Brinsley Schwarz
The roots of this enduringly-popular attraction lay in Kippington Lodge, a Tunbridge Wells-based pop group. Formed in 1965, they completed five varied, if lightweight, singles under the direction of producer Mark Wirtz. The initial line-up—Brinsley Schwarz (guitar/vocals), Barry Landerman (organ/vocals), Nick Lowe (b. 25 March 1949, Woodbridge, Suffolk, England; bass/vocals) and Pete Whale (drums)—remained intact until 1968 when Bob Andrews replaced Landerman, who had joined Vanity Fare. Dissatisfied with their conservative image, the group began emphasizing original material. In October 1969 they emerged with a new drummer, Bill Rankin, and had re-named themselves in deference to their lead guitarist. The quartet secured a management deal with the ambitious Famepushers agency, but were engulfed by controversy when British journalists were flown to witness the Brinsleys' debut appearance, bottom-of-the-bill at New York's Fillmore East. The plan failed in the wake of a shaky performance and the group was perceived as a hype. Their debut album BRINSLEY SCHWARZ, was pleasant but undemanding, and did little to dispel suspicions. However a second collection, ironically entitled DESPITE IT ALL, showed more promise as the group began shedding its derivative side and emerged with a distinctive style. 
A second guitarist, Ian Gomm (b. 17 March 1947, Ealing, London, England), was added prior to SILVER PISTOL, arguably the group's most unified and satisfying release. It preceded a period when the Brinsleys popularized ‘pub rock’, a back-to-basics genre which reviled the pomposity perceived in more commercial contemporaries. Having enjoyed a resident slot at the Tally Ho pub in Kentish Town, north London, the group then performed extensively throughout the country. Their extended sets featured a plethora of different influences, be it the Band, reggae, rock ‘n’ roll or soul and this melting pot, in turn, inspired some of Nick Lowe's finest songs. NERVOUS ON THE ROAD featured the exquisite Don't Lose Your Grip On Love, while (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding, later revived by Elvis Costello, made its debut on THE NEW FAVOURITES OF BRINSLEY SCHWARZ. This exceptional selection was produced by Dave Edmunds, but despite critical plaudits, it failed to sell. The group was now tiring and broke up in March 1975, unable to escape the ‘good-time’ niche they had ploughed. Schwarz and Andrews later joined Graham Parker And The Rumour while Ian Gomm and Nick Lowe embarked on solo careers.