Chip Hawkes' Class of '64

 

MEET THE CLASS OF ’64

 

CHIP HAWKES

 

Chip started professionally in the music business in 1962 when he went to Germany with a band called THE HORIZENS.  The lead singer was Rod Evans who was DEEP PURPLE’S original singer.  After playing the Hamburg clubs for a while, much like the BEATLES, he joined THE TREMELOES as lead singer/bass guitarist/song writer.

 

THE TREMELOES were very successful worldwide with a string of hits such as “Here Comes My Baby”, “Silence Is Golden” (No. 1 in the U.S.), “Suddenly You Love Me” and “Even The Bad Times Are Good” (all hits in the U.S.).  THE TREMELOES became a household name in Europe and America notching up 18/20 top twenty chart entries and touring with: THE BEATLES, THE STONES, THE HOLLIES, THE KINKS, THE WHO, SPENCER DAVIS  etc….

 

In 1974 the band split and Chip went to Nashville, Tennessee for 5 years writing and recording 2 albums for RCA.  In 1979, for personal family reasons, he returned to England and was amazed to find THE TREMELOES still in huge demand.  He rejoined and fronted the band for the next nine years playing all over the world.

 

Chip left THE TREMELOES in 1988 to put all his efforts into managing his son, Chesney.  It turned out to be a good decision because Chesney had a worldwide number one hit in 1992 with “The One and Only” and a lead part in a film called “Buddy’s Song” playing Roger Daltry’s son.

 

Like most older rock and rollers, Chip missed performing on stage.  Music was in his blood and in 1992 he was back on the road.  Since then Chip Hawkes has made himself the reputation for being one of the most charismatic and exciting solo artists on the Sixties and Seventies circuit.

 

Chip also performs with the ROCK CLASSIC ALLSTARS in Bochum, Germany from time to time.

In April 2004 CHIP HAWKES  formed “THE CLASS OF ’64”.

 

 

ALAN LOVELL

Alan gives us a history of his career to date:

"Born in Newtown, Mid-Wales I now live in West London. In 1969 I left Mid-Wales after playing with local groups in the area, to move to Herefordshire where I joined a group called WOODFALL. We played support to ALICE COOPER, MOTT THE HOOPLE, ASHTON, GARDENER and DYKE and many other chart acts of the time. Between '71 and '72, WOODFALL played the original Cavern Club in Liverpool ... We are mentioned in Phil Thompson's book "The Best Of Cellars", and we are also listed on the wall alongside everybody else who has played there. In '76 I moved to London and worked playing guitar and singing in London's West End clubs and theatres. In 1980 I was asked to join THE NEW VAUDEVILLE BAND. Their hits include “Winchester Cathedral”, “Finchley Central” and “Peek-a-Boo”. At that time I learnt to play banjo and we toured throughout Britain (this was when I met the BLUE JEANS). We also toured throughout Europe, the Middle East, Far East and the Falklands. THE NEW VAUDEVILLE BAND split in 1988 and I went on to tour and record with some well-known names from the 60s,P J Proby, Marty Wilde, Eden Kane, Jet Harris, Mike Berry, Craig Douglas and many more! Now my priority is THE SWINGING BLUE JEANS and I hope that as long as people want 60s music, the SBJ's will continue (as they always have done!) to please people everywhere they go." Alan has now joined “THE CLASS OF '64”, and anyone who wants to know more about his career should visit his website (see Links) - it's just marvelous!!!

To any SWINGING BLUE JEANS  fans out there: Please note that Alan is not leaving SBJ, he is guesting with “THE CLASS OF '64”, & doing a great job with the band.  Wait until you hear Alan sing “The Hippy Hippy Shake”!  You will be on your feet dancing in record time!

PETE SPENCER
Pete is one of the original members of SMOKIE (drums/vocals).
He started to play with them in 1973.  Just to mention a few 
of their hits: “I’ll Meet You At Midnight”, “Lay Back In The 
Arms Of Someone”, “Living Next Door To Alice”, “Needles & Pins” 
and “Mexican Girl”. 
 
Pete got his first drum kit when he was only 10 years old.  By the 
age of 13 he already played professionally.  He also plays the 
guitar and the flute!!!  Pete is another strong addition to the 
“CLASS OF '64”.

 
MICKY CLARKE
 
Micky is the original bass player/vocalist for the RUBETTES.  
The first band he formed was called THE TEENS with Rick Westwood 
of the TREMELOES.  The RUBETTES’ biggest hits were “Sugar Baby Love” 
(which was released in 1974 & was a UK number one, going on to sell 
3 million copies worldwide), “Juke Box Jive” & “I Can Do It”.
 
Note to all the Rubettes fans out there:  Micky has NOT left the Rubettes!  
He is still a very active member of the band as well as playing bass for Class of '64.
 
Kudos to Chip for bringing yet another talented musician to 
“THE CLASS OF ‘64”.