Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich Quiz

Answer: 1960s

Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich were most successful during the 1960s. They became a vibrant force in British pop because of their energetic, theatrical style, combined with a unique mix of rock, beat, and psychedelic influences. This set them apart in the swinging sixties. They gained popularity with hits like 'Hold Tight!' and 'Bend It!', which showed their knack for catchy, dynamic songs. Although they achieved limited success in the U.S., they were popular across Europe, particularly in Germany.

Answer: England

Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich formed in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, in 1964. They were originally called Dave Dee and the Bombers. They honed their craft through live gigs, including stints in Hamburg and Cologne. Their breakthrough came when they signed with Fontana Records, guided by songwriters Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, who wrote their distinctive hits.

Answer: A whip

Dave Dee cracked a whip on 'The Legend of Xanadu', which was written by Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley. It tells the story of love, loss, and fate, set against the backdrop of Xanadu, a mythical land. The lyrics describe a romance that was doomed from the start, with the protagonist reflecting on a love that slipped away.

The song's Spanish-style guitar and Dave Dee's whip-cracking add to its theatrical flair.

Answer: They combined their childhood nicknames

To begin with, the band was known as Dave Dee and the Bostons. In 1964, Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, who co-wrote their hits, decided that they should change their name and use their childhood nicknames. Tich, for example, was called that because he wasn't as tall as his schoolmates. It also gave each member an individual identity within one band.

Answer: Zabadak!

The song 'Zabadak!' was written by Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, and it was a top ten hit for the band when it was released in 1967. It has Afro-Cuban and Peruvian influences, and its chorus consisted of made-up words. This made it unusual and set it apart in the late 1960s music scene. It reached number three on the UK Singles Chart. The band even recorded an Italian version!

Answer: Dave Dee

When the band's popularity began to fade, Dave Dee left in September 1969 to embark on a solo career. He was seeking new creative opportunities. His solo career, however, was relatively short-lived, and he didn't achieve the same level of success as he had with the band.

He eventually stopped performing and decided to become an A&R manager for WEA Records. While there, he played a role in signing acts such as AC/DC and Gary Numan.

Answer: The Wreck of the Antoinette

'The Wreck of the Antoinette' was another song written by Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley. It begins with a spoken intro: 'Full fathom five...', which refers to 'The Tempest' by Shakespeare. It relates the tragic story of a sailor who sets out full of hope on a voyage on the ship Antoinette.

Unfortunately, a storm arises and he loses his life when the ship sinks. The single reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart.

Answer: John Dymond

Beaky was born John Dymond in Salisbury, Wiltshire, in 1944. His nickname was allegedly given to him in his childhood and referred to his nose size. He was a member of the original line-up and rhythm guitarist for Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, contributing to their distinctive sound during their peak years in the 1960s.

Answer: Bend It!

The band's single 'Bend It!' was temporarily banned by the BBC, as there were concerns over its suggestive lyrics! The song's playful, upbeat rhythm and Mediterranean-inspired sound made it a hit. However, the BBC deemed some of its wording too risque for airplay.

The ban was lifted when the band recorded another version, toning down some of the lyrics. The single reached number two on the UK Singles Chart.

Answer: The Legend of Xanadu

'The Legend of Xanadu' was the band's only number-one hit. It is a Western-inspired song that tells a dramatic story of love, fate, and loss, with bold orchestration. It features vocalist Dave Dee cracking a whip throughout. This effect helped it stand out from others at the time.

The song's themes of fate and lost love add emotional depth, making it one of the band's most memorable tracks. It reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1968.