In 1961, 16-year-old Roger Smith formed a group called The Rapids with three other pals from Borrowash. ‘I was bass guitarist and I can recall our very first gig at Borrowash Ex-Servicemen’s Club. Then it was on to regular gigs at Belper Over-60s Club, where all the teenagers went to dance on Saturday nights. It was a great venue and we were one of the most popular bands.

‘At the start we were Borrowash’s answer to The Shadows but after the Beatles came onto the scene in late 1962, like a lot of other local groups we morphed into the Mersey sound. Eventually we moved into another phase inspired by the more jazzy, bluesy music of Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames.’

There are two photographs on the LEGS website which relate to The Rapids. Here they are with the text supplied.

Doug Smith (with glasses)
Doug’s brother played in a well known local group from Borrowash called The Rapids which featured Dave Wysall (LEGS) on drums. Doug wanted to form a group comprising himself on lead guitar, Derek rhythm guitar, Steve Thornton drums and myself on bass guitar. We used to go over to Jim Raynor’s house most Friday evenings and rehearse, The group never did get off the ground but Doug eventually joined The Rapids which then became The Rapids Big Roll Band and eventually Godfrey’s Grit and Soul with Doug on keyboards and lead vocals – they can still be seen playing in the Derby area. Comment dated 24 Jan 2017.
Copyright: Trevor Burton

Derek Dickinson
Copyright: Trevor Burton