History

March of The Mods (MoTM) was devised during 2008 by Johnny Mason. The initial ideas was to showcase various Mod Tribute bands but after some thought it became clear that this idea would be just like a normal gig where each band plays for 1 hour with a break in the middle for the bands to be changed over. So what, this wasnt anything new.

What was needed was something different. After a lot of though and some help from Chip Hawkes (Frontman of The Tremeloes and Chesney Hawkes Dad!), this idea was soon updated to a Stage Show format that involved Naration and Quick Band change.

The next stage was to find suitable bands. These bands needed to be Mod related so John started attending various gigs across the country looking for the right bands.

The first band that was found was 'Wellalive - The Original Paul Weller Tribte'. This wasnt surprising as John was the Frontman of this band (and still is). The second band was difficult to choose from as there are many fine Original & Tribute Mod Bands that put on a great show. However the perfect act was found in the form of the 'Small Fakers', one of the countries top 'Small Faces' Tribute.

The stage was now set. The first theatre show for 'March of The Mods' was booked with the help of Chip Hawkes and Roy Hasting, one of the top UK Promoters, at the Playhouse Theatre in Harlow, Essex. The Show format was a little rough but one fixed plan was to have both bands playing smaller sets with very, very short change-overs and topped off with a special ending, BOTH bands performing together.

This first show was well received and both bands were given a standing ovation at the end.