|
|
London Beats;
2010 All Class Reunion Photos
Original Members
Howie Clark, '69 Drums
(First Band)
Danny Orlino, '68 (Before joining the Centaurs)
Bill Lyons, '68 Guitar (First Band)
Joey Simpson, '68 Lead Vocals (First Band)
Tuck Lyons, '67 Guitar (First Band)
Tom Moran, '70 Bass ( After the Coachmen)
Added Later
Bob Pickford, '68 Drums (First Band) Replaced Howie
Nick Garrett, '69 Lead Guitar Replaced Danny
Charlie Cates, '69 Lead Guitar Replaced Nick in late '66 or early
'67
(The London
Beats 1966 (left to right) Bill Lyons on guitar, Tom Moran and Charlie
Cates, top center Bob Pickford and bottom center Tuck Lyons, and far right
Joey Simpson.)
The London Beats formed in
February, 1966, about three years after Coronado and the rest of the US
were rocked by the British Invasion. Inspired by the Beatles, Gerry and
the Pacemakers, Herman's Hermits, Them, and especially the Rolling Stones,
the members of the band collectively decided to emulate the look as well
as the sound, as the pictures below suggest. Upon seeing a photo of the
band in a news clipping from an article in the Coronado Journal, the late
Nick Reynolds of the Kingston Trio once contended that they didn't look
scruffy enough, a kind of confirmation that the London Beats had achieved
the deliberately 'packaged' look of British pop acts of the time.
The music was something else. Because the founding band members
sought to emulate Rolling Stones aggressive, R & B driven sound, the
London Beats weren't as slick as they looked, opting instead for an
imposing lead vocalist and the vibrant sound of not one or two but three
guitars plus bass and drums. The band began when Joey Simpson, Bill and
Tuck Lyons, and Tom Moran got together with Danny Orlino and Howie Clark.
Shortly after the
formation, Bob Pickford replaced Howie on drums and Danny Orlino left to
be replaced by Nick Garrett as lead guitar. The band achieved moderate
success in playing the usual high school dances, pool parties, car shows
in and around Southern California. Nick Garrett was later replaced by
Charlie Cates on lead guitar.
During the summer of 1967, Jay Traylor replaced Charlie Cates and Glen
Stock replaced Bill Lyons and the name changed to the Louisiana Fish and
Poultry. By the summer of 1968, college and the draft had become a
preoccupation and the members went their own directions.
Bill Lyons became a construction builder in Coronado. Joey Simpson went on
to become a painting contractor and astrologer. Jay Traylor continued
playing and attended Berkley College of Music (only to later pursue a
successful career in real estate). Bob Pickford continued playing and is
now a college professor. Tom Moran went on to college and medical school
before settling in Coronado as an MD. Charlie Cates left for the Navy and
returned to San Diego for a medical career. Glen Stock finished college at
UCSD and then took a job with the government, only to pass away at an
early age. Tuck Lyons finished SDSU and took a job in law enforcement.
Nick Garrett unfortunately disappeared off the radar.
The London Beats
played in and around Coronado and Southern California from late 1965 to
the summer of 1967. They played a wide variety of venues including the
usual high school dances, local Navy bases, pool parties, and YMCA dances.
They also made notable appearances at such places at the Rat Cellar,
Poncho's Night Club in El Centro, Car Shows, as well as high school proms.
There was heavy emphasis on the British sound with the Rolling Stones,
Beatles, The Animals, and Gerry and Pacemakers.
The London Beats (c. 1967).
Semi-formal attire (three piece suits). From left to right, Charlie Cates
- lead guitar, Bill Lyons - guitar, Tuck Lyons - guitar, Joey Simpson -
vocals, and Bob Pickford - drums.
The London Beats in early 1966
with (left to right) Bill Lyons on guitar, Tom Moran on bass, Bob Pickford
on drums, Joey Simpson on vocals, Nick Garrett on lead guitar, and Tuck
Lyons on guitar.
The London Beats in early 1966 at Coronado
High School Senior Dedication. Left to right, Bill Lyons on guitar, Joey
Simpson on vocals, Tom Moran on bass guitar, Danny Orlino on lead guitar ,
Howie Clark on drums, and Tuck Lyons on guitar.
The London Beats
playing a concert at North Island Naval Air Station in 1966. Left to
right, Joey Simpson on lead vocals, with Nick Garrett on lead guitar, and
Tom Moran on bass.
The London Beats
playing for a Coronado High School Dance in 1967. Left to right, Bill
Lyons on guitar, Joey Simpson on vocals, Tom Moran on bass, Charlie Cates
on lead guitar and vocals, Bob Pickford on drums, and Tuck Lyons on
guitar.
Thanks to Tuck Lyons for permission and
his son, Earle Lyons IV for letting us re-use the London Beats web page
at: http://www.londonbeats-coronado.com/
Contacts
Tuck Lyons - tuck@londonbeats-coronado.com
Bill Lyons - bill@londonbeats-coronado.com
Bob Pickford - bob@londonbeats-coronado.com
Jay Traylor - jay@londonbeats-coronado.com
Back to Top Back to Home Page |
