AT THE TOP

After a triumphant tour in France and Belgium, Vince and the Play-Boys were to play in a posh club in Pigalle from April the 24th until May 26th 62 : 'Les Folies Pigalle', where an opening for a revue 'Twist Appeal' or 'Eroticism of the 20th Century' was to make a resounding success. A two hour show.

During mini-sketches, Vince and the Play-Boys sang the biggest rock songs, surrounded by gorgeous girls, show under control of Nicolas Bataille. Jean-Louis Rancurel took some great photos of this revue. Les Chats Sauvages and other french bands replaced Vince who had to go on a summer tour, whilst Les Folies Pigalle spectacle was prolonged.

Vince and the girls of Folies-Pigalle photo x

Tony Harvey (gt) - Bob Steel ( gt ) photo Jean-Louis rancurel -Bob Lampard

Although his relationship with The Play-Boys was fantastic on stage, as soon as they were off stage it went quickly downhill. They decide to make their distances with a bad tempered and moody singer. You have to admit that since 1959 and especially the beginning of 1960, the band members mind were put to the test and they became constant, stabilised. The life at a band very rarely stops just after a concert and often continues at least 20 hours after.

BREAK

Overwhelmed by this form of typical overcrowding often found in a band, those who have experienced this will understand. The Play-Boys explode, Bob Steel joined Claude François, Alain Le Claire returned to London, Bobbie went on holiday, Tony Harvey and John Vance decided to follow the career of The Play-Boys with other musicans. Vince meanwhile left for La Côte d'Azur with his new love and conquest the top model : Helene April.

After this short lived glory which tasted one year, Vince was in a tight corner. Agreements weren't scarse and Vince started to play dressed from head to toe in leather, but white. Backed by the english band The Dragons (who worked with Gene Vincent as well) wherever he played, he still presented the band as The Play-Boys.

Barclay let him go and stopped financing him. It's up to him to look after himself with the help of his girl friend Helene April.

In Autumn 1969, the magazines 'Bonjour les Amis' and 'Disco-Revue' start up a support campaign for Vince, asking readers to write in to Barclay's Record Company showing how much they would love to see their unloved rock star record another record. Eddie Barclay finally convinced, gave a new chance to Vince.

In febuary 1964, came the awaited EP. A breath-taking version of Memphis Tenessee and also a great version of Arthur Alexander's song: shot of Rythm and Blues. The record Sleeve, showed a mysterious New Play-Boys, who were really (although secretly) : Joey Greco and Claude Djaoui on guitars, Ralph Di Pietro on bass and the superbe Bobbie Clarke, all under an exclusive contract for the Johnny Hallyday orchestra under the name of Joe and the Showmen.

Some time after Johnny's military insertion, whereas the Showmen had split up, and Joe Greco had gone off to the States, Bobbie Clarke started up 'his' band again The Bobbie Clarke Noise. On guitar a young scotsman Ralph Danks , on bass the amazing bassist of The Strangers: Alain Bugby. The band was finally completed with Johnny Taylor on rythm guitar, (Johnny Taylor-singer for the Strangers). We can also see a guy by the nickname of 'Stash' percussionist,(?…} struggling to play with a lot of rythm problems, tambourin or maracas. But he was aparently a 'loyal and trustworthy friend' of Vince. (with explains a lot)......

EMBELLISHED

Managed by Jean Claude Camus, the band toured discreetly in province in order they prepare themselves.The peak of this new band was reached the day that Vince Taylor and the Bobbie Clarke Noise played the first act before The Rolling Stones at the Olympia; the Stones on their first visit to France. They made a triumphant success which was easier said than done.

Alan Bugby (bss)- Ivan Jullien ( trpt) photo Jean-Louis Rancurel & Bob Lampard

 

Summary	BIO N°3 the Play- boys
English Disco	French Disco

 

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