A beat group with no gimmicks, no long hair, and no out-of-the-ordinary clothes - that is the claim of The Avalons, five local beat boys who are eagerly awaiting news of a Continental tour, which they hope to make in the near future. They were spotted by an agent after winning a beat competition in Keighley in July, and the offer of the tour was made. They have already made a demonstration disc featuring a song written by their manager, Keith Baldwin and lead guitarist.
David Parkinson started singing with the group almost by accident. When the group was formed nearly two years ago the original singer had to give up after a short time and with only a few days to go before a booking, David (19) an audit clerk of Rockwood Close, Burnley, took on the job, and he has been with them ever since. Other members of the group are Mick Gutteridge (19) clerk and administrative trainee with the Burnley hospital group (lead guitar); Roy Shoesmith (19) an apprentice engineer of Pendle Street Nelson (the drummer); Ray Felter (21) of Bath Street Nelson an electrician (rhythmn guitar) and Les Atkins an apprentice electrician of Wilton Street Burnley (bass guitar).
The Avalons are now averaging three or four bookings a week and they will be appearing with the current chart-toppers, The Kinks, later this month at the Casino Club.