The Saints (British band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Instrumental music |
Number of employees | 3 |
The Saints were a British instrumental ensemble known for their collaboration with record producer Joe Meek.
Background
As the initial backing band for vocalist Heinz, The Saints consisted of bassist Tab Martin (previously a member of The Tornados), guitarist Roy Phillips, and drummer Ricky Winter (born Richard Winter on 27 September 1940 in Aldershot, Hampshire). Functioning as the in-house group for Meek’s productions, they provided instrumental support to artists such as Heinz and Andy Cavell. Their most distinguished track was a rendition of The Surfaris’ "Wipe Out". Additionally, the band appeared portraying themselves in the UK film Live It Up!.
Career
Following his departure from The Tornados soon after their release of "Globetrotter," Tab Martin established The Saints. In 1963, the band featured in the movie Live It Up!, credited as Andy Cavell and the Saints. This film showcased several well-known performers, including Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, Patsy Ann Noble, and Gene Vincent. During this era, The Saints served as Heinz’s backing musicians, contributing to the enhancement of his stage shows and audience engagement.
Subsequent to The Saints, Martin and Phillips went on to create The Song Peddlers, which later transformed into The Peddlers in 1964.
In 2004, drummer Ricky Winter took part in a tribute event at the Eastleigh Railway Club commemorating Heinz, who had died four years earlier due to motor neurone disease.
Singles discography
- "Wipe Out" / "Midgets" – released by Pye Records under catalog number 7N 15548
- "Husky Team" / "Pigtails" – Pye 7N 15582
- "Surfin' John Brown" / "Big Breaker" – issued by Dot Records 16528 (distributed in the U.S. as 'The Ambassadors')
- "Happy Talk", "Midgets", and "Parade of the Tin Soldiers" featured on the compilation 304 Holloway Road, Joe Meek The Pye Years Volume 2 (Sequel Records NEX CD 216)
External links
- Biography of The Saints on The Peddlers official site
- Thesaintsonline.org – Dedicated to The Saints featuring Rick Winter