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As disco music and DJs grew in popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Etwall musician Brian Hague was putting a great deal of effort into keeping live dance music in the frame, playing in the many pubs and clubs around the Derby area. Here he shares his memories with Lynne Brighouse.

If you were a fan of live dance music in the 1960s and early 70s, then it is highly possible you burned off a bit of shoe leather twisting and jiving to the tunes played by accordion player Brian Hague, of Etwall, and his fellow musicians.

A life-long fan of music, Brian decided to put his talents to the test around 1965 when he and a group of friends set up their own band, called the Eagle Howlers.

"We were all fans of live music and there had been some great dance bands around in the 1950s and 60s, " he explained. "A decade later, though, and it was all about DJs and records. Disco music was starting to take over and we just wanted to make sure that live music still had a place."

The Eagle Howlers began their playing careers in a building called the Old Brew House, which stood in the yard of The Spread Eagle, in Etwall.

Brian readily admits that there was never any ambition to make a living from his musical endeavours and their first project was to help raise funds for the Etwall Church Roof Appeal.

Banjo player Reg Segrott, second from the right, with The Embassy Dance Band at the Nag’s Head, in Mickleover. Below: The gig’s programme

"We had a 'scratch group', consisting mainly of local musicians, David Langton on drums, Mick Smith on one-string bass, Bob Oakton on guitar (played through a record player) and myself on the accordion," said Brian. "We were later joined by my father, Vic Hague, on the ukulele, Darrel Jones on guitar (for one number only) and Reg Segrott on banjo. Reg, though older than the rest of us, was a very talented musician and quite well-known around the Derby area.

"In fact, it was coming across an old photograph of him playing with a band called The Embassy Dance Band which prompted me to contact Bygones and share the picture and memories of our band.

"Reg was a fantastic banjo player and taught banjo lessons to many local people.

"We were later joined by Harry Hubbard, who played the drums, then Ron Nye, who took over on drums and released Harry to play harmonica and clarinet."

The band began to play for various local events and family get-togethers but band members came and went. Eventually, it was decided to take the whole venture a bit more seriously.

Members of The Diamonds play at the Silver Wedding anniversary of Brian and his wife, Hilda, in July 1982. From left, Dave Parr, Bob Oakton, Ron Nye and Brian Hague

"We met up at the Great Northern public house, in Mickleover, one evening and, inspired by the Double Diamond beer mats on the bar, decided to adopt the stage name The Diamonds", explained Brian.

"The band consisted of a number of core members - Ron Nye, Harry Hubbard, Reg Segrott, myself and Bob Oakton, our vocalist. We were later joined by Dennis Petts and Dave Parr and - if I may say so - we became quite good. Before long, we found ourselves being booked on a regular basis on the local circuit, playing venues such as the Polish Club, on Kedleston Road, Mickleover and Repton British Legions, Ashby Town Hall, Ashbourne Town Hall, many pubs and Labour clubs. In fact, we appeared at practically every village hall within 20 miles of Derby. "

Brian also recalled one memorable occasion when The Diamonds played for the staff and patients at Pastures Hospital, in Derby.

"Most of our gigs were for charitable causes. We only charged for our expenses and simply loved playing" he said. "We offered a repertoire of strict tempo music, rock and roll, country and western, the odd singalong and even turned our hands to music for the twist, when playing to more energetic audiences."

Eventually the pressure of full-time day jobs and family commitments made it difficult for the band to continue and, in 1972, they called it a day.

"It was a shame to finish but it was right at the time," said Brian, who is still heavily involved in running a dance club at Etwall, keeping some of the older tunes and dances alive.

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