Bat and ball and fish and chips,
They both go hand in hand;
But none of these are quite as close
As Les and the Kirkby band.
You could say he was as bold as brass
In the Fifties when he planned
To build a band of championship class
That became Les and the Kirkby band.
He was first comet and lead trombone
Before he took command
And stood at the front with the baton
He was Les of the Kirkby band.
He taught the yongsters how to play,
How to march and how to stand,
He taught one or two of the old ’uns too,
Did Les of the Kirkby band.
We had a day out at the seaside
You know it were really grand
‘Cos who was playing at the Spa?
It were Les and the Kirkby band.
We’ve all heard of the Titanic
It hit an iceberg the size of Iceland,
But which band played when the ship went down‘?'
It were Les and the Kirkby band.
(It ’s not true but he would have.)
Now Black Dyke Mills and Hammonds Sauce
Had fame across the land
But we wouldn’t swop you one of those
For Les and the Kirkby band.
In ‘83 they reached the top
The Nationals, what a demand,
But they just missed out on the Albert Hall
Did Les and the Kirkby band.
He rightfully received recognition,
In the place of honour he had to stand
As they pinned the BEM on his chest
Proud Les of the Kirkby band.
For seventy years he played his part
I hope you understand,
For we’ll never see the like again
Of Les and the Kirkby band.
So let’s stand up and raise a glass
And give a big, warm hand
In memory of a music man;
TO LES AND THE KIRKBY BAND