Monday 25 January 2010

THE PENTAGONS

Vernon AllenThe Pentagons above (TOP) were a local rhythm ‘n’ blues group whose repertoire included items by Chuck Berry and Johnny & the Hurricanes. The photograph was taken in Dec 1964 at Comrades Club, Sussex Street (now Wetherspoons) and it shows, left to right: Len Davies (bass guitar), Doug Mortimer (organ), Vernon Allen (vocals), Bill Hyland (guitar) and Kevin Simpson (drums).

Vernon Allen packed a lot of punch as a singer; he was a heavyweight boxer. Vernon was a year older than me. We worked together at the Adelphi Restaurant, Queen Street, in summer holidays from school. He went to live in Australia and I regret to add passed away in April 2008. Vernon, I forgive you for throwing that meat pie at me in 1962.

Picture from the collection of Doug Mortimer.

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The colour photo shows one of Rhyl’s present-day groups, the 1960s tribute band CAVERN, left to right: Dino Tamburrini (drums, vocals), Glenn Mitchell (rhythm guitar, vocals), Derek Griffiths (bass guitar, vocals), Glen Griffiths (lead guitar, vocals).

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