Once again, thanks to my good friend Steve Riley, for this information . . . . . . . . . . The main attraction 50 years ago this weekend at Rawtenstall Astoria was Accrington band The Warriors who only three weeks previously had been one of the support bands to The Kinks. Whether this was due to a late cry-off by the scheduled bill-toppers or whether the decision to elevate their status was influenced by the fact that the booking of a less expensive band made financial sense when major catchment towns Bury and Burnley would be virtually empty due to local “wakes” holidays, I’m unable to say. Alternatively, it may be that the issue of their only single, “Don’t Make Me Blue/You Came Along” (Decca F11926) a month earlier in June 1964 prompted their increased billing. Brothers Tony and John Anderson were born on Norfolk Street, Accrington in 1941 and 1944 respectively and attended St John’s Infants School, Baxenden, where John formed his first band, Little John’s Skiffle Group in the late 1950’s. He briefly held hopes of a career as a footballer with Accrington Stanley, but at 5feet 5 inches was deemed too frail. Tony Anderson had joined The Warriors early in the 60’s and was joined by brother John in 1962. Unfortunately “Don’t Make Me Blue” failed to make an impression with the record-buying public at large. The Warriors full line-up at the time of this Astoria gig was Tony Anderson (lead vocals), Johnny Anderson (backing vocals/harmonica), Mike Brereton (lead guitar), Rod Hill (rhythm guitar), Dave Foster (bass) and Ian Wallace (drums). The Warriors split in early 1968, shortly after the departure of John Anderson in August 1967. As mentioned a few weeks ago, John dropped the “h” from his name and embarked upon a successful career in music with “Yes”, as well as a solo career which continues to this day. The night’s support bands were Middleton’s “Mr Smith & Sum People” and “The Dappers” who also hailed from neighbouring Accrington.
Posted on: Fri, 11 Jul 2014 10:09:57 +0000
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