The

ABRAM BANDS

Wigan

 

"Abram is a small outlying district to be found on the eastern side of Wigan's border with Leigh in South Lancashire. Its recent history owes much to the industial revolution of the 19th Century.

 

  Cotton, coal and canals and a not inconsiderable piece of the action from the immense rise of the railway industries. Springs Branch shed employed many rail worker's in fruitful addtion to full employment in the the mines and mills. High density housing stock prolifereated in back to back cobbled streets and sneaking inbetween the were silent running trolley buses and the rag and bonemans horses and carts.

 

  This urban backdrop was however was social normality to its resident proud and upright working-class citizens. in other words, the perfect breeding grounds for an accompaniment of fledging rock 'n roll music. Considering it's size the Abram district probably produced more bands to the square acre than any where else in Lankyland - apart from perhaps Liverpool?

 

  Up to the time of writing unfortunately little is known about these sixties bands and any additional information will be more than welcome."

Bill Hart: November 2010

 

KATCH FIVE Wigan     Dennis Ratcliffe: Bass Guitar. Stephen Bennett: Lead Vocal. John Brown: Lead Guitar. Mike Dutton: Drums. Tony Cunningham: Rhythm Guitar.     Katch Five played the Wigan clubs from 1978 to 1980. Like a lot of bands at that time, we did our share of charity gigs and 'shop-windows' our best charity gig being on the bill with Ken Dodd - somewhere in the Liverpool area. What a night that was; Ken was, and still is a great entertainer. We changed drummers at some point, due to some friction, the details of which are probably best left forgotten - all bands have these problems! Our replacement was a very young lad named Mick Dutton - now the owner of Music 90 in Wigan. Had lots of good times with the band, though we made little money. John Brown: January 2012   Tony Cunningham and Denis Ratcliffe met at Abram Labour Club and discovered they were both keen guitarists. They started to practice at Tony's house and were joined by Steve Bennet who became the singer along with John Brown on guitar and Steve Morris who played the drums, so Katch Five were born. They played at most local venues and were very popular, Steve Morris left and was replaced by Mick Dutton. Malc Brown: January 2012   www.wiganworld.co.uk

 

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