by Wayne McGrath
It was 1959 and the world of Rock ’n Roll was in its infancy.
In Port Elgin Ontario, a popular beach destination on the shores of Lake Huron, a grade 8 student, Larry Dudgeon, was in possession of a Slingerland drum set courtesy of Earl Georgas. He invited fellow Grade 8 students Terry Cottrill, rhythm guitar, Gordon Rhodes, lead guitar and Paul Mc Grath, piano. Grade 9 students Lindsay Gorrell and Wayne Bell, bass guitar were also invited. Lindsay switched to drums and Larry became the lead vocalist. These teenagers had no idea what their future would bring and just thought life in a rock band was ‘pretty cool.’
Their first gig as the COMETS was at their own Saugeen District High School in October, 1959. Students applauded their seven songs and wanted more, so they repeated …..Dream Lover, Young Love, This Time, Splash Splash and A Whole Lot of Shakin’. There was ‘something’ about these young musicians that adults as well took note of. Youthful talent and ambition was taking root. Like all teenagers who have discovered their niche, practising and working hard was just too much fun.
It was a natural to copy the name of Rock ’n Rolls first star, Bill Halley. The guys were really impressed with Hanover’s FIVE FURYS who had been regulars at the Cedar Crescent Casino.
Their progression into the pro ranks was hardly a year away. Whether fortuitous or opportunistic, in 1960, Emmett and Pat McGrath, owners of the famous Cedar Crescent Casino decided to take a chance. The popularity of Big Band music was being crowded out and this youthful group arrived at the right time and the right place.
From 1960 throughout 1968, the COMETS became a sought after act playing hundreds of gigs mostly in south western Ontario. Their popularity and success was sealed when decided that “Gordon Rhodes and his swinging COMETS” would be the permanent house band every summer at the Cedar Crescent Casino dance hall that attracted thousands of eager teenagers. Whether hobknobbing with Wayne and Shuster at the bands CBC audition or hanging out with Petra Burka, Lady World Champion Figure Skater (1965), or lamenting the blizzard cancelled opening act with the Supremes, the life of each COMET musician left an indelible effect on each member and the thousands that danced to their infectious music.
Lindsay Gorrell was the first to leave on his way to a Rhodes Scholarship in Engineering. Lloyd Mercey was the second drummer until his brothers came calling. For the next twenty five years, Lloyd travelled the world with the famous 7-time Juno award winning band, the Mercey Brothers from Hanover. Eddie Miller, 14 at the time in 1965, a young drum phenom, was playing Vegas with Bobby Curtola at age 20. Gary Edmonston was the last drummer. Ken Chappell took over keys for a year while Paul Mc Grath was away at school. Terry Cottrill moved to London and became a Sam the Record Man store manager and a Capitol Records supervisor. Paul Vasey, award winning journalist and longtime CBC morning host took Terry’s place.. In 1965, trumpet player Wayne Mc Grath added Tijuana Brass and Motown hits to the band. From the very beginning, Howard Rhodes offered his expertise on bass guitar and played some early gigs with the band. His career choice was education eventually rising to principal.
1968 marked the sale of the Cedar Crescent Casino and the end of the Comets. Larry Dudgeon’s and Wayne Bell’s career path led them to the Bruce Nuclear Plant. Gordon Rhodes moved to Ottawa and managed the famous Barrymores night club for 13 years. Paul Mc Grath hit the musical road for years and eventually Bruce Nuclear.
Eddie Miller is a long time business owner in lighting sales and design. Wayne Mc Grath chose music education. Through many of these years ‘wheel-man’ George Jacklin hauled band equipment in the COMET trailor.
A special event in 1985 brought nearly all former COMET members together to reminisce and play their last live dance at the old arena on Green Street.
On Sunday, September 27th, 2026, the COMETS will be inducted into the Grey County Hall of Fame located at the Owen Sound Legion Branch 6.
The Grey County Music Hall of Fame induction is a well earned honour. Congratulations!
