Viscount Entertainments Ltd ~ Hit Recording Artists

Hit Recording Artists

Viscount Entertainment has one of the largest databases of Hit Recording Artists. Click on the A to Z toolbar or scroll through the artists names below for more information.

	Acker Bilk
	Still going strong after more than 60 years in the music industry Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band continue vto delight audiences worldwide. Best remembered for his 1961 hit "Stranger on the Shore" which was the first ever recording to be va No1 hit in the British and American charts simultaneously and spent 55 weeks in the charts.

	Alvin Stardust
	Alvin shot to stardom in the 1970's. He had already had four hit singles under the name of Shane Fenton bu "My Coo Ca Choo", his debut single as Alvin Stardust was a massive success and became a huge international number one hit and spent over 6 months in the charts. Numerous hits followed including four more number ones, "Jealous Mind", "You You You", "Red Dress" and "Good Love".

	Atlantic Soul Machine
	Formed in 1989 by trombonist Pete Lamont the band has since performed over 2000 shows. Their previous clients include Sir Paul McCartney who enjoyed the show so much he booked them again. The band have toured the UK and Europe several times both as the Atlantic Soul Machine and as a backing band for american soul artists.

	Bad Manners
	Formed in 1976 by school chums who lived in London, Bad Manners have become a british institution. Between 1980 and 1983 they spent 111 weeks in the charts and had 15 hit singles. Hits included Ne-Ne-Na-Na-Na-Nu-Nu, Lip Up Fatty, Special Brew, Lorraine, Just A Feeling, Walking In Sunshine to name but a few.

	Barron Knights
	Formed in 1962 and still going strong today with their new show "Bop Till We Drop", this show was introduced in 2004 and is improving all the time and features all the old hits plus lots of new material.

	Boney M
	Maizie Williams - the original singer from the very birth of Boney M - featured on all their top ten hits, and is now joined by three dynamic singers and live band.

	Bootlace
	Simply the UKs greatest ever party band! Formerly Black Lace, Rob Hopcrafts terrific duo performs all the hits from the legendary duo - Agadoo, Conga, Music Man and much, much more... Demo available.

	Brotherhood of Man
	Brotherhood of Man won the 1976 Eurovision Song Contest with "Save Your Kisses For Me". The song proved to be one of the biggest selling records of all time, selling in excess of 5 million copies. The group followed this with 2 more British number ones "Angelo" and "Figaro". The band also had a number of other hits such as "My Sweet Rosalie", "Oh Boy", "Middle of the Road" and "Beautiful Lover". The band retain the same line up as appeared in 1976.

Bruvvers

The Bruvvers are one of Britain's first Rock 'n Roll Bands who helped set the path for the Beatles, the Rolloing Stones and many other bands from the early sixties. The Bruvvers along with singer Joe Brown had a string of top ten hits throughout the sixties including the No 1 hit "A Picture of You".

The wealth of experience contained in the band has taken the Bruvvers from strength to strength, playing good solid rock 'n roll not only for audiences of the sixties but also todays generation.

	Bucks Fizz
	Bucks Fizz were one of the biggest bands of the early 80's. Eurovision Song Contest winners with "Making Your Mind Up" earned them an instant place in musical folklore and an international number one hit. Following the footsteps of Abba, Bucks Fizz redefined the public's expectations of a boy/girl band with exciting dance routines and regular visual image changes. Audiences old and new continue to appreciate the charm and vitality first displayed by Bucks Fizz over 2 decades ago.

	Chas And Dave
	Chas and Dave write exceptionally witty songs about life in London, performed with a strong affection for all things English. Still going strong after more than 30 years their show attracts and appeals to old and young alike.

Chicory Tip

Chicory Tip reformed in 1996, they played a few songs and realised the old magic was still there. By January 1997 they began working again, playing mainly functions, golf clubs, masonic ladies nights, parties and weddings etc.

Best known for their No1 hit "Son of my Father" released in 1972. Chicory Tip are one of the few bands from the 60's and 70's still working with all original members.

