Colin Hicks, younger brother of Tommy Hicks (better known as Tommy Steele) had singing ability just like his famous brother. So much so that in 1957 Tommy Steele's manager, John Kennedy, signed him up to sing in a nightclub in London's posh Mayfair district. Then three TV guest spots and a top-of-the-bill tour. A recording contract with Pye records led to the release of 3 singles in the UK including a cover version of the Monotones' "Book Of Love", but the hoped-for success never materialised despite a couple of TV appearances with his backing group 'The Cabin Boys' in 1958.

Without chart success, his recording career nosedived but he was not deterred. He and his Cabin Boys went on a European tour. In Italy they had rave reviews about their rock'n'roll show, the Italians loved them and Colin and his group recorded eight songs while he was there and in 1961 even appeared in the film "Vacane alla baia d'argento".  In 1988, a Spanish label released a large series of LP's called "The History Of Rock'n'Roll". Release number 13 featured Colin Hicks and his Cabin Boys consisting of his six UK 'Pye' recordings together with those eight Italian recordings!

Band members (several line-up changes): Jimmy Nicol drums (Mar - Dec 1959) (born James George Nicol, 3.8.1939, in Liverpool, Lancashire) (to Vince Eager and the Quiet Three, Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames, 1964, The Beatles, 1964); David 'Zom' Tick guitar (Mar - Dec 1959); Mike O'Neill (Nero) piano (Mar - Dec 1959) (born Michael O'Neill, in 1938, in Leigh, Lancashire) (went to Nero and the Gladiators, Jan 1960 - Apr 1964); Boots Slade bass (Mar - Dec 1959) (went to Nero ad the Gladiators, Jan 1960 - Oct 1962, The Alan Price Combo, Nov 1965 - Apr 1967); Clem Cattini drums (Jul - Aug 1961) (born Clementi Anselmo Cattini 28.8.1937, in Stoke Newington, North London) (went to The Tornados, Sep 1961 - Aug 1963, Sep 1963 - Feb 1965); Alan Caddy guitar (Jul - Aug 1961) (born 2.2.1940, in Chelsea, S.W London) (went to The Tornados, Sep 1961 - Aug 1963, Sep 1963 - Feb 1965); Brian Gregg bass (Jul - Aug 1961) (born in 1939) (went to The Tornados, Sep 1961 - Aug 1963, The Pack).