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Smokie – Legends

Smokie – Legends

Smokie ,

is an English rock band from Bradford, Yorkshire who found success in Europe in the 1970s.
Originally called The Yen, then The Sphynx and later Essence, the band was formed in 1964 at St. Bede’s Grammar School in Heaton, Bradford as The Yen. The Yen’s first gig was at Birkenshaw School in February 1965. It was composed of Chris Norman (lead vocals/rhythm guitar/piano), Terry Uttley (bass/vocals), Alan Silson (lead guitar/vocals) and Ron Kelly (drums). As Essence, they toured small clubs in Bradford and the surrounding communities before they split in 1966. The Black Cats were already a working band when Ron Kelly joined them at Dewsbury College. The Black Cats at this time were Peter Eastwood on guitar/vocals and Arthur Higgins on bass. Kelly replaced the drummer they had at the time. Alan Silson joined the band initially alongside Pete Eastwood but Eastwood soon left and was replaced by Chris Norman. In Nov 1967 the band changed their name to The Four Corners. ….Read More