Johnny Mac (and the Collectros)

Hi all, What a fascinating website you have here, I'm really enjoying all the old photos and stories from my home town. My father's name was Johnny Mac, he was a very popular drummer and singer in Coventry from the early 50's right up until he died in 1987. Popular places that his band played at was the General Wolfe, the Angel public house, the Old Clarence, The Coronation Club (Keresley), The Vauxhall Club and The Weavers Arms, plus many more. His band, Johnny Mac and the Collectros were the first Coventry band to appear on British television - The Carroll Levis Discoveries Show in 1958. Unfortunately I don't have any photos, audio, film of my dad in his prime because I was only sixteen when he died. I was hoping if there was anyone out there with some abiding memories of my father or if you had any photos, I would be most grateful if you could link me up with them. Many thanks Andy

A great big HELLO Andy, from us all here on the forum I'm sure someone can help you with your quest

Hi Andy, and welcome. I can remember seeing your dad back in the early 60s. Great drummer and always entertaining. No photos I'm afraid, but always remember him for the song "Auntie Mary had a canary up the leg of her......."

Thanks Tony for the welcome, great website!! And thanks Adrian for the memory I'm a musician myself and also a local promoter, helping new and established bands get gigs around the town, I've also recently worked with 2-Tone Central, although it was hard work, it was great fun. I've posted a photo of my dad from around 1978. It's at the Vauxhall Club when he was playing in the Barr, Mac trio - Out of shot, Eric Barr (organ) and Kevin Smith (bass). Thanks all

Hi Andy Mac I bet my late husband Gary would have known your Dad. He played around lots of the working men's clubs in the 60s and 70s. He was the drummer in a group called The Countdowns. They played mostly Shadows music but could manage any of the popular dance tunes that were requested.