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Robin Shaw

1967
Pic from Jukebox Magazine, Dec 1992

Robin Shaw
Born Robin George Scrimshaw, 6 October 1943, Hayes, Middlesex, UK

Bands:
Mick Everly & The Prophets (late 1950s)
The Downbeats (1960)
The Rhythm and Blues Bohemians (1963)
Peter Nelson and The Travellers / Peter's Faces (1962-1963, 1964 - early 1965)
The Ministry Of Sound (1966 - 1968)
The Flower Pot Men (Summer 1967 - Oct 1969)
White Plains (Oct 1969 - late 1973)
Crucible (1971)
Duke (1973/1974)
The First Class (1974 - 1976)
Uncle Tone & His Magic Sax (1976)
Tommy Hunt Band (1976 - 1983)
Heyday (c. early to mid 1980s)
Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (1988 - 2002)
White Plains (reformed) (2004 - 2006, 2013)

Mick Everly & The Prophets (late 1950s)
According to Robin's own account in the liner notes of The Ministry Of Sound 2005 CD, The Prophets were formed in the suburbs of London, after he met Micky Keen at a cafe run by Micky's parents. They soon purchased their first guitars and taught themselves how to play. The band was short-lived and after playing some small youth club gigs, the band split.

Members:
Robin Shaw - vocals, guitar
Micky Keen - guitar

Pic from The Ministry Of Sound CD booklet, 2005


The Downbeats (1960)
According to Nick Simper, after his band The Renegades had dissolved, guitarist Richard Bennett convinced Robin Shaw and Micky Keen (who had both been schoolmates of his) to start a new band called The Downbeats. The band did well, playing clubs for several years. It's not known exactly how long Robin and Micky were involved with the band. Robin joined Peter Nelson and the Travellers in 1962.

Members:
Dave Kaye - vocals
Richard Bennett - rhythm guitar
Robin Shaw - guitar
Micky Keen - guitar
Ken Rankine - bass


The Rhythm and Blues Bohemians (1963)
The Rhythm and Blues Bohemians were a beat group formed around 1963 in Hillingdon, UK by future Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood and Tony Munroe. Wood and Munroe had been schoolmates at the Ruislip Manor Secondary School. Robin Shaw temporarily left Peter Nelson and The Travellers, who he had joined in 1962 (see next entry), to join the Bohemians as their lead vocalist. Also joining them was drummer Bob Langham and pianist Terry Black. According to the book Had Me a Real Good Time: The Faces Before and After, Ronnie and Tony asked Renegades bassist Kim Gardner and vocalist Ali MacKenzie to join while at a show at the USAF Camp in West Drayton. Kim soon joined on bass, but Ali turned down the offer. Ali MacKenzie would later replace Robin as lead vocalist upon his exit from the band. The band changed their name to The Thunderbirds after Robin's departure and in 1964 it was shortened to The Birds.

Members:
Robin Scrimshaw - vocals, harmonica
Tony Munroe - guitar
Ronnie Wood - guitar
Kim Gardner - bass
Bob Langham - drums
Terry Black - piano

The Birds, 1964/65
L to R: Pete McDaniels, Kim Gardner, Tony Munroe, Ronnie Wood, and Ali McKenzie

