A west London band formed sometime in 1964, the group’s line up in November comprised:
Tony Dougherty – lead vocals (from South Harrow)
Mick Stewart – lead guitar (from Hanwell)
Graham Smith – rhythm guitar (from Ealing)
Rick Wright – bass (from Dulwich)
Eddie Thorpe – drums (from Watford)
Mick Stewart is the best known member. He went on to play with Mike Dee & The Prophets, Simon Scott, The All Nite Workers, Johnny Kidd & The Pirates, Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement, James Royal, Sweet and Mojo Hannah among others before moving to the United States.
Stewart says that Eddie Thorpe, who joined him in The All Nite Workers, replaced the original drummer John Hickson, who came from Ealing. He remembers the band opening for Lulu on a tour of the north of England and Scotland.
We would be interested to hear from anyone who can add further information.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc0KZKvBr1U
: )
I think there was an American Recaps as well?
This youtube link is for the Birmingham Band not The (Ealing) Redcaps..
Eddie Thorpe played with Chris Lamb and the Universals. They toured with The Kinks and Stevie Wonder.He was with Plastic Penny on the recording of Everything I Am. replaced by Nigel Olsen. Played American bases abroad and residences in Jersey with The Simon Raverne Sound He went to live in America where I believe he sadly died. Would be interested in anything else
I was reading Beat Instrumental’s December 1965 issue (page 33) and it says that Eddie Thorpe joined The Hi-Grades in late 1965. This band had originally had Phil Wainman on drums who left in late 1964 to join The Paramounts. They had another drummer and bass player who stayed in Sweden so this version of The Hi-Grades would have been formed back in London. The others were bass player Peter Howard from Wokingham, guitarist Guy Desmier (the mag says he was born in Calcutta) and lead guitarist John Culley (from Leeds). It says that Eddie was from Edgware in north London. You can find the reference here: https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Beat-Instrumental/6512-Beat-Instrumental-1965-12-OCR.pdf
Wow! I just had a phone call from my cousin saying you need to see this website!
Hi guys ,my name is Lisa Wright ..
My dad is Richard ( Rick ) Wright who played bass for the original redcaps 🎸👍 there was another group called the redcaps too ,I believe from Birmingham UK? which came about after, so Dad’s one got changed to the original redcaps …
I have photos of the group but they are of late 60’s would love to share with you …maybe there is someone out there who can put names to faces in my photos 😁👍
Dad, Rick sadly passed away suddenly of heart failure on the 12 May 2009 aged 62 ..
His love for music and playing guitar never died ,and he spoke with such passion about the original redcaps over the years,with fond memories of playing in Germany, and also to the American airbase in the UK , not forgetting Ramsgate & Margate where he liked to take us on a trip down memory lane! The redcaps also were supporting artist for Lou Lou , maybe someone remembers where this took place ? ..
One things for sure … He would have loved to have seen this website !
Many thanks ..
Lisa Wright
This is for Lisa Wright. Hello my name is Graham Smith I played with your dad in the Redcaps, we all new him as Fred (do not know why). Would love to talk to you. I live in the USA..
Graham!😲 Good to hear from you 👍
I have sent you a personal email …x
This site’s brilliant !
Well done Nick Warburton ,I hope you are keeping well & safe..
Love & blessings to you
Wishing you all a happy & safe Christmas ..
Lisa Wright
Hi Graham
Found an article in the Hounslow Chronicle from 30 Sept 66, page 2 that notes your marriage but says you were playing with Frankie Reid & The Casuals at the time. I thought the group split in early 65. Can you confirm this is true and can you remember the other members of the Casuals?
Eddie Thorpe had previously been in Lee Paris and The LPs.