Draft:The Aztecs Band UK

The Aztecs were formed in 1962 in Worthing, West Sussex on the south coast of England. The band were formerly known as the 'Fore Beats' and their first public engagement was in 1961 at Ferring Youth Club. The original line up had Ric MacEvoy on drums, Dick Millan and Simon Budd on guitars and Ken Kennedy on Bass. The band used to play many of the local clubs including a 4 nights a week residency at the 'Mexican Hat' Worthing's newest night club (as featured in Leo Sayer's song 'Moonlighting') The article below shows a picture of the band which included Ralph Chitty (stage name Raife Allen) who was the singer at that time - unfortunately Ralph died in a car accident not long after joining the band.

In 1964, with their new line up which had Trevor Godley on drums and Ric on guitar, the group auditioned as resident band for the Ad Lib Club in the west end of London. During their time at the club they recorded the album 'Live at the Ab Lib with The Aztecs' they were also lucky enough to have had a jam session (one night after the punters had gone) with John Lennon and Ringo Starr.

The recording of 'Summertime Blues' was made at 'IBC Studios' in London and was produced by Peter Asher and featured Simon Budd on vocals. Also at the session were Peter's sister Jane and her then boyfriend Paul McCartney - they were responsible for the hand claps that can be heard on the track.