Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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HONEYCOMBS, The

UK beat group formed as Sherabos '63. Lineup: Denis D'Ell (Dalziel), vocals, harmonica; Martin Murray, lead guitar; Alan ward, rhythm guitar; John Lantree, bass; Honey Lantree, drums. Took new name from female drummer, main selling point of group. Songs written by Howard & Blaikley, who discovered them in a London pub; first single "Have I The Right', strident pop that sounded like cross between "Telstar' hitmakers the Tornados and Dave Clark Five: not surprisingly, since it was prod. by Joe Meek, the Tornados' mentor, his last no. 1 before he committed suicide; also no. 5 in USA. Since Honey didn't sing, promotion live and on TV was vital; group scuppered changes by departing on lengthy Australian tour so that inferior follow-ups "Is It Because' and "Something Better Beginning' barely made top 40 UK. On returning they replaced Murray with Peter Pye after recording LP to follow eponymous first, All Systems Go '65; "That's The Way' reached no. 12 mid-'65, but further singles flopped and they faded. D'Ell tried solo career '70s with little success.