Mike Sax and the Vikings

Mike Sax and the Vikings were formed in 1960. At first they began playing local clubs around the Greater Manchester area. After a couple of years they were playing venues such as the Oasis. Northern Sporting Club, Bernard Mannings Embassy Club, and The Yew Tree, just to name a few. In 1964 they secured a recording contract with Philips.They were on the Mercury Label. At the same time signing a publishing contract with Feldmans music publishers. Carl Wayne and the Vikings were already under contract to Philips, so Mike Sax and the Vikings changed their name to Mike Sax and the Idols. Their first record climbed to No.1 Position in of all places, Turkey, remaining in that position for 5 weeks.The title was 'Don't Walk Away'. An original number composed by the group. Their second original release was a Christmas song 'My Little One'. In 1966 they played the summer season in Rimini (Italy) gaining a huge following. Their A and R man was Johnny Franz, who also recorded, Dusty Springfield,The Walker Brothers, and Carl Denver, Just to name a few.