In the beginning...

Ricky's distinctive drum kit

The Stargazers were born of an unlikely chain of chance meetings of like-minded individuals. Pete Davenport (lead guitar) and Ricky Lee Brawn (drums) may well argue whose idea it originally was, but there is at least no doubt that they were the original members, hatching the plot in Pete's bedroom (surrounded by his underpants, Rick remembers) sometime in August 1980.

Prior to this, Pete had played bass in a band called "The Rhythm Cats" who had some releases on the Mr C label. John Wallace was found in a loud suit at a Royalty all dayer on August bank holiday Monday in 1980. Ricky didn't know him from Adam, but went up to him and asked him if he played the saxophone.Of all the people Ricky could have posed that question to on that day, John was the right one. The answer was an emphatic "yes!". Anders, the bass player, was a friend of Pete's from Pinner Grammar School, while Danny Brittain (vocals) was found through audition, though he hated the band's Bill Haley style tendencies.

January 1981 was the first Stargazers gig, at the Jubilee Hall, Maldon, Essex, a gig which has gone down in history as one of the great rock 'n' roll gigs of all time. The Stargazers were simply light years ahead of any other band on the rock 'n' roll circuit, both in terms of musical ability and polish, and also in appearance and authenticity, with all their equipment being original 1950's style.

This picture shows the fresh faced and innocent band at the start of their adventure. (left to right) John Wallace, Ricky Lee Brawn, Danny Brittain, Pete Davenport, Anders Janes.



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