Sandiacre/Stapleford Rhythm Group 1961-1965

Starting with various workmates in 1961 they became a settled three piece in 1963 of:
Jet Wayne: Vocals of Long Eaton (18 in Aug 63)
Bill Smith: Lead Guitar of Stapleford (20)
Johnny Smith: Rhythm Guitar of Stapleford (19)

and then becoming a five piece later in 1963 with:
Mick Blore: Bass Guitar of Derby (20)
Jeff Marshall: Drums of Sandiacre (20)

They were managed by Mr Ken Barry of 8 Vine Crescent, Sandiacre, Nottingham. (I’ve seen many Sandiacre addresses with the Nottingham part although it actually lies just within the Derbyshire border).

The group would also take with them friend and disc jockey Roy Horridge to play records in the intervals.

They played around the local area and later further afield in the Midlands.

In August 1963 they travelled to Birmingham for an audition at the Atlas Ballroom, Stechford for ATV’s “Find a Star Contest”. They were also waiting to get a BBC audition.

They would sometimes play the Victory cinema at Stapleford inbetween films.

In March 1964 they had to turn down contracts to play American Force bases in France and Germany. They didn’t have enough notice and were still only semi-professionals.

On September 10th 1964 they played a “Nottingham Sound” beat dance at the Sherwood Rooms in Nottingham alongside The Beatmen, The Jaybirds and Daryl Summers and the Teenbeats. It was organised by Sandiacre Youth Club with proceeds going to cancer research, Jet Wayne and the Cavaliers offering their services for free. The Beatmen had just returned from a tour of the continent. Two resident orchestra’s were also on the bill.

Jet Wayne, or all or some of them, renamed themselves 4 By Four in 1965-1966.