Buddy Ash, born Graham Ashford, was the lead vocalist of the Birmingham band that would become known as The Brumbeats, a name they adopted in 1963 after initially starting as The Plazents. Other members included Paul Carter on saxophone, Alan "Bugsy" Eastwood on drums and vocals (who left in 1966), Graham Gallery on bass guitar and vocals (who also departed in 1966), Roger Hill on guitar and vocals (who left in 1966), Tony Carter on guitar and vocals, Robbie Harper on guitar and vocals (who joined in 1966), and Alan Buxton on drums (who joined in 1966).
The Plazents were formed in Erdington by drummer Dave Mountney, guitarists Graham Gallery and Roger Hill (both formerly with a group called Bobby and The Dominators), and saxophonist Paul Carter from Northfield. In 1963, they recruited Buddy Ash from Smethwick, who had previously performed with The Eko's and The Diplomats, to serve as their lead vocalist. During their time at the Plaza Ballroom in Old Hill, where they were the resident act, the band had the opportunity to back several notable American artists, including Tommy Roe, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chris Montez, and The Ronettes.
The Plazents gained attention and were signed to Decca Records in July 1963, although they did not enter the studio until September due to Gallery’s illness with pneumonia. Decca requested a lineup change, leading to Eastwood replacing Mountney as drummer.
To align with the prevailing "Mersey Beat" trend, promoters began to use the term "Brum Beat" to market West Midlands groups. Consequently, Decca Records renamed The Plazents to The Brumbeats before their first single release.
The Brumbeats' debut single featured the self-penned track "I Don't Understand," showcasing a sound reminiscent of the popular Mersey Beat style. The song was co-written by Ash, with lyrics by him and music composed by Gallery and Hill. Produced by Mike Leander, who had recently achieved success with another Birmingham band, The Applejacks, the single's B-side was an upbeat track titled "Cry Little Girl, Cry." Despite notable appearances on television shows like "Thank Your Lucky Stars," the single did not achieve national success but garnered popularity in the West Midlands and sold well in local record shops.
Local press coverage bolstered the band's profile, with headlines praising their musicianship and noting that Decca was considering them for session work. The Brumbeats frequently shared stages with The Beatles in Birmingham, and their sound drew comparisons to the iconic band. This resemblance led to a recording project that resulted in a now-rare 15-track album of Beatles covers released under the name "The Merseyboys," effectively showcasing The Brumbeats’ talent, particularly Hill's ability to replicate both George Harrison and John Lennon’s guitar parts simultaneously. This album was also released in the United States on the Vee-Jay Records label, one of the first American labels to promote The Beatles.
Despite recording additional material for Decca, The Brumbeats disbanded in early 1965 when Graham Ashford left to pursue a solo career before any further records could be released. The group briefly re-formed with new members Robbie Harper and Alan Buxton replacing Hill and Eastwood.
Following the disbandment, Graham Gallery joined the Rockin' Berries and later became part of The Midland Light Orchestra. He also collaborated with Roy Wood of The Move and Wizzard during the 1970s, but sadly passed away in the 1980s at the age of 35. Roger Hill continued his music career with other Birmingham bands, including The Uglys, and later reunited with Eastwood in the pop/rock group The Exception. He had a successful career as a jazz guitarist until his death in 2011. Alan "Bugsy" Eastwood also passed away in 2007.
Buddy Ash formed a new group called The Bobby Ash Sound in 1965. He eventually moved to Hawaii and now resides in California, where he continues to perform and write music. Saxophonist Paul Carter was recently located in South Africa, where he continues to live today.
