The Toggery Five
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Headquarters | Manchester , England |
| Products | Music recordings, singles |
The Toggery Five were a Manchester-based English freakbeat ensemble that emerged during the city's vibrant beat era. They hold the distinction of being the initial performers to record the song "I'm Alive", which later influenced The Hollies' successful rendition. Although they released two singles, their recognition remained primarily regional, and they did not achieve commercial success in the United States. Several members subsequently joined more widely known bands.
History
Established in 1963, the founding roster consisted of Bob Smith (lead vocals), Frank Renshaw (lead guitar), Keith Meredith (rhythm guitar), Ken Mills (bass guitar), and Graham Smith (drums). The group originated from earlier outfits such as Lee Shondell and the Premiers of Beat and Gaye and the Guys, with Renshaw taking a leadership role due to his considerable background. Their manager, Mike Cohen of The Hollies, inspired their name, which was derived from "The Toggery," a clothing retailer favored by notable groups including the Beatles.
They cultivated a local fanbase by performing rhythm and blues classics. Since Smith's vocal approach did not suit their style, Renshaw assumed most singing duties, leading to Smith’s departure. In 1964, 16-year-old Paul Young joined the lineup but contributed only tambourine on their initial recordings due to limited rehearsal time. That same year, they advanced to the finals of the television competition Ready, Steady, Win, vying for a contract with Decca Records; however, they were edged out as judges preferred another band already signed with Parlophone.
Their first single, "I'm Gonna Jump" backed with "Bye Bye Bird" (released September 1964), was recorded at Abbey Road Studios and garnered favorable critiques. Nevertheless, it was banned by BBC Radio because of its contentious subject matter, resulting in disappointing sales both in the UK and on Tower Records in the US. Despite this setback, they toured nationally, supporting groups such as Freddie and the Dreamers and The Hollies. Their follow-up single, "I'd Much Rather Be with the Boys" coupled with "It's So Easy" (February 1965), achieved improved reception but failed to chart; notably, The Rolling Stones later recorded a demo of its A-side that appeared on their Metamorphosis album.
In mid-1965, they laid down a version of "I'm Alive", a Gene Pitney composition initially turned down by other artists. However, The Hollies released their take two weeks ahead of The Toggery Five’s intended launch date, securing a number one hit and preventing The Toggery Five from gaining widespread recognition. Subsequently offered another song penned by The Hollies titled "Going Away", they recorded it but never issued it commercially. Following Renshaw’s departure to join Wayne Fontana’s backing band, The Toggery Five experienced multiple personnel changes before dissolving in 1966. Among their later members were Mick Abrahams and Clive Bunker, who went on to co-found Jethro Tull. Paul Young eventually became lead vocalist for Mike and the Mechanics until his death in 2000.
Discography
- "I'm Gonna Jump" b/w "Bye Bye Bird" – Parlophone/Tower, 18 September 1964
- "I'd Much Rather Be with the Boys" b/w "It's So Easy" – Parlophone/Tower, 26 February 1965