	Clem Curtis And The Foundations
	Clem Curtis and the Foundations were the first multi-racial band in the UK and as the original lead singer Clem is now legendary in the music business both as a first clas musician and entertainer. Thirty years of music and humour has produced a quality of performance which appeals to audiences of all ages. Clems expertise backed by a brilliant band is a winning and unmissable formula.

	The Dakotas
	The Dakotas are one of the few original "British Invasion" or "Mersey Beat" bands still touring today. With a history which includes touring with the Beatles and a recent schedule which has taken the group from their native UK to Europe and America, the Dakotas are a totally unique musical experience.

	Dave Berry
	Like it's American counterpart, British Rock 'n Roll has given us some memorable figures. Amongst the many artists each era has produced there have been those performers who have that special something that sets them apart. Sheffield's very own Dave Berry has to be one of those entertainers, a very stylised and musical personality. Dave created a stage act that has gone on to influence others, most notably, Alvin Stardust and Adam Ant. His current work on stage embraces all aspects of Dave's career, underlined of course by his great originality and showmanship.

	Doctor And The Medics
	Back on the road with a new six piece line up and a new set of classic party hits not forgetting their own chart topper "Spirit in the Sky", number one in 36 countries. Available as a completely self contained unit including a 5kw Meyer PA system and 16k Par64 lighting system.

	Dr. Feelgood
	Formed in Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970's Dr Feelgood has become one of the most popular rhythm and blues acts in the world. The raw and uncompromising style that made them so popular resulted in the band achieving a number one chart position with their album "Stupidity". Dr Feelgood have also enjoyed a string of hit singles including "Milk and Alcohol", "Down at the Doctors", "Roxette", "She's a Wind Up" and "See You Later Alligator". The band still undertakes a full touring schedule, still thrilling the crowds with the vitality of their explosive live show.

	The Edwin Starr Band
	When they backed the late great Edwin Starr they were afectionately known as THE TEAM in which Edwin's brother Angelo was an integral part. THE EDWIN STARR BAND is a 10 peice show which keeps the memory of Edwin Starr and his hits alive. His brother is now the front man and Edwin would have surely been proud to hear his brothers reditions of his hits such as "War" "Stop her on Sight" "25 Miles" "Contact" Happy Radio" etc along with other crowd pleasers such as "My Girl" "Higher & Higher" "Celebration" etc.

	Fleetwood Mac
	And for an incredible 15 months in 2003-2004, The Mac toured the world promoting "Say You Will". The tour is expected to come to an end in the Fall of 2004 but not without the band having entertained hundreds of thousands of fans all over the world. And the tour was hugely successful -- so much so that PBS aired two separate Mac related "Soundstage" specials this summer. One for Lindsey Buckingham solo (with Stevie Nicks as a special guest) and the other a broadcast of a September 2003 Boston show (released to stores June 15, 2004 as the "Live In Boston" concert DVD). As far as what the future holds for Fleetwood Mac, it's always hard to say for sure with this band. But we have heard Mick say that Stevie & Lindsey solo albums will happen first-- then a Mac release soon after. To date Fleetwood Mac has sold over 100 million albums, making them one of the most popular bands in rock history. This band has given us a breath-taking catalogue of material from their collective and solo careers that is unparalleled. They've experimented with a range of musical styles that is unprecedented. They've made us laugh and made us cry -- but most of all they've made us proud as fans.

	The Fortunes
	Hailing from Birmingham, England, The Fortunes first came to prominence and international acclaim during that Golden Era of Popular Music - the ‘swinging’ mid-sixties. Following on in the wake of Merseybeat, and the R&B of The Stones, etc., The Fortunes added another dimension to the sound of the classic pop song with their special ingredients of sophisticated orchestration, dual lead vocals and stylish counter-melodies.The result was a succession of distinctive and distinguished hit records including ‘You’ve Got Your Troubles’, ‘Here It Comes Again’ and, continuing into the seventies with more successful releases such as 'Storm in a Teacup' and 'Freedom Come, Freedom Go'. These songs have stood the test of time, becoming household favourites permanently on playlists everywhere. The Fortunes remain as one of the UKs premier harmony groups, and are constantly in demand worldwide. From the initial success in 1964 of ‘Caroline’, used as the signature tune for the influential Pirate Radio station of the same name, The Fortunes had a steady succession of world-wide hits culminating in 1972 with the release of ‘Storm in a Teacup’. During this period The Fortunes were also the voices for the US Coca Cola adverts (‘It’s The Real Thing’) still to be seen and heard in the US today.

