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The Georgians' first line-up

The band was formed at Quarry Bank High School, Allerton, Liverpool in 1962, from three students, Laurence [Lol] Ashley [Lead and Vocals], Geoff Jones [Bass and Vocals] and Tim Dugdill [Rhythm, Harmonica and Vocals]. No drummer was found from the school, but Mike Sloan was recruited, a friend of Tim's and brother of Frank Sloan, the original drummer with The Merseybeats. We were all studying, but Mike had left school early and was delivery boy for his Dad's butchers, in those days on a bike with a basket in front, obviously strengthening his legs for increased bass drum battering.

Mike's flair was obvious, emanating from his brother and using his equipment, and we three guitarists originally wanted to be the Shadows but, in the early 60s, changed our minds and wanted to be the Beatles. We all went to as many lunchtime Beatle sessions [sagging school in the process] as we could afford.

First gigs were at Youth Clubs and Schools, going down very well considering we were crap, and we built up a following fairly quickly, especially at Quarry Bank. One favourite place was St.Barnabus in Allerton, nicknamed Barnies, which was most appropriate because there was a 'barney' there every night. Our equipment in those days was all 30 watt, but not so unusual because that was all The Beatles had in those days.

We were fond of R & B music from the outset, why I cannot remember, but that fondness was intensified by listening to The Beatles and The Big Three [All bands in those days thought Gerry and the Pacemakers were crap, although we all recognised Gerry's skill on the guitar]. Early influences were Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Buddy Guy, Sonny Boy Williamson and Chuck Berry, all of whom we were to play with as support bands later on - what a privilege.