The Tremeloes

[2] They initially found success in the British Invasion era with lead singer Brian Poole, scoring a UK chart-topper in 1963 with "Do You Love Me".

On New Year's Day, 1962, Decca, looking for a beat group, auditioned two promising young bands: Brian Poole and the Tremeloes and another combo (also heavily influenced by Buddy Holly) from Liverpool, the Beatles.

Poole and Howard were both replaced by Mick Clarke, who is featured on the Tremeloes' first two singles, before his spot was taken by bassist-singer Len "Chip" Hawkes.

[6] Their first single as a four-piece, released on Decca, was a cover of Paul Simon's song "Blessed", which failed to chart.

They established a new image of a more contemporary group in tune with the times, which set them up for future continued chart singles as they then started a successful hit run from 1967 onwards with Cat Stevens' "Here Comes My Baby"; "Hello World";[8] three Italian hits translated into English: "Suddenly You Love Me", which is Riccardo Del Turco's "Uno tranquillo" ("One quiet man"), "I'm Gonna Try", which is Riccardo Del Turco's 1968 hit "Luglio" ("July"), and "My Little Lady", based on Orietta Berti's "Non illuderti mai" ("Never deceive yourself"); and their number one recording of a Four Seasons B-side "Silence Is Golden".

[7] All members shared vocals, though most of the songs featured either Hawkes or drummer Dave Munden as the lead singer.

8 in 1968), proved to be more popular than the falsetto-led "Be Mine" sung by Rick Westwood, which stalled in the lower top 40, or a string-accompanied cover of Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released" (UK No.

Westwood and Blakley were dual lead guitarists with guitar/sitar and banjo, pedal steel guitar and keyboards featured on their songs.

[7] Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple were popular at the time, but the Tremeloes never played hard rock and they had no British hits after "Hello Buddy" (No.

[10] Their music is still available on compact disc, and they quite often play concerts and are part of the pop-revival shows that constantly tour the UK.

Their line-up changed several times from 1973 onwards, the first new entrants being Bob Benham and a year later Aaron Woolley (replacing Blakley and Hawkes, both of whom later returned to the band).

Chip left the Tremeloes to focus on managing his son, Chesney, who had a number one hit record entitled "The One and Only".

As a soloist, Poole failed to chart with subsequent records, but pursued a successful cabaret career.

Blakley died from cancer in June 1996, leaving Munden and Westwood to continue in concert with newer recruits Dave Fryer (bass) and Joe Gillingham (keyboards).

Dave Fryer retired to live in Germany after leaving the band, and continues to write music and play occasionally.

[11] Brian Poole, Chip Hawkes and the Tremeloes toured the UK as part of their 40th anniversary reunion in September 2006.

[13] On 8 December 2016, the band announced that they were playing their last gig as "The Tremeloes", as Dave Munden would be stepping down as drummer following his retirement due to knee injuries and respiratory illnesses.

[17] In 2022, Chesney Hawkes joined his brother Jodie as a member, becoming the band's singer for a series of dates.

Brian Poole and the Tremeloes in 1963. Left to right: Rick Westwood , Alan Howard, Brian Poole , Dave Munden , Alan Blakley