Pic from The Collector's Guide to Rare British Birds CD booklet, 2004 


Peter Nelson and The Travellers / Peter's Faces (1962 to 1963, 1964 to early 1965)
Peter's Faces started out as a Middlesex beat band called Peter Nelson and The Travellers, fronted by future White Plains vocalist, Pete Nelson. By early 1962, bassist Robin Shaw had taken over from Tony "Pip" Ross (aka Rupert Ross), who later went on to join Carter-Lewis and The Southerners. Future Jimi Hendrix Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell briefly took over on drums in the Summer of 1962, while their regular drummer was recovering from a broken arm. Future Eric Burdon and The Animals guitarist Vic Briggs also passed through the band's ranks that year, deputizing for member John MacDonald. At some point in 1963, Robin Shaw temporarily left The Travellers to join Ronnie Wood's band The Rhythm and Blues Bohemians as their lead vocalist. Exactly how long Robin was absent is not known, however, he was present when the band played their month-long residency gig at The Star Club in Hamburg that same year. Early in the new year, the band recorded their first single, "Why Did You Bring Him To The Dance?". It was at this time that Producer and Piccadilly A&R man, Ray Horricks, recommended a name change to Peter's Faces. Their debut single was released in March of 1964 to warm reviews. Several news clippings credit Pete Nelson with both vocals and bass during that time, suggesting that Robin was not present during the recording and promotion of the single. However, Robin's backing vocals can be heard on the single's B-side "She's In Love". By all accounts, Robin was officially back with the band before the release of their next two singles: "Try A Little Love My Friend" and "(Just Like) Romeo And Juliet". At some point in the Autumn of 1964, Vic Briggs returned to the band, once again taking over from John MacDonald. It's not known how long Vic remained with the band, nor the reason for John's temporary departure. Presumably, John returned before the recording of their last single "De-Boom-Lay-Boom", which saw a release in January of 1965. During these active years, the band performed frequently on radio programs and appeared on several TV shows, including Ready Steady Go!, Crackerjack, Thank Your Lucky Stars, Scene at 6:30, and One Night Stand. After modest success, but no chart hits, the band called it quits in early 1965.

Members (1962-1965):
Peter Nelson - vocals (also bass in 1963)
John MacDonald - guitar
Vic Briggs - guitar (Summer 1962 and Autumn 1964)
Tony Hall - rhythm guitar, sax
Tony Ross (aka Rupert Ross) - bass (up to 1962)
Robin Shaw - bass (1962-1963, 1964-1965)
Peter Coleman - drums
Mitch Mitchell - drums (Summer 1962)

Singles (UK) as Peter's Faces:
"Why Did You Bring Him To The Dance?" (Nelson) b/w "She's In Love" (Nelson), Piccadilly, March 1964
"Try A Little Love" (Nelson) b/w "I Don't Care" (Schroeder, King), Piccadilly, 7 Aug 1964
"(Just Like) Romeo And Juliet" (Hamilton, Gorman) b/w "Wait" (Hall, Scrimshaw), Piccadilly, 9 Oct 1964
"De-Boom-Lay-Boom" (Barkan, Heard) b/w "Susie-Q" (Hawkins, Lewis, Broadwater), Piccadilly, 29 Jan 1965

c. 1964
L to R: Peter Nelson, Robin Shaw, John MacDonald, Tony Hall, unknown, and Peter Coleman

Pic from Don't Make Promises CD booklet, 2002

c. 1965
L to R: John MacDonald, Peter Coleman, Peter Nelson, Robin Shaw, and Tony Hall

Pic from Jukebox Magazine


The Ministry Of Sound (1966 to 1968)
The Ministry Of Sound was the name given to the group of session musicians, songwriters, and producers who churned out recordings in the basement of Southern Music Studios on London's Denmark Street in the late '60s (aka Southern Music's house band). By 1966, former Ivy League vocalist and Southern Music's in-house producer, John Carter, had started his own publishing company. Micky Keen, who had previously worked with John Carter as part of the Ivy League's backing band, had formed a songwriting partnership with his former bandmate, Robin Shaw. After hearing their songs, Carter quickly signed the duo to a songwriting contract. The group got together weekly to record. Many singles were released under various band names and many demos were produced that were to be recorded by other artists. This team did, however, release one single under the name The Ministry Of Sound in 1966 ("White Collar Worker"). During this time Robin also served as background vocalist on a few singles, most notably "Hi Ho Silver Lining" by Jeff Beck and "Peek-A-Boo" by The New Vaudeville Band. After two years, the group naturally dissolved, with members leaving for other projects. In 1967, members of this group would record and release what would become The Flower Pot Men's first hit single, "Let's Go To San Francisco".

