But things didn’t bode well from the start - The Riot Squad’s first single release, a song called “Anytime” written by Ryan, had Larry Page’s name on the record label as the songwriter. Whether this was an error or not is not clear, however Ryan has said that all the money generated by this single ended up in Page’s pocket! Also in dispute was the producer credit, which again was accredited to Page when in fact it was Ryan at the helm.
But as it turned out, it was the employment of Mitch Mitchell that caused the biggest rift in the band. There were many clashes between Ryan and Mitchell who seemed far from grateful about being given his first big professional break. Furthermore, it appeared that Mitchell actually wanted to take over the leadership of the band, saying that the way forward was a 'softer approach' to their music, with close harmonies - a cross between, The Beach Boys and The Impressions.
Surprisingly, the band were coming round to Mitchell’s way of thinking and following many squabbles Ryan soon became disillusioned with the group. Finally, prompted by Mitchell’s accusation that Ryan was trying to turn the band into a clone of the DC5, Ryan left his own band.
Following Ryan’s departure, the band did indeed move in a softer pop direction and even had a few tracks produced by the legendary Joe Meek. Following their split in 1967, Mitchell was recruited to join the Jimi Hendrix Experience – very far removed from the close harmonies of The Beach Boys and The Impressions!
Ryan joined other bands during the Sixties, notably The Blue Aces - a group who released a couple of highly-collectable freak-beat singles penned by Ryan – and he continued gigging right through the Seventies. He later formed an extremely popular country and western group and went on tour with the likes of Willie Nelson!
In 1985 Ryan was very surprised to hear his song “Because” on the radio sung by Julian Lennon – then the radio announcer came on air and said “that was ‘Because’ written by Dave Clark”, the effect was devastating and moved Ryan to tears. Ryan’s dream is that one day he will get the opportunity to say to Julian Lennon "I liked the way you sang “Because” – I wrote that!”
Now, after a few years putting his feet up, he has recently started writing and recording again – expect some new material on the Ron Ryan website very soon!
So what is my part in all this? Nothing really – except my Dad was the drummer in The Walkers and he has been telling me this story for years. Then this time last year I recently stumbled across this message board, and as I read on, I found that everything my Dad had told me is all true (not that he lies anyway!). Now, after MUCH prompting, Ron Ryan has started to tell the true story - not for money, but purely because he thinks that it is time to put the record straight and receive some credit and recognition for his work.
I always felt a strong sense of injustice whenever my Dad told Ryan’s story and that something should be done about it. Sadly, it is unlikely that Ron Ryan will ever see his name between the song writer’s brackets where it belongs - but at least now the true story is out there and word is spreading.
I leave the final word to Ron Ryan himself: “As for being ripped off, well I am used to it, I think Clark ripped me off for many hundreds of thousands, so Larry Page was in the 'little league'… I am still upset that Dave Clark can get away with putting his name on songs I wrote, I think that is wrong on many levels.”
Alan Saint 18 December 2007
RonRyanMusic.com