In the early 60s teenage friends Kevin Hart and Roger Dell could be found practicing away in Kevin’s bedroom. Roger couldn’t afford a set of drums, so would tap out rhythms on an attaché case.
At the time Richard Oates and Kevin played together in a school group called The Wanderers. Richard and Kevin brought in Roger on Drums to form a three piece and later on Roy Clemens was brought in and Modesty Blues were formed.
They were soon in demand to play the increasing amount of Beat Dances taking place across the county and found regular work in the Village Halls, as well as playing all the big venues such as The Flamingo, Winter Gardens and Blue Lagoon. They also made the trip ‘over the border’, scoring gigs in Plymouth. They would play as opening band for Gino Washington, The Troggs and many other top names who regularly visited the county.
In 1967 the band entered the Rock and Rhythm Contest. Kevin had a broken leg at the time, but once propped up against a speaker was able to perform. Kevin and Roger penned a song called “Too Much Sorrow”, which they performed at the contest, earning them a 3rd place.
Roger’s drumming skills drew the attention of The Onyx Set, who recruited him to fill a vacant drum seat. Roger’s replacement Keith Miller fitted into the band seamlessly, playing covers of Mr Pitiful, Knock on Wood, etc.
They also played as a three piece with Roy, Kevin and Pete Stanton peforming at The Flamingo, Princess Pavilion, Blue Shark, Blue Lagoon, Barn Club, Winter Gardens, Tall Trees, City Hall, Penventon Hotel & Plymouth Polytech on a regular rotation.
Around 1968/69 the band went their separate ways. Roger continued to play with The Onyx and now resides in London. Kevin now lives in Ireland.
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