Groups

These are the major backing groups with whom Crispian has been associated over the years. He has performed with many others particularly when singing abroad. Often he would just use the resident group of whichever establishment in which he was appearing

There are numerous different groups named though many of them used the same group of musicians, sometimes the name of the band changed at other times only the members changed. Some lasted for years, others for only months. I apologise in advance for errors and ommissions

1) The first group was known as 'The Hard Travellers' dating from around 1956. This group consisted of:

CSP	Rhythm/Vocals
Phil Fry	Rhythm/Vocals
Jim Laing	Banjo/Vocals
Terry Berrycloth	Bass
Mick Levene	Washboard
Tony Fry	Drums
Mark Fittock	Electric Guitar/Vocals

2) The second group in 1961 was known as 'The Two Tones' consisting of:

CSP	Rhythm/Lead/Vocals
Jeff Fulleylove	Rhythm/Vocals

3) The next in 1962 was called 'The Country Gentlemen' with:

CSP	Rhythm/Lead/Vocals
Terry Ewers(d)	Rhythm/Lead/Vocals
Tony Fry	Bass

4) Then, in 1963, came 'Beat Formula Three' (sometimes also called 'The PMix' or 'Peemix') who, in 1964, became known as 'Peter & The Wolves'. This group consisted of:

CSP	Rhythm/Lead/Vocals
Mick Almond(d)	Drums
Mick Reeves	Bass

5) They were followed in 1966 by 'The Puppets' a very popular group from Preston.

CSP	Rythm/Vocals
Des O'Reilly	Drums
Dave (Ginner) Millen	Lead
Jimmy Whittle	Bass
Don Parfitt	Organ

6) The next group was known as the 'Candy Choir'. This was about 1967.

CSP	Rhythm/Lead/Vocals
Eddie Wheeler	Guitar
Brian Hatt	Guitar
John Pearce	Bass
Danny Beckett	Drums

This was the time when Crispian hit the big time and for a while used numerous groups, generally anyone who happened to be available.

7) In 1971 Crispian released the song 'Country Roads' under the name of 'Wheels.' He later formed several groups using the same name. The first consisted of:

The group was later reformed with the following line up.

CSP	Rhythm/Vocals
Gerry Stevenson	Lead
Geoff Hughes	Drums
Tony Skey(d)	Bass
Gordon Huntley(d)	Pedal Steel

8) He then formed his longest serving backing group named 'Old Crow'. With various changes of members this group is still performing today though no longer with CSP. The various members are thought to be as follows:

CSP	Rhythm/Lead/Vocals
George Plumber	Bass
Gordon Huntley(d)	Pedal Steel
Peter Piper	Drums

CSP	Rythm/Lead/Vocals
Peter Salisbury	Drums
Mick Ford	Bass

CSP	Rhythm/Lead/Vocals
Peter Salisbury	Drums
Mick Ford	Bass
Gary Silver	Guitar/Vocals
Brian Star	Guitar/Vocals
Margaret Rose	Vocals

Note: For a short time after Crispians stroke in 1995, Anthony Wimshurst joined the group as replacement guitarist. The group has now disbanded.

9) The final group known is the 'Runaways', sometimes called the 'Swanley Runaways'. They have sung with and backed Crispian on many occasions.

I am sure there were other groups and band members. If you have any further details or know of any I have missed please let me know.