MEMPHIS INDEX

Stage One: M1968 to L1969 [confirmation required]

Lead Vocals: Tony Dann aka Tony Dee

Guitar: Terry Paston        

Guitar: Terry Merritt > Drums

Vocals, Piano: Elliot Buck (2)Mick Robinson

Sax: Clive Button

Bass: ?? (2)Barry Butcher Sept68-?? (3)Francis Wigley (2)Pat Wood (3)Bob Secker

Drums: Eddie Grenny Arnold + Vox ??-April69 (2)Terry Merrit Apr69-??

Stage Two: 196?-197? [confirmation required]

Lead Vocals, Piano: Mike Robinson

Guitar: ?? Barrett

Bass: Harvey Platt

Drums: Terry Merritt

Stage Three: 1978-?? [confirmation required]

Lead Vocals, Guitar, Piano: Ray Smith

Guitar: John Langham / Roy Bruder

Bass: Dave Evans / Monty Whithead / Chris Hawkins / John Dunn

Drums: Derek Townsend / John Thirkettle / Norman Bell / Ringo Ward / Chris Watcham

In what can only be descibed as a real saga the bands disjointed history lays in the testimonies of so many musicians and has many unanswered questions. To make sense of it i've gone with what looks logical! It appears that there are three main stages to the band

Stage1: The State Side Five to Memphis Index (the original band) July 1968-?? 1968

Stage2: The Memphis Index / Rockin Preachers amalgamation and reunion ?? 1968- ?? 197?

Stage3: The Ray Smith years 1978?-Present

In late 1966 the burnt out beat boom left people looking back at what can only be described as the good old days and the Rock’nRoll revival was born. The first advert for Memphis Index appeared in the paper in July 1968 advertising their transition from the band The State Side Five

In 1968 Norwich boasted the talents of both Memphis Index as well as the already established Rock ‘n’ Roll revival outfit The Rockin’ Preachers. Agencies were often torn in their loyalties when it came to dishing out the work until it became quite apparent that only one rock n roll revival band was needed. This is were the first version of events differs. The departure of Mick Robinson from the Rockin’ Preachers in [month required] 1968 ultimately causing the dispansion of the group, was seen by Mick as an 'amalgamation of the two bands'

In [month required] 1969 the band unveil a new line-up after the depature of Pat Wood on Bass who was replaced by Bobby Secker who had just left Stockpot. the band at that point were: Dann, Robinson, Paston, Secker, Merritt

The band split in late 1970 only to reformed again in early 1971 and were dubbed Norwich Whizz Kids by national music magazine Record Mirror. It was this line-up of Robinson, Merritt, Platt, ?? who appeared on the compilation Battle of the Bands in 1971 appearing with artist such as Gene Vincent and Shakin' Stevens

[unconfirmed] in the late seventies it is said that Ray Smith while playing with the band registered the band name to himself? Tony Dann is belived to have move up North and performed as Tony Dee's, Memphis Index and Tony Dee's Rock'n'roll show

Supports: Duanne Eddy / Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band / Carnival / Johnny Johnson & The Band Wagon

Discography:

12" Ct Battle Of The Bands - Lovin’ Up A Storm BCM103[ ]1970 lst

Repacked by Action Replay records for CD and renamed The Best Of & The Rest Of Rock’n’Roll CDAR1026[ ]1991

Mediography:

Norwich Whizzkids RM 03/04/1971[ ]

Bibliography:

Record Collectors Rare Record Guide (most issues)

(Secker - Stockpot)(Merritt - That Direction)(Wood - ??) The Rocking Preachers / The State Side Five <>

Releases
Cover	Title	Studio	Label	YoR
	TOGETHER AGAIN b/w COME ON EVERYBODY			1968

Compilations
Cover	Title	Label	YoR
	BATTLE OF THE BANDS		1971
Position	Track name		Studio
A6	LOVIN UP A STORM