Scrumpy & Western

The definitive guide to the West Country music

The Yokels

"Wiltshire's Answer To The Wurzels"!

band | discography | gallery | links | acknowledgments

Who Are The Yokels?

The Yokels have been called "Wiltshire's answer to The Wurzels", and I guess that pretty much describes their style. They're definitely not a Wurzels' tribute band though, and their songs are about their home county, just as Adge Cutler's were mainly about Somerset and Bristol.

The only record of theirs I was able to find was a 1976 LP Yer We Be on the Sweet Folk & Country label, produced by Joe Stead. Joe told me that to his knowledge, it was the only record they made. He added: "They were nice blokes - really cheery and even bought me a bottle of whisky which I very much appreciated!" Other than that, he was unable to tell me any more about them or what happened to them."

At the time of their 1976 album release, The Yokels consisted of Geoff Paget and Tom Mills. They were accompanied on the album by Four In The Bar, whose members were Keef Burge (electric piano, vocals); Bryan Bevan (bass, vocals); Peter Lamb (electric & acoustic guitars); Keith Bishop (drums); and Chris Stone (vocals) - well, that makes five, but never mind!

I thought that was the end of The Yokels' story, but I was wrong! On Thursday 7th November 2002, quite by chance, I happened to turn the car radio on, when veteran DJ Johnnie Walker's guest Reg Presley of The Troggs mentioned that a Wiltshire band The Yokels had recorded a cover of his old 1966 hit With A Girl Like You, which Johnnie then obligingly played. The record was made in aid of the BBC Children In Need 2002 charity appeal. I was so astounded at this piece of luck - not to mention laughing at the record - that I almost drove the car into a ditch! So I now knew that The Yokels are still going.

And since then, thanks to Radio Wiltshire presenter Graham Seaman (who was involved in the production of the new record) I've been able to find out more! Today, there are three Yokels - Tom and Geoff have been joined by Keef Burge, originally a member of Four In A Bar (see above). Tom was also able to give me details of some other records the band has made recently.

Zider Ed

	A recent photo of The Yokels in the studio. (L-R) Tom, Keith and Geoff
The lads shown at the BBC Radio Wilts Children In Need 2002 event

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The Yokels' Discography

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The Yokels Links

• The Official Yokels Website - writted by Yokel Keef, who says 'e's bilingual an' speaks proper as well as Wiltshire lingo. You can email the band at yokels@supanet.com
• The Music Workshop Studio - run by Yokels' backing band member Pete Lamb. Where the Yokels records all they seedy records!

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Acknowledgements

Thanks to:
- Graham Seaman of BBC Radio Wiltshire for helping with information about The Yokels
- Tom Mills of The Yokels for updates on the band's latest records and activities and the pictures in the gallery
- Keef Burge of The Yokels for details about the band and their new website
- Joe Stead for his help and information about the 1976 Yokels' album
- Kevin Goodall for originally giving me information about the Yokels' 1976 album.

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