Band take stroll down memory lane
A reformed Wolverhampton band are preparing to play their first official comeback gig this weekend.
The Strollers will return to the stage at the Peace Memorial Hall in Penkridge tomorrow.
The current line-up includes three of the original members, vocalist and guitarist Graham 'Curly' Davis, of Whitmore Reans, bassist Bren Richardson, of Bilbrook and Don Maddocks, of Fordhouses.
Graham and Bren worked as apprentices alongside the band's former guitarist George Maddocks at the Boulton Paul aircraft factory in Pendeford.
The trio met in 1958 and two years later The Strollers were founded by Graham and George. They were joined by George's brother Don on lead guitar.
The band toured regularly, covering a range of hits by the likes of Cliff Richard and the Shadows, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. The group made one demo before breaking up in 1964. The present line-up is completed by vocalist Vince Keane, Rick Allchurch on keyboard and drummer Frank Gilson.
Graham, aged 67, now lives in Codsall with his wife Diane, 63. The couple have one daughter, Julie, 41.
Graham attended Wolverhampton Technical High School in Old Hall Street, and was around 19-years-old when he co-founded the band.
He said: "It was Bren's 60th birthday a few years ago and he wanted us to play again. We enjoyed it so much that we agreed to do it more often. I play golf now, so we have played a few private gigs at golf clubs. They tend to be people in their 50s and 60s so they remember the music."
Tickets for the Penkridge gig cost £10 and include a fish and chip supper. Call 01902 842778.