Members:
John Carter - Producer, vocals, guitar, songwriter
Ken Lewis - vocals, keyboards
Robin Shaw - vocals, bass, songwriter
Micky Keen - guitar, vocals, songwriter
Clem Cattini - drums
Barry Kingston - keyboards (Mellotron)
Val McKenna - vocals, songwriter
Lesley Duncan - vocals, songwriter
Russ Alquist - vocals, songwriter
Dave Wintour - bass
John Ford - bass
Richard Hudson - drums
Peter Barnfather - songwriter, vocals
Pete Nelson - songwriter
Neil Landon - songwriter
Also:
Steve Priest - backing vocals
Eddie Richards - backing vocals

Singles (UK):
"White Collar Worker" (Carter, Shaw, Keen) b/w "Back Seat Driver" (Carter, Shaw, Keen), Decca, 22 July 1966**

** According to Sweet bassist Steve Priest in his autobiography, Are You Ready, Steve?, he and Eddie Richards (both members of the band The Countdowns) provided backup vocals on this single. Keen and Shaw charged them with promoting it and they made one appearance at "Tiles of Oxford Street" for Radio Luxembourg. This was the only radio play it received.

Albums (UK):
Men From The Ministry/Midsummer Nights Dreaming, RPM Records, CD, 2005

Tracks with Robin Shaw on lead vocals:
"Mary, Mary" (Carter/Shaw/Keen)**
"Someone Like You" (Shaw/Keen)
"I'm Coming Home" (Shaw/Keen)
"Something Very Good" (Keen/Shaw/Nelson/Landon)
"Hey Girl [No Need To Push] (Keen/Shaw)
"Ooh La La" (Shaw/Keen)
"Big Top Heart" (Shaw/Keen)
"Get Outta My Way" (Carter/Shaw/Keen)
"Rain Rain Rain" (Keen/Shaw)
"In The Sky" (Keen/Shaw)

** This CD credits John Carter as a songwriter on this song, however, in the 1968 Catalog of Copyright Entries, the credits are listed as music by Robin Shaw & Micky Keen with words by Ritchie Yorke.

1966 photo from The Ministry Of Sound CD booklet
L to R: Steve Priest, Dave Wintour, Robin Shaw, Micky Keen, and Eddie Richards

Southern Music's 1968 management team
2nd from left: Barry Kingston (keyboardist and Director's son)
Seated at desk: Bob Kingston, Managing Director
Pic from Billboard Magazine, 1 June 1968


The Flower Pot Men (Summer 1967 to October 1969)
The Flower Pot Men started out as a studio project created by John Carter and Ken Lewis (formerly of The Ivy League). Their best known hit, "Let's Go To San Francisco", peaked at number 4 on the UK charts in August of 1967. Because of the success of this single, a touring band was formed with Tony Burrows, Pete Nelson, Robin Shaw, and Neil Landon as the four main vocalists, along with an ever-changing lineup of backing musicians (soon to be known as The Sundial). During the promotional period of the first two singles, the group would mime to the studio recordings for tv appearances, as both had featured John Carter and Ken Lewis on vocals. It wasn't until the third single, "Man Without A Woman" (released 5 April 1968), that Tony Burrows would be featured on lead. This third single wouldn't prove as successful and in July of '68 the single "Piccolo Man", featuring Neil Landon on lead vocals, would be released under the name Friends. By early 1969, Neil Landon had left to join the band Fat Mattress, which he had formed in the Summer of '68 with Jimi Hendrix Experience bassist, Noel Redding. Neil was quickly replaced by backing band member Ricky Wolff. By now the band was under the production team of Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway and one last single was released using the Flower Pot Men name on 28 March 1969, "In A Moment Of Madness". The band continued to tour and in late October they went into the studio to record what would become White Plains' first and biggest hit, "My Baby Loves Lovin'".

Members:
John Carter - vocals (studio only, 1967)
Ken Lewis - vocals (studio only, 1967)
Robin Shaw - vocals, bass (Summer 1967 - Oct 1969)
Tony Burrows - vocals (Sept 1967 - Oct 1969)
Pete Nelson - vocals (Sept 1967 - Oct 1969)
Neil Landon - vocals (Sept 1967 - Jan 1969)
Ricky Wolff - vocals (Jan 1969 - Oct 1969) and guitar, keyboards, flute, sax (Oct 1968 - Oct 1969)
Micky Keen - guitar (studio only, 1967)
Ged Peck - guitar (Sept 1967 - Aug 1968)
Mick Stewart - guitar (Aug 1968 - Sept 1968)
Robin Box - guitar (Sept 1968 - Nov 1969)
Nick Simper - bass (Sept 1967 - late Feb 1968)
Tex Makins - bass (March - May 1968, July - Aug 1968)
Gordon Haskell - bass (May-July 1968, Sept-mid Oct 1968) 
Billy Davidson - keyboards (Sept 1967 - Jan 1968)
Jon Lord - keyboards (Jan 1968 - late Feb 1968)
Johnny Carroll - keyboards (March 1968 - May 1968)
Tony Hall - tenor sax (Sept 1968 - early Oct 1968)
Carlo Little - drums (Sept 1967 - Sept 1968)
Roger Hills- drums (Sept 1968 - Oct 1969)

