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The Non-famous Music Scene In Birmingham

oldbrit said:
I use to play and had a band 'The Modernaires' Played in the early 1950s all the local pubs around Yardley and Small heath. The Irish club was one place we had lots fun at, Arthur Ashworth who lived in Sheldon was our manager. Mac on trumpet,Ted Haines on drums Robing Kendall on base Johnny Headford on Guitar and Colin Willetts on Piano, Colin went on to play with some of the best in the business, I left for the USA in 1957 to try get into the band biz there, but the union in the USA would not let a non Citizen in. Lots of good memories. John Crump OldBrit. Parker. Colorado USA
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Hello Oldbrit..... at 15/16 I was in a band called "The Millionaires" who did the same club circuit as you, we left the club scene approx 2 years later when we got a calling from Mecca to do the :Tower Ballroom" Edgbaston as the resident band.

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Hi I am interested in contacting members of The Modernaires band. The dad of a friend of mine apparently played the drums on one of their tracks. His name is John Thomas and he celebrates his 80th birthday in June. I wonder if any of the band members remember him or the track which is something like "crazy beeps"?
It would mean a lot to her not to mention her dad if I could have this verified.
Many Thanks in advance
 
I have been trying to find out about my grandad (who i never met as he died in 1961 before I was born) who used to work in Kalamazoo factory in Birmingham and also was a musician and played in a band, we think piano, but Mom can't remember clearly as he left when she was just 4 or 5, but still lived locally for a while. I don't have any photos of him, neither does Mom, and I would love to find out if anyone can remember him playing anywhere, or if indeed anyone can remember him at all! Leonard Wicks. Born 1908, possibly played in bands in the 30's 40s' or 50s. Sadly died age just 54. Would be wonderful if someone could remember him so I could tell Mom! Thank you xxx
 
The Modernaires I saw perform in Coventry and I am going back a bit, maybe 20 years, sang in the shopping mall called West Orchards. The band singer was Shirley Gardiner who my partner knew from having lead parts in the local musical amdram societies, in the West Midland and Warwickshire. Some of the performers in these came from Brum, like Bob (Shuff) Shufflebotham.
 
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