Go-Go aka Schmoe’s Corps (Chadderton)

Line-up

• Jack Stott BSc. - vocals/harmonica
• Rob (Ace) Walker - lead guitar/vocals
• Tony Gardner - bass
• Jimmy Litherland - rhythm/vocals
• Roland (Roly) Charnock - drums

Formed originally as Schmoe’s Corps, the band became “The Go-Go” around 1965. Based in Chadderton, we played all the major northern venues and the university circuit. Our most notable venue was The Oasis Club.

We were managed by Chris Wright of Kennedy St. Artists, who went on to become Chrylsalis. Other bands in this stable included Ten Years After. So we were very close to making it.

We auditioned for a German tour at Manchester University Union and we were offered the gigs, but we couldn’t agree on the commitment and eventually went our own way.

 
Band members as pictured above are from left to right:

Rob (Ace) Walker (Lead guitar/vocals): An outstanding, naturally gifted guitarist. He could play it all including Hendrix/Winwood/Marvin. A complicated chord progression was easy for him to analyse. Went on to become a classical guitarist, emulating the likes of Segovia.

Roland (Roly) Charnock (Drummer): Formerly with the The Missing Links. A good lad now sadly passed on, did an awesome Charlie Chaplin impression.

Jack Stott BSc. (Singer and harmonica): Band leader. A very clever man and a whizz with electronics. Went on to gain a degree from Salford University. Great singer, could work out all the harmonies. He could also mend the van and fix the gear. Indispensable.

Tony Gardner (Bass): Joined the bad after leaving The Missing Links.

Jimmy Litherland (Rhythm guitar/vocals) Last to join the band after fronting his own group. A prodigious talent, he gave us an extra dimension as he could play lead and sing, whilst Jack was “on the gob-iron”. He went on to become a professional and moved to London to join Jon Hiseman's Coliseum. He has since been a backing muso for Leo Sayer and has had a full career in the music industry. Check out his site at: www.jameslitherland.com

Tony Valente (Roadie) Not on the photo. Every bit a member of the band. He was from Middleton and worked for Merv’s Bardots. We nicked him off them. Good move. 

Tony Gardner - 17/12/17