The Haunters were a Folkestone 4-piece, teenage band, greatly influenced by 'Johnny Kidd and The Pirates' and top instrumental outfit 'The Hunters' from Cheshunt (who once backed Cliff Richard on The London Palladium when 'The Shadows' were indisposed).
Line-up included:
- John Scotchmer
- John Bowley
- Bill Whitewood
- John Atkins.
- Mick Hinton
The Haunters formed in late 1963 consisted of the "3 J's" from Dolphins Road, Folkestone - John Scotchmer on vocals (later to become D.J Johnny Scott); John Atkins (rhythm/lead guitar) and John Bowley (bass guitar). Drummer was Bill Whitewood from the Durlocks.
After experience on the halls, clubs and pubs circuit during April, May and June, 1964 , the haunting sound of the band (reputed to sear through one's cranium like an 'electric ghost') was thickened by the addition of 14-year old Mick Hinton bought in on second guitar and additional vocals. The band continued until John Atkins was invited to join The Fyrebirds in early Autumn of '64. It was, in fact, Atkins who was the fanatical 'Hunters' fan and not guitar maestro E.P. Glasby - as erroneously quoted in a newspaper report of the day (see "The Fyrebirds" entry).
