The Tremeloes
Band members Related acts
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line up 1 (1958-1962) as Brian Poole and the Tremeloes - Alan Blakley (RIP 1996) -- rhythm guitar, backing vocals - Alan Howard -- bass, backing vocals - Dave Munden (RIP 2020) -- drums, percussion, backing vocals - Brian Poole -- vocals - Graham Scott -- lead guitar
line up 2 (1962-66) - Alan Blakley (RIP 1996) -- rhythm guitar, backing vocals - Alan Howard -- bass, backing vocals - Dave Munden (RIP 2020) -- drums, percussion, backing vocals - Brian Poole -- vocals NEW - Rick Westwood -- lead guitar, vocals (replaced Graham Scott)
line up 3 (1966) as The Tremeloes - Alan Blakley (RIP 1996) -- rhythm guitar, keyboards NEW - Mick Clarke -- bass, backing vocals (replaced Alan Howard) - Dave Munden (RIP 2020) -- vocals, drums, percussion - Rick Westwood -- lead guitar, backing vocals
line up 4 (1966-72) - Alan Blakley (RIP 1996) -- rhythm guitar, keyboards NEW - Len "Chip" Hawkes -- vocals, bass (replaced Mick Clarke) - Dave Munden (RIP 2020) -- vocals, drums, percussion - Rick Westwood --lead guitar, backing vocals
line up 5 (1972-74) NEW - Bob Benham – guitar, vocals - Len "Chip" Hawkes -- vocals, bass (replaced Mick Clarke) - Dave Munden (RIP 2020) -- vocals, drums, percussion - Rick Westwood -- lead guitar, backing vocals
line up 6 (1974-75) - Bob Benham – guitar, vocals - Dave Munden (RIP 2020) -- vocals, drums, percussion - Rick Westwood -- lead guitar, backing vocals NEW - Aaron Woolly -- bass, vocals (replaced Len "Chip" Hawkes
line up 7 (1975-76) - Bob Benham – guitar, vocals NEW- Paul Carman -- bass, rhythm guitar, vocals (replaced Aaron J. Woolly) - Len "Chip" Hawkes -- vocals, bass NEW - Paul Isaac-- guitar, vocals (replaced Rick Westwood) - Dave Munden (RIP 2020) -- vocals, drums, percussion
line up 8 (1976-78) - Bob Benham – lead guitar, vocals - Paul Carman (RIP 2021– bass, rhythm guitar, vocals - Len "Chip" Hawkes -- vocals, bass - Dave Munden (RIP 2020) -- vocals, drums, percussion NEW - Rick Westwood -- lead guitar, backing vocals (replaced Paul Isaac)
line up 9 (1978-79) NEW - Alan Blakley (RIP 1996) -- rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals - Bob Benham – guitar, vocals - Paul Carman (RIP 2021) – bass, rhythm guitar, vocals - Len "Chip" Hawkes -- vocals, bass - Paul Isaac-- guitar, vocals - Dave Munden (RIP 2020) -- vocals, drums, percussion - Rick Westwood -- lead guitar, backing vocals
line up 10 (1979-81) - Bob Benham – guitar, vocals - Paul Carman (RIP 2021) – bass, rhythm guitar, vocals - Len "Chip" Hawkes -- vocals, bass - Dave Munden (RIP 2020) -- vocals, drums, percussion - Rick Westwood -- lead guitar, backing vocals
line up11 (1981-88) NEW - Alan Blakley (RIP 1996) -- rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing NEW - Len "Chip" Hawke -- vocals, bass - Dave Munden (RIP 2020) -- vocals, drums, percussion - Rick Westwood -- lead guitar, backing vocals
line up 12 (1988-92) - Alan Blakley (RIP 1996) -- rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing NEW - Joe Gillingham – keyboards, vocals - Dave Munden (RIP 2020) -- vocals, drums, percussion - Rick Westwood -- lead guitar, backing vocals
line up 13 (1992-96) - Alan Blakley (RIP 1996) -- rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing NEW - Mick Clarke -- bass, backing vocals - Joe Gillingham – keyboards, vocals - Dave Munden (RIP 2020) -- vocals, drums, percussion - Rick Westwood -- lead guitar, backing vocals
line up 14 (1996-2004) NEW - Dave Fryer --- bass (replaced Mick Clarke) - Joe Gillingham-- keyboards, vocals - Dave Munden (RIP 2020) -- vocals, drums, percussion - Rick Westwood -- lead guitar, backing vocals
line up 15 (2004-2005) NEW- Jeff Brown -- bass (replaced Dave Fryer) - Joe Gillingham-- keyboards, vocals - Dave Munden (RIP 2020) -- vocals, drums, percussion - Rick Westwood -- lead guitar, backing vocals
line up 16 (2012-13) - Jeff Brown -- bass (replaced Dave Fryer) - Joe Gillingham-- keyboards, vocals - Dave Munden (RIP 2020) -- vocals, drums, percussion - Rick Westwood -- lead guitar, backing vocals
line up 17 (2013-18) - Jeff Brown -- bass (replaced Dave Fryer) - Joe Gillingham-- keyboards, vocals NEW - Eddie Jones -- vocals, guitar - Dave Munden (RIP 2020) -- vocals, drums, percussion - Rick Westwood -- lead guitar, backing vocals
line up 18 (2019-21) NEW - Mick Clarke -- bass, backing vocals Joe Gillingham-- keyboards, vocals NEW - Len "Chip" Hawke -- vocals, bass NEW- Jody Hawkes -- drums, percussion, vocals (replaced Dave Munden) NEW- Richard Marsh -- vocals, guitar
line up 18 (2019-21) NEW - Mick Clarke -- bass, backing vocals Joe Gillingham-- keyboards, vocals NEW - Len "Chip" Hawke -- vocals, bass NEW- Jody Hawkes -- drums, percussion, vocals NEW- Richard Marsh -- vocals, guitar
line up 19 (2021-22) - Mick Clarke -- bass, backing vocals Joe Gillingham-- keyboards, vocals - Len "Chip" Hawke -- vocals, bass Jody Hawkes -- drums, percussion, vocals - Richard Marsh -- vocals, guitar - Eddie Wheeler -- vocals, guitar
