The Purple Gang 1 - 1966 - 1968
Peter Walker - Singer, Kazoo
Also known as 'Lucifer' in 1967 due to his interest in the Occult.
Became a painter artist later. Current occupation unknown.
Occasionally sings with Joe and Gerry (mainly Jug Band)
Trevor 'Ank' Langley - Jug
Travelled widely around USA after leaving band then began small
advertising/graphics firm. Now senior lecturer back at Stockport College.
Art collector of 60's memorabilia.
Geoff Bowyer - Piano, Washboard, Vocals, Kazoo, Songwriter
Took over from Pete in 1969 as frontman in PG2. Later went into comedy
and acting. Now writes, teaches drama - still funny man brimming with talent.
Lives in S. London
Gerry Robinson - Harmonica, Mandolin
Brought the jugband country/blues influence into the band. Has stayed
consistently with PG on and off throughout the years. Later went into Graphic
Design, Exhibition design. Plays with Joe and Pete occasionally.
Joe Beard - Guitar, Songwriter, Lyrics
Founder, spokesman, eccentric commanding officer of PG. Subject to
occasional ridicule and insubordination. Later became painter, artist, lecturer.
Wrote the songs with Geoff. Has his own Art Gallery in garden and runs the
PG web site/history/promotion.
The Purple Gang 2 - 1969 - 1972
Geoff Bowyer
Singer, comedy frontman, piano, songwriter. Once came on stage on a
childs tricycle in his underpants whilst wearing a jesters hat. This during PGs
musical accompaniment to a stripper. Made PG2 carry his piano around.
Gerry Robinson
Now a pioneer of electric fuzz/wah mandolin, wearing long hair and making
psychedelic noises. Told to cease by Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope people
during a nearby gig in Summer 1971.
Joe Beard
Now on electric 12 string guitar and 4 x 12" speakers. Writing more
psychedelic material. Grows a beard to match the name and starts to
suffer from nervous debility!
Tony Moss
Wizzard Bass player from Macclesfield. Featured on 'Strikes' album 2 years
previously. Later went on to write a rock ballet performed by Northern Dance.
Into Heronymus Bosch.
Alex Sidebottom ('Haystack')
Drummer, washboard player. Played Jaws Harp also. Later went on to play
in Manchester punk band The Distractions. Now into Latino music in
Manchester.
Chris Millward
Bass player, replaces Tony Moss and has remained consistently with PG.
Now on double bass along with electric guitar bass.
The Purple Gang 3 - 1998 - Onwards
Joe Beard
Guitar /songs/founder/spokesman etc.
Still crazy after all these years....and still writing PG songs.,
Chris Millward
Double / electric bass
From PG2 the ever reliable rocking bass much in demand as session man for
other bands. Can handle most styles. Double bass is called "Matilda".
Pev Pevitt
Vocals/kazoo/harmonica/tambourine etc.
Replaced Pete Walker successfully, a major achievement, a versatile singer
with character and a sense of humour ..essential for Purple Gang membership.
Andy Stark
Lead guitar.
Brilliant guitarist who also plays piano and used to front The Andy Stark
band. Also writes songs and arranges music.
John Curtis
Keyboards/ backing vocal.
Used to play in The National Youth Orchestra and was solo performer on guitar.
Used to be in TV as soundman, has worked with Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band
and Elton John.!
Gabor Bartos
Drums.
A Hungarian musician who once was Shirley Bassey`s piano-tuner.
Worked in bands in the Hungarian underground music scene.
Geoff Bowyer & Joe Beard playing Docklands Hilton, London 2003
Purple Gang 2004 Onwards

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