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| c. 1976 Pic from discogs.com |
Born 1951
Bands:
Fiends Incarnate / The Shameless (c. mid-1960s)
Merlin Q (c. late 1967 - late 1970)
Oscar Toney, Jr. (Backing Band) (c. Spring 1968 - 1970)
Edison Lighthouse (late 1970 - 1973)
White Plains (late 1973 - late 1974)
Fast Buck (1975 - 2014)
Two Two (1982-1984)
Billy Bremmer (1984)
Heyday (late 1985 - 1986)
Fiends Incarnate / The Shameless (c. mid-1960s)
Fiends Incarnate was a three-piece group composed of David Kerr-Clemenson, Dave Cole, and Martin Bryant. The band changed their name to The Shameless after guitarist Andy Locke joined the group. The Shameless would then become Merlin Q, with the addition of Wally Scott and Eddie Richards
Merlin Q (c. late 1967 to late 1970)
Merlin Q was formed out of London band The Shameless. Guitarist Wally Scott joined the group after the dissolution of his band The Bad Boys, who had been playing a two-year residency at the Piper Club in Rome. The band gigged around London, playing at least one show at the California Ballroom on 9 March 1968 and one at The Cromwellian Club on 11 May 1968. The band soon joined American Soul singer, Oscar Toney, Jr. as his backing band for multiple tours of the UK. In 1969, Merlin Q played a year-long residency gig at the L'Atelier Club in Gstaad, Switzerland. The group continued on, playing various UK solo gigs. In late 1970, the band were asked to take over as Edison Lighthouse by producer Tony Macaulay.
Members:
Andy Locke - guitar
Wally Scott - guitar
David Kerr-Clemenson - bass
Denis White - organ (up to 1969)
Eddie Richards - drums
Singles (UK):
"The Secret" (Murray, Stephens) b/w "Love's Beautiful" (Murray), Pye, 3 Oct 1969
Thanks to David Kerr-Clemenson for providing info.
Thanks to David Kerr-Clemenson for providing info.
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| Merlin Q, late 1960s L to R: Andy Locke, Denis White, Eddie Richards, Wally Scott, and David Kerr-Clemenson Photo courtesy of David Kerr-Clemenson |
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| Merlin Q, late 1960s L to R: Eddie Richards, Denis White, Wally Scott, Andy Locke, and David Kerr-Clemenson Photo courtesy of David Kerr-Clemenson |
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| 45 picture sleeve, 1969 |
Oscar Toney, Jr. is an American Soul singer best known for his 1967 chart hit "For Your Precious Love", a cover of the 1958 Jerry Butler & The Impressions tune. Oscar released at least fourteen singles in the UK between 1967 and 1975. Although none of the singles cracked the Top 50 (save for "For Your Precious Love"), Oscar did very well within the UK's Northern Soul scene in the early 1970s. In the 1980s, Oscar reverted to his roots as a Gospel singer. Around Spring 1968, Merlin Q joined Oscar as his backing band and accompanied him on multiple tours of the UK over the next two years. During this time, the band continued to play solo gigs. In late 1970, the band was asked to take over as Edison Lighthouse by producer Tony Macaulay.
Members:
Oscar Toney, Jr. - vocals
Andy Locke - guitar
Wally Scott - guitar
David Kerr-Clemenson - bass
Denis White - organ
Eddie Richards - drums
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| Oscar Toney, Jr., 1988 Pic from Papa Don's Preacher LP |
Edison Lighthouse (late 1970 to 1973)
Windsor band Greenfield Hammer was formed in 1968. The band played local gigs and recorded one record, which according to Ray Dorey, "didn't get anywhere". The members were Ray Dorey (who worked as both a draughtsman and a model), Stuart Edwards and George Weyman (who both worked at the Gerry Anderson TV Studio [AFP/Century 21] in Slough), and 19 year old bassist Dave Taylor. In November of 1970, Producer Tony Macaulay asked session vocalist Tony Burrows to lend his voice to the demo of "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)". The song had originally been intended to be recorded by The Flying Machine, but the group refused to move over to Bell Records with their Producer Tony Macaulay. Macaulay left for Bell with the song and the group and their manager stayed on with Pye. It was also reportedly offered to The Grass Roots, but they turned it down. It was Tony Burrows' hope that the song would be released as a solo single, but Macaulay insisted it would work better as a band release. According to an article in the 7 Feb 1970 issue of Disc & Music Echo, the auditions were held to find the band that would become Edison Lighthouse that same month (although, the band states it was December). Their agent had met Tony Macaulay and Barry Mason and arranged for them to audition at The Roebuck pub on Tottenham Court Road in London. The band passed their audition and were hurriedly brought in to back Tony in the studio**. The single was quickly recorded and was set to be released on Bell Records on 9 January 1970. Macaulay soon got the call for the band to appear on Top of the Pops. According to Macaulay in the liner notes of The Voice Of Tony Burrows CD, he was taken by surprise by the invite and rushed to provide the band with new stage clothes. Edison Lighthouse performed on Top of the Pops for the first time on 8 January 1970, the day before their single was released. The single "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" quickly shot up the charts, landing at number one during the last week of January 1970, staying there for five weeks straight. Edison Lighthouse made two more TOTP appearances: one in late January and the last in the first week of February, just after the group shot to number one in the charts. The band also appeared on BBC1's Crackerjack and BBC2's Music Now: Music On 2 early that year.
