Pete Kiwi Keegan and his Skiffle Band

In 1954 Kiwi was given his first guitar as a present and was soon strumming a few chords. In 1956, with the overnight advent of 'skiffle' music thanks to the likes of Lonnie Donegan and others, Kiwi formed, aged fifteen, his first skiffle band Two guitars,one tea chest base and a snare drum was all that was required to enable  this small group of teenagers to frequent the railway arches and doorways of London's west end. This was followed by gigs in pubs and clubs and theatres culminating in 1957 with a a booking on BBC TV's 'All your own' hosted by the late Hugh Weldon. Donned in black shirts and denim jeans Pete' Kiwi' performed two songs, skip to malo and Worried man blues. Because there was only one TV channel in 1957, the south London group caused a local sensation and the group called then 'The Spartans' enjoyed considerable success until the group split up in 1958.

In recent years Pete 'Kiwi' a Norfolk art dealer, has revived his interest in 'skiffle' music and has often included 'skiffle' numbers while joining with members of the well known Norwich folk club. A few years ago Pete formed a new band and has enjoyed considerable success performing at local venues including the Railway tavern in Wymondham, The Branford armes,Norwich  & playing regularly at the Nelson public house. In 2001 Pete 'Kiwi' was booked to play with Dickie Bishop (formerly part of Lonnie Donegan's group) also with Chas McDevitt at the Maddermarket. Unfortunately The concert had to be cancelled due to contractual difficulties.

Pete 'Kiwi' Keegan is one of the only first generation musicians to perform 'skiffle' music in Nowich since he  was performing this  music when it first was played in London clubs and bars. His many memories and anecdotes form a regular part of his 'skiffle' nights. He has helped to encourage many, including younger music lovers to appreciate this style of music. Recently the film 'Oh brother where art thou?' which included several blue grass and mountain tunes, often a part of 'Kiwi's' programme, has helped to popularise 'skiffle' music which is having somewhat of a comeback due to the simple rhythms, and happy, often optimistic lyrics.