Press clippings and trivia about The Presidents. The 60s rock band that almost made it big.


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Press Clippings and Presidential Trivia

A collection of trivia including press clippings that appeared after release of the band's 45 rpm single, "Let the Sun Shine In" backed with "Candy Man".

"Let the Sun Shine In" became the "A" side of the band's ill-fated 45 rpm single release in 1964.

"Candy Man", which was relegated to the "B" side, denying The Presidents their chance to make it big.

This press cutting from the Record Mirror of February 1st 1964, says it all. The Presidents had recorded a brilliant R&B version of the old Roy Orbison number. Decca wanted to release it but "somehow" Brian Poole and The Tremeloes heard the master and the rest is history. The UNFAIR tag sums up the band's feelings.

Comments by the judges after The Presidents' performance at a six-band rock-group contest in Surbiton, Surrey, in summer 1962. The band tied for second place.
This clip appeared in the local newspaper along with the item reproduced below.

Published in the Surbiton Borough News May 4th 1962:

THE PRESIDENTS

This group really enjoyed themselves. Throughout their four numbers The Presidents made good use of the stage and although all their movements may not be coordinated, they certainly register--if not emphasise -- the rhythm of the music they play.

They opened their programme with a lively instrumental version of "Lucille" but halfway through vocalist Rick Tyrrell came on stage to transform the number into a vocal rendering. Rick Tyrrell was obviously the best singer on view at the final. His performance on "Pretend" and the fabulous "Summertime" confirmed this!

Despite having his broken wrist encased in plaster, The Presidents' drummer Phil Cunliffe put in some excellent work on the latter number. The tempo really stepped up on the group's closing number "Let The Sunshine In". Although Rick Tyrrell sounded a little distorted over the microphone, he -- and the group -- gave this number impact, and so, The Presidents left the stage to tremendous applause. All members of the group used the stage well and this provided some wonderful visual entertainment.

Besides a good performance from Rick Tyrrell I thought that lead guitarist Robin Mayhew and bass guitarist Colin Golding were instrumentally outstanding.

By Peter Foot

It was the beginning of the '60s and anyone with a fashion idea was looking for a way to market it. The Presidents were asked to model these cravats but never saw one being worn!

The buzz was good after the release of "Let The Sun Shine In" and "Candy Man", when The Presidents had these fan-club cards printed.

Right:
A (partial) reunion of band members occurred in 2005. They generally agreed that, like good wine, they had improved with age, despite the grey.

From left to right::
Martin Cowtan, Robin Mayhew, Eddy Patterson, Eric Archer, Tony Busson.

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