line up 20 (2022-) - Mick Clarke -- bass, backing vocals Joe Gillingham-- keyboards, vocals - Chesney Hawkes -- vocals - Len "Chip" Hawke -- vocals, bass Jody Hawkes -- drums, percussion, vocals - Richard Marsh -- vocals, guitar - Eddie Wheeler -- vocals, guitar
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- The Bad River Band (Joe Gillingham) - The Beatnix (Aaron J. Woolley) - Alan Blakely (solo efforts) - Buckley (Alan Blakely and Len Hawkes) - Paul Carman (solo efforts) - Class of '64 (Len Hawkes) - Dolphin Smiles (Paul Carman) - Gone West (Rick Westwood) - Chesney Hawkes (solo efforts) - The Chip Hawkes Band (Len Hawkes) - Horizons (Len Hawkes) - Johnny Milton and the Condors (Mick Clarke) - Jumbo (Bob Benham and Aaron J. Woolley) - Mojo Hannah (Joe Gillingham) - Dave Munden (solo efforts) - The Rubettes (Mick Clarke) - Danny Sands and the Essex (Len Hawkes) - Spencer Mac (Joe Gillingham) - The Symbols (Mick Clarke) - The Trems
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Genre: rock Rating: *** (3 stars) Title: Master Company: CBS Catalog: S
64242 Country/State: Dagenham, England Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: -- Available: 1 Catalog ID: -- Price: $50.00
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1970's "Master"
served as The Tremeloes sixth post Brian Poole studio album. Having
produced most of those prior Tremeloes albums, this time around producer
Mike Smith was joined behind the boards by band members Alan
Blakley (rhythm guitar and keyboards) and Len Hawkes
(vocals and bass). In another change, this time out the album
featured a set of original material; Blakley and Hawkes responsible
for all twelve titles. The album also reflected a major change in
direction for the band.
I've always come away with the impression Blakley and Hawkes were using
their newly found artistic freedom to showcase their diversity - "Look
we're not just a pop band; we can w
From a marketing perspective The Tremeloes were interesting given the were fluent enough to re-record several of their efforts in Spanish. That may be why the "Master" album was released in Argentina with a Spanish title "Maestros Del Beat" (CBS catalog number 9.071).
As the band's American label, Epic didn't even bother releasing the album in the States (though they floated a pair of promotion singles off the LP
"Master" track listing: 1.) Wait for Me (Alan Blakley - Len Hawkes) - 3:05 rating: **** stars Given my earlier interactions with The Tremeloes, "Wait for Me" came as a major surprise. Based on the earlier Tremeloes albums I have in my collection, they'd built their career on radio-friendly, lightweight pop. Who would have ever expected these guys to turn in a true rock tune, complete with blazing guitars from Blakely and Westwood? Nah, you weren't going to mistake them for Black Sabbath, but it was an enjoyable change in direction. Always wondered about the song title since the lyric seems to be "wait on me" ... 2.) Long Road (Alan Blakley - Len Hawkes) - 3:10 rating: **** stars Complete with shiny "summer of love" horn arrangement, "Long Road" found the band stepping into prime McCartney-styled pop-rock territory. Bouncy melody; nice group vocals and a tasty Westwood guitar solo. Hard to understand why it wasn't released as a single. The band even filmed a promotional video for the song, though the driving and drinking theme seems questionable in this day and age. By the way shame on the band for not hauling their trash when they left the park: The Tremeloes - Long Road ( Original Promo 1970 Rebroadcast 192 TV Audio HQ ) 3.) Now's The Time (Alan Blakley - Len Hawkes) - 2:47 rating: *** stars "Now's the Time" offered up a pretty melody with an interesting mixture of acoustic folk moves and Hollies-styled harmony vocals. I think bass player Hawkes handled lead vocals on this one If so he had interesting country-tinged voice. 4.) Try Me (Alan Blakley - Len Hawkes) - 2:50 rating: **** stars Powered by some nice Westwood folk-rock guitar "Try Me" was the album's strongest mash-up of their early pop moves and their sudden desire to be seen as a true rock band. Always wondered what guitar effect Westwood used on the two solos - I read somewhere the recording session employed a .triple harmony guitar (maybe through a Leslie speaker) to achieve the sound. The track also appeared as the "B" side of their "Me and My Life" 45. 5.) But Then I (Alan Blakley - Len Hawkes) - 3:25 rating: **** stars Showcasing their wonderful harmony vocals (recalling a cross between CSN&Y and The Hollies), "But Then I" demonstrated The Tremeloes were capable of competing in the country-rock realm. 6.) Before I Sleep (Alan Blakley - Len Hawkes) - 4:02 rating: ** stars Chip Hawkes in vocals. As the father of two sons, "Before I Sleep" was one of those "message" songs that I find difficult to swallow. Other than a nice Westwood performance, the track was simply vapid and saccharine.
