at the request of The Animals, who were about to do their 40th anniversary tour, Chip Hawkes (formerly of The Tremeloes) was asked to form a band to tour along with them. This he did and brought together a true beat-era supergroup. The band features former original members of British 1960s groups, including Avory, Eric Haydock (The Hollies) and Hawkes, who have now combined to perform as The Class of 64 (referring to the actual year the British Invasion took America by storm), also featuring guitarists 'Telecaster Ted' Tomlin and Graham Pollock. The band have toured around the world, and have recorded an album of their former bands' hits. In 2007, Avory left The Class of 64 and, with other former 64 members Haydock, Pollock, Tomlin, formed a new band called The Legends of the Sixties, adding Martin Lyon. Avory made a special guest appearance onstage at Ray Davies' Royal Albert Hall performance on 10 May 2007. He played tambourine. Also guesting was Ian Gibbons, the former longtime Kinks keyboard player. Avory also plays in The '60s All Stars' band with British 1960s group members: John Dee (The Foundations), Alan Lovell (The Swinging Blue Jeans) and Derek Mandell (The George Harrison Band). The band can be seen playing regularly at the Cardinal Wolsey pub across the river from Avory's childhood suburb. Avory was selected to pick up the sticks for From The Jam following Rick Buckler's departure, and toured with them in December 2009. Personal life Avory lives in Kew, west London. Avory has a daughter. He has stated that she is not "terribly musical". Avory married Marliesa Mladek in January 2018. References External links Mick Avory's page at Drummerworld 1944 births Living people The Kinks members English rock drummers People from Molesey People from Chipping Barnet British rhythm and blues boom musicians