Tony Burrows, who was also doing promotional work for The Brotherhood Of Man at that time, along with starting to focus on a solo career, did not want to tour with the band. Edison Lighthouse took off on tour (sans Burrows), playing their first gig on Sunday 8 February 1970 at Coventry Locarno. The band soon brought keyboardist/vocalist Malcolm Holland onboard to supplement their sound and the group toured mainly in the UK and Europe over the next year. They released another track called "She Works In A Woman's way", which saw a release in USA, Spain, Japan, and Australia, but not the UK. According to the band, they decided not to continue on due to waning interest, but according to other accounts, they were let go. By December 1970, Producer/Manager Tony Macaulay had brought on another already established band called Merlin Q, which included Andy Locke (guitar, vocals), Eddie Richards (drums), Dave Kerr-Clemenson (bass, vocals), and Wally Scott (guitar, vocals). Singer Paul Vigrass soon joined them on lead. This new version of the group released the moderately successful single "It's Up To You Petula" in January of 1971, followed by "What's Happening?". The band toured Australia and the Asia Pacific, followed by a tour of Africa. Their last single was "Find Mr. Zebedee", which features bassist Dave Kerr-Clemenson on lead vocals, was released in early February 1972. By 1973, the group had disbanded. Dave Kerr-Clemenson would eventually join White Plains in late 1973, after the exit of Robin Shaw.
After parting ways with Tony Macaulay, the original members of the band released two singles under the name of Edison: "Everybody Knows" (released February 1971) and "Hawaiian Island" (released 23 July 1971). Replacing lead guitarist Stuart Edwards was John Lee.
** It must be noted that Tony Burrows claims that it was the demo that was released as the single (remarking that Producer Tony Macaulay didn't think it could be improved upon) and that Greenfield Hammer were not a part of that recording session. And according to Tony Macaulay in a 1996 interview, the band was auditioned a week before the TOTP appearance and quickly taught the song, which had already been recorded. However, it's often written that the band was found after the song became a hit. But, with their appearance taking place the day before the single's release, that would have been impossible.
Members (late 1970 - 1973):
Paul Vigrass - vocals, guitar
Andy Locke - guitar, vocals
Wally Scott - guitar, vocals
David Kerr-Clemenson - bass, vocals
Eddie Richards - drums
Singles (UK):
"It's Up To You Petula" (Arnold, Martin, Morrow) b/w "Let's Make It Up" (Arnold, Martin, Morrow), Bell, 8 Jan 1971
"What's Happening" (Arnold, Martin, Morrow) b/w "Take A Little Time" (Light), Bell, 30 April 1971
"Find Mr. Zebedee!" (Arnold, Martin, Morrow) b/w "Reconsider, My Belinda" (Wade), Bell, 4 Feb 1972
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| c. 1971 Clockwise from Left: Dave Kerr-Clemenson, Wally Scott, Andy Locke, Eddie Richards, and Paul Vigrass |
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| Pic from Jackie Magazine, April 1971 L to R: Paul Vigrass, Wally Scott, Eddie Richards, Dave Kerr-Clemenson, and Andy Locke |
White Plains (late 1973 to late 1974)
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 recording 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 sometime 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 late 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 (late 1973 - late 1974):
Pete Nelson - vocals, rhythm guitar, piano (1969-1974, 1978)
Robin Box - lead guitar, vocals (1969-1974, 1978)
David Kerr-Clemenson - bass, vocals (late 1973 - 1974)
Ron Reynolds - keyboards, vocals (mid 1972 - 1974)
Roger Hills - drums (1969, mid 1970 - mid 1973)
Tex Marsh - drums (mid 1973 - 1974)
Singles (UK):
Thanks to Tex Marsh for providing info.
Singles (UK):
"Ecstasy" (Roger Cook) b/w "A Simple Man" (Pete Nelson), Deram, 31 May 1974
Thanks to Tex Marsh for providing info.
