BOB PACKHAM
Bass guitar and vocals
1974 -

Bob was born on 17th July in Liverpool, England and is one of three children. Bob joined the Kings Regiment in 1962 giving six years service, he was a member of the regimental band playing saxophone. Bob has many an interesting story to tell, before he joined the army Bob played with a group called ‘The Galvanisers’ and prior to joining The Beatles Ringo Starr occasionally deputised in the band, Bob and Ringo became friends. Whilst in the forces a request for The Beatles to perform before the troops was refused, the regiment was ‘up in arms’ and a petition was organised, thousands and thousands signed it. Bob was chosen as the representative to personally deliver the petition to The Beatles, he was given two days leave to travel to Paris where The Beatles were performing at the Paris Olympia. The story created a lot of attention and amidst huge media coverage Bob presented the signatures to the Beatles, national newspapers printed photographs of Bob and The Beatles with the petition. He relished in his two-day excursion, travelling with the Beatles throughout and witnessing all the trappings of fame that The Beatles were at that time receiving. Bob returned to duties in Germany, the unit was relocated to Northern Ireland and the petition proved worth while when The Beatles were booked to play before the regiment, Brian Epstein sent 200 complimentary tickets for the troops! No favouritism for Bob he had to queue with all the other hopefuls for his free ticket to watch the show.
After leaving the army he played in beat groups around the North of England before joining Tony Crane and The Merseybeats in 1974 as the bass guitarist.