Blackpool group THE ROCKIN' VICKERS formed in 1962, also operating under the alternative moniker REVEREND BLACK AND THE ROCKIN' VICKERS in certain territories, especially in Finland. Although wildly reputed as spontaneous on the live circuit, gracing the stage clad in priest outfits and dog collars,, nowadays they have unfortunately become relegated to the annals of rock trivia as once housing Ian 'LEMMY' Willis on guitar duties, whose notoriously famed globally with stints in HAWKWIND and the longtime MOTÖRHEAD. Mod, Mersey and R&B influences brashly carved their sound, though a visible lack of original material failed to capitalise.

Decca Records released their vinyl debut in the form of 7" single 'I Go Ape' in October 1964, a chiefly risque version of the NEIL SEDAKA original. The original band comprised singer Harry Feeney, guitarist Alex Hamilton, bass player Peter Moorhouse with Cyril 'Ciggy' Shaw on drums. The group expanded to add lead guitarist Ken Hardacre. THE ROCKIN' VICARS were to be one of the first British acts to notably perform within the Communist confines of the volatile Iron Curtain, playing a string of Yugoslavian dates in July 1965 as part of a cultural exchange with the Red Army Youth Orchestra.

As REVEREND BLACK AND THE ROCKIN' VICKERS they favourably treaded Finland in November, entering the recording studio which produced a mere 8 songs. The modest highlights included 'Stella' and 'Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart' - both tracks saw general release under Decca's Finnish arm in early 1966, and subsequently under lease to Decca's Irish branch. In December they returned, visiting the Southern towns of Hämeenlinna, Helsinki, Lahti and Turku.

CBS released 'It's Alright' in March 1966, a revision of THE WHO's PETE TOWNSEND penned number. The Shel Talmy produced 'Dandy', a take on THE KINKS' RAY DAVIES written track, became their final 45 single release in November of that year, notching an impressive 93 on the US Billboard charts (though HERMAN'S HERMITS fared marginally better with their version). In December 1967 they toured Finland for a final occasion, disbanding soon after.

Ian 'LEMMY' Willis went on to remarkably feature in such groups as SAM GOPAL'S DREAM, OPAL BUTTERFLY, HAWKWIND and his lifelong preoccupation MOTÖRHEAD. Jeff Carter later resurfaced in MANITOU alongside Blackpool music veteran, namely Pete Gurney. In recent years Nicholas Gribbon has performed in NICK UNLIMITED, while vocalist Harry Feeney has acquired a sizeable local car dealership.