Money

1968-1970
info courtesy Alan Faulkner and Mike Lynch

Line-Up included 

• Mike Lynch - Vocals
• Martin Tetlow - Hammond Organ
• Dave Gleave - Bass
• Alan Faulkner - Lead Guitar
• Paul Murray - Drums
• Dave Bowker - Bass/vocals
• Dave Melia - Drums
• John Needham - Drums

The band recorded two singles for Major Minor and one for Polydor (never released) and recorded for BBC Radio One at the Playhouse Hulme plus live performances on Radio One Club - a two hour show which went out live every day from different locations ie New Century Hall & Top Rank Venues around the country.

The first record Come Laughing Home was co writen by DJs Ray Terrett & Paul Scholes and produced by Bill Kenwright (Coronation St) now more famous for producing theatre in the USA & UK and of course his involvement with his beloved Everton Football Club. 

The second single Welcome Me Love again produced by Bill was a cover of the American band Brooklyn Bridge. Both "B" Sides were written by Mike Lynch.

The third single Me & Mr Hohner was a Bobby Darin composition and the "B" again writen by Mike.

Money also supported Moody Blues/Cream/Jethro Tull/Status Quo and dozens more top acts of the day, as the group progressed their whole act became self penned due to the talented singer/songwriter Mike Lynch. 

I joined Money on lead vocals, seemingly as the money was running out. A\ fter minimal rehearsal (probably none!) my first gig was a heavy duty working mans club - possibly in Bradford or some where.

It was one of Money's regular gigs and the crowd had not seen me there before. The "Committee" definitly did not like my singing and did not want that " bloody new singer" to go back onstage, so I remember the lads just played 'Time Is Tight' by Booker T and the MG's, which seemed to last forever. God was I glad to get out of there!

Shortly after, the bass player (Greeb?) left and I hopefully had settled in a bit better by then. We became a 4 piece, with Dave Melia on drums. I played bass and sang till the Money finally ran out and I ran off, joining Sponge in the Bahamas as a replacement for Jack Lancaster.

Dave Bowker

David Bowker's gigs with Money:

• 3 March 1969, Hagfold WMC Atherton
• 5 March 1969, Salford University (Dinner Time)
• 8 March 1969, Edgehill Collage Ormskirk
• 13 March 1969, Burton Manor Sports Stafford
• 14 March 1969, The Place Hanley
• 15 March 1969, Normal College Bangor
• 16 March 1969, Country Club Warmingham
• 19 March 1969, Dolphin Club Colne
• 22 March 1969, Tech College Sunderland
• 26 March 1969, Denbigh College Wrexham
• 28 March 1969, County Carlisle
• 29 March 1969, Castle Club RAF Conningsby
• 5 April 1969, Cricket Club Newton le Willows
• 8 April 1969, Top Rank Hanley (last Gig) .....

The booking was worth 21 pounds, we got 1 pound each, 2 pounds on petrol, 4 pounds 10 shillings on van repair and 10 pounds van repayment. NOW that's what I call wages!!!!!

Dates courtesy Alan Faulkner

Some interesting 'MONEY' news 

Mike Lynch has recently unearthed several spools of BBC live studio sessions for RADIO ONE CLUB and also some live RADIO ONE CLUB performances from various venues throughout the UK. He has already put together a CD containing 6 tracks> which have survived the passage of time without losing quality.

Track list
1.SWEET LITTLE SIXTEEN.
2.HIGH HEEL SNEAKERS.
3.I PUT A SPELL ON YOU.
4.GREAT BALLS OF FIRE.
5.NO PARTICULAR PLACE TO GO.
6.SKELETON ON A ROUNDABOUT.
PLUS 2 BONUS TRACKS.ME AND MR HOHNER and HISTORY. 

The final 2 tracks were recorded for POLYDOR RECORDS but never released.he master tapes were lost but a rough mix survived on acetape disc whish has been cleaned up and transferred to cd. 

He has been asked by old fans of the band for recordings so here is the first available. Mike is now in the process of working on more and also putting single releases on CD.

Also making available after many requests my own solo single releases plus some of my original material recorded over the last few decades. Anyone interested in these recordings can contact Mike through the Manchesteat email address

Possibly coming up in the 2009 a MONEY RE UNION and also a CHAPTERS reunion - watch this space. 

Paul Murray - Paul has remained active and still plays regularly with several bands. Paul is still gigging with '60s tribute band NITELIFE ... although he needs help getting his gear in now!

Mike Lynch - Mike is very involved in the music scene and has been involved with many important projects

Money were a great band. They worked for me at the Broadway Hotel in New Moston, where I was booking the groups for the landlord.  They were a great r 'n' b group - very strong and they pulled in the crowd. Hope they are all ok. Mick is still one of the best singers I've heard and a great presence. Great days.

Tony Manton

Tony was right about " Money " another mega band , but wasn't aware that he booked the band for The Broadway Hotel! He knew a good group when he saw one, so well done Tony.

When I heard "Money " they were knockout what a brilliant group they were . All the songs that they did were perfection" Whiter Shade of Pale " Procol Harem , "Time of the Season" The Zombies . Everything was spot on.

So I went for a word with Martin the keyboard player, but I saw that his keyboard key's were not flat , they were waving up and down as you looked at them ! ( its hard to explain this ) let's just say it looked impossible to play! It looked totally knackered but play it! He was a genius.

His set up was a split in two Hammond Organ and one Leslie Speaker , but he could make it talk.

So " Money " What a Major Band ! 

Geoff Woods - 4/2/12