Singles (UK):
"Let's Go To San Francisco (Part 1)" (Carter, Lewis) b/w "Let's Go To San Francisco (Part 2)" (Carter, Lewis), Deram, 4 Aug 1967
"A Walk In The Sky" (Carter, Lewis, Alquist) b/w "Am I Losing You" (Carter), Deram, 10 Nov 1967
"Man Without A Woman" (Carter, Alquist) b/w "You Can Never Be Wrong" (Carter, Lewis, Alquist), Deram, 5 April 1968
"Piccolo Man" (Carter, Lewis, Alquist) b/w "Mythological Sunday" (Carter, Alquist), Deram, 19 July 1968 [as Friends]
"In A Moment Of Madness" (Cook, Greenaway) b/w "Young Birds Fly" (Swofford), Deram, 28 March 1969 [Recorded on 17 Feb 1969]

Flower Pot Men, Fabulous 208 Magazine, Nov 1967
L to R: Tony Burrows, Neil Landon, Pete Nelson, and Robin Shaw

Flower Pot Men Promo, 1967
Clockwise from bottom L: Tony Burrows, Robin Shaw, Neil Landon, and Pete Nelson


White Plains (October 1969 to late 1973)
See full biography HERE

In early 1969, Roger Greenaway and Roger Cook took over as Producers of the Flower Pot Men from John Carter and Ken Lewis. On 28 March 1969, one last single "In A Moment Of Madness" was released, but the track failed to chart. Early that Summer, after what he describes as a "particularly harrowing" tour of Israel and Hungary, Tony Burrows made the decision to leave the group. It's not known exactly when Tony stopped gigging with the group, but they continued to play live shows throughout the rest of the year. The Producers sought to give a hit single one last shot and White Plains were regrouped that October to record four new tracks with Ricky Wolff on lead vocals: "Today I Killed A Man I Didn't Know", "You've Got Your Troubles", "Show Me Your Hand", and "My Baby Loves Lovin'". The group played at least one gig after these recordings that November (Middlesbrough Showboat on 21st November 1969). By the end of the year, the band had dissolved and the recordings were shelved. Not long after, Decca A&R man, Dick Rowe, decided he wanted to release these recordings under a new name and chose White Plains after the town in New York. Their first single was "My Baby Loves Lovin'", purposely released after the holidays on 2 January 1970. Due to Ricky Wolff being unavailable during the early promo period, Roger Greenaway took over on lead vocals for all promotional appearances. Upon Ricky's return in early Spring, Roger resumed his main position as co-producer. Over the next four years, two albums and thirteen singles were released. Robin Shaw left the band in late 1973, with former Edison Lighthouse bassist David Kerr-Clemenson taking his place. After several lineup changes and dwindling chart success, the band called it quits in 1974. In 1975, the remaining members of the band released two singles under the name Zenith. Then in 1976, the name was loaned out to a new lineup and the single "Summer Nights" was released. White Plains was revived once again in 1978 by original members Pete Nelson and Robin Box and two last singles were released on PVK Records.

