Reflections & The Avalons
1981–2006
The Comeback
From 1964 to 1979, Terry wasn't on stage regularly — though he did enter talent competitions on holiday, regularly winning his weekly heat at events like the Butlin's Star Trail. He'd married Geraldine and had three children. But music never left him.
Towards the end of 1979, Terry decided it was time to get back to what he loved. He contacted musicians he knew and formed a new band: Terry Franks & Reflections.
Getting it Right
The band spent 18 months rehearsing to get everything just right before their first gig in 1981. That dedication to quality would define the next 25 years.
Reflections (1981–1993)
The original Reflections lineup:
- Terry Franks — Vocals
- Lou Feltimo — Bass
- Billy Law — Lead Guitar
- Colin Sheaf — Drums (returning from The Terriers days)
For four years the lineup remained stable, with the band booked to perform at least once a week at various Social Clubs and Private Functions.
Fun fact: The photo above shows both guitarists as left-handed — the image isn't reversed!
Lineup Changes
In 1985, Billy Law left and Pete Hennessy (who also backed Terry in The Terriers) took over on lead guitar. Colin Sheaf also departed, with Barry "Buck" Herbert replacing him on drums.
The band continued with a full diary of bookings until tragedy struck in December 1989, when Pete Hennessy sadly passed away from a heart attack during the interval while performing at Maidenhead Ivy Leaf Club.
The Avalons Return (1993–2006)
After discussions, the band decided to continue. Colin Richards — who had backed Terry in the original Avalons — joined once again, this time on lead guitar.
In the mid-90s, the band decided to change their name to Terry Franks & The Avalons to avoid being confused with another band on the club circuit with a similar name.
The lineup changed once more in 1998 when Barry Herbert left and Dave Allen took over on drums.
The Final Avalons Lineup
- Terry Franks — Vocals
- Lou Feltimo — Bass
- Colin Richards — Lead Guitar
- Dave Allen — Drums
Retirement
Terry Franks & The Avalons eventually hung up their guitars, drumsticks, and mics in October 2006, bowing out at the Curzen Club, Reading.
After 25 years on the club circuit — first with Reflections, then with The Avalons — Terry had now spent a total of 30 years as a performing artist.
Did you see Terry perform with Reflections or The Avalons?
We'd love to hear your memories from clubs, private functions, or any gigs across Berkshire and beyond.
Contact Stuart Franks