Local Heroes in Thundersley, this teenage quintet consisted of Derek Sharpling (Vocals, Clarinet), Tony Jones (Lead Guitar), Roger Forbes (Guitar), Dave Millidge (Bass) and Jeff Harrison (Drums), though Steve Weeks replaced Forbes at some point. An early career high came when they achieved third place in the Basildon Whitsun Beat COntest. They recorded a privately pressed EP, featuring four tracks (Gone, She Won't Be Here Today, The Mode Dance and Girl), and prompted public outrage by accepting a vicar's invitation to play at a Sunday service in a 10th Century church. In May 1967 a DECCA talent scout hustled them into the studio to record a 45, which was never issued, presumably because the label thought the results, including a freakout section, were too \"Way out\" even for that crazy year. Sharpling, Millidge and Harrison formed a new band with guitarrist Chris Rose called RUPERT BEAR, but that went nowhere and they called it day.
