The Grumbleweeds story began in Leeds in 1962, when the group was first formed by Robin Colvill. They spent the next few years undertaking the usual round of clubs and pubs in their native Yorkshire and overseas engagements in German, playing alongside bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and many others. They turned fully professional in 1967, following an appearance on BBC TV's 'Opportunity Knocks' – an early version of today's X Factor show.
They went on to appear on the show 'Max Bygraves Meets New Faces', courtesy of Johnny Hamp, who nearly 20 years later masterminded their popular TV series, ambiguously titled 'The Grumbleweeds Radio Show'
In 2013, Robin was joined by his close friend and first-class actor, singer and comedian James Brandon, James, himself a stand-up comic, took the role of straight man to Robin's hapless idiot. Interestingly, it is the first-time in the history of comedy that the straight man has switched places to take on the role of the clown in the act. Their first appearance as the new act was in 'Aladdin' at Hull's New Theatre. To say their performance was a success is a vast understatement, heralded by their peers as even funnier than before.
There are very few acts in the history of UK comedy that can stand the test of time and who can boast such a proud theatrical history as The Grumbleweeds.
Listen to Robin Colvill telling his own story of Juke Boxes to the height of Television Success.