robingibb

Even though the three bothers loved to sing, they were thrown out of most school choirs. They would sing where ever theyy could, on street corners, empty churchs and public restrooms. Robin, Maurice and Barry formed a band with two local friends and called themselves “The Rattlesnakes”. Their first public performance was on December 28, 1957 at the Gaumont Theatre in Manchester. Between movies children could go up on stage and lip sync to hits of the day. The boys were going to lip sync to “Wake Up Little Susie” but on their way to the the threatre the record was dropped. With a broken record, the boys decided to go on stage and sing themselves. They were given a shilling each by the manager and asked to come back the next week. In May 1958 the family moved again to Northen Grove in the West Didsbury district of Manchester. Their friends left the band and they renamed themselves “Wee Johnny Hayes and the Blue Cats”. They performed at The Palatine Cinema and become well known to the local children for harmonizing to “Lollipop”. Hugh Gibb smuggled his sons into the Russell Street Club in Manchester where his band was playing. Where Robin, Maurice and Barry sang afew songs. Even though the boys had found an interest in music they were still getting into trouble. While Hugh and Barbara were having a rough time supporting their family. So a few months after Andy was born the family decided to make a fresh start and set sail for Australia.
To be continued…..

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