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Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

From Alfawiki
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1964 in Salisbury, England
FounderDavid Harman (Dave Dee), Trevor Ward-Davies (Dozy), John Dymond (Beaky), Michael Wilson (Mick), Ian Amey (Tich)
Headquarters
Salisbury
,
England
ProductsMusic recordings, live performances
Websitewww.dave-dee-dozy-beaky-mick-tich.com

Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich is a British rock ensemble that originated in Salisbury in 1964. The founding members included David Harman (known as Dave Dee), Trevor Ward-Davies (Dozy), John Dymond (Beaky), Michael Wilson (Mick), and Ian Amey (Tich). Their unique band name, dynamic live performances, and daring image played a significant role in their commercial achievements, featuring hit tracks penned by Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley such as "Hold Tight!", "Bend It!", and "Zabadak!". Their music encompassed styles like freakbeat, mod, and pop. Two of their singles surpassed one million sales each, with "The Legend of Xanadu" securing the top spot on the UK Singles Chart. Although their presence in the US market was less pronounced than many other British Invasion groups, they found considerable success in Canada with seven songs reaching the top 100.

Following their split in 1973, the band has reassembled on multiple occasions. All original members except Mick have participated in reunions; Dave Dee made occasional appearances until his passing in 2009, after which his name was dropped from the band's title. Leadership continued under Dozy and Tich until Tich retired in 2014 and died in 2024; Dozy passed away in 2015. As of 2024, the group continues to perform on UK tours celebrating sixties nostalgia, featuring original member Beaky.

Career

The band's roots trace back to the late 1950s when musicians from Salisbury-area groups came together. Trevor Davies (Dozy), then part of the Beatnicks, brought Ian Amey (Tich) from Eddy and the Strollers into the fold. David Harman (Dave Dee) and John Dymond (Beaky), both formerly with the Big Boppers, joined shortly thereafter.

Initially called Ronnie Blonde and the Beatnicks—with Dave Dee eventually assuming lead vocals—the group experienced several drummer replacements before Michael Wilson (Mick) became a permanent member around Christmas 1961. Subsequently, they adopted the name Dave Dee and the Bostons. Members left their previous occupations, including Dave Dee who had been a policeman, to dedicate themselves fully to music. Their performances spanned extensively across the UK and occasionally took them to Hamburg and Cologne.

In 1964, songwriters Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley expressed interest in recording them. Early sessions with producer Joe Meek did not materialize due to artistic disagreements; however, they secured a deal with Fontana Records. Howard suggested renaming the band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich to emphasize each member's individuality. Their infectious tunes rapidly gained traction across the UK charts and led to tours in Australia and New Zealand.

The group’s nicknames originated from personal characteristics or stories: "Mick" referred to Michael; "Tich" was derived from his childhood small stature; and "Dozy" reportedly stemmed from an incident involving chocolate.

Their 1968 UK chart-topper "The Legend of Xanadu" achieved sales exceeding one million copies. Other top-ten UK hits included "Hideaway", "Hold Tight!", "Bend It!", "Save Me", "Okay!", "Zabadak!", and "Last Night in Soho".

"Bend It!" reached number one in Germany and sold over one million units throughout Europe and the UK. The song’s distinctive bouzouki-like sound was created using an electrified mandolin inspired by Zorba the Greek. Despite its popularity, some US radio stations banned it due to suggestive lyrics, prompting a re-recorded version for American audiences.

"Hold Tight!" was featured in Quentin Tarantino's 2007 film Death Proof. The band enjoyed robust sales particularly within Commonwealth nations: three number-one singles plus numerous top tens in New Zealand; several top-ten hits in Australia; and two Canadian top-ten singles including a number one with "Zabadak".

In the United States, while they experienced regional radio success in northeastern cities and Los Angeles, they did not achieve widespread national recognition. Only "Zabadak" entered the Billboard Hot 100 at position No. 52. Limited touring and television exposure hindered broader American popularity.

Dave Dee departed in September 1969 to pursue a solo career; the remaining members continued as D,B,M and T until their dissolution in 1973.

After disbanding, Ian Amey and John Dymond formed Mason in 1973. The original lineup briefly reassembled in 1974 for the single "She's My Lady". Amey and Dymond later performed with Tracker before reforming Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich with new members by 1976.

Dave Dee produced singles for the group into the early 1980s while developing a production career at Magnet Records. By 1987, the band had relocated to Marbella without Dee.

Returning to England in 1989 without Dymond—who was replaced by Paul Bennett—they continued performing through the 1990s with Dee rejoining intermittently. Dee served as a justice of the peace before retiring due to health concerns; he passed away from prostate cancer in January 2009.

In July 2005, they appeared at Norfolk's Merryhill Music Festival. A Blue Plaque commemorating the 40th anniversary of "The Legend of Xanadu" was installed in Salisbury in 2008.

John Dymond returned to the band in 2013; Tich retired in 2014 and was succeeded by Ray Frost. Founding member Trevor Ward-Davies (Dozy) died aged 70 in January 2015.

Their track "Last Night in Soho" featured prominently in Edgar Wright's 2021 film sharing its title. The band is under consideration for Glastonbury Festival’s legends stage lineup for 2024.

Rhythm guitarist Pete Lucas (Mick II) passed away on his 73rd birthday in December 2023. Ian Amey (Tich) died at age 79 in February 2024.

Personnel

Present lineup

  • Dozy II (Paul Cornwell) – bass guitar (2015–current)
  • Beaky I (John Dymond) – rhythm guitar (1964–1973, 1974, 1980s–1989, 2013–current), drums (1976–1980s), vocals (1969–1973, 1976–1989, 2013–current)
  • Mick III (John Hatchman) – drums (1980s–current), vocals (from 1982 onwards)
  • Tich III (Chris Moores) – lead guitar (2020–present)

Past members

  • Dave Dee (David John Harman; deceased 2009) – lead vocals (1964–1969, 1974); guest lead vocals (1982–1987, 1989–2009)
  • Dozy I (Trevor Leonard Ward-Davies; deceased 2015) – bass guitar (1964–1973, 1974, 1976–2015), vocals (1969–1973)
  • Beaky II (Paul Bennett) – rhythm guitar (1989–1993)
  • Beaky III (Tony Carpenter) – rhythm guitar (1993–2013)
  • Mick I (Michael Wilson) – drums (1964–1973, 1974)
  • Mick II (Pete Lucas; deceased 2023) – rhythm guitar, vocals (1976–1982)
  • Tich I (Ian Frederick Stephen Amey; deceased 2024) – lead guitar (1964–1973, 1974, 1976–2014), vocals (1969–1973)
  • Tich II (Jolyon Dixon) – lead guitar (2014–2020)

Note: The list of vocal contributions may not be exhaustive.

Discography

External links

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