Competition
Under the name of THE NOMADS we recorded a song, written by Stu, on the 'This Is Mersey Beat' long player.

Our first big step to becoming a nationally-known group came, however, when we entered a competition at the Philharmonic Hall for the coveted prize of a recording contract with Decca. We did not win this competition but we were given a songwriters' contract and subsequently a recording contract with Aberback Music on the recommendation of our present recording manager and good friend FRANKLIN BOYD. 

We then had a slight switch around in the group. TERRY O'TOOLE joined us as pianist to take the place of Stu, who became our lead vocalist.

The first record to be born under this new partnership, under the name of THE MOJOS, was a composition called 'Forever.'

Unfortunately this never actually broke any sales records, even with the added enthusiasm of our new manager, SPENCER MASON.

Nicky
Some time in October or November of 1963 another change occurred in the group. We parted company with Adrian, our lead guitarist, because of certain disagreements which could not be sorted out. This began a frantic search for another lead guitarist until we came across NICKY CROUCH, an old school friend of mine. As he had been stranded by THE FLAMINGOS break-up he joined us readily.

The first date with Nicky was to be without a practice but we were saved by the same occurrence that we encountered when Bob Wooler gave us our first real date - we did not play! Not because we turned up late but because the venue in Manchester had only just been opened for groups and only two people turned up. The place was full of groups waiting to play.

We wondered what Nicky must have thought of the group after that little episode.

Star club
Anyway, we had previously been given the offer of a month's work at the Star Club in Hamburg, but had put it off because of the release of 'Forever.' But then we looked upon it as a good chance to practice with Nicky, apart from the financial side of it, which meant good, certain money at that time. So we took up the offer and left for Germany.

It was hard work in Germany and our morale was ebbing low, but we were saved from throwing in the towel, as it were, by occupying our minds with writing songs. One of these songs was a number which was chosen for our next single release and recorded in Germany. That number, which was 'Everything's Alright', was chosen instead of 'Seven Golden Daffodils', which had been turned down by the recording company.

Shortly after we returned to Great Britain we were given the fabulous present of a hit with 'Everything's Alright' and we were happy to reap the fruits of its success.

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