The beginnings of "The Pilgrims" can be traced back to a party in the home of Don Sanders, their lead guitarist. With three of his close teenage friends, he was living it up with with a kind of 'beer, fags [cigarettes] and telly' affair, when on this smoke-filled scene appeared Don's elder brother Robert. The distinct difference between the two brothers was indicated by the fact that Robert was a Bible College student.
The sight of a 'holy joe' prompted Ian Wilkie, a drummer, to suggest jokingly: "Why don't you preach us a sermon?" So Robert did! And what's more, by three o'clock the following morning, he had seen a one hundred per cent response. Each of the guys and their girlfriends trusted Christ as Saviour!
Don and Ian thought that Christianity was so great that they had to tell other young people about Jesus. Wondering how people who never went to church would ever hear about Jesus, they realised that they could reach others through Christian pop music.
John Hubbard, fellow-musician with Don in a rock 'n roll group called "The Neons", became a Christian some months later. Then, with two of his old collegues, he met with Derrick Phillips (rhythm guitarist) and "The Pilgrims" was born.

There was only one thing missing - a singer. Chris King looked like an ideal person for the job, but that presented a problem. He was not a Christian. Realising that they dare not use him until his personal faith in Christ was an established fact, they began to pray for him. Not only these four guys, but many other Christian friends sent up such a barrage of prayer for this young man that he didn't really stand a chance!
One night, after hearing "The Pilgrims" play, he went home and pulled out an old, neglected Bible. Beginning to read the gospel of John, he became increasingly aware of his need. By the time he had reached chapter 7, he put the Bible down and began to pray. He admitted to God that he was a sinner and, recognising that Jesus had died for his sins, he accepted Him into his life.
Becoming increasingly popular in a short amount of time (despite the fact that many Christians regarded beat bands and Rock 'n Roll as being evil), they accepted invitations to play at youth groups and churches. They were one of the top Christian bands for a long time, and even played in the presence of princess Margaret.

During the summer of 1964, however, Chris King left the band and Derrick and John became the main singers. Unfortunately, in spring 1965, John died of Luekemia. So, knowing where he had gone to, they found a new singer and lead guitarist cum harmonica player in the form of Tony Goodman. At this stage, Don took up playing the bass guitar and their style changed to a more rhythm and blues type of music.
In 1968, Derrick left the band and they changed their name to "Out of Darkness", with just Ian, Don and Tony. Then in the spring of 1969, Don left "Out of Darkness" and Ian became the manager of the band, with only Tony left actually playing in the band, and a new line-up of band members. And that was the end of "The Pilgrims".