(side
2) Opening with a Gregorian-styled vocal arrangement, the instrumental "Boola Boola" sounded like the start of a black mass before abruptly bouncing back and forth between the main melody and a country-rock chorus. The track was certainly a spotlight moment for guitarists Blakely and Westwood though it sounded way out of place on the album. 2.) I Swear (Alan Blakley - Len Hawkes) - 2:35 rating: *** stars Complete with effects laden vocals, "I Swear" found the group diving back into McCartney pop territory. Even Hawke's bass line reminded me of McCartney as did his bass work. In fact, with the exception of the bass work, I found the results this side of irritating.. 3.) Baby (Alan Blakley - Len Hawkes) - 2:40 rating: * stars Did anyone really need to heard a '50s Elvis impersonation? I certainly didn't. 4.) By the Way (Alan Blakley - Len Hawkes) - 3:00 rating: *** stars Another drowsy ballad, "By the Way" improved a little when the Mellotron (borrowed from The Moody Blues) and band's patented harmonies kicked in. Perhaps because it sounded like their earlier catalog the track was released as the album's single. In the States Epic released as a promotional 45::
- 1970's "By the Way" b/w "Breakheart Motel" (Epic catalog number 5 10621) YouTube has a clip of the band lip-synching the tune for an unknown television program: By The Way (The Tremeloes, Greatest Hits) 5.) Willow Tree (Alan Blakley - Len Hawkes) - 4:05 rating: **** stars I love this track for the way it abruptly shifts back and forth from Fab Four-styled psych harmonies to Westwood's squealing lead guitar. For some reason the harmonies remind me of "Nowhere Man". Shame this one faded out so early. 6.) Me and My Life (Alan Blakley - Len Hawkes) - 3:02 rating: **** stars With Hawkes and Munden splitting lead vocals, imagine Emmitt Rhodes or perhaps Badfinger trotting out there best Paul McCartney impression and you'll get a feel for "Me and My Life". Nice pop-rock tune sporting Westwood's best lead guitar. Released as the album's second single "Me and My Life" provided the band with their final top-10 UK hit.
- 1970's "Me and My Life" b/w "Try Me" (Epic catalog number 5-10682) YouTube has a clip of the group lip-synching the song for a television show: The Tremeloes Me And My Life(Mi vida y yo) 1970 English Spanish
© Scott R. Blackerby July, 2026
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rite and record across a broad spectrum of
musical styles".
While you weren't going to mistake these
guys for
Deep Purple, tracks like "Wait for Me" and "Boola Boola"
demonstrated The Tremeloes
were capable of writing and recording material that was far more rock
oriented than their earlier catalog; certainly more contemporary than past
hits like "Silence Is Golden" or "Here Comes My Baby".
The thing is major
changes in musical direction are hard to pull off. The rock and roll
landscape is littered with failed attempts at reinventing oneself. How
about The Four Seasons, or late inning Roger McGuinn and The
Byrds? In spite of my cynical
nature, I have to admit being pleasantly surprised by much of "Master".
Yes there were some major missteps. The single "By the Way'
sounded like something from their earlier catalog (which probably explains
why it was tapped as a single.) Did anyone need to hear a lame '50s Elvis
impersonation ("Baby")? "Before
I Sleep" was a cloying, pedestrian ballad.
It also wasn't a straightforward rock album. Yes, there were a couple
of rock tunes, but the collection was actually very diverse including stabs
at convention pop ("Long Road"), country-rock ("But Then I"),
psychedelia ("Willow Tree")
and even folk ("Now's The Time").
Besides the fact these were all original numbers, the LP's biggest surprise
came in the form of guitarist Westwood. He was great, turning in some
awesome solos on tracks like the thumping opener "Wait
for Me", "Try Me" and the awesome "Willow Tree".
Kudos to the group for not opting for a concept album, or some big social
statement. They cleared just wanted to show they were more than pop
product. It made for a fun spin and it was sad that audiences ignored
the LP in droves. Sales certainly weren't helped when Blakely was
quoted in an interview describing the band's fans as morons for having
bought earlier releases. 
