Hi Although we were a group from the Cannock Area we were around Brum doing the Regan Circuit like many of the groups on your list.
I felt it important enough to be in touch as we were part of that 60s music scene and as I was born and bred in Brum (Winson Green ) I always think of us as a midland group.
We were featured and mentioned in Midland Beat on many occasions.
I have many pictures – dates & cuttings I can supply you with – so here is a run down of the group:
Lead guitar – Terry Heath
Bass guitar – Dave Jones
Organist – George Davis
Drums – Myself – Colin Corbett
Singer – Ian Lees
As you can see Ian ‘ Sludge ‘ Lees went on to sing with the Montanas and Light Fantastic and is still performing as a comedian.
We had a business man Gerry Southgate as our Manager who put lots of money into the band – we had a new Commer van – A professional musical director – recorded at Hollick & Taylor and a Photo session by Dezo Hoffeman, The Beatles Photographer.
I have 12 copies of Midland Beat from those couple of years and I have had then Copied & Enlarged to A3 size and have laminated the copies which I intend to leave to the Birmingham library.
Will send a couple of pictures but can send more if they’re wanted.
Great days & memories.
I’m now semi retired and since 1976 have been a Professional Dance Teacher with my Wife .
Hope you find this useful
Colin Corbett
10 replies on “The Telstars”
nice to see photos of the telstars by the way did you have asister name june corbett whom i may have worked with in the 1960 s
Hi Sandra
Sorry have not been in touch – hope you ‘re still bloggi’n
Sorry didn’t have a sister called June – her name is Rita.
Regards
Colin
Is there any music available ? The Man behind the money was my uncle Gerald Southgate. I new of his involvement with the Telstar`s but i would love to know more.
Hi Kenneth
I Was the drummer with the Telstars when Gerry ( as we knew him ) managed us.
When we disbanded – when Ian Sludge Lees ( Singer ) left we never seen Gerry again wondered what happened to him and his wife .
We recorded a demo disc at Hollick & Taylors in Handsworth Brum – although discs were cut we never had one and I’ve been searching for over 50 years to try and find one .We were told that 10 discs had been cut – perhaps Gerry kept one?
regards Colin Corbett 01889 583595
Please keep in touch – love to know more about your Uncle Gerald.
Hello Colin,
My Uncle Gerald was very close to us Downing`s. He married my fathers sister Freda but we knew her has Aunty Ivy. Both Uncle and Aunty are no longer with us. There are two cousins Martin and Carol. I have spoken to Martin about Gerald and his connection to the Telstars. Martin said he will see if he can find some information to help.
I will keep in touch.
Any more info Colin, please respond.
Hi Thanks Kenneth for the information – I’m unfortunately about to go on to kidney Dialysis – after it’s all sorted and up and running and settled down I will get in touch and try and sort out more info for you.
I have many stories about those great times – hope you’ll be interested – are Martin & Carol , Gerald’s kids? would love to hear from them – 01889 583595
Will be in touch
Regards Colin
Hi Kenneth
Just a thought – have you seen the write up about myself & the Telstars – Google – From Drumming to Dancing – More photo’s
Colin
Hi Colin, I have note heard a thing from Martin and Carol. Both travel a lot lucky them.
I will keep trying i promise.
How are you keeping ?
Hi Colin,
How are you. ? My Cousin Martin as not been of much help at this time he as not been well. I have a contact with a local D/J and 60`s pop historian who having a look to see what he can find. How i don`t know how you are doing but here is something i have been working to since my heart attack in 2010. QUOTE. Life`s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather a skid sideways totaly worn out,shouting HOLY SHIT,what a ride that was.