Al James

Geoffrey Betts, known as Al James, was a British bassist in the British rock and roll revival band Showaddywaddy.

Early life James was born in 1945 or 1946. He learned to play guitar and bass guitar at age 13.

Career James began his musical career in the group Choise, composed of James, guitarist Trevor Oakes, singer Dave Bartram, and drummer Romeo Challenger. The group released a song in 1969. He served as the band's second bassist, as well as a backing singer along with Buddy Gask. In a January 2018 interview, James said, "It just felt like it was the right time to call it a day".

Near the end of his life, James had cancer multiple times, weakening his body. Because he lived alone, he wasn't found until several hours after the fall. His funeral was held at St John the Baptist Church in Billesdon. Showaddywaddy members Dave Bartram, Trevor Oakes, and Romeo Challenger helped carry his coffin, which was brought into the church while the song "Hotel California" by Eagles was playing.