By Mike Niblett:
The
Stellas recorded a single for CBS (Frankfurt) in 1965 "Wooly Bully"/
"Fortune Teller"(Stereo 2112) both sides made the German top-ten.
"Fortune Teller" went on to be something of an iconic song of
the era and is still on sale today in Europe. Bomp records
have the original CBS compilation recording, No. PC111RV2. The Crypt
records title, "Too Much Monkey Business" is a modern compilation.
Other work by The Stellas was as part of the Top Ten Club, Hamburg "Allstars" recordings,"Live at the Kaskade
Club, Cologne" an LP. The band also did an LP for "Hamburg Radio" when
they were at
the Top Ten Club. Their first radio show was on Radio Éireann with Larry Gogan around
1964 which was of course live. The Stellas also did a special on The
Showband Show on the then Teilifís Éireann (RTE) and hold the record for the longest live
performance by one band on the Showband Show.
Vocals:
Tony G.Ford
Lead Guitar: John Del Bianco 2nd Guitar: Stanley Johnston
Bass: Mike Niblett
Drums:
Jimmy Martin
Piano/Organ: Henry Magee
Sax: Stanley Johnston / Davy Walker
Manager:
LISTEN TO THE STELLAS >>>
The
sleeve of The Stellas single, a photo taken in 1965, outside the K52
club on Frankfurt's Kaiserstrasse, where the band were playing at the
time. The original building has now been demolished and rebuilt for
other purposes, including a tourist centre. A bit sad really, when you
consider the number of famous names that played in that club. ~
by Mike Niblett
The Stellas, Frankfurt 1965 Back: Stanley
Johnston, Tony G. Ford, Henry Magee, John Del Bianco, Davy Walker.
Front: Jimmy Martin, Mike Niblett.
The Irish Bands Archive is an ongoing
work in progress. Photos, cuttings, posters, adverts,
line-ups, etc. to be added are always welcome and
appreciated. If you have anything to contribute, please contact us by
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