	The Foundations
	The Foundations were formed by guitarist Alan Warner, they have had a string of hits including 'Build me up Buttercup' (which was featured in the smash hit film 'There's something about Mary') 'Baby now that i've found you' ,'Back on my feet again' and 'Bad Bad old days' widely regarded as one of the best British soul/pop records ever produced. The band cause a sensation wherever it plays.

	The Fourmost
	The Fourmost acheived fame under the management wing of Brian Epstein and had already been part of the boom of beat music in Liverpool, having played the famous Cavern club in 1961, long before the Beatles made their debut. After being auditioned by George Martin, they were signed to Parlophone Records, the same label as The Beatles. Two commercial Lennon / McCartney songs, "Hello Little Girl" and "I'm In Love" served as their initial a-sides, but the chirpy "A Little Lovin'" became the bands biggest hit on reaching No.6 in April 1964. They were featured in the film "Ferry Cross The Mersey" which consolidated their position as one of the leading Liverpool groups.

	Gidea Park
	Gidea Park achieved UK and European chart success with the medley style singles "Beach Boy Gold", "Seasons of Gold" and "California Gold". Gidea Park pride themselves on being more than just a tribute band and an outstanding vocal harmony band. Backdrops and staging are provided to create a summer sunshine setting, a full light show adds to the effect. Hawaiian shirts, shorts and surfboards complete the look. Humour is never far away and the stage antics have been known to make even the band roar with laughter.

	Hermans Hermits
	The Mid-60's music scene was dominated by British Acts; three of which became household names - The Beatles - The Rolling Stones and...... Herman's Hermits, who are one of the most successful groups throughout the world. From their beginning in Manchester, England, on April 1st 1964, the band has chalked up over 23 hit singles, 10 hit albums, 3 major movies and countless television shows and concert tours all over the world - up to date they have total record sales of over 75 million. Since 1971 and the departure of Peter Noone to pursue a solo career in the entertainment business, the group has never stopped. Original member Barry (the Bean) Whitwam. has guided the band from strength to strength into one of the hardest working acts in the business - they still average more than 200 one-night stands per year - and reckon they maintain their stamina by having an amazing sense of humour.

	The Ivy League
	Since the mid 60's when the Ivy League had their first taste of pop chart success the band has gone from strength to strength. The Ivy Leagues unique falsetto vocal sound, blended with superb harmonies reproduce their hits "Tossing and Turning", "Funny How Love Can Be" and"That's Why I'm Crying". Added to their repertoire are some old and some new favourites, all of which are brought together with some hysterical zany comedy routines.

	Jimmy James And The Vagabonds
	In Jamaica Jimmy James had some considerable success with two singles "Bewildered And Blue" and "Come Softly To Me". He came to England and joined the multi-racial Vagabonds. The band became a leading live attraction in the 60's. Chart success came with "Red Red Wine" and later in 1976 with another set of Vagabonds "I'll Go where the Music Takes Me" and "Now Is The Time". The band is a major live attraction with their impressive, infectious repertoire.

	Joe Brown
	Joe Brown was one of the original Rock & Roll Stars to come out of the UK. One of the first UK session men, his early career highlights include playing guitar with Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Johnny Cash and other US stars when they came over to Europe. Joe went on to top the charts with his own records, had The Beatles open shows for him and in a career packed with musical highlights has also presented several National series of the Joe Brown Show on UK TV, two series Rock Show for BBC Radio 2 and finds time to do around 100 live shows a year in the UK. In 2002 he appeared at the Concert For George to honour the life and memory of his dear friend George Harrison.

