I know that at least one member here is in touch with Des who was my major inspiration after The Shads. We went to the same school and youth club, and he had a fully functioning band down at St Michael's, Cross Heath, just as I was starting to play. They had a great sound and I learned a lot just watching...
If you want to know more - and there's lots check out David Parton on Wikipedia...
As for me, I want to meet him again before I pop my clogs to say thanks...