The City Lights

ROCKHAPPENZ Public Collection

The City Lights  —  resident at The Marine Hotel, The Halswell Tavern (1969), The Club Tavern (1969) and subsequently at Checkers (Embassy Hotel) (1969/70) .....
Profile image shows Don Findlay (Lead Guitar), Bill Derrett (Rhythm Guitar) and John Baker (Drums)
Over time, the group included Rob Jones (Bass Guitar), Mike O'Dowd (Keyboards), Eddie Archer and Jim Shields (Drums).....

Circa 1969/1970, The City Lights would play Checkers (The Embassy Hotel) after the 10:00pm close at The Club Tavern but unfortunately Mike O'Dowd was too young to play there (he was still at high school).  Mike's parents prevented him from remaining with the band which was in fact very sensible, so Don Findlay rapidly taught himself to play keyboard and Rob Jones joined on bass guitar.   Circa 1970/71 The Findlay, Baker, Jones line-up settled in at Checkers and eventually the wonderful Selena was hired as a late night bonus for the punters.   Rehearsals were relentless, but the group just couldn't find the exact music to back her with, and was making incredible blunders that just had to be ironed out over many takes .....

The City Lights performing at The Marine Hotel, which was at that time, managed by guest vocalist Cecile Murphy (and husband Dion).  Robin Hope (left front) is guest guitarist .....