Owen Money

Owen Money, MBE (born Lynn Mittell, 16 May 1947), is a Welsh musician, actor, comedian, and radio presenter. He was born in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.

In the 2007 New Year Honours, Money was made an MBE for services to entertainment in Wales.

Mittell was bassist of Merthyr Tydfil based band The Crescendos, who amalgamated with another Merthyr band The Rebels to form The Bystanders in 1962. Mittell changed his name to Gerry Braden, and became lead singer in a line-up with:

The band signed to the record label Pylot records in 1963, with initial release "That's The End", with "This Time" as the 'B' side. They were then signed to Pye Records, where they released the double-sided cover single "98.6" (backed with Marvin Gaye's "Stubborn Kind Of Fellow"), which peaked at number forty five on the UK Singles Chart in February 1967

Gerry Braden left The Bystanders in 1967, to be replaced by Vic Oakley from The Meteorites, who was, in turn, replaced by Deke Leonard, when The Bystanders became Man.

Owen Money reformed the Bystanders in 1998 for a one-off performance at Maesteg Town Hall for his TV programme

Mittell formed comedy entertainment Tomfoolery in 1974, which rapidly became a successful comedy show band, topping the bill at South Pier, Blackpool. The band toured extensively in the UK and Europe, winning many comedy awards on the way. In 1980 Owen Money left Tomfoolery for the comedy circuit, starting a tradition for the band where members come and go, including ex-lead singer Brian Conley.

Owen Money toured the club circuit as a comedian, winning the Club Land "Comedian of the Year" award, performing alongside Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones

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