Members (October 1969 - late 1973):
Pete Nelson - vocals, rhythm guitar, piano (1969-1974, 1978)
Ricky Wolff - vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards, sax, flute (1969 - early 1971)
Tony Burrows - vocals (1969)
Robin Shaw -  bass, vocals (1969 - late 1973)
Robin Box - lead guitar, vocals (1969-1974, 1978)
Julian Bailey - drums (Spring 1970 - mid 1970)
Roger Hills - drums (1969, mid 1970 - mid 1973)
Brian Johnston - keyboards, vocals (Spring 1970 - Autumn 1970)
Ron Reynolds - keyboards, vocals (mid 1972 - 1974)
Brent Scott Carter - tenor sax, flute (early 1971- mid 1972)
Tony Hall - tenor sax (early 1971 - mid 1972)
David Kerr-Clemenson - bass, vocals (late 1973 - 1974)
Roger "Tex" Marsh - drums (mid 1973 - 1974)

Albums (UK):
White Plains (self-titled), Deram, Sept 1970
When You Are A King, Deram, Oct 1971

Songs with Robin Shaw on lead vocals:
"The World Gets Better With Love" (B-side) (Cook, Greenaway), 7 May 1971

White Plains c. 1971
L to R: Roger Hills, Robin Box, Robin Shaw, Brent Scott Carter, Pete Nelson, and Tony Hall

© Photo by Chris Walter
Robin on TOTP with White Plains, 19th Nov 1970
L to R: Ricky Wolff, Pete Nelson, Robin Box, Roger Hills, and Robin Shaw

White Plains c. Summer 1970
Back L to R: Brian Johnston, Roger Hills, Robin Shaw, and Ricky Wolff
Front L to R: Robin Box and Pete Nelson


Crucible (1971)
In early 1971, Rick Wolff left White Plains to pursue a solo project, which involved other members of White Plains, along with Gordon Haskell (ex-Flower Pot Men, Fleur de Lys) and Martin Sack (ex-Martinets, Melody Fair). The recordings were shelved and an album was never released. At some point Rick's project was combined with that of fellow White Plains member, Robin Shaw, and was given the name Crucible. A combined total of sixteen tracks were recorded, but only four have ever been released. 
See full biography HERE

Members:
Rick Wolff - lead vocals, harmonium
Robin Box - guitar
Gordon Haskell - bass
Martin Sack - bass
Roger Hills - drums
Robin Shaw - lead vocals, bass
Julian Bailey - drums

Albums (UK):
Extremes (Excerpts From The Soundtrack), Various Artists, LP, Deram, 1972
Extremes (Excerpts From The Soundtrack), Various Artists, CD, Gonzo Multimedia, 7 April 2017

Thanks to Gordon Haskell and Martin Sack for providing info.

back cover of 2017 CD release


Duke (1973/1974)
According to Spencer James in a January 2018 interview (see here), Robin Shaw was a member of his band, Duke, after he left White Plains in 1973. Spencer, who was a friend of Robin Shaw's, had briefly filled in for guitarist Robin Box for several White Plains gigs earlier on. In 1974, Duke was asked to join The First Class as their promotional and touring band. The full membership of the band cannot be confirmed. However, one would assume this band also included Eddie Richards, Del John, and Clive Barrett.


The First Class (1974 to 1976)
In 1974, John Carter and Ken Lewis recruited session man and former Flower Pot Men vocalist, Tony Burrows, to lend his voice on a song called "Beach Baby". The song, written by John Carter with lyrics by his wife and writing partner, Gill Shakespeare, would soon prove to be a sensation. Head of UK Records, Jonathan King, who had released the single and gave them the name The First Class, soon gave the green-light on an entire album. John Carter quickly formed a promotional/touring group of musicians, one of them being his long-time friend and associate, bassist Robin Shaw. After nine singles and two albums, The First Class disbanded in late 1976. The band name was resurrected for two more singles under the CBS label: one in November of 1977 ("Too Many Golden Oldies") and one in February of 1978 ("Broken Toy"). In 1983, John Carter released another single under The First Class name on Sunny Records with Spencer James on lead vocals: "Gimme A Little Sign".

