It turns out that "Oddball" was a local pop band from the early '70s, playing cover songs in local pubs and clubs. They took their name from the character "Sgt Oddball" played by Donald Sutherland in the 1970 film "Kelly's Heroes".

The group's members were: John Watson from Bradley and his sister Joyce; Martyn Paley of Bradley on bass; Farnhiller Ken Webb on drums; and David "pip" Lambert on vocals and sax. Here's a photograph of the group, up at the quarry.

The graffiti probably dates from the early days of the group, perhaps 1969; and, without pointing the finger too much, it seems that members of the band were the likely perpetrators.

The appearance of the graffiti may have caused some consternation to Ken Webb's father. Norris Webb was a special constable who was well known in the village. He ran beetle drives in the rooms under the chapel on Saturday nights, and also performed magic tricks (rather badly, or so it is said). The Webb family lived at 57 Main Street and 11 Staincliffe Street.

It's not clear that the band really "happened", as the graffiti suggested they would, but they certainly seem to have had a good time. They occasionally rehearsed in Farnhill Methodist Chapel and on one occasion they were invited to play for the Sunday congregation. They could only think of one song that had any vaguely religious connection, and so that's what they played. It was "She was only a broken down angel", an early 70s hit for the group Nazareth.

Most of the members went on to play in other groups after Oddball. (John Watson and Martin Paley still play together).

 
Posted: 25/06/2022;
with thanks to Peter Jessop (who married an "Oddball"), Paul Beswick and Richard Law. Photograph from Ken Webb.