	Kenny Ball
	Among the leading traditional jazz trumpet players on the eastern side of the Atlantic arguably the most successful is Kenny Ball. Kenny achieved worldwide fame for his recordings in the 1960’s. Including “Midnight in Moscow” which reached No. 2 in the UK and the US charts and hit worldwide sales of more than one million copies, the debut hit “Samantha” and the smash “When I’m 64”, made Kenny a household name. With no fewer than 20 albums on sale, a Billboard Gold Microphone Award, more top 30’s in the US than Louis Armstrong, and honorary citizenship to the city of New Orleans, Kenny Ball is no less than a - true legend.

	Les McKeowns Legendary Bay City Rollers
	During a decade spanning 1971 – 1981, the Bay City Rollers became one of the world’s biggest selling bands, notching up hit after hit around the world. With their legions of fans sporting the ‘tartan look’, Rollermania had arrived! In the UK alone: 12 chart hits, 2 number ones (Bye Bye Baby and Give A Little Love), 9 other top ten placings, their own National TV series (Shang A Lang) plus sell-out stadium tours made their faces famous wherever they appeared. Paramount to this success was Les McKeown, lead singer and the voice of all the hit records. Les McKeown’s Legendary Bay City Rollers invite you to re-create the excitement of those heady days!

	Lieutenant Pigeon
	70's No 1 Hit recording band. Now perform as a 3 piece rock and glamrock band of the 60's and 70's to incorporate the bands hits.The length of performance being aprroximatel 60-70 minutes.

	Marmalade
	Marmalade are one of those groups that just seem to go on forever, once described as the definative scottish rock group. Mainly rememberedfor one song "Ob-La- Di, Ob-La-Da" they charted number one hits and top ten american hits into the 70's. Still going strong today and thrilling audiences of all age groups.

	Merseybeats
	The Merseybeats can only be described as one of the most powerful and exciting bands performing ‘live’ music today, they continue to enthrall thousands of fans, in the UK, Europe and World-wide by performing one night stands and package tours…. proof that they are still one of the most popular and authentic sixties bands performing today.

	Mike Pender's Searchers
	Throughout the History of Popular Music and in particular the "Swinging Sixties" the "Charts" have been dominated by groups. These inevitably produced a front man, usually with a distinctive vocal style that became that group's signature. The Searchers were one such 60's group, sweeping to fame in 1963 with their first recording, "Sweets for My Sweet" which was the first of three No. 1 hits, followed by no less than 14 more chart hits. Voted second only to the Beatles in 1964, the Searchers became a household name on both sides of the Atlantic. After the first two hits, one man emerged as the Creator of the Searchers sound that was to become a legend. The man responsible for those highly distinctive vocals and that "jangly" 12-string guitar is Mike Pender. Today the sounds of the sixties are as popular as ever. Mike Pender's Searchers still travel the U.K. and many continents singing, playing and creating that distinctive sound which has become a legend in popular music.

	Mungo Jerry
	During the early 70’s viewers tuning into their regular weekly fix of then, un-missible Top of the Pops would have regularly been greeted by a smiling, mutton-chopped, gap-toothed singer by the name of RAY DORSET, more commonly known as the singer, song-writer and guitarist of MUNGO JERRY. In a two year hit span, MUNGO JERRY contributed four Top Twenty singles, (including two Number One’s) and two Top Twenty albums in their first flush of success. But after a long worldwide tour and on the way home from Australia, two other members of the band decided that RAY DORSET was out. On hearing this both the record company Pye, and the bands management Red Bus, would have none of it. They had a better idea, the others were out and RAY DORSET, the leader would now be MUNGO JERRY the Man! The song most associated with MUNGO JERRY is the global hit 'IN THE SUMMERTIME', it sold over six million copies worldwide in the first six months of release and over thirty years later, that total is now near, a staggering thirty million sales, making it officially the most played summer song of all time. Winning for itself and it’s writer RAY DORSET, prestigious Sony / MTV and Ivor Novello awards.

	Nashville Teens
	Still going strong after more than 40 years in the business, best known for their chart hit "Tobacco Road", other hits include "Google Eye", "Little Bird", "Find My Way Back Home" and "The Biggest Night of her Life".

