BLUE ROCKETS, THE

Lead Vocals: Mick Stockwell aka Mick Clyne [unconfirmed]

Guitar: Alan Clark (Aldred) (2)Roger Bunn (or as second guitar?)

Bass: Dougy Smith

Saxophone: John Lofty

Drums: Peter Clarke

Johnny & Blue Rockets were launched in May 63. Johnny Blue Rocket was none other than band leader the late, John Lofty. Pre beat boom John Lofty had run the John Lofty group.

In August 1963 ex Blazer, Roger Bunn joins the group on stage having returned from a short spell in Isreal but does not become a permanent fixture moving on to join The Brokers and then The Bluebottles in quick sucession. In December 1963 although not the eventual winners the group made the final three out of the 29 entrants in the Industrial Clubs rock group contest. The groups reputation by this time landed them the first big support of 1964 when on the 23rd of January they backed The Rolling Stones at Lowestoft’s South Pier. The Stones hit number 3 in the national chart less than a month later with Not Fade Away. Still hot on the trail of landing some local honours in February 64 the group made the finals of the Walls Beat Group Contest at The Samson & Hercules [position unconfirmed]. In August 1964 the group renamed themselves The Deacons

Supports: The Rolling Stones / The Swinging Blue Jeans / The Barron Knights / The Seekers / Freddie & The Dreamers / The Farinas

The John Lofty Group <> The Deacons