Members: Brian Connolly

Obviously "The Troop" never got to release a record - which is a shame because there are some great tracks on here. I would state that the EP was recorded sometime between 1965-1967. What makes this an extra special find, apart from the great undiscovered music, is the fact that this must be Brian Connolly's, from "The Sweet", first band!! What makes me think that this is Brian Connolly's first group?

There is no doubt about this being an unknown group to feature Brian Connolly. This definitely predates his accepted first group "Wainwright's Gentlemen". Brian Connolly was fostered at age 2 by a couple with the surname "McManus". In fact he used this name until aged 18-20, the exact age is unknown. This was when Brian discovered that he was fostered, & also discovered that his birth mother's surname was "Connolly". He used this surname from there on. All four tracks are credited to "McManus, Eldridge".

Also one of the tracks on this EP "On The Spotlight", not only is a great mid 1960's freakbeat/ psych track, but is also the same track that is on "The Sweet's" first LP "Funny How Sweet Co-Co Can Be", titled "Spotlight". Curiously on this LP the track is credited as being written by "Connolly, Priest, Scott, Tucker". As stated, on this acetate EP, the track is credited as being written by "McManus, Eldridge".

I am not sure who "Eldridge" is/ was or why he didn't get a credit on "The Sweet" LP for this track.

This is an undiscovered, & important, gem!