Vic Steele (whose real name is Vic Farrell) began with a band with the
Emperors of Rhythm. Vic approached Eric Haydock to replace the Emperors'
departing bassist. The plan did not work out since two other Emperors - Eric
Stewart (rhythm guitar) Eric Farrell (drums) - turned professional as part
of the band behind the local singer Johnny Peters.
His discussions with Eric Haydock, Don Rathbone, Graham Nash, and Allan
Clarke led to the five of them forming 'Ricky & Dane and the Emperors of
Rhythm' and then the Hollies.
In 1963, Ron Richards offered the Hollies a chance to record with EMI
Parlophone. Vic decided to finish his education in engineering instead of
embarking on a professional music career.
Vic currently works for Drake & Scull in Manchester. He still gets out and
plays guitar on occasion.
Steele Fun Facts
Vic's mate in the Emperors of Rhythm, Eric Stewart, later played with the
Mindbenders and 10cc.
Vic's brother Eric was the drummer for the Emperors of Rhythm.
Vic still owns the white Fender Jazzmaster that he played during his time in
the Hollies.



Here is a letter from Vic describing his early days with the Hollies.


Vic Steele's Letter

The Hollies (1962-1963)
By Vic Farrell (original lead guitarist)
The original members came together in June/July 1962 when Vic Steele (real
name Vic Farrell) approached Eric Haydock to replace the bass guitarist in
Vic's current group 'The Emperors of Rhythm'. The plan didn't work out
because The Emperors' rhythm guitarist (Eric Stewart - Later of Mindbenders
and 10cc) and the Emperors' drummer, Vic's brother Eric, turned professional
backing a local singer called Johnny Peters.
Eric Haydock was at the time in a group called the Flintstones along with
Allan, Graham, & Don, and after a few meetings between Vic, Eric, Allan &
Graham, at the local coffee/dance club 'The Oasis' the new band was formed.
The first practices took place over the Wimpey Bar in Oxford Road in the
evenings and on Sundays and after three of four weeks we started gigging
under the name of 'Ricky & Dane Young and the Emperors of Rhythm', at the
local dance halls, youth clubs, and coffee dance clubs. We soon got a
regular Wednesday spot at the 'Oasis', and built up a small following. The
type of music we were playing was Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Everly Brothers,
and we were in a small way influenced by the new up and coming group from
Liverpool called the Beatles. In fact in early 1963 I recall playing at the
Cavern on a Sunday Marathon where the Beatles topped the bill. (note:- I
noticed on a recent BBC Antiques Roadshow the actual poster for this
appearance was featured.) The DJ I remember was Bob Woller.
It was December 1962, approaching Christmas, when Allan Clarke came up with
the name 'The Hollies'. Initially the band went out as 'Ricky & Dane Young
and The Hollies'. Ricky and Dane were of course Allan & Graham.
The thing about The Hollies that probably set us apart from the other
Manchester groups at the time was Allan & Graham's unique vocal harmony
blend and the backing that was more like Chuck Berry rather than the Shadows
style which was popular at the time.
The Hollies popularity in the Manchester area soared, and soon the
Manager/agent Allan Cheetham secured a record contract.
I decided it would be best to finish my education in Engineering rather that
take a gamble with my future - hence I left the Hollies just after I turned
18 in May 1963. My guitar in the Hollies was a white Fender Jazzmaster,
which I still own, - our stage gear was Black leather jeans, leather tops
and black polo neck jumpers, which were very hot on stage.
Enclosed is an old photograph of The Emperors 1961, booth photo of myself
and Eric Haydock taken at a Mecca Dancehall in Oldham, and a recent photo of
The Hollies original line up minus Allan & Graham taken in November 1991 at
the Willows, Salford at the launch of the book It Happened in Manchester.