Gonella joined the British Army in 1941, serving with the Pioneer Corps and the Royal Tank Regiment in North Africa and Italy. After the war, he formed a new band, the 'New Georgians', touring dance halls, theatres and variety clubs. After an abortive directional change towards bebop, Gonella disbanded. In 1960, his reorganised Georgia Jazz Band debuted at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, beginning a successful comeback.