During the course of their time on the road many fine musicians played with the band including vocalist Colm C. T. Wilkinson better known for his performances in stage shows such as “Phantom of the Opera” and others. They toured extensively at home and abroad and played on the same bill as Elvis Presley in the Bahamas in 1969. Just like Letterkenny,s Marines showband, they played many times in the various US military establishments  in Britian and Europe, and made many contacts there. However their biggest stint abroad was a fine month coast to coast tour of Australia , a massive success including T.V. and radio performances  while they were there.
A five week tour of the USA ,earlier in 1964 saw them play in New York , Chicago and San Francisco, another resounding success for the band.

    A residency in the Talk of the Town Club in Manchester , succeeded in making them immensely popular with the North of England audiences, and we rarely saw them here, only for short periods on the Irish dancehall circuit. They found time though to go into the recording studios where Tony Morelli recorded “Take good care of Her” and “Nowbody,s Child” and Joe “Boots” Clarke really “ sent them home sweating” with his recording of “The Haunted House.”  Sadly Joe passed away in Canada last year, and he left us with great memories from his brilliant performance of Haunted House on BBC T.V. showband series “Do you come here Often”. Gerry Rice and Tony Morelli continue to entertain senior citizens in Belfast at afternoon gigs in local day centres. Tony and Gerry , joined by other musicians, issued a fine CD a few years ago entitled “The Professionals” a very fitting name for musicians from such a great showband , the Witnesses.
John Baird

 

This 60s showband from Northern Ireland first emerged in 1963, with a line-up comprising
Harry "Trixie' Hamilton (Bass), Harry Mitchel (Keyboards), Big Joe Clake (Vocals),
Gerry Rice (Sax), Alex Burns (Guitar), George Mullen (Trumpet) and David Martin (Drums).
An offshoot from the Dave Glover Band, the Witnesses" were known for their musicianship and love of jazz.
 Tony Morelli (Rhythm Guitar and Vocals) (Northern Comets)
With the arrival of Colm Wilkinson, in place of Mitchel,
the band boasted a second vocalist,with a distinctive blues approach.
Although their set was varied, the band failed to make an impact in Eire,
but enjoyed successful tours of the UK before fragmenting at the end of the 60s.

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