The Insects There was something special about the sound The Insects produced in their live performances as well as their recordings. It was a full melodic sound, similar to that of the British group The Searchers. The group, which remained very stable, consisted of Errol “Birdie” Burgess (Lead guitarist and vocalist), Louis McKnight (Bass guitarist and vocalist), Cyril Paul (Rhythm guitarist), Martin Joseph (Vocalist) and Philip Meintjies (Drummer). Philip Meintjies was only 11 when he joined the group and has gone on to become one of the legendary South African musicians. All members of the group were fine singers as well. The Insects were popular throughout Durban and surroundings for shows and dances. Besides making a number of recordings, the group also provided backing tracks for Edries Fredericks and Judy Allen. They so impressed Virginia Lee that she wanted them to back her on an album she had planned to record, but unfortunately that didn’t eventuate. However she did use the group to back performers in the Durban Music Song Festival.