Brothers Forbes

Prior to 1968, "The Brothers Forbes", John and Larrie had a very productive career in the Royal Canadian Navy as musicians in the Naden Band, stationed in Esquimalt. They were also performing in separate groups playing dance music. Larrie played drums,trumpet and vocals with "The Classics" along with Gabby Bruner, George Lovic and Bert Botten. John was playing piano with "The Jays", including Jim Ryan, Fred Wyatt and Terry Totzke. On the classical side, both John and Larrie played for many years in the Victoria Symphony Orchestra. In the early spring of 1968, John and Larrie decided to put their talents together and called themselves "The Brothers Forbes". They put their show together rehearsing in Johns' garage before venturing out to play "casual gigs". Larrie played drums, flute, trumpet, trombone and vocals. Brother John playing piano, organ trumpet, trombone and harmonizing. In May of 1968, the boys were approached by Clare Anderson, owner of the Oak Bay Marina Restaurant. Their regular organist, Bevan Gorelangton was taking four months off, and they needed a replacem... more...