Tributes paid to Barrow musician Frank Hayes of Chapter Five

Tributes have been paid following the death of a much-loved and talented Barrow musician, remembered for his kindness, dedication to family and lasting impact on the local music scene.
Frank Hayes died on December 22 at the age of 81. Born and raised in Barrow, he spent his entire life in the town and was widely respected both as a musician and as a friend to many.
A devoted family man, Frank married his wife Ann on April 1, 1966, and the couple shared 59 years together. He leaves behind his son Paul, grandchildren Sam and Joe, and great-grandson Chester.
Frank was a founding member of the local bands Chapter Five and Soul Survivors Barrow, where his bass playing played a key role in shaping the groups’ distinctive sound. Formed in 1964, the band grew from a five-piece into an eight-piece line-up.
By November 1966, the group consisted of lead singer John Ritson, bassist Frank Hayes, drummer Tony Flannaghan, lead guitarist Eddie Davies, organist Dave McGerty, trumpeter Bruce Martin, saxophonist Dave Roberts and Lou Michelback on saxophone or bass guitar.
That same year, the band entered the Radio London charts with Anything You Do Is Alright and You Can’t Mean It. The records later became cult classics on the Northern Soul disco circuit and were re-released in more recent years. During their career, the band shared stages with major names including Ike and Tina Turner, Manfred Mann, Billy Fury and The Kinks.
Chapter Five later released another record with CBS, One In A Million, which featured on the BBC’s Juke Box Jury. Decades later, two of the band’s songs, One In A Million and This Isn’t The First Time, made the Top Twenty of Mike Read’s Heritage radio charts earlier this year.
Speaking about his father, Paul Hayes said: “Everywhere my dad went he made great friends and always had a kind word to say. He was a patient, deeply caring man with time for everyone, and he adored his family.”
Although Frank began his working life as a professional musician, he later moved into a career on the railways before working as a radiographer at Vickers Shipbuilding & Engineering Limited. He went on to work offshore, running a company operating remotely operated vehicles, before finishing his career at Sellafield, where he formed many lasting friendships.
Despite his varied career, music remained a constant passion throughout his life. His influences included The Beatles, Steely Dan, The Eagles, Michael McDonald and The Doobie Brothers.
Dave McGerty, fellow founder and keyboard player of Chapter Five and Soul Survivors, paid tribute to Frank’s musical legacy. He said Frank’s bass playing was central to the success of both bands and helped make their music popular with audiences at live performances and with radio listeners around the world.
“As far as I’m concerned, Frank was the perfect bass player,” he said. “My main memories of Frank will always be when Chapter Five shared the stage with virtually all the most famous bands of the sixties. They were wonderful times.”
Away from music, Frank enjoyed golf and sailing on Windermere, interests he pursued until ill health slowed him down in later years. Described by his family as unassuming, he went through life trying to spread a little joy in his own quiet way.
Frank Hayes was deeply loved and will be sorely missed by his family, friends and the wider music community.