storm went to london, on 11 april 1958, to participate in a cross-country running competition. during his stay, he took part in a jam session at chas mcdevitt's skiffle cellar, which resulted in an appearance on 30 april 1958 on radio luxembourg's skiffle club programme, playing "midnight special". in 1959, storm's group consisted of himself, paul murphy, and johnny "guitar" byrne all performing on guitar and vocals, reg hale (washboard) and jeff truman (tea-chest bass). "spud" ward, a former member of the swinging blue jeans, later played bass guitar. storm met ringo starr at a talent contest called "6.5 special". starr had previously played with the eddie clayton skiffle group and was then drumming with a group called "darktown skiffle". starr's first concert with storm was on 25 march 1959, at the mardi gras in mount pleasant, liverpool.