"The Bachelors" enjoyed great success through the sixties and seventies, but a decline in demand was noticeable going into the eighties and opinions within the group were conflicting as to why their popularity was on the wane. The choices were, to continue as they were, update the act with modern pop songs or present their songs in a more entertaining way. Sadly the opinion went for totally unsuitable new material. This lead to greater conflict within the group and following an acrimonious split an action was taken by John Stokes to protect the good name of "The Bachelors" and his own part within the group. There followed a hearing in the high court when Con and Dec Cluskey conceded defeat and asked for a settlement, which John Stokes agreed to. The Limited company, "The Bachelors Ltd" which was in fact the holding company of the whole enterprise was taken over by John Stokes.

The name "The Bachelors" which was vested in "The Bachelors Limited" remained with the company and in the control of John Stokes.

John Stokes however, was minded out of the kindness of his heart to allow Con and Dec to perform as "The New Bachelors" as he was aware that there was hardly any other way they could earn their living and with a summer season planned for Eastbourne for Bernard Delfont, who would not accept the act unless 'Bachelors' was included in the name. As far as it is known this was the last major summer season in the UK that an act with Bachelors in the name topped the bill.

John kept in touch with show business by doing some cabarets and organising corporate events, but the lure of the theatre stage was too great and a number of fans who had followed "The Bachelors" since the early sixties asked John just too often to bring back The Bachelors in some form, as they were convinced that his high harmonies created the real bachelors sound.

From the early sixties John kept in touch with Kevin Neill who was lead guitarist with the Karl Denver Trio, who had many hits throughout the world. John and Kevin would often meet at celebrity golf events and became great friends. John had always admired Kevin's guitar playing, and helped John on many corporate events with his playing and singing. One day, John put the idea to him of bringing The Bachelors back to life. His reply was, "Lets go and get the third man." Kevin put the word out to his many friends in the business and the one name that was consistently recommended was Jonathan Young. Jonathan, a great voice, a great sense of humour, from Ireland and perfect for The Bachelors.

John put together a programme as a nucleus of an act and a rehearsal date was set. The sound that was created during rehearsals was really exciting. John knew this was going to be special, as they each loved the material and the enthusiasm was so infectious and new ideas were coming from everyone. John knew that these two guys didn't just talk a good game, they could really play. After rehearsals, all three couldn't wait to get on stage.

They offered their services for a few local charity shows and in no time had really streamlined their act into a very entertaining unit. John impressed upon Kevin and Jonathan that to really succeed, the act would have to be far better than the original.

Their big break came through Duggie Chapman, the famous impresario and showbiz promoter, who was planning a nine week summer show at the North Pier, Blackpool.

He contacted John and offered the special guest star spot in the show. John jumped at the chance.

Opening night came and at the and of the first summer the reception was enormous. The Bachelors were back, and the view of the fans who were there, were far better than ever. At the end of the act there was a spontaneous standing ovation, which just took the breath away from everyone.

At the end of the show when the crowds had gone, John stood on the stage of the famous North Pier Theatre, looked out into the empty auditorium and reflected that it was twelve years since the demise of The Bachelors in the high court in London.

At last, the phoenix has risen from the ashes.