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Three of the famous five seen here sitting on Mik's new wall (actually owned by South East Essex Building Society). We figured that by standing guard over the Society's newly acquired asset in full view of one of the Society's rising stars (Mik) we would be promoting our chances of obtaining a substantial loan later on when we needed it. Certainly did it for me ! Roger (in 'L' plates captured here brimming with creative genius) was our latest member recently recruited on a YTS scheme. I'm the one with the bucket and the sensible footwear. |
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When Mik (that's how it was spelt on my pay packets) came into our lives we were all very impressed . . . He had his own cycle clips, his own Hofner Colorama, his own mo-ped with matching beret and his own private car park in the centre of Southend - just for the mo-ped! This was obviously a man of many assets, a man of substance, a natural leader who would take no hostages. He is seen here in typically dominant pose demanding obeisance - just to pass the time in the lift at the Cliffs Pavilion. Since the introduction of staff training in local branches of Building Societies this style of customer relations has been progressively phased out. |
| Capo de Capi
di bassi profundi (Otherwise known as Uncle Mik) |
Implacable as ever Mik responded by phasing out all the branches. |
| And in 2001 .
. . . . . Grand Capo de Capi
di bassi profundi Still crazy after all these years (and still moon-lighting - not so much fun now that he owns ten building societies!) The guitar is the same one as in the photos taken in 1964. He is very attached to it because it's a family heirloom - his grandmother gave it to him when she retired from the profession in 1953. In those days they were tucked under the chin and played with a bow but after Bill Haley exploded onto the rock scene nothing was ever the same again! |
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So now it was time to have some publicity photographs taken . . . |
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The photographer immediately assumed control of art direction for the session and insisted on placing his brother-in-law in the centre of the picture in a crouching position - " to provide essential visual balance" he said ! I could never work out how Phil happened to be there ready dressed and crouching with Reslo in hand. Initially I thought maybe he was a very short person - a question that has been raised many times by people who have since been shown this photograph. People would go to any "lengths" to get themselves in Rock Bands in those heady days. Any growing anxieties that we were being hi-jacked during this photo-shoot were quickly dispersed when Phil showed us a picture of his brother Lionel. It very quickly became obvious to all of us that to have a lead singer with a 16 stone brother who tore up telephone directories with his bare hands made sound commercial sense. Why couldn't we see this for ourselves? - It took Phil to explain this to us and for this we must be thankful - we had much to learn about how the world works! Okay - so now Phil was in the publicity pics and in the band! After heated discussions and a further glance at Lionel's picture we agreed to buy a microphone lead for his Reslo. We were pleasantly surprised to find that he had a good voice. We had a problem initially with one or two clients who refused to pay an additional 25% for the new solo singer. When we explained that in real life he was the same height as the rest of us they agreed that 12.5% was not a fair offer. |
The Mustangs quickly became notorious in the seductive and semi-clad circles of the local yacht clubs where a Double Diamond could be obtained for a mere 2s/9d from a shady character in a back room of the Lady Savile. This magic potion underpinned many head banging
nights of sex and frustration As you can see entrance to these orgies was pretty pricey - but we got in for nothing! |
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With growing financial success we could afford more in the marketing budget. (DJ's featured here are in Official Mustangs Colour - Phillpott Blue - the background colour on this page) |
As Phil was now a full member of the band we allowed him to stand up in the new photos. For Phil this proved to be a brilliant career move. With these new pictures we never had our charges challenged again! (all rugs featured in this picture were rented - Phil's right hand is on his Reslo - just in case you wondered at the expression on my face.) |
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Last updated 16-Mar-2001 |
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Story continues - is this the true version? or just a cock and bull story - what do YOU think - let me know!!! - this one could run and run - the true true story will take a bit more research and time. If you have your own personal perspective (and images) to contribute to this unique account of life as a person growing up in Southend on Sea in the days of The Mustangs please contact me at the e-mail address below. A good mixture of text and images can provide a rich reading experience especially if you had some tenuous contact with (or belonged to) this band. The scope of the content of this web site will only be limited by the vividness of your contributions. |
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