The Kryptkickers (Folkestone)

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Line-up included:

  • Robert 'Bob' Evans - lead guitar (Martin Coletti arch-top) (Summer 1962) 
  • Ian Milton - rhythm guitar (arch-top) (Summer 1962) 
  • Martin Vinson - bass (Hofner 500/5 Blonde) (Summer 1962) 
  • Derek Goodwin - drums (Summer 1962) 

The Kriptkickers formed in Summer 1962 in Folkestone, Kent with a line-up of Bob Evans on lead guitar (b. Robert Evans, 1948, Folkestone, Kent, England), Ian Milton on rhythm guitar (b. 1947), Martin Vinson on bass (Hofner 500/5 Blonde) (b. 1947) and Derek Goodwin on drums (b. 1950).

Milton and Vinson went to the same school, Hillside School, Folkestone. Milton had an arch-top guitar and Vinston had a home-made bass that he had made at school in the woodwork class. He later brought a proper bass a (Hofner 500/5 Blonde).

Evans had an older brother Fred Evans (b. Frederick Evans, 1943, Folkestone, Kent, England) and lived in Harbour Way, Folkestone and was going to Morehill Secondary School, Folkestone. Bob Evans had his brother Fred Evans' Martin Coletti arch-top guitar that had been passed down by 1960 as his brother had decided it was not really for him. Evans had progressed his playing it and by then had managed to find out how to tune the guitar and play some chords. He also managed to persuade his parents to buy him a guitar pickup and a small guitar amplifier for Christmas. Now he could play to all the Neighbours.

By the age of about thirteen, Evans began to want to be in a band and play with other musicians. One day, while entertaining the Neighbours, there was a knock on the front door. Upon opening the door, a young chap named Martin Vinson introduced himself and asked if he would like to join his band. He was a bass player and his friend Ian Milton, played the guitar. They were both a couple of years older than Evans and they seemed to know all about the local bands.

The band had no name and no one wanted to sing, so they basically became an instrumental group and rehearsed at each other’s house. They continued with their own practice sessions, still without a drummer. They eventually managed to recruit a drummer; a guy called Dave Taylor (b. David Taylor), who was a farmer and lived in Peene, just outside of Cheriton.

Taylor had been drummer with a band called The Daltons (Nov 1961 - 1962).

Once Taylor joined, the guys changed to rehearsing at The Woodwood Hall, in The Bayle, Folkestone. However, it was the summer time and Taylor was often working and could not attend rehearsals. Eventually, he left and they were without a drummer again. At school one day, Evans found out that Derek Goodwin had a drum set and was having drum lessons. Even better, his parents had vacated their front living room so that he could use it to practice! Evans introduced Goodwin to Vinton and Milton and they had a practice session.

Vinson was not impressed. He was ambitious and wanted high standards and had just bought a Hofner 500/5 Blonde bass and a Selmer True Voice amplifier. Goodwin was one of the youngest drummers playing in beat groups. He lived at Royal Military Avene, Folkestone and was also going to Morehill Secondary School, Folkestone.

The Kriptkickers only played one gig in Summer 1962 at The Folkestone Town Hall, Guildhall Street, Folkestone, Kent with Neil Landon and the Burnettes, The Vostoks and The Avengers.

They changed their name to The Checkers. Vinson left and joined The Avengers (formed in Oct 1961) who became The Dukes of Earl (from 1964), The Lonely Ones (1867) and The Joint (July 1967 - ).

Info courtesy