	Paper Lace
	Paper Lace consisted of Philip Wright, Cliff Fish, Chris Morris, Carlo Santanna, and Michael Vaughan . Hailing from Nottingham, Paper Lace was formed in 1969 and in early 1974 they won ITV's talent contest Opportunity Knocks. Thanks to that show they were quickly signed by songwriters / producers Mitch Murray and Peter Callender. The smash hit 'Billy Don't Be A Hero' stayed three weeks at No. 1 on the British Chart in March 1974, and an equally catchy story song reached the No. 3 position; it was called 'The Night Chicago Died'. Another hit 'The Black-Eyed Boys', took Paper Lace to No. 11 in late 1974. With their American subject matter, it was logical that 'Billy Don't Be A Hero' and 'The Night Chicago Died' should become US hits, however Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods were the first to release 'Billy', and Paper Lace had to be content with a No. 96 placing , but enjoyed their own American chart-topper with ' Chicago '. They were the most successful band Nottingham ever produced and were invited to perform on the Royal Variety Performance in front of the Queen Mother.

	P. J. Proby
	To say P.J. Proby is talented, is an understatement. He's a giant and as the album states a "Legend", who has made an indelible impression upon the music and the entertainment industry. There is no dispute that P.J. Proby is one of the most exciting and talented performers of our time.

	Roy Wood Big Band
	The early Nineties were spent mainly in his own studio writing and recording. However, live work called again and Roy launched the twelve piece Roy Wood Big Band. This band has now evolved into an exciting new venture, Roy Wood’s Army, which features a stunning, seven piece brass section, (six of which are female!) playing all Roy’s hits & songs written especially for his sparkling new band.

	Rubettes
	The Rubettes’ first (and biggest hit) was “Sugar Baby Love” (released in 1974) which was a UK no. 1 and going on to sell around three million copies worldwide. The distinctive falsetto lead vocal to “Sugar Baby Love” was however performed by Paul Da Vinci (real name: Paul Prewer) who left the group after a few weeks to be replaced by Williams. The song is often mistakenly assumed to be by Showaddywaddy by casual music fans and the younger generation. The Rubettes went on to have a number of other hits during the mid-seventies such as “Juke Box Jive” and “I Can Do It”, mostly written by the Bickerton-Waddington song-writing team. Their final hit was the 'country rock' styled ballad - "Baby I Know" - which reached no. 10 in the UK in 1977.

	The Searchers
	The Searchers are one of the few British pop groups who have maintained their position at the top for well over 40 years. Second only to the Beatles as Liverpool's finest 60's group.

	Shakin' Stevens
	In 2002 Stevens received a Number One Gold Award from The Guinness Book of British Hit Singles. In 2003 he headlined to an audience of 200,000 in Austria, and in 2004 topped the bill at the prestigious charity event of the Frankfurt Opera Ball, then appearing in the tv celebration to mark 50 Years Of Rock. Stevens was then ranked as the 16th highest selling artist in the UK, ever, and also acknowledged as having had more number 1's than any other Welsh artist. He followed all this up with a further Number 1, Platinum selling album in Denmark, and in 2005 with a # 4 album, in the UK, which went Gold within 9 days of release. With a sell-out UK tour at the end of 2005, Shaky then went back into the studio to complete a new album, scheduled for release in 2006.

	Showadywaddy
	During 1973, the band were asked if they wanted to be on TV - the show was "New Faces". They won one programme in the series and were runners-up in the "All Winners Final". This led to various record companies racing to sign them up. However they had already signed to Bell Records, (the Bay City Rollers and Gary Glitter were also signed to the signed to the same label). The first single, Hey Rock And Roll was released on 19th April 1974 and reached number two in the UK charts. Showaddywaddy then hit the UK charts another 22 times until late 1982. These included 10 Top-Ten singles and one number one, racking up a total on 209 weeks in the singles chart - one of the most successful singles groups of all time. The first few singles were all written by the band and these generally reached the top-20. Two cover versions, 'Three Steps To Heaven' and 'Heartbeat' were released in 1975. These both reached the top ten before Showaddywaddy reverted back to their own material. However, these again failed to reach the top-10, so they went back to cover-versions and entered the top-10 once more. Romeo later quoted, "Dave and Trevor would approach the record company with a song. The would say, 'No we don't want that - you had a hit with a cover last time, you can do it again'". The cover versions were all pop versions of old '50s US rock 'n' roll songs, catchy tunes backed up by their colourful image, dance routines and numerous television appearances.