Members:
Tony Burrows - vocals (on recordings only)
John Carter - vocals, guitar (on recordings only)
Ken Lewis - vocals, keyboards (on recordings only)
Chas Mills - vocals (on recordings only)
Del John - vocals
Robin Shaw - bass, vocals
Spencer James - guitar, vocals
Clive Barrett - keyboards
Eddie Richards - drums

Session musicians on "Beach Baby" single:
John Carter - acoustic guitar
Alan Parker - guitar
Les Hurdle - bass
Gerry Butler - piano
Brian Bennett - drums

Albums (UK):
The First Class (self-titled), UK Records, 1974
SST, UK Records, 1976

Singles (UK): 
(all songs written by John Carter and Gill Shakespeare, except **)
"Beach Baby" b/w "Both Sides Of The Story", UK Records, 3 May 1974
"Bobby Dazzler" b/w "Lavender Man", UK Records, 16 Aug 1974
"Dreams Are Ten A Penny" b/w "Long Time Gone", UK Records, 25 Oct 1974
"What Became Of Me" b/w "Won't Somebody Help Me", UK Records, 28 Feb 1975
"Life Is Whatever You Want It To Be" b/w "I Was Always A Joker", UK Records, 2 May 1975
"I Was A Star" b/w "Seven Ten To Nowhere", UK Records, 3 Oct 1975
"Aint' No Love" b/w "Long Time Gone", UK Records, 7 May 1976
"Beach Baby" b/w "Both Sides Of The Story" (re-release), UK Records, 9 July 1976
"Child's Play" b/w "Old Time Love", UK Records, 1 Oct 1976
"Too Many Golden Oldies" b/w "Make It On My Own", Epic, 4 Nov 1977
"Broken Toy" b/w "Lisa (I Always Loved You)", Epic, 17 Feb 1978
** "Gimme A Little Sign" (A. Smith) b/w "Average Rainfall" (Barnfather, Shakespeare), Sunny, July 1983

LP Cover, 1974
L to R: John Carter, Chas Mills, Tony Burrows, Del John, Eddie Richards, Robin Shaw, Clive Barrett, and Spencer James

The First Class on German TV show Disco, 1974
L to R: Spencer James, Eddie Richards, Del John, and Robin Shaw


Uncle Tone & His Magic Sax (1976)
In late 1976, Robin Shaw, guitarist Robin Box, drummer Roger Hills, and sax player Tony Hall reunited and recorded their own version of the Christmas classic "Sleigh Ride" on the PVK record label.

Members:
Tony Hall - vocals, sax
Robin Shaw - bass
Robin Box - guitar
Roger Hills - drums
Frankie J. Marshall - keyboards, vocals on B-side

Singles (UK):
"Sleigh Ride" (Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish) b/w "Shoes" (Shaw, Box, Hall), PVK, 3 Dec 1976

45 picture sleeve, UK, 1976
Pic from 45cat.com


Tommy Hunt Band (1976 to 1983)
Tommy Hunt is an American soul singer who had his start in the '50s Chicagoan R&B group, The Flamingos. In 1960, Tommy started his solo career and was a regular player at New York's Apollo Theater. In the mid '60s, Tommy traveled to Germany, playing US Army bases. Due to the changing musical preferences of post-Beatlemania US, Tommy returned to Germany in 1969 in order to seek out an agent he had previously met there. After getting word that the agent (Australian-born Geoff Patterson) had relocated to England, Tommy moved on to London and soon set up residence there. In 1975, Tommy performed at the Wigan Casino for their 2nd anniversary. He would soon find himself in a successful position within the UK's Northern Soul scene. Throughout the 1970s, various backing band lineups came and went. Robin Shaw joined the band in 1976, replacing bassist Roger Flavell, who had played with the band from '71-'72 and again in '75. The 1976 lineup included two members of '60s psych pop band Timebox and longtime Tommy Hunt Band drummer Tex Marsh. It's not known if Robin stayed with the band through to 1983 (or possibly beyond) or if it was just sporadic seasonal gigs.

Members (1976-1983):
Tommy Hunt - vocals
Kevan Fogerty - guitar
Alan Griffin - guitar (from 1978)
Robin Shaw - bass
Chris Holmes - keyboards
Tex Marsh - drums
Mike Noyes - drums (1980s)

Tommy Hunt, TOTP 1976


Heyday (c. early to mid 1980s)
Heyday was formed by members of The First Class after the band's split in late 1976, along with bassist Rick Herrin. Rick was eventually replaced on bass by Robin Shaw. Although the group didn't tour, they often played local pubs, clubs, and the occasional party. According to Robin E. Hill's book It Ain't Rock & Roll: The Biography of Drummer John Kerrison, Heyday would often perform at the Rising Sun venue in Sudbury. Ex-Episode Six drummer John Kerrison had been a schoolmate of Eddie Richards and would often attend their gigs. It's not known how long this lineup stayed together. David Kerr-Clemenson joined on bass in late 1985 and stayed with the group (about six months) until Spencer James left to join The Searchers in 1986. In late 1984, Spencer James had also joined supergroup side-project Nightfly, which was comprised of Spencer, Zak Starkey, Boz Burnell, Micky Moody, and Mickey Simmonds.

