Fareham's answer to The Beatles | Nostalgia

By Deborah Croker

Published 30th Dec 2021, 17:50 GMT

Updated 30th Dec 2021, 17:51 GMT

Bands of the past from around the region is today’s theme for pictures plucked from our archive.

A message from the editor, Mark Waldron.

The Federals - Fareham's answer to The Beatles. On the left, on lead guitar, is Bill Butler; Brian Bicknell, bass; Mick Allen, drums and on the right on rhythm is Dave Beams.
The band were resident support/backing group at the Savoy, Southsea. They also won a Battle of the Bands competition for the south of England — The Federals - Fareham's answer to The Beatles. On the left, on lead guitar, is Bill Butler; Brian Bicknell, bass; Mick Allen, drums and on the right on rhythm is Dave Beams. The band were resident support/backing group at the Savoy, Southsea. They also won a Battle of the Bands competition for the south of England

placeholder image — The Federals - Fareham's answer to The Beatles. On the left, on lead guitar, is Bill Butler; Brian Bicknell, bass; Mick Allen, drums and on the right on rhythm is Dave Beams. The band were resident support/backing group at the Savoy, Southsea. They also won a Battle of the Bands competition for the south of England

Subscribe here for unlimited access to all our coverage, including Pompey, for just 26p a day.

News you can trust since 1877

© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Terms and Conditions Privacy notice