... The Scorpions recorded two singles at Abbey Road Studios in 1961. Released on the Parlophone label, Riders In The Sky/Torquay and Rockin’ At The Phil/Scorpio. Rockin’ At The Phil being the first cover of a Chuck Berry original by a UK rock band. Scorpio was used in the 1985 movie Absolute Beginners. Riders In The Sky just missed the charts.

 

These tracks have become highly collectable over the years, and have appeared on many CD compilations.

In 1962 they recorded three tracks with maverick record producer Joe Meek. These were thought lost in the infamous “Tea-Chest Tapes” until 1996 when they were discovered and included on “The Scorpions Anthology” (Wooden Hill CD WHCD004)

 

The interest in Joe Meek, as well as their Parlophone releases appearing on CD compilations,  encouraged The Scorpions to reform. In 1993 they released "Back To The Tracks" on Sting In The Tail Records (vinyl 45 SITTEP1) Temptation / Last Chance / Telstar / Hot Rod Breakdown.

 

Over the years John has worked with or backed Screaming Lord Sutch; Mike Berry & The Outlaws; Lance Fortune; Peter Sarstedt; Joe Meek;  Dickie Pride; Robin Sarstedt; Kenny Lynch; Mick Underwood; Wee Willie Harris; John Leyton; Billie Davis; Mike O’Neil (Heads, Hands & Feet); The Honeycombs; The Tornados.

 

In 1964, John and Ivor Knight of The Scorpions, joined forces with Bill Kuy and Reg Hawkins of The Outlaws and  appeared as The Co-ordinates  in an episode of “The Likely Lads”

 

In 1997-8 John played guitar with  popular Sussex band Them Again.

 

The Scorpions disbanded in 2004 but every now and then they have their very last gig :-)

 

INFLUENCES: Beatles; Clapton; Shadows; Steely Dan; Lonnie Donegan; Elgar; Holst; Presley;   Free; Cream; Hendrix; Scotty Moore; Albert Lee;  Jeff Beck; Chet Atkins; Steve Cropper;   Jack Bruce; Mark King, Chas Hodges; Deep Purple; Les Paul & Mary Ford;  Beach Boys; Big Jim Sullivan; Jeff Healy; Gary Moore;  Buddy Holly; Little Richard; Joe Meek; Joe Bonamassa.