After 50 years of performing together, popular Fenland group Sounds Familiar have disbanded

A popular Fenland band played their final show on Saturday after 50 successful years of performing together.

Sounds Familiar played their final gig on April 21 at Upwell Village Hall. - Credit: Archant

Sounds Familiar disbanded after playing their last ever gig on April 21 when more than 130 invited guests and supporters enjoyed a farewell party at Upwell Village Hall.

There was food, drink, music and dancing on the night and, after numerous encores, the band was allowed to retire.

Over time, the band has comprised of five local musicians: Ian Notley, Buster and John Turner, Brian Warner and Malcolm Shorting. For the last few years the group has played with only three members, due to the ill health of John and Brian.

During their glory years the band played regularly at The Pineapple Club and Gliderdrome in Boston, The Braza Club in March, The Isle College in Wisbech and numerous venues in Peterborough and across Fenland.

They supported many big names such as The Searchers, Herman’s Hermit, The Tremeloes and almost Karl Denver, who had a car crash en-route, leaving his musicians to play alone with Sounds Familiar.