Former Members

Occasionally we get mail asking about former members, especially Peter Haycock, John Edwards and Jeff Rich so we thought we'd try to give you a concise history of all the people who have passed through the ranks of the band up to 1985, since when there have been few changes. Apologies in advance to anyone inadvertently left out, but obviously there have been a lot of changes, particularly in the early years.

Drums

The original drummer was George Ewart Newsome, who played on the first four albums, and left in 1973 after four years. Current whereabouts unknown, but definitely playing until quiet recently. He was replaced by John Cuffley, who left in 1983. John still plays the occasional pub and function gig, and lives in the Stafford area. Following John came Jeff Rich, who did about two years with the band, still doing gigs with Climax after he had joined Status Quo with Rhino Edwards, until eventually replaced in 1985 by current drummer Roy Adams. Jeff is still in contact and is always in the frame to do dep gigs if needed! A special mention should also be given to Neil McCallum, who has depped admirably for the band when needed.

Bass Guitar

The original bassist was Richard Jones, who did the first two albums before leaving to go to Cambridge University in 1971, when rhythm-guitarist Derek Holt moved onto bass. Derek's tenure lasted until 1982, when he decided to leave in order to form a band called Grand Alliance. Currently runs a pub in Stafford, where he plays two nights a week. His replacement was John 'Rhino' Edwards, now of Status Quo fame. John did nearly two years before leaving to join Dexy's Midnight Runners and eventually Quo, with whom he still plays, as well as having his own band called Rhino's Revenge. Still stays in touch. After a brief period of uncertainty the bass spot was taken up by Roger Inniss, who came from the Ruby Turner band. As other musical commitments became too much, he was replaced by the current bassist Neil Simpson in 1991. Roger currently plays with Elkie Brooks, amongst his many other activities. Neil meanwhile in now entering his eleventh year with the band.

Keyboards

Arthur Wood was the band's first keyboard player. A true gentleman and a great musician, Colin often quotes Arthur as a role model in matters of how to conduct oneself in what is often a nasty and spiteful business. Although he stopped doing live gigs in 1971, Art continued to record with the band up to 1973, sharing the recording with Anton Farmer, who also took care of the live work up to that point. Arthur went on to become a producer for both Radio Stoke and Radio Three, and still stays in regular contact with Colin. Anton Farmer's whereabouts are currently uncertain, but we'd love to hear from him. After Anton's departure the band became a four-piece, with Colin filling in the holes on rhythm guitar, as well as handling vocals, sax and harp! Eventually this all became too much and original bassist Richard Jones was recalled on keyboards in 1975. Richard stayed until early 1977, when he was replaced by session-man Peter Filleul, who did live work up to 1980, although his place in the studio was taken by Nicky Hopkins for two albums. In 1980 George Glover took over on keys, and is currently in his twenty-first year with Climax.

Guitar

This is the easy one! Climax has only really had two guitarists. Pete Haycock, 1969-84, and the legendary Lester Hunt, 1985-2001. The band refuses to comment on events surrounding Pete's departure at the end of 1984, with the view that websites are no place to get involved in personal differences. Suffice to say that they all still have great respect for Pete's ability as a guitarist. He currently lives in Frankfurt, Germany and is much involved in T.V. and film work.