A MUSICIAN who played alongside some of the biggest 60s bands is forming a guitar group in Huddersfield.

Ken Steers was a guitarist at some of London’s top venues in the 60s and shared a bill with The Tremeloes and Alvin Stardust.

He also had his own hit song which got a place on the pirate Radio Atlanta chart.

But even though he missed out on commercial success he continued to play in bands for decades until he retired to Huddersfield.

Ken, 68, who now lives at Oakes, said: “I was always a catalogue of near-misses.

“I never made it but I had a lot of fun along the way, playing at some really big gigs.

“I’ve rubbed shoulders with so many people during my career as a guitarist.”

He was the founding member of a London guitar club which was built around virtuoso guitarist Ike Isaacs and supported by jazz guitarist Martin Taylor.

But Ken had to give it up due to ill-health and he retired to Huddersfield.

He added: “The music scene in London in the 60s was brilliant and so vibrant.

“Music from that era still carries on today and there is so much value in it.

“I got The Tremeloes their first big gig and I played alongside Alvin Stardust when he was known as Shane Fenton.

“A lot of the acts I played with went on to become big names of the time.”

Ken first picked up a guitar when he was 18 and has been part of many bands.

He was drafted into the Army in the mid-60s when he entertained the troops in Malaya.

When he returned to civilian life he became the lead guitarist for Garry Mills, who had several hit songs.

He also appeared on Opportunity Knocks.

He now wants form a guitar club and has set up the West Yorkshire Stringed Instrument Group.

He hopes to get enough like-minded guitarists together to listen to music, meet, play and gain more musical experience.

The meetings will take place at Marsh Liberal Club on New Hey Road every Thursday from 8pm.

For more information phone Ken on 01484 654240.