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| Pic from the NME, 5th Dec 1970 L to R: Pete Nelson, Roger Hills, Robin Box, Robin Shaw, and Ricky Wolff |
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| White Plains c. 1974 L to R: Dave Kerr-Clemenson, Robin Box, Ron Reynolds, Pete Nelson, and Tex Marsh Photo courtesy of Tex Marsh |
Fast Buck (1975 to 2014)
Fast Buck (originally known as Special Brew) was a pub-rock band formed in 1974 by lead guitarist Scott Gorham. Joining Gorham were vocalist/guitarist Ed Hamilton, bassist Rob Grant, and drummer Eddie Leach. The band played several gigs around London until the exit of Scott Gorham (who left to join Thin Lizzy) and Eddie Leach (who joined Slack Alice). After an audition at The Ram Pub in Hayes, Andy Locke was asked to join on lead guitar. Andy then recruited his old bandmate David Kerr-Clemenson, replacing bassist Rob Grant, who had returned home to the U.S. Ex-Worth drummer Mike Baron (who was also Andy Locke's brother-in-law) was then brought in to replace Eddie on drums in 1975. The band soon acquired residency gigs at venues in Shepperton and Fulham. The band became quite popular within the Pub Rock scene and were signed to the Jet record label in 1976. They released a self-titled album that year, along with a single called "Sometime Man". The band toured frequently over the next couple of years, supporting ELO, Kevin Ayres, and The Pretty Things, along with playing their own solo dates. Ed Hamilton & David Kerr-Clemenson founded Fast Buck Studios in West London in 1977. The band continued to tour into the 1980s until Andy Locke left the band to venture out on a solo career. Joining the band from 1983 to 1985 was guitarist Mick Grabham (ex-Plastic Penny, ex-Procol Harum). In 1987, Ed, Andy and Mike, along with bassist Andy Brown and keyboardist Mike Simmonds, recorded some new material. This lineup was short-lived and did not play any live gigs. Four of the original members soon returned to touring and continued on into the '90s and '00s, up until early 2014. At one point in the early '00s, vocalist Ed, bassist Dave, drummer Mike, and Richard (aka Dickie, Dick Dastardly) temporarily played under the name Buck IT!.
Members:
Ed Hamilton - lead vocals, guitar (from 1974)
Scott Gorham - lead guitar (up to 1974)
Andy Locke - lead guitar, vocals (from 1975)
Mick Grabham - guitar (1983-1985)
Rob Grant - bass (up to 1974)
David Kerr-Clemenson - bass, vocals (from 1975)
Andy Brown - bass (1987)
Mike Simmonds - keyboards (1987)
Eddie Leach - drum (up to 1974)
Mike Baron - drums, vocals (from 1975)
Singles (UK):
"Sometime Man" (Ed Hamilton) b/w "Rock and Roll Star" (Ed Hamilton), Jet, 21 May 1976
Albums (UK):
Fastbuck, Jet, 1976*
* David Kerr-Clemenson is featured on lead vocals on the track "Under It All".
For more information on Fast Buck, go HERE
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| Pic from discogs.com L to R: Ed Hamilton, Dave Kerr-Clemenson, Mike Baron, and Andy Locke |
Two Two (1982 to 1984)
Two Two was the synth-pop brainchild of musicians Bill Glancy and Gus Campbell. The duo are described as a blend of African rhythm, rock, reggae, and electronic. After submitting a demo to Chiswick, Two Two were signed to the label and released their first single in February of 1982. David Kerr-Clemenson played bass on their first single "Insufficient Data" (a disco-funk number), along with their follow-up singles "Kwagayo" and "King Solomon's Mines" (both of which featured a more African flavor). David also contributed bass to several other tracks that were included on their 1984 album Bikini Atoll (specific tracks not known). Session members on the album included: vocalist Stevie Lange, Annie Whitehead, Jeremy Green, Steve Gregory, Peter Thoms, Raul D'Olivera, Martin Drover, Cal Verney, and Vincent Crane.
Singles (UK):
"Insufficient Data" (Campbell, Glancy) b/w "Lunch In The Atmosphere" (Campbell, Glancy), Chiswick, 19 Feb 1982
"Kwagayo" (Campbell, Glancy) b/w "Ngine, Namna Hii" (Campbell, Glancy), Chiswick, 4 June 1982
"King Solomon's Mines" (Campbell, Glancy) b/w "Ivory" (Campbell, Glancy), Chiswick, 22 Oct 1982
Albums (UK):
Bikini Atoll, Chiswick, 1984
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| 45 picture sleeve from 45cat.com |
Billy Bremer (1984)
In 1984, Scotsman Billy Bremer (former Rockpile vocalist/guitarist), released an album entitled Bash! on the Arista label. David Kerr-Clemenson played bass on nine of the album's eleven tracks (the other two, "Tired and Emotional" and "Loud Music In Cars" featured London bassist James Eller). David also sang harmony on the tracks.
Members (1984):
Billy Bremer - vocals, lead guitar (on all tracks)
David Kerr-Clemenson - bass, vocals (on 9 tracks)
James Eller - bass (on 2 tracks)
Billy Livsey - keyboards (on 8 tracks)
Pete Wingfield - keyboards (on 3 tracks)
Gavin Povey - piano (on 2 tracks)
Barry Martin - tenor sax (on 1 track)
Bobby Irwin - drums (on 8 tracks)
Terry Williams (ex-Rockpile) - drums (on 3 tracks)
Albums (UK):
Bash!, Arista, 1984
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| Back cover of the 2001 CD release |
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.
Spencer James. - vocals, guitar
Rick Herrin - bass
Robin Shaw - bass (replaced Rick)
David Kerr-Clemenson - bass (late 1985 - 1986)
Eddie Richards - drums
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| 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.
David Kerr-Clemenson also co-wrote and provided backup vocals on the song "I'm a Lover" for Graham Bonnet (co-writer Andy Locke). In the 2000s, David performed with the group Gertcha, a Chas and Dave tribute band.
If you have any corrections or comments, please contact me (Kelly).