Long-standing bandmates

Subject: Long-standing bandmates
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 15 Aug 19 - 09:00 AM

Musing on Pat Halcox's 54 years with Chris Barber I wondered about other long-standing bandmates in this age where bands split so frequently (I am told the Pussycat Dolls-who?- have had more members than UKIP have had leaders). Freddy Green had almost 50 years with Basie (1937-87) and Harry Carney 48 years with Ellington (1926-1974). Perhaps the Stones (Mick, Keith and Charlie) 1963 to date -56 years and counting, hold the record? I'm sure other 'catters will put me right with other examples.
RtS

Subject: RE: Long-standing bandmates
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 16 Aug 19 - 07:59 AM

Bill Monroe never kept ' bluegrass boys ' more than 2 or 3 years for fear the music would get stale.

Dave H

Subject: RE: Long-standing bandmates
From: Vic Smith
Date: 18 Aug 19 - 06:01 AM

I don't know how many years the three of the Rakes - Reg Hall, Michael Plunkett and Paul Gross - have played together but it must be around 60.
We danced to them several years before we were married and we have been married for 53 years.

Subject: RE: Long-standing bandmates
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 18 Aug 19 - 06:19 AM

But then Bill Monroe had been on the same course as Ewan McColl!!!

Subject: RE: Long-standing bandmates
From: PHJim
Date: 19 Aug 19 - 12:02 PM

ZZ Top has been together for 50 years with no personnel changes. The same three guys since 1969. That has to be a record. The Stones have been a band longer, but have had a bunch of personnel changes over the years.