The Portsmouth Music Scene

Tony Porter

The first confirmed record of the Porter family in Portsmouth was in the 1951 Kelly's Directory with Geo Porter at 13, Hatherey Close, Paulsgrove. It's believed he died in 1962 age 85. Possibly he was grandfather Porter. In the 1960 Kelly's, W. Porter was listed at the same address, possibly Tony's father. In the News "Rock" groups article dated 26th Janaury 1962, he gave the address 33, Agincourt Road. In 1964 A G Porter was listed at 8/9 Bellvue Terrace, Southsea. This was also known as the Checkpoint Cafe. It's believed Tony was born in Surrey in 1941. In the late 1950's early 1960's he played guitar in the Tennessee Studs, with Mick Snowden, Teddy Robinson, Tony Smith and Mick Cooper(not yours truly). Then came the Tony Porter Group, including Tony on bass guitar and vocals, Dave “Digger” Hart (LG) Dave Allaway (G/V), Les Waters (D). At the same time he was developing a number of local venues and running weekly dances as promoter. One of the most popular was the Co-op Hall in Albert Road Southsea, these days known as the Wedgewood. Tony began to 'manage' groups and recorded demos of some of them on his own 'Checkpoint' record label. After a number of successful years he moved to Australia in the late 1960's, and is believed to have run a business involving tyres. I beleive that Dave Allaway joined him and both are still in Austrlia. checkpoint demo A brief history of Dave 'Digger' Hart, who now lives in Spain. After various Skiffle Groups :- 1958 The Strollers Dave Hart, brother Colin Hart on guitar /vocals, Dave Cobb /bass,Joe Farnell/drums, Colin left for National Service and was replaced by Brian Marshall. 1959 Brian and Dave Cobb (Johnny Vance) left to become Vince Taylor's Playboys, and Dave Hart Joined Tony Porters Group. 1960 Tony disbanded, and the Nightriders were formed. Dave Hart, Dave Allaway on guitar/vocals Brian Marshall /bass Joe Farnell/drums. 1962 The Southerners (later Southern Sounds) Dave Hart, Colin Quaintance/Guitar, Chris Ryder /vocals, Dave Field/bass Pete StClair/drums. 1966 The Dave Hart Combo Dave Hart, Frank Kelly/vocals, Dave's brother Colin Hart/bass, Mick Archer/drums (replaced in 1967 by Keith Hawtin) 1969 Turned Pro as High Society, Colin replaced by Pete Jackson 1970 Frank left, band continued as trio 'till 2001. Tony Porter In the early 20thy century building looked like this;- The Checkpoint Cafe photographed in 1974 The Checkpoint Cafe is now Shorties

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