1960’s Shepherd’s Bush Pop Group – “John Brown’s Bodies”

The following article appeared in the Hammersmith & Bush Gazette on 10th February 1966:

‘A Hammersmith group who started practicing in a garage are now stealing the local limelight.

Calling themselves the “John Brown’s Bodies,” these five Hammersmith boys plan to entertain professional audiences before the year is out. The group came into existence when two guitarists joined forces to form the group.

With a sketchy beginning they slaved the hours away in a garage. Then one day, while they were practising, in walked their present-day singer, 17-year-old Clive Barrow.

Since then the group has shot up in Hammersmith’s popularity poll, touring the London clubs and improving their standards.

Their appearances have included a resident spot at the Goldhawk Social Club and two appearances at the Hammersmith Palais. Rhythm and Blues are their forte – and a little Soul music.

As soon as a new record hits the market, they work day and night to re-arrange it for their own music. This is the job of their lead-guitarist, 18-year-old James Shanley. Although James admits that he can’t read music, his arrangements produce some pleasant sounds.

Their singer, Clive, is also a budding composer – only a few weeks ago he accidently formed their latest song-hit while humming to himself in the bath!

Their manager, Mr Stan Morris, has the hardest task of them all. Working as a plumber in the day time, he becomes transport manager, musical advisor and advertising manager every evening.

But he never has a dull moment. His son David, who is the group’s drummer, goes to Christopher Wren School in Shepherd’s Bush with the group’s new bass guitarist, Chris Andrews. They are both busy studying for their G.C.E. examinations.

Stan’s moment of glory will be when the group produce their first record. That won’t be very long now, he says.’

A photo of the band appeared with the article but unfortunately, it’s not clear enough to reproduce.

The caption reads: ‘Making for the high spots are a Shepherd’s Bush Pop group called “John Brown’s Bodies.” From left to right, Chris Andrews 17, John Reeves 19, Dave Morris 17, Clive Barrow 17 & James Shanley 18.’

Did they ever release a single and does anyone remember seeing them back in the day or know where in the Bush the group members came from?

Steve Russell

(Thanks to Colin Woodley for his assistance)

7 thoughts on “1960’s Shepherd’s Bush Pop Group – “John Brown’s Bodies”

  1. Saw them at the Goldhawk social club supporting The Birds (Ronny Wood) also saw them at St Thomas Moore School in Sloane Sq Monday disco. Soul influenced Mod band. I always thought they were a 4 piece, used to see the singer Clive wondering around Hammersmith Broadway always humming to himself. Remember seeing them driving around in their van (Paddenswick Road and Brackenbury Road) they split up and disappeared.

  2. I am sure Jimmy Shanley as a schoolboy used to sometimes join in our Kick abouts over at the “Dogs Park” Stamford Brook Common on the Bath Rd circa 1962. That name is very familiar to me. I did not know him well and never saw or heard of him since. He would have been about 14 years old back then same age as myself.

  3. Hi there

    A few years back I put this article together.
    https://garagehangover.com/john-browns-bodies/

    It really came out of interviewing Clive who went on to sing with west London soul band The All Night Workers in early 1969. I think John Brown’s Bodies may have worked as the Clive Barrow group for a while before he jumped ship.

  4. Mick McKeogh
    At Wren with Chris Andrews and Dave Morris. Chris was from Bassein Park Road and we tried without success to form a group at the church hall there. Saw the Bodies many times and sometimes helped with the equipment etc. Really good band.

    • Hi Mick. Thanks for the info. Now that I have seen the picture of the group I am sure It was James Shanley who played football with us over at Stamford Brook Common in 1962.

      Kind Regards
      Bernard Lambert

  5. Mick. Did Chris Andrews once live at number 3a Bassein Park Rd? I think I knew him at Wendell Park Infants school in the 1950s.

    Bernard Lambert

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