A TRIBUTE has been paid to an original member of 60s rock band The Hollies by his lifelong friend.

Musician Don Rathbone, from Wilmslow, died last month, aged 87.

The drummer played with the famous band from 1962 to 1963, when they released their first hit ‘Just Like Me’.

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Before that, he performed on stage at several local clubs.

Don played jazz at Water Lane Methodist Church youth club in the 1950s, with his friend and pianist Brian Shapeley, a well-known auctioneer.

The duo also played together with the Regal Dance Band in Alderley Edge.

In 1958, the pair joined Wilmslow’s first rock group, The Electrons, founded by Don’s friend, Philip Henshaw, a guitarist and singer, and Cliff Bowes.

Lifelong friend Philip, 84, from Wilmslow, said: “Don had a good sense of humour and wouldn’t use two words when one would do.

“He lived in Dunstable for a time but I always kept up with him.

“We had made lots of memories performing around the North West and never quite becoming famous.

“He was a lovely man.”

In the early 60s, Don joined Manchester group The Fourtones, later known as The Deltas.

In 1962, he became a founder member of The Hollies, a leading group known for their distinctive vocal harmony style.

The most successful member of that group was rhythm guitarist and singer Graham Nash, who co-formed Crosby, Stills and Nash in America in 1968.

Don lived opposite Coopers clothes shop and used to work at the former Cleggs department store, on the corner of Church Street and Hawthorn Lane.

He used to discuss new developments in the town with Philip, such as Finnigans department store being built.

The store became Hoopers in 1982.

Philip said: “We would talk about that area which was previously a thick vertical overlap fence with allotments on the other side.

“Near the New Inn, now The Coach and Four, there was an agricultural company and also a garage.”

Fond memories of Don’s family as they grew up together in Wilmslow have also been recalled.

Philip said: “Don’s father, Gordon, was registrar for Wilmslow, pre and post World War Two.

“His name is on many birth certificates.”

Philip kept in touch with Don after he moved down south.

“Don often visited Wilmslow for school reunions at the Coach and Four, in the 1950s, when the music was new,” he said.

Don followed the career of Philip’s son, Elliot, who is a professional drummer and has toured all over the world performing with many famous artists, including Leo Sayer, Shirley Bassey and Phil Collins.

Phillip added: “He came to my son, Elliott’s gigs, and attended his wedding.

“Don will be missed by myself and his grandchildren and other family members.”