The Moonrakers (Middleton)

info courtesy Danny Hardman

LineUp #1 1960

• Dave Pearson - Vocals
• Eddie Effron - Lead
• Tony Kennedy - Bass
• Pete Walsh - Drums 

LineUp #2 1963

• John Collins - Rhythm
• Brian Broadhurst - Lead
• Tony Kennedy - Bass
• Pete Walsh - Drums 

LineUp #3 1964

• Brian Broadhurst - Lead
• John Watford - Rhythm
• Tony Kennedy - Bass
• Pete Walsh = Drums 

LineUp #4 1964-5

• Brian Broadhurst - Lead
• Rick Broadhurst - Rhythm
• Joe Hardy - Bass
• Michael Adams - Drums

Memories

This band did originate from Middleton where it took its name from the Moonraker Pub on Langley where Brian Broadhurst, who was the leader lived at that time. His brother Rick who was the Rhythm guitar, bass player was Joe, but I cannot remember his second name. I auditioned for them at the Lass O Gowrie on Charles Street, Manchester.

At that time they had a regular midweek gig at Bernard Manning's Embassy and Palladium clubs where we worked with lots of unknowns who became stars in future years. We did all the clubs around Manchester, Browns dance clubs, Jungfrau, Three Coins, following the circuit they all did at that time, and all the Manchester theatre clubs.

I remember we had the old Bedford van, and a roadie named Roy. After I left I did some work for other groups, session work, and was resident at a Manchester City centre club for some time. 

Michael Adams