The Hollies :: View topic

Has anyone heard about the passing of DC5 member Denis Payton? I hope it's not true. It would be sad since the band was just nominated for the R&R Hall of Fame.

I'm afraid it's true, Holliesfan.

This is from the BBC website:

"Dave Clark Five star Payton dies

Payton was born in Walthamstow, east London in 1943
Musician Denis Payton, a founder member of rock group the Dave Clark Five, has died of cancer at the age of 63.
Payton, who played saxophone, harmonica and guitar for the popular 1960s band, had been ill for some time.

In a statement, Clark called Payton "a very dear friend who I've known since we were teenagers".

"Denis was extremely brave and not afraid of death. He had an amazing philosophy on life and will be greatly missed by me and all who knew him."

Payton's death comes just weeks after it was announced that the Dave Clark Five had been nominated for induction to the 2007 US Rock 'n' Roll Hall Of Fame.

'British Invasion'

Clark said his former colleague, who died in Bournemouth, Dorset, had been "thrilled" by the citation. "He said, 'I know I won't be around but it was an amazing part of my life that I am very proud of.'"

One of the first English groups to tour America, the Dave Clark Five spearheaded the "British Invasion" of the 1960s.

The band sold over 100 million records and enjoyed 30 hit singles worldwide before breaking up in the 1970s.

Their hits include Glad All Over, Bits And Pieces and Over And Over."

So sad. Rest in peace, Denis. Crying or Very sad

The part that choked me up was when he said that he knew he would not be around for the induction ceremony.

The R&R Hall of Fame lost credibility when Janis Joplin and Frank Zappa got in. No offense to any of their fans if they're on here, but all Janis did was sream, and Frank thrived on shock value and bizarre stage antics. Evil or Very Mad

How is it that people like that can get in, but the Hollies don't? Confused

Rythym Guitar Joined: 16 Jan 2007 Posts: 486

The DC5 were one of the most underrated bands in pop music history....derided by many and dismissed as talentless...they were in fact one of the most talented bands in the beat boom era. Mike Smith ( now sadly left paralyised like the late Chris Reeves, after a freak accident a few years back) had a very distinctive voice and was a good Organist/Pianist and songwriter...while Guitarist Lenny Davidson also had a fine singing voice and was a first rate guitarist.Rick Huxley was a powerful Bassist (check out "Concentration Baby" or "Maze of Love").

Thanks again, Geoff, for your valuable information.
My favourite by DC5 is "Because".

If anybody cares to see how Mike Smith is doing these days, have a look at http://www.mikesmith1964.com - very sad story but he's struggling hard to live the best he can, which is admirable.

There was a Mike Smith Benefit concert in NY in the summer of 2005 with the Zombies, and Peter and Gordon getting together for the first time in several decades. There was a DVD promised, but no word of it so far.

There's even an address on that website where you can send Mike a card. I think he would appreciate that!

I dislike how talented people get a lot of flack for doing what they do. The DC5 didn't start any controversies, were not responsible for any wrongdoings, yet they were criticized for doing what they do best ... making wonderful music. If Dave Clark was not as puchy and did have the high expectations of those around him, then we would not be writing about them here, and they would not have made it into the R&R Hall of Fame. Just like the Hollies, the Dave Clark Five set a high standard of excellence for themselves, which I wish more singers and bands today would do.

Rythym Guitar Joined: 16 Jan 2007 Posts: 486

One of the BIGGEST problems re the "unavailability" of Classic albums by The DC5 is "Because".... of Mr. Dave Clark himself !

Geoff - Sad to say the DC5 were nominated but never inducted into the RRHOF... Sad

Had they been inducted it may have at least paved the way for the Hollies to be "considered".

Rythym Guitar Joined: 16 Jan 2007 Posts: 486

Thanks for the info....ah well, such is life !
A great pity tho' when you consider how many records The DC5,Hollies etc have sold...!!!

I believe the DC5's influence on American music was greater, but for shear overall "Staying Power" the Hollies can't be touched.

If the DC5 made it that far, then there's a chance they could be up for induction next time. I wish we could voice our opinion to the R&RHOF somehow, but they don't have a policy involving fan feedback.