The New Walker Brothers - CIU Clubs

 

The New Walker Brothers - CIU Clubs

by Pete Clemons

Imagine The Walker Brothers appearing at the Stoke Ex or Billy Fury appearing at the Walsgrave Club. During the 1970s it did happen or at least that was how, particularly with the Walker Brothers, it was advertised.

There was a time when the good and the great of the 1960s had fallen from grace and were playing the CIU (club and institute union) circuit. From Freddie and the Dreamers to the Rockin' Berries it happened to many. Rock music of all types along with Disco were now the dominant forces in popular music.

The popularity of the much loved beat bands and crooners of the 1960s went into sharp decline. That was until the package tours, which began during the late 1980s, would - and continue to do so - put these bands and artists back on the bigger stages once again.

In their heyday, during the early 1970s there were an estimated 4000 to 4500 CIU affiliated clubs with more than 6 million members up and down the country. This kept thousands of entertainers employed. Some professional, some semi-professional.

It was at the Stoke Ex Service Club where the Walker Brothers appeared. But it was not the classic line up of Scott, John and Gary that had appeared at Coventry Theatre around 10 years earlier. This was just John and his New Walker Brothers.

John Walker, born John Maus, formed The New Walker Brothers during 1974. After the 'brothers' glory days he spent a lot of time in the UK and Europe. In truth John never really stopped touring. After the Walkers his recording career never really took off. Until he hit on a surprise hit in Spain. Suddenly he took off to the tavernas and restaurants of that countries rural regions along with a group of female backing singers picked up along the way.

After that moment passed he returned to the UK sometime during 1973 and began to tour the cabaret and seaside circuit with a band he called The New Walker Brothers. The vocalist in this new venture was a former Opportunity Knocks winner called Jimmy Wilson who, despite being no more than around 5 foot 2 inches apparently did a remarkable impersonation of Scott Walker.

It didn't last long however. The New Walkers fell apart during 1974. Later, vocalist Jimmy Wilson, was killed in a freak accident. But the New Walkers were around long enough to perform several times around Coventry. These included appearances at Bedworth Civic Hall, The City Centre Club and the Stoke Ex.

While The New Walker Brothers toured John Walker was getting back in touch with Scott. During the summer of 1974 he had watched the film 'Deadlier than the Male' for where The Walkers had sung the title song. This was the beginning of a successful reunion.

During 1975 an album titled 'No Regrets' was released. The title track was released as a single and hit number 7 in the charts during 1976. As for the group, well after a few live performances, they simply drifted apart again.