The Mad Classix

 I joined the Mad Classix. They needed a girl singer to front the band and I decided to do it. It wasn't the best career move I ever made because while I was away in Germany with the guys 'Heat Wave' wasn't getting promoted. But, having said that, I was glad I did it. It was good experience. We went out there in a dirty old van driven by our lead guitarist, Ron. We left Coventry on the morning of New Years Day 1964. It was the morning of the following day before we got shown to our room. The living conditions were a bit rough to start with. I wanted to go home. I didn't want to be there. I wanted my mum and dad. I was cold and it was awful. The British had a very bad name and were treated like second-class citizens. But as time passed, as the management got to know us, we were invited to eat at their table for meals and allowed to use the shower rooms. So it was alright in the end but it could be rough. We ended up staying in Germany for six months, playing all over the country. We played some shows with one band that really stick in my mind, the Rattles. They were really good and as big in Germany as the Beatles were here. 

Line up: Brian Fowdrey (Saxophone), Ron Smith (lead guitar), Dave Norris (rhythm guitar), Johnny Wells (vocals), John Davies (bass), Gerry O'Brian (drums)

Mad Classix now - Pic via Pete Chambers  Godiva Rocked to a Backbeat