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 by their (pirated) version of "Candy Man".

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

Decca relegated "Candy Man", 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 "UNFAIR" tag sums up the band's feelings over how they were treated.

Judges comments after The Presidents' performance at a six-band rock-group contest in Surbiton, Surrey, in May 1962. The band tied for second place.

Presidents band members won three of the five individual trophies awarded at the Hook competition held in Surbiton, Surrey, on May 4th 1962.

Robin Mayhew won this individual trophy for
Best Lead Guitar at the Hook rock band competition
held in Surbiton, Surrey.

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

The above report about the Hook rock band competition appeared in Surbiton's local newspaper.


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

This poster promoted the "Sensational New Presidents" concert at the Foresters Hall in Epsom, Surrey, in 1964. Note that admission was only 4 shillings (20p) - a far cry from what they'd charge today!		This 1964 flyer promoted Epsom's "Kadiva Klub", also at the Foresters Hall. Epsom is noted for being both the home town of Jimmy Page and site of the early Rolling Stones' rented bungalow where they hosted many a riotous party.

A newspaper ad promoting The Presidents appearance at The Cellar Club in Kingston-upon-Thames.		An early business card for the band, adding "Jeff Bond" to their name, in keeping with a trend common among rock groups in the late 1950s.

Above: A ticket to a concert at Fetcham Village Hall, featuring Neil Christian & The Crusaders and The Presidents. Note the exorbitant 4s 6d admission price! Above righ: A concert list from Ewell Technical College, including some well known names with The Presidents. At right: A poster promoting a Rolling Stones and Presidents concert in Epsom, at amazingly low ticket prices. Ah, the good old days! (Our thanks to John Christian for these highly collectible trivia items from the 60s).

At a meeting of two bands at Barnham, Sussex, in September 2008, The Presidents (right) held a reunion with band members from Simply Shadows (left).

In 1999, Decca Records issued a compilation CD, "The Mod Scene -Volume 2" (sleeve shown above) with 25 classic songs digitally remastered from original tapes, including The Presidents' version of "Candy Man". "Most of these records are collector's items today; many of them have never been on CD before and all of them are worth another spin." John Reed, June 1999

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