Fortes Mentum

1960s British Psychedelic Pop Band

Danny Beckerman was a staff writer at Morgan Music in 1966 and wanted to get a band together to record his own material. He decided on talented London musicians Frank Bennett (3) on vocals, Ron Regan (2) on bass, Keith Giles (2) (ex Him & The Others) on drums, Alan Ward (4) on organ and Barry Clark on lead guitar. Originally Danny didn't want to be part of the band but as they all got on well together the other guys persuaded him to join them They released three singles as Fortes Mentum. Despite a good following, the band never made any money although they performed all over London and the UK. In March 1969 they were offered a unique opportunity to work in Germany. Unfortunately Alan and Barry had very good 'day jobs' and they didn't want to give them up. They were replaced by Rod Creasy on keyboards and Paul Coles on lead guitar. This line up worked the famous Top 10 Club in Hamburg and the K52 Club in Frankfurt. It was at the Starlight Ballroom later on that Frank and Danny had a falling out. Danny decided to pursue his career in songwriting and so left the band. Bob Flag (ex-Riot Squad) joined on saxophone and flute. After further lineup changes, Fortes Mentum disbanded around a year later due to lack of gigs. Fortes Mentum Mark l Musicians Ron Regan (2) - Bass Player Frank Bennett (3) - Vocals Barry Clark - Lead Guitar Alan Ward (4) - Organist Keith Giles (2) - Drums /Vocals Danny Beckerman (Deceased 2006) - Piano/Song Writer Fortes Mentum Mark ll Musicians Ron Regan (2) - Bass Player Frank Bennett (3) - Vocals Keith Giles (2) - Drums /Vocals Rod Creasy (Deceased 2005) - Organ Bob Flag - (ex Riot Squad) - Sax/Flute/Song Writer Stuart Wicks - Organ Tony McGill - Lead Guitar Paul Coles - Lead Guitar (Germany only)