Members:
Spencer James. - vocals, guitar
Rick Herrin - bass
Robin Shaw - bass (replaced Rick)
David Kerr-Clemenson - bass (late 1985 - 1986)
Eddie Richards - drums

Heyday c. late 1970s
L to R: Spencer James (arm), Eddie Richards, and Rick Herrin
Photo courtesy of David Kerr-Clemenson

Thanks to David Kerr-Clemenson for providing info.


Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (1988 to 2002)
Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers were a 1960s British R&B group, best known for their UK hits "One Way Love" (1964) and "Got To Get You Into My Life" (1966). The band called it quits in the late 1970s. In 1988, the band was reformed and the lineup included Cliff Bennett, Mark Lundquist, Sid Phillips, Mos Groves, Robin Shaw and Robin Box. They performed regularly at '60s Shows. It's not known if Robin continuously toured with the band through 2002 or if his membership in the band was periodic. In 2002, Robin was involved in the recording of Cliff's Loud And Clear album, which included re-recordings of his old hits, along with several new tracks.

Members (Loud And Clear Album):
Cliff Bennett - vocals
Robin Box - guitar
Robin Shaw - bass
Sid Phillips - baritone sax, tenor sax, keyboards
Tony Hall - tenor sax
Bobby Llovett - trumpet
Stuart Reese - trumpet
Darren Bazzoni - drums

Albums (UK):
Loud And Clear, Delicious Records, 15 April 2002

Robin Shaw and Robin Box, Feb 2002
Pic from White Plains Site


White Plains (reformed) (2004 to 2006, 2013) 
White Plains reformed in 2004 with Robin Box, Robin Shaw, Roger Hills, and singer/keyboardist Bip Wetherell (ex-St. Cecilia, ex-Tornados). After initial rehearsals at Raven Hall in Corby, the group re-recorded four of their hits with Bip on lead vocals ("My Baby Loves Lovin'", "Julie Do Ya Love Me?", "When You Are A King", and "I've Got You On My Mind"). After their first promotional gig at Raven Hall, keyboard player Paul Ward was added to the lineup and former member Tony Burrows joined the group as a second vocalist. White Plains continued to gig over the next two years, playing various UK venues including Butlins at Bognor Regis. In 2006, singer Bip Wetherell left the group to form a backing band for an Elvis tribute act called Memphis King. The remaining members of White Plains then formed the group Deep South and set off on a two-year theatre tour, which ended with an appearance at the London Palladium.

In 2009, a digital-only album entitled The Best Of White Plains was released. This album would be re-released in 2013 under the title Get Up With White PlainsEleven of the album's tracks feature Bip Wetherell on lead vocals: the four re-recorded hits, five cover songs and two tracks penned by Bip ("Galaxy" and "We Used To Be Friends"). These five cover songs and two original tracks do not feature Robin Box, Robin Shaw, or Roger Hills. However, the remaining tracks do feature the band members with Robin Shaw taking the lead on "Fallen In Love For The First Time", "Gonna Find Love One Day", and "Stranger In My Home Town". Robin Box lends lead vocals to the track "My Girl (She's Like Heaven To Me)". The album also includes an instrumental called "Where Are We Now".

Members (2004-2006):
Bip Wetherell - vocals, keyboards
Tony Burrows - vocals (tour only)
Robin Box - guitar, vocals
Robin Shaw - bass, vocals
Roger Hills - drums


In the Spring of 2013, another reunion took place with Tony Burrows, Robin Shaw, and Roger Hills joining Paperlace and The Glitterband on the Platinum Hit Makers Tour. 


Thanks to Bip Wetherell for providing info.

If you have any corrections, can fill in any gaps or have photos that can be added, please contact me (Kelly).


posted by Kelly Kinsley