The Noble sisters of Madeley in 1978. “Three Shropshire sisters have entered the recording business. Viv, Della and Stephanie Noble, of Madeley, Telford, provide the backing tracks on the latest album from Lilleshall singer Bobby Ray called Something in the Ayre, which is to be released in October…” was the original caption. placeholder image
The Noble sisters of Madeley in 1978. “Three Shropshire sisters have entered the recording business. Viv, Della and Stephanie Noble, of Madeley, Telford, provide the backing tracks on the latest album from Lilleshall singer Bobby Ray called Something in the Ayre, which is to be released in October…” was the original caption. | Shropshire Star

23 pictures bringing back memories of Shropshire pop bands

By Toby Neal
Published 21st Oct 2026, 02:00 BST

Golden memories of some of Shropshire’s pop outfits of yesteryear

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
  • You can enjoy this and more with our weekly FREE Nostalgia Newsletter - with scores of archive pictures and exclusive features on the history of Shropshire and Mid Wales - all sent to your inbox every week. Sign up here.
White Heat were a four piece, but they became a five piece by bringing in newcomer Dave Clarke, from Shrewsbury, who is front. As a five piece they were Pony Express.

21. Catching a ride on the Pony Express

White Heat were a four piece, but they became a five piece by bringing in newcomer Dave Clarke, from Shrewsbury, who is front. As a five piece they were Pony Express. | Dave Alexander

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We're still following the pop career of Dave Alexander of Shrewsbury, and here he is with pop group Shady Lady on the car park at Ironbridge. The Rolls-Royce just happened to be parked there. Dave names them as, from left, Ian Law, from south Shropshire, he thinks possibly somewhere like Bishop’s Castle; Richard Robey from Broseley; himself Dave Alexander; and Chris Higgins from Admaston who later on won the Stars in Their Eyes television competition as Chris de Burgh.

22. Just look at those flares

We're still following the pop career of Dave Alexander of Shrewsbury, and here he is with pop group Shady Lady on the car park at Ironbridge. The Rolls-Royce just happened to be parked there. Dave names them as, from left, Ian Law, from south Shropshire, he thinks possibly somewhere like Bishop’s Castle; Richard Robey from Broseley; himself Dave Alexander; and Chris Higgins from Admaston who later on won the Stars in Their Eyes television competition as Chris de Burgh. | Dave Alexander

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The Street, a Dawley area band of the 1960s/70s era. Back left, Dave Phillips, front left, Rob Green; back right Alan Phillips (no relation to Dave); front right, Arthur Brown.

23. Boys from The Street

The Street, a Dawley area band of the 1960s/70s era. Back left, Dave Phillips, front left, Rob Green; back right Alan Phillips (no relation to Dave); front right, Arthur Brown. | Alan Phillips

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