Below: Early Basildon Mecca with Chris Pyrah on bass

With the Mecca tour underway and the prospect of full time work, we had now decided that this was the time to give up our jobs and turn pro, all except Chris Pyrah who had a good job at the time and thought it too risky, so he unfortunately left the band. He was replaced by John “Spud” Spurling, a well known local bass player who also ended up living at our house. He was a great bassist and also a good backing singer, really suited our style of music. He was with us for some time, but we eventually replaced him with Mick Harding, who was then playing rhythm guitar but took over the bass, making us a five piece again.

Right: Chris Pyrah.