in one of these groups, or do you remember seeing them play? Share your memories in the comments or get in touch here, we’d love to hear from you. Yeah, yeah, yeah!
- Did you see the story about the 450-year-old Shropshire pub that vanished in just a few hours? Read it here
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9. Welshpool here we come
The Phantones from Oswestry, as seen in a picture used in the Shropshire Star in October 1964. The caption said: "Resident beat groups at the Plaza, Oswestry, who are now hoping to extend their bookings into Wales are the Phantones. Based in Oswestry, the boys formed their group in 1957 when two brothers, Trevor and Norman Jones, rhythm and lead guitarists, started as the Jones Boys. This was during the skiffle craze and soon they were joined by their drummer, 19-year-old Derek Blair and Mike (Abe) Lincoln, 17, who plays the bass. At first they called themselves the Phantomes but changed their name this year because a professional group has the same name. Soon they hope to branch into Welshpool and even further west. The group have about £750 worth of equipment, much of which has been hand-built to give them the sound they want." | Shropshire Star archive
10. Meet The Beatles.
Well yes, you are right, these are not actually the Fab Four. But they did meet The Beatles. These are The Deltas, a Shrewsbury pop group who supported The Beatles at the Shrewsbury Music Hall on December 14, 1962. The picture was taken during that concert. John, Paul, George and Ringo, are no doubt still in the dressing room. The picture came from Roger Francis, who is third from left in the group line up. | Roger Francis
11. All aboard for Tulsa (via Hadley)
Donnington pop group Tulsa Moods in the 1960s standing in front of a Midland Red bus, the 915 service to Wellington via Hadley. Robert Murray, aka Cliff Murray, who loaned us this picture - we're not sure what connection, if any, he had to the group - said: "In the photograph they are looking for a bus to success. From left to right: Dave Powell, lead singer from Donnington, David ( Noddy) Adams, drummer from Donnington, Billy Brown, rhythm guitar from Shrewsbury and Glasgow (semi pro), and Johnny Gardener, lead guitar from Donnington. Their music was mainly pop but did most styles. They had quite a following and played most gigs in Shropshire but did venture as far as Camberwell." | Robert Murray
12. Hughie Green takes his opportunity
During entertainer Hughie Green's Christmas show at the Granada in Shrewsbury, a Shrewsbury vocal harmony group called the Dee Jays were so popular with audiences that they had their engagement extended. This picture dates from during the run in January 1969. A contemporary story said: "The Dee Jays appeared last week after winning a talent spotting competition and by popular request they are taking part in the show again this week. They are to appear in Hughie's Opportunity Knocks TV programme on February 10. Hughie is on the drums - much to the dismay of Rod Hollaway, Bryan Jones, George Silcock, Larry Tench, and Dave Craik." | Shropshire Star