Benny & the Teds (Rock And) Roll Back Time!

Benny & the Teds (rock and) roll back time!

One of the most popular local cover bands, who graced many a Somerset venue, for over 28 years, “Benny & the Teds”, are forming up for one more gig in October.

They will be performing at a charity evening to raise funds for the Somerset Unit For Radio Therapy Equipment (SURE) which is based at the Beacon Centre at Musgrove Park Hospital. The event will be taking place on Saturday October 14th at the Wellington Arts Centre, by arrangement with the Wellington Arts Association. The evening will include a full supporting programme, and tickets will include supper. There will be a fully stocked bar available.

“ The Teds”, as they have become known throughout the area, played all over Somerset and beyond….they even strayed as far as Devon, Cornwall, Wiltshire, and the Home Counties…… but only if interpreters could be found. However, they were at their happiest banging out covers of 60’s 70’s and 80’s hits in and around Taunton Deane!

All good things in life have to come to an end, and the line-up of 28 years standing agreed to call it a day when Bass player John Tidmarsh with his wife Helen decided to retire to France back in 2013. The band have all kept in close touch ever since, and have still continued playing and singing in various other line-ups……. including John, who very quickly joined an Ex-Pat’ rock band in France!

John and Helen’s planned visit back to Somerset in October provides a perfect excuse for “The Teds” to re-form for a charity gig. The treatment of Cancer is very close to the band members’ hearts, and what better cause is there than helping to raise funds for SURE.

A list of classic rock numbers old and new has been compiled by Lead Guitarist Charlie Sundquist, and circulated, so the band can familiarise themselves with the arrangements of the “new stuff”. John and Helen are basing their week in Somerset at “Sundquist Towers” in Stoke-St-Gregory and a couple of days have been scheduled in for the band at Charlie’s rehearsal studio (always an enjoyable time…not just for the music!)

Another friend of the band, Kevin Coughlin, has got together with some musical chums and will be providing a full supporting programme of musical entertainment for which the “Teds” are truly grateful…..as “Teds” drummer Geoff Cross pointed out….he’s getting too old to “rock it up” all night without a few comfort breaks these days!

A hot supper will be included in the ticket price provided by caterer extraordinaire Colin Marshall, and the Critics Club will be providing a fully stocked Bar.

It’s true that the “Teds” aren’t getting any younger, but they will still get everyone up and dancing the night away on October 14th….Guaranteed! And all for a very worthwhile cause.

Tickets available from Odette’s Wellington (01823667919) from Sept 1st - £10 including supper.