	Slade
	Without doubt one of the most exciting bands to come out of Great Britain in the past 30 years. With their unique blend of pop-rock 'n roll, outrageous flambuoyance, and no less than 23 top ten singles of which 6 were number 1's-plus 6 smash albums. Slade have become a firm favourite in the hearts of pop fans all over the world.

	Smokie
	To be rock 'n' roll survivors is an achievement. To be Europe's top live band, thirty years after its inception is truly fantastic but to still be enthusiastic, fresh, totally committed and in love with the music is a positive miracle.

	Steeleye Span
	In 2002, Steeleye Span reformed for a comeback tour with a 'classic lineup'. Prior and Genocky rejoined, and along with Kemp, Knight and Johnson, they released Present (2002), a 2-disc set of new recordings of songs chosen by fans on a Steeleye web site as the best of their previous output. Johnson had to retire from playing duties before the 2002 tour, and was replaced on guitar by Ken Nicol, formerly of the Albion Band. With Nicol on board, the relatively prolific output has continued, with the release of 'They called her Babylon' (2004) and the Christmas album 'Winter'. In 2005 Steeleye Span were awarded the Good Tradition Award at the BBC Folk Awards, while a recent book, Electric Folk by Britta Sweers (2005), devotes much space to the band. As of Spring 2006, the band are currently on a UK tour, to be followed by dates in Europe and an appearance at the 2006 Cropredy Festival. The tour is supported by a live album and DVD of their 2004 tour, and a new studio album is expected later this year or early 2007. The current line-up consists of Maddy Prior (vocals), Ken Nicol (guitar, vocals), Rick Kemp (bass, vocals), Peter Knight (violin, piano, vocals), and Liam Genockey (drums and percussion), and draws on past and current Steeleye Span repertoire. They usually plays to theatres and arts centres but also performs at festivals. The band has recently toured extensively in Australia and closed 2004 with a gala performance in London's Paladium theatre.

	Suzi Quattro
	Rocks First Lady - Worldwide sales of 50 million records, sixteen HIT SINGLES and over 35 years of Concert Touring. Suzi Quatro the Singer, Song Writer, Musician and Performer is undoubtedly the QUEEN OF ROCK AND ROLL! "All My Life I Wanted To Be Somebody And Here I Am!" Susan Kay Quatro born 3rd June 1950 in Detriot U.S.A., after touring in bands with her sisters through out the U.S.A. in the late 1960's, in 1971 Suzi went to live and work in England. Suzi achieved musical success and went onto become the first female rock musican with a string of number one hits through out the 1970's and early 80's.

	Tremeloes
	The group formed in 1958 as Brian Poole and the Tremoloes (the name soon being changed thanks to the spelling mistake of a local newspaper), and were initially cast in the Buddy Holly and the Crickets mould. Decca notoriously chose them over The Beatles, whom they had auditioned on the same day. They first charted with a version of “Twist and Shout” (1963), which owed much to the Beatles' version, followed by a chart topping cover of The Contours' U.S. million-seller “Do You Love Me” in the same year. Before they parted company with Brian Poole in 1966, their covers of Roy Orbison's B-side, "Candy Man" and The Crickets' B-side ballad, "Someone Someone" (both 1964) entered the UK singles chart Top Ten, with the latter peaking at number two.

	Troggs
	The Troggs were signed by the manager of The Kinks in 1966 and recorded on Larry Page's Page One Records. Their most famous hit was the single "Wild Thing" (written by Chip Taylor), which reached #1 in the United States in June 1966. Its combination of a simple heavy guitar riff and flirtatious lyrics helped it to quickly become a garage rock standard. They also had a number of other hits, including "With a Girl Like You" (a UK #1 in July 1966, U.S. #25), "I Can't Control Myself" (a UK #2 in September 1966), "Anyway That You Want Me" (UK #10 in December 1966), "Night of the Long Grass" (UK #17 in May 1967), and "Love Is All Around" (UK #5 in October 1967 and US #7 in February 1968). In the early 1970s, in an attempt to re-create their 1960s successes, the Troggs re-united with Larry Page, now running Penny Farthing Records, but the resulting cover version of the Beach Boys hit Good Vibrations did not capture the public's imagination. The Troggs still exist and still play gigs.

