VIKINGS, THE (1)

Lead Vocals: Clive Dybal (2)Barry Lee

Guitar: Johnny Crossfield (2)Roger Gooch

Guitar: Rod Emmerson (2)Mike Dyball

Bass: Bob Sutton

Drums: Nappers (2)Dave Wells (2)Angus Jarvis

The mach one version of the band had previously existed as the Vampires, it was the departure of Eric Nichols that had made way for young guitarist Rod Emmerson, who was at the time a wood machining apprentice with Mann Eggerton

Vocalist Clive Dybal left the group soon after forming and Barry Lee was drafted in making his debut as the groups new permanent frontman at the Worlds End P.H., Mulbarton in December 1961. The venue became an early residency for the group and gainned popularity and a steadily increasing crowd

The band gigged regularly on the local circuit but an old favourite used to be the Horseford, Flagcutters recalls Rod

The group also won the chance to play on the opening night of the Derehams new venue The Sunshine Floors, which had been converted from one of the floors of the [cinema name required] cinema. 

Clive left to emigrate to Australia. His replacement came by the way of a young thirteen year old [confirmation required] called Barry Lee who had requested to sing with the band whilst performing in his local village pub [pub name required]. Barry got up and performed It's Only Make Believe

Following the departure of Johnny Crossfield and then Nappers on Drums. New figures were hairdresser Dave Wells who’s parents at the time owned The Freemasons Public House on Hall Rd and Roger Gooch on guitar. Dave Wells leter goes on to run the Norfolk Dumpling.

Unhappy with the general running of the group Barry Lee stands down as singer in October 1962 that year and is immediately replaced by female vocalist Jean Ryan as the group begin performing as Jean Ryan & The Vikings followed by what appears to be a one-off appearance in March 63 of Christine Vance & The Vikings as the group finally signs off. That same month Angus & Micheal team up again with Barry Lee and the Hindelveston group The Wildcats to become The Planets

The groups name The Vikings does appear to run after this date, however it is not known in what format and we can only assume it still has Bob Sutton at the helm. These dates run until [date required] Another theory is these dates could be another band under the same name or rogue/intended dates never played

Supports: Eden Kane & The Downbeats / Vern Rogers & The Hi Fi’s

The Teenbeats / The Vampires <> The Planets (Wells - The Vendors) (Gooch - The Flintstones)