As youths the boys had all played in their own bands, gaining their individual experience as young musicians. Over the years they crossed each others paths which lead to Don's Dave's, Noddy's and Jim's future to be destined to come together.

Don's first band was called 'The Vendour's' and managed by a man known as Chalky White..................Dave Hill's first band was called 'The Young Ones'. Dave (during a gig) was spotted by Chalky White, he invited Dave to audition to join the Vendour's... which he did!

Noddy's first band was called 'Rockin' Phantoms'  later changing it's name to The Memphis Cuts-Outs. Noddy had seen many of his band members come and go, late 1964 his band was approached by a singer called Steve Brett. Steve's backing band ( The Mavericks) had split from him and Steve asked The Memphis Cut-Outs to replace them, which they did and then became.....

The N'Betweens happened to often shared gig venues with Steve Brett and The Mavericks, and one time by chance were also aboard the same ferry to Germany, to attend separate venues. It was at this point that Noddy Holder got to hear of how insecure 'The N'Betweens were becoming, Noddy was asked, by Don and Dave if he would consider forming a 'new band' with them.

Jim Lea's first band 'Nick and The Axmen.....Jim saw an audition advert in the local paper for The N'Betweens, he attended and made an impression.

Basically Don Powell could see the unique talent Lea had and took it upon himself to approach Jim personally without the knowledge of other N'Between members apart from Dave. So Dave and Noddy ( who had now agreed to setting up a breakaway band of there own) The three called to Jims home asking him to join them in their planned New Band 

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Tensions often ran high as the ‘breaking away’ from ‘The N’Betweens was the plan of action, of Don & Dave to making a ‘quartet along with Noddy and Jim. In fact the four had done as secret rehearsal, leaving other members of the N’Betweens unaware.

In June 1966 The N’Betweens Played at Park Ballroom in Plymouth, in  a last minute dilemma they were minus a fifth band member (Johnny Howells) and so it meant the quartet of Don, Dave, Noddy and Jim had made there first public appearance. The N’Betweens was soon after officially made up of just this quartet.
 

As time went on, the friendship of the four musicians was getting stronger, although the relationship between them and Astra Agent was unfortunately breaking down, the group gave up there loyalties with astra, and a manager by the name of Anita Anderson comes into the legend, with Anita’s connections the groups destined fate began.

Early 1969 The N’Betweens became ‘Ambrose Slade’  due to an  interest in  the group by Jack Baverstocks (Phillips Records)  He had advised a few changes, one being to change the groups name.  Although the quartet apprehensively at the time, agreed to what became a significant change. Via Jack Baverstocks connections the group came of  interest to a man known as ‘Chas Chandler’ who, extremely impressed with the quartet ,and even more  after seeing  an arranged live perform, promptly offered to become there manager. A financial settlement was made to Anita Andersons agency, and Jack was also informed that Chas was now to be Ambrose Slades manager.

Chas ( originally from The Animals) a well respected man, who had also discovered Jimi Hendrix, took ‘Ambrose Slade’ under his wing, he gave them immense support and in return gain twice the respect from the quartet. Chas encouraged them to start writing their own material.

It was late 1969 that the ‘Ambrose’ of the groups name was dropped,

Don, Dave Noddy and Jim were now to be known as :-