	The Union Gap
	The band has worked extensively to put together a repertoire of classic songs from the 60’s to 90’s, which they perform either in the original form or in their own unique style – many of which appear on their albums “This Time Around”, “Classics” & thier latest release "By Request". The band have also devoted a great deal of time and effort to perfect their concert sound, which is always complimented wherever they appear. The "Union Gap" are a professional band, fully self contained with concert sound and lighting, are experienced in – and available for – work in Theatres, Cabaret Venues, Holiday Centres and Cruise Ships throughout the UK and overseas. The “Union Gap” are very proud of their increasing popularity and outstanding reputation for their friendliness and professionalism both on and off stage which makes them an instant hit with audiences, venue management & staff, sound/lighting/stage crew and entertainment agencies.

	Wayne Fontana And The Mindbenders
	They began as The Jets in 1963 playing R&B covers in Manchester pubs where they were spotted by a Fontana Records talent scout. He signed them and the bands' name was duly changed. After making a few competent, if not particularly exceptional records, their cover of Major Lance's "Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um" was their first big hit in the autumn of '64. They followed this with another top ten record "Game Of Love" (65). The partnership broke up in the closing months of 1965, and The Mindbenders immediately struck gold with the beautiful beat ballad "A Groovy Kind Of Love". They reached the top twenty again with "Ashes To Ashes" (66) and made an appearance in the film before disappearing from view, eventually splitting up in 1968. Fontana too, put out solo records , his highest placing was No. 11 with "Pamela, Pamela" at the end of '66. This would also be his final chart entry.

Maize Williams

Maizie, original singer from the very birth of Boney M, featured on all their top ten hits, is now joined by three dynamic singers, Sheila Bonnick, Toyin Adekale and Kelly Rahman .Their greatest hits albums always re-chart and include classics such as "Brown Girl In The Ring", "Rivers Of Babylon" and "Ra-Ra-Rasputin".

	Wurzels
	Legends of the West Country, best known for their Hits of the 70’s, Combine Harvester, I am a Cider Drinker, The Blackbird Song, Morning Glory, Drink Up thy Zider, Finest arvest etc. now have a huge cult follwing in the 90’s throughout the U.K. They have made thousands of live appearances throughout the U.K, in Canada, the Middle East, Spain and Central America – have three Royal shows to their credit, before Princess Anne, The Duchess of Gloucester, The Duchess of Kent, even appearing at Buckingham Palace. Their television appearances have been many – and varied – from Blue Peter to the Generation Game – Top of the Pops to Highway, then in 1998 the Steve Coogan show on BBC1, Never Mind the Buzzocks on the BBC2, The Harry Hill show in December 1998 on Channel 4, Night Fever in January 1999 on Channel 5 and then in April 1999 on Channel 4, featured in a look back at past No 1 hit singles.

	Yardbirds
	By now, everyone knows the Yardbirds legend, if not their music; the band graduated three of the great Ph.D.s of rock guitar: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. They created hard rock out of standard twelve-bar blues, doubling the tempos and whacking the amps up to ten. On the British club scene, the Yardbirds, the Animals, and the Rolling Stones ruled the stages. The Yardbirds expanded the range of the electric guitar, experimenting with feedback, sustain, and fuzztone. They also coined and popularized the rave-up, a kind of free-for-all where you jam long and hard, not as soloists, but in a tandem, until you reach an epiphany about 10 or 20 or 30 minutes later, a shuddering climax of decibels and pure energy, and then—back into the song for one more boom-boom chorus. The Yardbirds were the bridge between the tributary white R&B of early-sixties London and the pastures of fuzz-toned psychedelia and power-chorded heavy metal plowed much later in the decade and throughout the seventies. Yes, the Yardbirds laid the groundwork for Rock Guitar As We Know It.